When I am traveling, I love to find places that are not just about food, but about the experience…read more The Hatter Cafe is one. Picture a place that transports you into Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. That tables are all themed according to different characters. The waitress dressed like Alice. A small store - the Rabbit Hole - where you can shop while you wait. This shop has all sorts of merchandise that is Wonderland themed (as well as some huge, excellent cake cookies). Welcome to the Hatter Cafe. This is one of two spots you see recommended for Mentone, Alabama, which is on my route from Nashville to Rome, Georgia. The drive up to the place takes up up a road with some beautiful scenery. You pass through the town of Mentone and the Hatter Cafe is on the right. This is also a bed & breakfast for those wishing to visit nearby Desoto State Park, and its falls, or Cloudlands, which is a bit further. I have included pix of the BnB. Only 2 rooms, but each has a hot tub. The menu is limited and focused, although there are ample choices for even the choosiest of guests. Not surpringly, they have an ample selection of teas (and coffee for the non-tea lover). We sat at the Humpty Dumpty table and decided on the Ribeye with both Mushroom Gravy (mine) and Peppercorn Sauce (hers). Meal starts with a salad made from local produce, which was clear from the freshness of the tomatoes. Off to a great start. Then the steak. The sauces are on the side, so you can opt in or out (in other words, don't be afraid to order one). Of the two sauces, I thought I would like the mushroom gravy more, but the peppercorn was phenomenal. Veggies also local and prepared to perfection. This is one I would gladly return to in the future and may even book a room the next time. Thanks to the staff for allowing us to preview the rooms.

Took a trip up to try the Hatter after having it on my bookmark list for years. I was excited as a…read morecoworker had been recently and enjoyed it. The drive through the Mentone area is always beautiful and there's lots of cool studios and artsy things to do in the surrounding area. I will say they absolutely delivered on the Alice in Wonderland theme. It's wall-to-wall memorabilia, decorations, and cute ideas that allude to the classic story. If you're an Alice fan...definitely check it out. I wouldn't mind a few more Cheshire cats, though. :) Service was okay, honestly a bit disheveled and didn't seem in the best mood. We arrived early for lunch around 11:15. They initially sat our party of 3 at a table with chairs for 8-10. My mom even asked if they were sure they wanted to put us there and they affirmed the decision. They seemed confused that we were there and unsure what to do with us, even though I don't think anyone else who came in after us had a reservation or anything. Anyway, about 5 minutes later a giant party rolled up and they wound up moving us anyway. Fortunately we hadn't gotten drinks or anything yet. Due to the large size of some of the furniture pieces, navigation around the restaurant can be a little challenging. Also, the chair I sat in at table 2.0 had a sort of musty smell that I didn't love, lol. Minor nitpicks but it does sort of add up. Anyway, we placed our orders for food. They have a nice menu for teas and I'm sure it would be fun to have a tea party here, but it was too hot for me to partake. My mom got the biscuit BLT, my dad had a turkey wrap, and I got the chicken and biscuits, which is a bit like a chicken pot pie without bottom crust. For sides, my parents got the baked potato salad and crunchy pea salad, and I got the southern hot corn casserole. The sides were definitely the high point. The pea salad was crisp and refreshing and the baked potato salad was creamy and flavorful. My corn casserole wasn't terribly spicy but had a nice blend of flavors and textures, though it was perhaps slightly overcooked (the cheese on top was approaching crispy). They also didn't initially bring it out with my meal, but got it quickly after I asked for it. The entrees, however, fell flat. Mine was probably the most successful but it was ultimately pretty bland and there wasn't a whole lot of chicken in the meal -- mostly biscuits and gravy/filling. My mom's bacon in her BLT was very badly overcooked (even for someone who likes crispier bacon) and the biscuits were pretty crumbly. And my dad's turkey wrap was super underwhelming, about like what you'd buy pre-prepared from the deli section at Target or something. I sound like I'm coming across harsh and I wouldn't say we had a bad time, just the food didn't really meet our hopes/expectations. Definitely delivered on theme and decor. I think it's worth a try if you're a huge Alice in Wonderland fan or just enjoy whimsy in your life. The menu is creative and breakfast offerings sound good; perhaps it just wasn't quite our day that day. I'm glad I got the chance to try it out though.

On a work-related trip I had the chance to visit Croft at McLemore & was very pleased. First, there…read morewas happy hour where Summer took good care of us at the bar. Then, Victoria (primarily) did a fine job keeping up with our large group. It had gotten dark so didn't get full advantage of the nice view but the rustic feel inside was appropriate. I started with the tomato soup which had an interesting dollop of crab meat in the middle to jazz it up. Some got the bacon instead as first course & it was good (sans the jalapeño for me). My main course choice was the broiled snapper with mashed sweet potatoes & beans. Very tasty (though the sides might have been warmer). To close, a very nice pecan pie tartlet, I'll call it with ample whipped cream - right up my alley!

We were blown away by this place. It's like driving into another world. The ambiance and service is…read morethe best I think I've ever had. The food and drinks were amazing. The views here are unlike anywhere I've ever been. 10/10!!

Amicalola Lodge is beautiful. They have outdoor experiences for everyone. Some of their trails are…read moreeven accessible. We would definitely like to return. The staff is very friendly. My only caveat is the food in the restaurant (which is beautiful by the way) is only fair. Definitely okay but not the best for such a nice place.

Bottom floor basement room, with patio. Not impressed. We were created with an extra charge at…read morecheck in. The room ac was stiffling and had to call maintenance because the room was so hot. They couldn't provide a fan. Woke up to kids screaming outside. There is zero consideration for other guests. Breakfast not included after paying nearly $300 a night. Would not recommend.

Food and service was excellent. I had the Cuban breakfast sandwich and a cafe con leche.read more

Such a cute place! It is connected to the Texaco gas station. We had the Trash Can Omelette, Cuban…read moreBreakfast Sandwich, and Tater Tots. Trash Can Omelette- huge serving. The Busch's and the omelette were great. The gravy was just meh, too runny for my taste Cuban Breakfast Sandwich- SO GOOD! Could easily be split between two people. Would definitely get this again Tater Tots- just ok. The small order would have been plenty

Everything was delicious--a great restaurant for breakfast. Fresh juices are very good.read more

The food was amazing! Great portions, the pickled onions on the Avacado toast made my taste buds…read moredance and sing! We brought out kids. They enjoyed their breakfast in a modern 50s type diner. It felt very modern, clean, trendy and a cut above. The service was great! They even sent us home with a to go coffee which was perfect as we were very jet lagged.

Holy moly! This brunch spot is so good! Living in a large city we have so many options and I…read morethought no way this could be fantastic. IT IS! The breakfast burrito had sausage in it and the flavors were there. They have tomato gravy which is great (not as good as our family secret recipe) but it felt like home ordering this. Hash cakes are dense but still crispy and airy at the same time. The museum is only $10 so may as well walk around after to let the food settle in and shop at the lodge store which has soooo many options. Will be coming here every time I visit family. Best place to eat on this area! And can't forget the fantastic service we received. The sweetest waitress that new the menu front and back with great recommendations

Finally a great breakfast place on I-24 between monteagle and Chattanooga! Connected to the lodge…read moreCast-Iron factory, this place is just minutes off the interstate, easy to find and plenty of parking. It has a bright and open welcoming vibe and our server was outstanding, responsive, courteous and efficient. The selection is large and both of our big breakfasts were very tasty and filling. I had the big bad skillet: scrambled eggs, skillet fried red potatoes and all the meats--bacon, ham and sausage. The combination really works! My partner had the Jack Benny, their version of eggs hollandaise but with a nice slice of ham. I also got their biscuit, which others had recommended to me. Huge biscuits are the rage but not really my fav. This one was crumbly but well baked. The blueberry jam gave it a high yummy rating. Know it is a new southern chain but hey this place and location made it feel like you were back home.

Wow! Smoked wings, proper Manhattan, caesar done right, hazy IPA, beyond nice bartender and…read morewaitress. Nirvana

Great beer. Nice selection of greasy-fork foods. Generous person for the hungry diner. The service…read moreis friendly, and the owner is present and funny. This cafe is more of a bistro or bar, but with a country-style. The food was yummy. A lot of fried food, but very satisfying.

Stopped by for a quick bite very fun very friendly little bookstore and coffee shop. Chill cozy…read morevibe with great coffee and food. One of the best bagel sandwich's I've ever tried!

First Impressions. Main room is like a country dance hall. Walk about a mile to get to the…read morecounter to look at menu and order. Then, pick up order around the corner to your right when they yell your name. Hospitality. Service was friendly and accommodating. Products. Decent. No dark roast coffee. Happy to see and use REAL half and half. Ambiance. Very cozy. Lots of antiques, used books, and media. Seating is limited to 30? Of Note and Last Impressions. Clean and stocked loo. Street and lot parking. Music was a little too loud and overproduced. Overall, fine.

Nestled in with several food options, this is the ONE! Lots of tables and space to eat in or…read moreoutside. Asked for recommendations for food and drinks. Peach berry lemonade all around - perfect after walking downtown. Ordered chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, sticky maple to share. OOOOOMMMMMGGGGGGG - no take home box needed. We have tried many biscuit companies and this is too 1%. Friendliest staff and the food - Lord... it is Sunday so I think that's ok. Must try!

The food was delicious and piping hot out of the kitchen. You order at the counter and they bring…read morethe food to you. Their biscuits and gravy were yummy and their Hash bowel was just as good. Unlimited coffee topped this meal off and we were pleasantly satisfied with our meal.

We drove from Mentone to Tigers Inn. Seems like a local…read moreplace. Very good burgers and fries. We unknowingly showed up right before they closed at 2 pm and the staff served us and never mentioned it. Great staff! We apologized when we realized the closing time. We will return when in the area again

Methinks this place is not the "Jewel" some say it is…read more First the good... The coffee was decent, the bacon had good flavor and was cooked to my liking. The bad... Grandma must have been having an off day because her French Toast was waaaaaaay undercooked. The middle was milk much and not good eats. Such a shame because it smelled devine. I ate around the edges what I could. Not served with MAPLE SYRUP as advertised but rather maple flavored high fructose corn syrup. YUK! My wife's biscuit sandwich was dry and crumbly. Server never returned to the table to ask how was everything, so this is how I will let them know. Not Georgio recommended.