Dining


McMel's Offers Good Food, Fast Service

Thursday, January 19, 2006 - by Ramona Bea
McMel’s Restaurant is located at 5700 Ringgold Road. Click to enlarge.
McMel’s Restaurant is located at 5700 Ringgold Road. Click to enlarge.
- photo by Ramona Bea

McMel’s, a family owned restaurant, on Ringgold Road offers affordable, nutritious, delicious, southern home cooking. Their chalkboard presents their daily specials. The evening I visited McMel’s their special’s included meatloaf, chicken and dressing, and a multitude of fresh vegetables, such as glazed carrots, pinto and white beans, okra, turnip greens, broccoli casserole, green beans, and corn.

I wanted the chicken and dumplings off the regular menu but they were sold out. The waitress said the chicken and dumplings was one of their most popular dishes. It must have been really good. I ordered from the board and my youngest son, Thomas Jackson, ordered from the menu. I got the chicken and dressing with fried okra and turnip greens. T.J. chose BBQ pork, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, and deviled eggs. I asked for cornbread with my meal and T.J. asked for a roll. The cost of a meat and two veggies is $5.50 and a meat and three veggies is $6.50.

Soon after we ordered a couple was seated next to us. They immediately asked for an ash tray and lit up their cigarettes and began sucking down carcinogens. Their choice, but they had no right to subject us to proven cancer causing agents in second hand smoke. I asked if we could move to a far table. The waitress was happy to oblige us. We enjoyed watching the evening local news on their big screen TV and had an interesting discussion on the local events. The environment in McMel’s is very comfortable. We were able to enjoy a good meal, watch the news, and have a stimulating conversation. The service was outstanding. Our waitress was very attentive, friendly, and efficient.

There is a large porch on the front of the restaurant with picnic tables. It would be very inviting in warm weather. I noticed their drive thru window was busy. Call ahead orders can be quickly picked up at the window and served fresh and hot in the luxury of your own home.

McMel’s Restaurant
5700 Ringgold Road
East Ridge
Phone: 423-867-6363
Fax: 423-867-7663
Hours: 10:30-8 or 9pm
Alcohol: Beer available
Smoking: yes

www.chowtimeofchattanooga.com
ramonabea@aol.com


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