Insights from the Interstate

OK, Siestas, Keith and I are on Interstate 10 in his blue Ford Super Duty (that always sounds like a diaper blow-out to me. I guess you can tell I’m shoulder-deep into grandkids these days) heading east on Interstate 10 back to Houston. Star and Geli are sacked out in the back seat, worn to a frazzle. We’ve been at our cactus ranch-land for four days while Keith “did miscellaneous heavy ranch stuff” (his words, not mine. I asked him how I should describe what he’d been doing) and I worked hard and blissfully from our porch on a writing project. Normally I would have waited till I got home to blog but, seriously, some pieces of information are simply too important to wait. Thank goodness for my trusty internet card t-boning my tiny little HP.

I have just had the onion rings of my life. OF MY LIFE. Actually, they came with Keith’s order (a side of beef, ground and shaped into something resembling a Goliath-burger). I wouldn’t have dared order onion rings for myself but what you eat off somebody else’s plate is cancelled out calorically by the exertion you use to reach across the table. No brainer.

Actually I didn’t want to stop and eat. I was anxious to get on home to AJ and the babies and just wanted to get something to-go and eat it in the truck. Keith said, “Lizabeth, there’s some kind of award-winning little cafe in Junction that I been dying to try ever since we got some land this direction. Whataya say we get a bite there?” I pouted half a second then felt my stomach growl. “Are you sure you’re not talking about a barbeque joint? Junction can do some barbeque. For the life of me, Honey, I’m trying to picture an award-winning cafe there.” He swore (not the bad-language kind) and declared. Even knew what side of the road it was on.

Lo and behold. We pulled up in a diagonal parking space outside a restaurant called “Isaacks” (hear that really loud. It was a Texas-size sign. One of our Siestas, Holly, just reminded me of the best part of the signage: underneath the name in bold letters is “Air-conditioned.” A make-or-breaker in Texas.) Clearly the restaurant has been there since Abraham courted Sarai and probably wooed her right there at the soda bar. That was before the Law when Abraham didn’t have to worry about kosher. Because I don’t think it’s kosher. I don’t know for sure. You can bet your last dollar it still has its original charm though. I didn’t see a single sign of a remodel in at least 50 years. Why fix somethin’ that ain’t broke? That’s what my Papaw used to ask.

Sho –nuff. (Also my Papaw) Right there at the check-out counter hanging just above the jumbo jar of super bubble was the plaque: “Texas Monthly: The 40 Best Small-town Cafes 2008.” I was beside myself. I do love me some culture about better than anybody you know. I knew we were in for a treat.

“Help yourself,” chirped Miss Helen, waving us to any spot we liked. She’s been waiting tables there since 1967. Yes, of course, I asked. Are you kidding me? You know how much I love all manner of women. And I’ve just got to say, the woman could still wear a mean pair of blue jeans. I told her so. Even tucked in her shirt. She was sassy. It was one of those kinds of restaurants with a lot of taxidermy on the wall. I wouldn’t have been a big surprised if Miss Helen shot ‘em and stuffed ‘em herself.

She handed us a couple of large, tri-fold menus with the heavy clear plastic covers so the proprietor can change out the menu when he has a special. Only I don’t think they’ve done much changing-out in a while. But let me be clear: some things don’t need changing.

Like Isaacks.

I got the Mexican dinner. Miss Helen said they made their chili gravy from scratch. That did it. I slapped the thing shut and handed it back like a woman who knew what she wanted. Keith first had a mind to get chicken fried chicken since Miss Helen told us it was one of the local favorites. I couldn’t have been happier. Knew I’d get to share. Then at the very last split-second, he threw a curve ball. “The hamburger and the onion rings.” Miss Helen jotted it down, nodded, and scurried into the kitchen for a refill of tea.

I was baffled. “You got a hamburger?”

“Yep.”

“Instead of their famous chicken fried chicken?”

“Yep.”

“Are you out of your mind? Or watching your figure?”

“They batter their own onion rings here. Homemade it says.”

And I am telling you as I live and breathe that, fifteen minutes later when Miss Helen emerged from the kitchen, it was like a beam of light from Heaven shone all around that 9-inch-high plate of golden battered, deep-fried onion rings. It was a sight to behold. I nearly put my hand over my heart. I think my eyes watered. Never, I said N-E-V-E-R, IN ALL MY LIFE have I ever tasted an onion ring that good.

The onion rings of my life.

I’ll be dadgum.

Surely you don’t think that could wait till I get home.

Come on and tell me the best kept little café-secret in your neck of the woods. Keith and I are road warriors, remember? We go WAY out of our way for a darn good meal.

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200 Responses to “Insights from the Interstate”

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Comments:

  1. 1
    ~Trina~ says:

    Before moving to Midland I spent most of my life in the small West Texas town of Snyder. Mrs. Kathy’s Southern Comforts was wonderful. The name speaks for itself. Her food is like Mamma used to make =)

    Here’s a link to her menu
    http://www.ourmenuonline.com/PDFMenus/Snyder/Snyder-MrsKathysSouthernComforts.pdf

    A recent article from the Midland paper about her
    http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2008/12/23/news/top_stories/doc495123e8ec070527014742.txt

    Her apple dumplings…oh my goodness!

    Another of my ALL TIME favorites is in Sweetwater, Texas. It’s a home-cooking place in a little old white house. You walk in the door and they seat you at long “church fellowship hall” tables with whoever is already there. They bring out the authentic home cooking in serving bowls and platters and you eat with your group and strangers, family style. “Pass the cream corn, fried chicken, okra gumbo, creamed squash, etc. etc.,please.” You’ll leave stuffed and will also have tons of fun of talking to strangers over dinner. It’s really so much fun. Hint, don’t go get your cholesterol checked after eating there. They could put Paula Dean to shame =)

    I haven’t been to either place in about three years since I moved, and now I’m getting hungry. =)

  2. 2
    Cindy says:

    Mae’s Cafe in Athens,Texas! Its long been gone but, the best corn fritters and sweet/sour pickles ever. Mae’s wasn’t only about the down home country cookin’; it was about Mae. She was a hoot and didn’t hesitate to holler some earthy expletives if she didn’t agree with you on your politics and such. She cooked up the best plate lunches for some of Texas’ most legendary names. Mae’s was featured in Texas Monthly some time ago.

  3. 3
    Bobbie says:

    You had me at "canceling calories"! I've always said the hole-in-the-wall joints are full of character and characters! Now that my man & I are "kickin back and settled in" (that's retired to some folks!)we're taking day trips out of College Station in all directions! We were headin' to Fredericksburg a couple of weeks ago to scout the area for a "siblings" trip in late April and decided to "go through" Llano (it's a half hour out of the way!) and try Cooper's BBQ. It was reallly good. They had us as soon as we pulled in with the aroma that hit us square in the face! You pick the meat off the pit outside, they slice it, stab it and throw it on your tray to be "sided" inside!

    I've compiled a list from this blog and we're going to hit the road on Tuesday and try some more "Texas" spots, maybe even Isaacks! I told Wayne we need to go to Hilton Head–I'm can't wait to try the "The Squat and Gobble"! We'll just eat our way across the US of A! Maybe doing lots of walking ALOT after we eat each meal!!!

    BTW, all you Texans livin out of the state and are missin you some Bluebell Ice Cream, Outback Steakhouse serves the real Bluebell Homemade Vanilla all over the country. FYI and enjoy.

    You've made me so dang hungry for onion rings, I think we're going to Koppe Bridge for a great burger and rings (on Wayne's plate, of course!)for lunch! My tummy's growling!

    Love y'all, Bobbie

  4. 4
    Anna says:

    Leatha’s BBQ Inn in Hattiesburg, MS. Oh. My. Word. We live an hour away and happily make a trip for a rack of ribs. It is the absolute best BBQ we have ever had in our lives! Its a little hole in the wall, and you’d never know it’s there by driving through town. But it is FABULOUS! Celebrities such as B. B. King and Garth Brooks have been known to helicopter in just to have a meal at Leatha’s!

  5. 5
    Alta says:

    I can hardly get past those pics of that sweet baby girl to share my story….OMG!! she is just tooooooo cute girlfriend!!
    Well, I have a girlfriend that is all over food joints. She introduced me to Pucci’s Pizza. We ordered her favorite.
    Twice baked potato pizza:( doesn’t sound so good but what makes it is their custom crust..Yum those sliced red potatoes and homemade ranch dressing in place of tomato sauce.Bacon and goda cheese. OMG!!! it is the best.
    So we try to hit it at least once a month. I would love to go more, but, I know….self-control”)
    That Melinda she knows her food”) She’s my BFF.

  6. 6
    Anonymous says:

    If you ever get to the Pacific Northwest, I LOVE Star’s Hamburgers in Eureka. It is across the street from one of the local hospitals, and is PACKED at lunchtime with doctors, construction workers, college students. . .

    Try their hand-dipped onion rings and tell me how they hold up next to the ones in Junction! 🙂 They also have amazing combinations of burger toppings–the top of the line might be their Guacamole Bacon Cheese. Chocolate malts, delicious salads with homemade dressings, and oh, some amazing chili. Not heart healthy, but amazing! 🙂

    MMMM, I miss it!
    Janine

  7. 7
    Gail Jones says:

    In Decatur TX the place eveybody wants to eat is Casa Torres which has been owned and run by the Torres family of course. When my husband is gone traveling due to work (places like Italy and Germany etc that have really good food) the moment he gets off the plane he says lets go to Casa Torres! It’s in an old house that’s been added to at least once on 51 South about a mile off of US 287 just past the hospital and the Frist Baptist Church. If it’s supper time on a weekend though you might have to wait unless you call ahead and get on the waiting list!

  8. 8
    Anonymous says:

    Minnies in Columbus, Ga. It is just good southern food. Not fancy, no menus, you walk through the line and choose off that day’s menu and they slop it on your plate and call you “darlin.” The best fried chicken, pole beans (aka green beans), bannana puddin’ and red velvet cake. Wash it all down with your very own pitcher of sweet tea. Yum!

  9. 9
    Anonymous says:

    Oh, and in Eureka, California. . . (where Star’s is) you don’t need air conditioning! LOL

    Janine

  10. 10
    Bobbi says:

    The Golden Grizzly, in Golden British Columbia. If you ever head north to Banff, and want to go west to the Rogers Pass and Cragallaichie, stop in the Kicking Horse Valley at the Golden Grizzly. The best homemade Mac & Cheese, and the Shaved Roast Beef Dip with au jus from scratch is fab.
    Bonus is the big horn sheep herd that makes its home nearby and wanders through town, you usually need to be in the back country to see the bears.

  11. 11
    roxanne worsham says:

    EEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW-EEEEEEEE
    Those onion rings sound larapin’!!
    I love me some good vittles, too!!
    Got the figure to shew fer it!

    When we head out west to San Antonio, Texas, driving down I-10, we always stop in La Grange at Schobel’s. They have a buffet full of home cookin’. Their vegetables are the prettiest colors of green for broccoli or green beans you have ever seen. Their yellow corn tastes like they just picked it out of the garden. They have a cheese block that you can slice with those fancy cutters. It is sooooo good and down home friendly!! It is clean, too. A must for this city dweller!

    Now when we head north up the 45 to Big D, we always stop in at our other favorite place in Centerville or Center City (forgot which one it is) at a place called Sam’s!! Another buffet place with the BEST everything there is!!! Chicken fried steak, bar-b-q chicken, sausage, homemade vegetable soup, awesome salad bar, chicken and dumplings, etc. etc!!!

    Save room for the homemade cobbler!! They have SUGAR FREE cobbler, too!! Yum-Yum!! Best to unbutton your jeans and pull out your shirt a little bit at this place! Or just go ahead and wear your fat pants that stretch real good!

    Can’t wait to see the vittles and the spread the Lord Jesus has for us at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Hope I get to sit by you Miss Beth and visit a spell!! 🙂

  12. 12
    Christal says:

    oh what a fun post! Ok, if you are ever in Augusta, GA, one place you will have to try is the Village Deli. Their pimento cheese burger is awesome and there shrimp and grits are the best!

  13. 13
    Tara says:

    You had me giggling and mouth-watering at the same time! That’s some good writing, if I say so myself:)

    If you ever venture to Wake Forest, NC you need to try “Borders”. It is a whole in the wall diner that serves some great breakfast food!

    And if you’re in for an Italian treat, Casa Linga is the place to go!

  14. 14
    Anonymous says:

    Mmmmmm, just telling you about this place is going to make me hungry!! If you haven't been there already, you HAVE to eat at the Loveless Cafe in Nashville!! It's on highway 100. They even have a web-site (lovelesscafe.com) They serve traditional, down-home country cooking. Beth, the biscuits are our of this world! They are made by the sweetest lady in the universe! Her name is Carol Faye. If you have the pleasure to meet her while you're there she'll make you feel like you are eating at her house & you are one of the family! They have the BEST jam to go with those biscuits, too!! I think the peach is my favorite, but it's hard to choose. Make sure Keith goes with you if you visit because they have some fried chicken that would put the Colonel to shame!!

  15. 15
    Me = says:

    Mimi's Cafe off I-20 in Arlington, Texas.
    You know we have all the best food right here in Texas, Beth.
    It has homemade chicken pot pie to DIE FOR.

    I have an eating disorder, and even I sacrifice my worries about my body once ever couple months to go to Mimi's Cafe and have the chicken pot pie, and their muffins & homemade breads.

    Then they have these mini-desserts (for when you've eaten so much chicken pot pie that you can't fit a real dessert in.)

    Ask for Jeremy– he is the greatest waiter there on the weekends.

  16. 16
    GeriK says:

    Bethmoore,
    You make me hungry! 🙂

    Geri K.
    La Mirada, CA

  17. 17
    lori says:

    well when you come to orlando this year drive about 45 minutes to a town called lady lake and eat at oakwood smokehouse. Best ribs around. And bring Keith he’ll love the decour. It boarders a huge retirement area called the villages and it’s so funny watching our friends from the north try things like collard greens or black eyed peas. But they really love the cobblers.
    Just ask for Lori when you come!

  18. 18
    Regina says:

    A favorite spot in my area is Hickory Park Restaurant, Ames, Iowa. Their pork ribs are DEE-licious as well as their other wonderful smoked meats.
    And if you’re still hungry(?), then there’s the extensive ice cream sundae menu that serves as your placemat.
    Not only is the food great, but the prices are very family friendly.

  19. 19
    Foggy Forest says:

    I've loved reading about all the great dives everywhere – but you've never known dives until you've done Texas dives!! There is one in every small town – & anything larger has 2 or three – in every direction! but oh, the food! from tex-mex to barbque, even to good ole diner food… Burgers that actually taste like beef!'Cause it was probably a sibling of the moo'ers out back. We have one here in Abilene that actually makes homemade ice cream! The kind that gives you brain freeze after just a few licks…. almost no paint on the building, & if you didn't know where they were you'd drive on by.. but who cares about decor when they remember how to cook..
    Happy eating ya'll!

  20. 20
    Vicki Sandifer says:

    If you are ever near Eufaula AL(!) go 25 more miles to a little place called Abbiville. They have a place named,”Hugging Molly”. It is too good! Not cheap though. Well worth the money. It is an “ole fashion” Soda Jerk place. You can find it online. Yes they have a web site! That is funny to me. Anyway, IF you come this far, call me and I will meet you there and I’ll get the bill! Love ya, Vicki

  21. 21
    BeckyOregon says:

    The Crazy Norwegian’s!!! Port Orford, Oregon.
    You’ll need quite a road trip for this one, but oh my gosh, heaven on the coast!

  22. 22
    DeDe says:

    Well… if you like WAAYYY out of your way… come on up to Orygun (Oregon). Our family was passing through a dinky.. I mean DINKY little spot near Elkton, Or. You’d have to hold your breath and not shut your eyes, you’d miss this place. A small cafe, stood near the gas station, you know the kind, where you pray before you enter, hoping that the food is much more appealing than the exterior display. Oh, my.. the burgers were fabulous, and the fries, (with the skins on) were wonderful. Some of those off the path, stumble upon places are the BEST!

  23. 23
    Anonymous says:

    i love it!!! This is our own “Dinah’s, Divas and Drives” for the siestas!!!!!

  24. 24
    By grace alone says:

    Beth, if you are ever in Chattanooga, TN, there is an old family-owned placed called “Beas”, named after the original owner. It’s a simple restaurant, nothing to “write home” about. You sit at big round tables with a big Lazy Susan in the middle of the table.The menu is always the same..the BEST pulled BBQ, absolutely FABULOUS fried chicken(owner’s secret recipe), pinto beans, news potatoes in white sauce, cole slaw, a green vegetable, bread (cornbread or rolls), and peach cobbler! Girl, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. By the way, if you don’t go with 6-8 people you get to sit at the table with other hungry folks. Listen, if you are going there, let me know..we live l l/2 hrs. away and I can meet you there!!!

  25. 25
    Amanda says:

    Since we have officially been gone from the Dallas area for one year and I’m feeling sentimental about it…I have to say Keller’s Drive In for a very greasy and yummy burger on a poppyseed bun. I also echo whoever said Babe’s in Roanoke. Fried chicken goodness!

    And Lambert’s outside of Branson is one of my faves too – The Home of Throwed Rolls. Curt and I went there with friends on the day we met. I can’t wait to take Jackson one day!

  26. 26
    Anonymous says:

    NUWAY hot dogs in Macon, GA you want to order one all the way, that means chili, onions, mustard,MMMMMM!!!!!! they have been on the travel channels best hot dog places or something like that. OH! and they are the red dawgs!!!

    Tracey

  27. 27
    Charis says:

    Living in Southern Cal, gotta agree with Cheryl in previous post. In-N-Out, best burger around, especially with grilled onions or “Animal Style”. And……you can find John 3:16 on the bottom of the cups and other scripture on the other paper products that they use. God blesses a good burger that has scripture on it!!! Try the Animal Fries, also. Yummy!!!

  28. 28
    Anonymous says:

    Beth, you are so funny and I loved your descriptive story about onion rings. We love poking around for quaint places to eat too! In Green Mountain Falls, Co. very near us, we have The Pantry!! Great breakfasts, my husband says they have the BEST eggs benedict and homemade bread french toast!! Come on over!!!! And thank you for the Daniel study; we are halfway through it at our church and what a blessing!
    Love you and your ministry!! Have heard you twice in Colorado Springs too!
    Irene

  29. 29
    shana says:

    Mickey’s Dining Car in St. Paul! Next time you’re here, give it a try! It only seats about a dozen people, so you might have to wait a little while to sit down and you have to turn sideways to walk between the barstools at the counter and the wall to get to where the booth-seating is, but it’s worth it. You’ll feel a little greasy when you leave though . . . just so you’re warned!

  30. 30
    Sheri says:

    OK, I really want some onion rings now. But, I seriously doubt they would live up to your description and I would be sorely disappointed. So, I think I’ll pass.

    One of the best places to eat around here is 12 Bones Smokehouse. They have ribs (of course), pulled pork, pulled chicken, smoked turkey, and beef brisket (I know, it’s not in Texas, but it’s good!).

    As good as all of those are, I really like the sides. The sides seem to make a meal…kind of like onion rings. Three of my favorites at 12 Bones are jalapeno cheese grits, smoked mushroom salad and the corn pudding. What’s that saying…something about slappin’ your Mama!? It’s that good.

    Sheri in
    Fletcher, NC

  31. 31
    Anonymous says:

    Up North here in MN we have a place in Two Harbors,on the North Shore, that has the best Pizza! It is topped with venison sausage(deer meat) and wild rice and put on a french bread dough crust. Unbelievable. It is the ONLY free standing restaurant in Two Harbors, so you can’t miss it.
    Thanks for the laugh! I can’t even envision what cactus land is like other than desert..I think I need to get to Texas at one point in my life! Too many evergreen trees up here in MN.

  32. 32
    Donna in Ozark says:

    I know you must come to Springfield, MO sometimes or at least Amanda does so I wonder if you have tried Aunt Martha’s Pancake House. It is an old, old tradition here.

  33. 33
    Angie says:

    Jestine’s in Charleston, SC. Good “low country cookin’.” Pickled cucumber slices on the table when you sit down. Fried Green tomatoes! Fried Chicken, meatloaf, crab cakes, etc. Coca Cola cake for dessert! Jestine is the name of a lady who was the nannie for a Charleston family. The restaurant’s recipes are hers. She has passed away, but her legacy lives on! The sweet tea is even called “Table Wine”…Every salt and pepper shaker is different and the place just feels like home…a granny’s home. Always a line. But worth the wait!!!! Go for lunch!

  34. 34
    Anonymous says:

    Dear Beth,
    Your post was a hoot! Since I'm from So. Cal. I put my vote with our Siesta who said you can't come to So. Cal. without a visit to "In-N-Out" for the best hamburgers and fresh made from scratch fries, you have ever tasted. This place is hamburger and fries purists heaven. You cannot get onion rings there, or any kind of new-fangled style Hamburger, like Texas BBCue Hamburger or something that sounds like Mexican Quacamole Hamburger, or "sliders" or any manner of exotic hamburger fare. You can only get Hamburgers with or without cheese, and the addition of tomatoes, pickles, onion and lettuce. Period. Oh, yes, I almost forgot: you can get the onions grilled if you want for hamburger heaven. (You add your own condiments as you please.) That's the truth. But people line up like you can't believe. And everyone loves them. Yahoo-JAH for In-N-Out! Something pure and uncomplicated in So. Cal is good for the soul.
    Love you bunches….
    Pam Houston><>
    Buena Park, CA.

  35. 35
    Jennifer says:

    Okay, this is not your “typical” diner……kind of upscale looking and the food, while traditional diner has a flare. HOWEVER, if you are in Columbus, OH…..Cap City Diner. They have homemade chips that they melt that blue cheese on top. And for dessert, “The Big Old Chocolate Cake.” One piece feeds 4, no lie. Can’t even get it in a cake box. There is nothing on the menu that is not “knock your socks (or boots) off. When we had the chance to move back to Columbus and leave family in Pittsburgh this place was our only temptation to actually do it. Didn’t but it was tempting.

  36. 36
    Anonymous says:

    I couldn’t believe it…I kept remembering a restaurant outside of Branson, Mo. that started with an “L” but decided I’d go with In-n-Out close to home and a So. Cal staple, and I check last post so I can check back on timing of post, plus it’s such fun to read at random, and there is Amanda saying “Lambert’s” in Missouri just outside of Branson…yep! It’s the home of the throwed rolls alright, and they are hot out of the oven, and not only that, you can have all the fried okra you want, and 5 other accompanying side dishes, along with your entree order,(“Help me Jesus”), it’s as much as you can eat! They keep throwing rolls and bringing side dishes until you better be wearing elastic waist pants or those tight jeans will bust. I’m telling you that is good eatin! Thank you Amanda for helping me get the “L” restaurant off the tip of my tongue! For everyone who goes to Branson, it’s worth the 30 mile trip north on the Interstate to experience this truly unique, one of a kind down-home good eatin’ extravaganza.

  37. 37
    "Grammy" Sue B says:

    For goodness sake, Bethie….I am on a diet, and I think I gained 5 pounds as I read through your blog. But by the time I got to the end, I had laughed off 8 pounds. That might justify the Sunday lunch plate tomorrow at Stamps Cafe, not because it’s all that great, but it’s the only place to eat on Sunday in our little town. They do, however, put together a tasty (and greasy) chicken quesadilla, which is why I am now on a diet!!!
    Love your blog posts, and you!

  38. 38
    I'm a blessed girl... says:

    Absolutely the best hamburger that I have eaten thus far in my life is…..Kincaid Hamburgers in Southlake, TX!

    This is a great post…
    LOL! jan

    PS Please call me if you are ever in my neck-of-the-woods…I would be honored to buy your lunch!

  39. 39
    Anonymous says:

    As one who will go way out for a good meal too, my first vote is Buckner’s Family Style Restaurant. By family style they mean not only is it all you can eat, but you get to sit with whomever and where ever the next seat is available. Wonderful for sanguines. They have this huge lazy susan that they keep filled with fried chicken so tasty it was named in Southern Living. They also offer BBQ and many vegetables with peach cobbler for dessert. Did I mention is was all you can eat? Now the slaw according to my man is the best. As a matter of fact, that’s what I got him for Valentine’s one year. Nothing says romance like cole slaw. Now mind you it is about a 4 hour round trip from my house.

    Buckers is right off interstate 75 in Jackson, GA (south of Atlanta-right there at the Flying J truckstop). It’s not too far the next time you’re in town visiting with Melissa and the governor.

  40. 40
    "Just Me - NC Beth" says:

    Oh, my goodness! I love me some onion rings!! We have a little place a few miles from home called “Kyle Fletchers” which is all about his Bar-B-Q, but I love the Onion Rings there!! They are mouth-watering!! And a good hamburger too!
    Then we have another place called “Tony’s” which is known for it hotdogs and the best ever milkshakes!! Stopped by there the other day to get one, and could not even find a parking place, so I had to end up leaving without getting one!!
    And then we have a place called RO’s Barbecue….they feature the “slawburger” which the slaw is a family recipe and it’s just slaw on a toasted bun! It’s one of those places that you park outside and they come to you and take your order and then you eat in the car!! Of course they have other sandwiches and hubby loves the barbecue. Hubby and I would go there when we were dating and because their prices were so low, hubby always said I was a “cheap” date…still love that!! Those places are in Gastonia, NC….about 20 miles south of Charlotte, NC.

  41. 41
    Teri~Facedown says:

    Ya know Beth, if you did do the “Tour of America in an RV” you could probably do it very economically. Just think of all the free meals you could get along the way from the community of Siestas! I, for one, would take you any where you would want to eat if you happened through Romeo, MI. Or, better yet, cook you a great meal from my own kitchen!

    As far as local food establishments… there is a place in Romeo called Thee Office Pub and they have amazing pizza. I don’t know what they do to the crust, but it is so delicious. They have great soups too, and in the north, good soup is a must!

  42. 42
    Barbara S. says:

    I guess I will have to go and try Mel’s Country Cafe in Tomball, since 2 of you have mentioned it. It is about 40 min. from where I live and I can do that. Heck, I used to have to drive that far to get my hair done.

    I was set on going to the East Texas Burger Comp. in Mineola until I looked at mapquest. My bonafide, generational Texas frined, whom I met in AR. keeps trying to warn me about how big this state is. I know it, logically, I know it. But 4 hours, and I wanted a fried pie so bad.

    Snow white, where is Hico? Is it in TX. We have a Hico in WV. I hate dark chocolate, but would try one called Wild Woman. I just could not resist that.

    I’m sorry, this is my last post. I cannot believe I did not mention my girlfriend’s restaurant in Nitro, WV. It is called “Jen’s Southern BBQ.” It is in the process of being relocated across from WVSU in Institute, WV. She makes everything from scratch. She will not give out her batters, sauce recipes, bread pudding or sweet potato pie recipes to anyone. They have been passed down through her family. I love her ribs, but her chicken wing dings are the best. They taste like something your mama used to make that you can’t get anymore. It’s the batter. Real, I mean real sweet tea.

    Okay, I’m staying off of here now. It’s not like I don’t have a million things to do. God delivered me from the addiction of alcoholism and now I’m thinking I need deliverance from blog addiction. I need to start praying about it.

    Barbara S.
    Katy

  43. 43
    marthahelen says:

    hmm.. thats a toughie. if you’re ever in Asheville, NC looking for a breakfast spot, Tupelo Honey downtown has some amazing french toast. if you stick around for lunch or dinner, Salsa’s is my favorite place to get some crazy delicious food. i think it’s mexican carribean?? but you can get a burrito with crazy odd things in it you’ve never heard of before like yucca root and what not. you never know half the time what it is exactly you are eating, but it is to DIE for. just a little hole in the wall spot, but incredible.

  44. 44
    Larsen Family says:

    Beth,

    I have two pizza places that are super yummy. One in Joplin, MO; Pizza by Stout. And the other is Hideaway Pizza in Tulsa, OK. They may have them at other OK locations, but it is yummy, also.

  45. 45
    Vicki says:

    I LOVE when you write like this.

  46. 46
    WendyB says:

    This one’s for Keith Moore. The Ocean Fish Market. Right downtown Conway,SC, which is the quintessential southern Main Street, there is the most rundown, ugly, awkward-looking building ever, with nothing around it but a parking lot, which has four picnic tables situated next to a brick wall.
    We walked in the front door, and on the right is a huge open freezer case full of whole fish on ice. Two cigar-smoking ancient black men are sorting and stacking newspaper in which to wrap it, arguing over who gets to go on break first. Straight back is a tiny window with a tough, blonde wiry country gal arguing loudly with her Mama on the phone. She stops just long enough to take our order. She’s dressed in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2002 t-shirt and very short cutoff jeans. There are curling photographs taped on the wall around the window, of her on a cruise posing with a giant parrot, her helping her young son down off a huge John Deere, etc. I ordered the croaker dinner on the recommendation of my friend. While we waited, my friend asked where the restroom was. The cigar chomper asked, “You or her?” He indicated himself, and the guy actually told him to go around back to the woods by the river. I kid you not.
    While he was gone, I noticed that there was one thing in the entire building that didn’t look 50 years old. It was a rough hewn window cut out of the side by the “kitchen” area, with a brand new black microphone. Apparently they have added a walk-up window. Further inspection outside revealed a four-foot square area surrounded by orange traffic cones where one could pick up. It was approximately three feet from where you would stand if you just went inside to pick up. I have yet to figure out the purpose of the microphone because the whole building can’t be more than 400 square feet, and that girl had a set of lungs on her.
    So in a matter of moments, Blondie unceremoniously heaves two styrofoam takeout containers at me, which literally are bulging shut with the fish heads sticking out one side and the fish tails sticking out the other. I could barely contain myself and asked where I might find napkins. She pointed, I turned…..to see a dingy white bathroom sink sticking out of the wall beside me, with a brown paper towel dispenser above it. So we cranked the handle, got a stream of stiff paper, and headed out to the picnic table, where I beheld my TWO dead, breaded croaker on top of a mound of wooden french fries, a dixie cup of slaw and the obligatory slice of white bread slapped on top, partially covered by ketchup and tartar sauce packets, so greasy they were nearly impossible to open.

    Now in case you think this wasn’t enough, there was a group of angry women hauling a sack of oysters in the parking lot, cussing their brother for all he was worth because he had disappeared with the pickup truck and their grandmother was apparently going to be quite perturbed about waiting on them shellfish.

    If the health department ever gets ahold of this place, they’ll ruin it.

    ~W

  47. 47
    Anonymous says:

    what happen to the photo, Isaacks?

  48. 48
    holly says:

    Since moving to New Mexico a little over a year ago, I have to tell you my tastebuds have had one wild ride! Who knew of all the flavors I have missed out on being in Georgia my whole life! Now, don’t get me wrong, Georgia does southern cookin’ like no other! Anyhow, there is a hole in the wall joint about 10 min. north of Santa Fe, NM called BOBCAT BITE. Food Network even named it the number one hamburger in the US. I can also testify that the food network is right! You can find the best stinkin’ hamburger of all time in Santa Fe, NM at BOBCAT BITE!

  49. 49
    Anonymous says:

    In Chappell Hill TX, between Hempstead and Brenham on HWY 290, go to Bevers' Kitchen for wonderful home-cooked food & pies to die for. They serve Blue Bell!

    If you make the trip in the next couple of weeks, goin' & comin' you get to see the most beautiful roadside displays of bluebonnets & other Texas wildflowers.

  50. 50
    Gina says:

    I am using these comments to plan a "eat my way around the country road trip". Of course I'll need to bring a friend so I can eat off their plate calorie free (hadn't heard that one)!
    Until that road trip commences, and if any of you are in these parts (Cedar Rapids, IA)–stop by Al & Irene's for BBQ or The Flying Weenie for hot dogs and gyros or take a quick run over to Mt. Vernon to the Lincoln Cafe. You won't be disappointed.

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