A good Southern restaurant isn't just the perfect place to practice close-up magic on unsuspecting patrons; it's also a great spot to meet friends and share Burton Gilliam gossip. Indulge yourself with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of Southern fare at Tupelo, the Cambridge eatery that won a Best of Boston award from Boston Magazine in 2009.

The cozy restaurant from head chef Rembs Layman serves up a menu drizzled with a side of Southern drawl. Appetizers include savories such as huge fried oysters with remoulade sauce and pickle ($8), and a classic shrimp cocktail that will take you back to the post-little-league-game euphoria of celebrating with a refreshing shrimp cocktail and Capri Sun. Entrees range from indulgent (champagne crêpes stuffed with ricotta cheese and basil and dressed with herbed tomato vinaigrette) to Southern classics such as the Cajun gumbo, which the Boston Phoenix recommends ($9). Fish fans will appreciate the pan-fried catfish, served with cheddar grits, spicy remoulade, and house-cured tomatillos. Cap off the feast with a sweet bite, including key lime pie ($7) or banana pudding pie ($7).

Nibbling on a saucy chicken breast will evoke memories of checkered-clothed picnic baskets and warmer times tooling around the dark side of scenic Mercury. Break from New England staples and transport your taste buds to barbecue-sauce-drenched days of a simpler time. Tupelo is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch.

Reviews

Zagat and Boston Magazine have reviewed Tupelo; the Boston Globe and Boston Phoenix both give it three out of four stars:

• Simplicity and affordability define this Inman Square haunt where Southern comfort food is dished out for moderate prices; a mural of a rowdy New Orleans scene inspires good times in the dining room, which is beset with upholstered chairs, red wainscoting, a tile floor and floral-stenciled mirrors. – Zagat
• These dishes are truly comfortable and comforting, offering layers of taste and texture you can’t easily pick apart, and don’t really want to. The braised, the fried, the stewed, and the roasted share the stage, an easy ensemble. There is delicious synthesis on your plate - no need to overthink it. – Devra First, Boston Globe

Ninety-eight percent of 79 Urbanspooners like Tupelo, and 115 Yelpers give it four out of five stars:

• We loved it! The fried grits stole my Husband's heart. Our waitress was amazing! If you can go get there SOON! – Mell Rich, Urbanspoon