Especially 4 U Catering, LLC

Aaron’s review nailed it with a good overview description of the offerings. I enjoyed my first visit. Being a transplanted Yankee I’m not as fond of southern fried foods as the majority in the room. I also found the foods saltier than my tastes enjoy.
The meatloaf was moist but perhaps one of those things never as good as «Mom’s». The portion was huge. Chicken –n Dumplings was a popular lunch choice. I prefer noodles to dumplings and their broth was creamy compared to the northern «brothier» version. It almost had a canned or salty flavor to me. My friend felt that pimientos were in it and changed its flavor a bit. She asked to have hers reheated, it was luke cold. The fried green tomatoes are very heavily coated in breading, not greasy– and flavorful. I’d not order again due to the overpowering breading. My friend left her broccoli casserole behind but said it was good. She also likes their jalapeño cornbread. My roll and mashed potatoes were non-​descript but edible. Their chicken looked divine on others tables. The summer salad someone ordered was beautiful. The veggie of okra, corn and tomatoes looked great. This is a «Mom’s kitchen table» type place and everyone can find something they’re hankering for.
Service was swift and always with a smile. Red velvet and chocolate cakes were beckoning from the wings but we were well-​full with TO-​GO boxes in hand. I’ll be back for a more healthful salad next time!

I wasn’t impressed… not one bit. I kept getting flash backs of my middle school cafeteria days. I’ll pass.

#Polk #Bartow — Happened to park in front of the restaurant while visiting the tax collector in downtown Bartow.
Glad I found this place which seems more toward catering than table service. True southern soul and comfort food with a very downhome feeling and friendly staff.
I had the 4 vegetable platter and found all of it to be delicious & presumed homemade, as well as the cornbread which is served in both original and seasoned versions.
The unsweetened tea was fresh and the refills came regularly.
The ONLY NEGATIVE and it was a big one was the length of time for the meal to come. Four different table, including mine, sat and waited for over 30 minutes for their orders. In speaking to others this seems to be the exception, so I won’t hold it against them.
Seating is cozy but this adds to the ambiance in my view.
If you find yourself in Bartow try this place out. It alone will be worth the trip downtown.

Located on E Main St. just down the road from the Polk County Courthouse, Especially4U is southern cooking at its finest. Their vegetables (lima beans, sweet potato fries, corn nuggets, collard greens, green beans, fried green tomatoes, grilled squash) are all freshly prepared and never overcooked. Entrees include baked and fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, pork chops, meatloaf, and more, as well as burgers and salads to round it out. One of the charms for regulars is the ever-​changing menu which cycles from week to week (though some favorites are always available). Desserts are stand-​out as well with their cobblers being of particular note. Prices are middling for lunch with an entrée (including two sides) clocking in at $ 6.99-$ 7.99 and desserts running $ 3.50-$ 3.75.