Oceanside Spotlight: That Boy Good

by Kristi Hawthorne,
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“That Boy Good” is both the name of a popular downtown restaurant and the statement many will make after tasting one of their delicious entrees.  The eatery is located in a rather inconspicuous building at 207 North Coast Highway. You might not find it by name but its popularity has spread by word of mouth, and that’s exactly what owners Kim and Mark were going for. 
 
That Boy Good’s storefront is simply painted with the words “BBQ” and “Cold Beer”.  The interior is reminiscent of a southern juke joint, rustic and eclectic.  Kim Millwood, co-owner, made most of the furnishing including the tables and a variety of fixtures, in fact, ninety percent of the interior is made of recycled or repurposed materials.

Kim and Mark met while in Vail, Colorado where Mark was working as a professional chef.  His family has roots in Mississippi and Louisiana, and where he fell in love with cooking. He was taught by his mother who handed down family recipes.
 
The menu is simple but done well. Everything is homemade from the fried chicken and waffles to the pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or a taste of the South, you’ll find a varied selection that includes catfish strips, ribs, brisket, beanies and weanies.  The Mac N Cheese that will bring you back for more and the cornbread is to die for. This is real food for real people. No one’s counting calories. 
 
In addition to running their restaurant, Kim and Mark are active in the community.  They support local non-profits, which includes selling ad space on their ceiling tiles to help raises funds for the Crown Heights Neighborhood Center.  Kim serves on the MainStreet Oceanside board as well as the Economic Development Commission. 
 
Kim and Mark joined the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce in 2012 just shortly after they opened “That Boy Good” and have been active members ever since.  Kim attributes their success to her husband’s authentic recipes and their amazing crew.  They strive to make everyone feel welcome and leave well fed.

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