Granny's Affordable, Delicious Tastes

By Rachel Birdsell

TFW Contributing Writer

Granny’s Kitchen
Arkansas 412 Business East
Huntsville
738-2838

Preamble Ramble

I had a reader recommend I try Phat’s Diner in Huntsville as one of my stops on the Quest for the Holy Catfish. So Saturday I headed over to Huntsville only to find that Phat’s Diner isn’t open on Saturdays. I looked around at the few other offerings in Huntsville and noticed the parking lot at Granny’s was full, which is usually a pretty good sign. It was.

Food for Thought

I have to thank the woman sitting next to me for helping me decide what to get. And when I say “next to me” I don’t mean she was at my table, but she was close enough that I could have held her hand. That probably would have been awkward, though, huh? She had ordered the roast beef special, and when it was brought out to her, I knew immediately that it was what I wanted.

The special came with roast beef, mashed potatoes, a roll and a veggie of choice. I chose green beans.

The roast beef was the best I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The waitress informed me that they slow roasted it fat side up the night before. It was moist and tender.

The mashed potatoes were made from real potatoes — real enough that there were small chunks of potatoes and I even found a tiny bit of skin in mine. The green beans were really good, too, and were seasoned with just a little bit of bacon fat.
The roll was big and fluffy and tasted homemade. I don’t necessarily think they make them there, but they’re good enough that you won’t care where they’re made.

Did I mention that I ordered pie? It was peanut butter chocolate cream pie, and when the waitress brought it to me, I almost cried. It was a giant piece of pie with a layer of chocolate cream, then a layer of peanut butter cream, then a layer of whipped cream. It was divine.

The Sporkcast

(1-5 sporks)

Atmosphere: 3.3 wooden sporks with antlers on the handle

There were dead animals on the wall, however, the food was so good I could ignore the fact that dead animals were watching me eat. In fact, I wouldn’t have cared if live, growling, foaming at the mouth animals were watching me eat.

Food: 4.85 golden sporks that have been blessed by the meat gods

It was some of the best food I’ve ever had at a restaurant. You’d be hard pressed to find a place that has food that tastes so homemade other than home.

Staff: 5 outgoing sporks with smiley face stickers on the handles

My waitress was perfect. She was informative, helpful, happy and friendly. I wanted to hug her, but once again, it probably would have been awkward.

Dollars spent: You know one of the best parts about my lunch? The roast beef plate was only $5.50! And the pie was only $2.50! The total for my lunch, which included a drink and tax, was a little more than $10. Why does it seem like some of the best places I’ve found to eat also have the lowest prices?

Chance of returning: I’m surprised I’m not camped out at their front door right now waiting for them to open.
You can check out some of the antique stores in Huntsville, eat at Granny’s, then head up to Withrow Springs State Park to walk off your meal or take a nap in your car, which is probably more what you’ll feel like doing.

If you know of a great eating place, drop me a line at rabirdsell@gmail.com.