Nikki Cain (A SERHANT Pro Realtor)
What a pleasant surprise! We took a little visit to St. Matthews which is about 30 miles from Columbia. Our destination was the Calhoun County Library but you know us! Perfect opportunity to eat local! When we Googled “organic restaurants near me” nothing readily came up. But this restaurant was just a few feet away from the library so we gave it a shot.
The entrance is on the side and not very obvious. At first it looked unlively and we saw no one at the front, we almost left; then a woman who was sitting at a booth closest to the front welcome station said jovially WELCOME! So we sat.
An EXTREMELY friendly, inviting and accommodating man immediately asked us what we’d like to drink and his friendly energy never wavered. He singlehandedly made the experience great.
Now for the food. The menu was plentiful from American Diner items to Italian Restaurant items. I thought that was good given the lack of restaurant options in the immediate area. A good range is a plus.
I had the pattie melt, Chris the pastrami and Christos the kid’s cheeseburger. Here was the pleasant surprise. Though kind of small portions which I personally don’t mind (big portions on small menu prices usually mean really cheap ingredients) the food was Really Good! It taste “real”. Home cooked with good ingredients. Not the conveyor belt stuff of most restaurants today. What a nice surprise. Even the coffee was good. A bonus, the ketchup was Organic so while I didn’t grill them on ingredients; clearly they care.
The only takeaway was the immediate impression was one that almost turned us away. Even at 30 miles away we will be going back just because they deserve our re patronage and we’re glad to give it.
… moreCraig Reeder
I haven’t been here in about 14 years, however it is just as good as it was some time ago! I understand that the restaurant is under new ownership, everyone has only good things to say and the line to get in was out the door. Highly recommend!
… moreDr T Rhodes
Absolutely delicious. Lunch plate was so large this what I could not even eat. Fresh delicately fried flounder & moist sweet potato sticks. Tea was refreshing. Customer serving was on spot.
… moreHeather Spears
Absolutely worth the stop! Everything we ordered was amazing! The burger beyond perfect, country fried steak absolutely delicious and could cut with a fork, best subs ever with fresh baked bread and the club was very impressive as well! Everything was freshly cooked! The service even better! The owner gave my daughter a fresh baked cookie which was perfect! We definitely will be back!
… moreBetty Roof
First time here. Had a meeting in St. Matthews and asked for recommendations. The local St. Matthews K8 school staff led the three of us here. My thoughts … Small town vibe (literally every other customer that was either on their way in or out told us “good afternoon ladies” or “y’all have a good day”!), very clean tables, welcoming, felt like a family-owned restaurant, extremely attentive service, we were able to order our lunch off of their dinner menu, bathroom was very clean, Mary at the check-out was so friendly… I had country fried steak and brown gravy (I got two healthy size pieces), mashed potatoes (came with brown gravy but I had them leave it off), and fried corn nuggets with a side salad. Salad was very crisp and fresh iceburg lettuce (my favorite!) with all freshly cut tomatoes, cucumber and onions. Wasn’t a tiny portion, either. I could just tell that the country fried steak was just cooked – not sitting in a warmer. And absolutely delicious. Mashed potatoes were very good and the corn nuggets were melt-in-ya-mouth good!! If I come back this way, I will definitely stop by again!!
… moreGary Shaw
Got there around 1:30 and there were 3 other people there. Everything that came from the kitchen looked really appetizing.
I got the Italian Sausage Hoagie without peppers. It was packed with excellent sausage and pleasing sauce with just the right amount of melted cheese. Chips and pickle left a bit to be desired. Owner was top notch and on top of every need. I work with Calhoun County and visit St. Matthews often and have wanted to eat here and now I’m glad I did. Will be back when in town again!
… moreRoy Auerbach
The food was excellent for lunch. Chicken souvlaki on pita was very tasty if not exactly ti the Greek original. A beef combo with peppers, onion, mushrooms, and cheese was excellent with a good beef flavor. We will definitely back when we pass this way.
The interior is pleasant and comfotable.
Warning: the restaurant had no sign outside and we passed it and had to backtrack to find it.
… moreMelody Rupert
Great customer service. Friendly and professional. The gentleman who waited our table probably cooked our food too. At least he assisted. Restaurant had the feel of old school. Long time since we’ve received this type of service. The food was also very good. Roast beef with rice and lima beans. Husband.. green beans mashed potatoes. Will always stop in here when going to St. Mathews to “get out” of Columbia’s.. Thank you for the “Country” in your Town!
… moreJohn Flintom
Great food and great ownership. Owner is always super friendly and runs a great small town business. They no longer do the Buffett which I think makes it so much better. Fresh food and high quality.
… moreNicholas Flores
What a find! On our way to the Congaree National Park and stopped in for lunch. Great menu and the food was excellent. Staff was very nice and warm. Definitely plan to eat here again.
… more