Small Biz Spotlight: A Greenville Legacy in Bloom
Located at 102 MLK Drive, Cherry’s Lounge remains one of the city's most significant cultural anchors. Founded in 1980 by community pillar Leroy H. Cherry, this family-owned place is now a multi-generational staple under the stewardship of Anthony "Sport" Sharperson the founder's grandson and a local firefighter. Recent years have seen a brighter interior redesign and the addition of a popular back patio area for outdoor seating. The lounge is officially recognized as a Black History site in Jersey City, continuing its tradition of fundraising and providing employment for Greenville residents.
The food at Cherry's is Southern-inspired and extremely comforting. Breakfast and brunch service features standouts like the breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon, alongside Creole cheese grits. Platters often include pan-seared or fried catfish, salmon cakes, and oxtail over grits, particularly during the signature "Liquid BYOBrunch" held every Saturday and Sunday.
For lunch, we like the salmon stir-fry served with white rice and fresh vegetables or catfish nuggets. The sandwich menu includes classic Philly cheesesteak rolls and various egg-and-meat combinations. Dinner service has hearty signatures like chicken and waffles, pan-seared salmon with two sides, and lamb chops served with mashed potatoes and green beans. These are complemented by sides like their famously cheesy mac and cheese, sautéed garlic spinach, and sweet plantains.
To us, what makes Cherry’s extra special is how the atmosphere shifts so seamlessly from am to pm. During the daytime hours, it offers a welcoming, laid-back bar and restaurant vibe suitable for business lunches or family dining. As evening approaches, it transforms into a high-energy lounge with local DJs spinning primarily house music. The weekly calendar is packed with events including Monday Pasta Nights, Wednesday Karaoke Game Nights, and Friday "Brown & Bougie" sessions featuring happy hour specials.
Hats off to this incredible business that, on top of it all, have the BEST fries in town.
102 MLK Drive. www.cherryslounge.com