We hadn’t been to Countryside Cafe, 8223 Mahan Gap Road, in quite a few years so we decided to visit during the recent 20th anniversary celebration. It was as good as we remembered!
Countryside is one of the few places in town where you can get pan-fried okra – and it isn’t that over-battered, pre-breaded stuff! Also, it really is a “meat and three”, whereas most places have become a “meat and two”.
There are several chalkboards on the walls announcing the daily specials, which are many. The regular menu has delicious offerings such as country style steak ($7.39), turkey and dressing ($8.39), and meat loaf ($7.39).
Of course, sometimes these might appear on the daily specials board so the price will be a bit lower.
We went there with the intention that I would be ordering the catfish. I had a catfish craving. They did have catfish ($7.59), but I was swayed by the chalkboard.
I ordered the turkey and dressing from the board for $7.39. I also enjoyed broccoli casserole, squash casserole and my favorite, pan-fried okra. There have been times when I’ve ordered the okra as two of my veggies. Wayne ordered meat loaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, and green beans. Rolls, cornbread or biscuits (if available) accompany your meal. I had plenty of food to take home and savor for another day.
Menu items are prepared fresh daily and local produce is used when available. Veggie selections (in addition to the board specials) include macaroni and cheese, skillet fried sweet potatoes, pickled beets, steamed cabbage, white beans, pinto beans and turnip greens. Real southern cooking!
Of course, Countryside also offers salads and sandwiches (including burgers) and fries, onion rings, soup and chili. And don’t forget the homemade desserts such as coconut pie with toasted meringue, cobblers, strawberry shortcake, as well as milk shakes, banana splits and sundaes. Dessert prices range from $1.50 to $3.99.
Hours for Countryside Cafe are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Definitely worth the trip! I’m practically drooling as I type.
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