We love this gem! They have a fantastic menu of locally sourced goods and everything is delicious. This weekend we had the farmers breakfast with smoked sausage and smoked chicken sandwich. Both were really good and prepared perfectly. This diner gets incredibly crowded, for good reason. It is a short ride from Hudson which I am sure brings lots of traffic to the diner. During peak meal times it can get very crowded and there can be a wait. They do have plenty of seating, both inside and out. The ambience is very chill and welcoming. We are always greeted upon entry and the waitstaff is attentive. The outdoor space is lots of fun. We noticed that they have brand new picnic tables outside. They also have a bunch of raised beds for flowers and vegetables. The cocktail bar is open and it is very nice to get a drink and sit in the garden. We have been there previously where they serve food. It is a great experience on a beautiful day. It is dog friendly. Clearly, I love this place. It is a place that I would visit again and again. The menu changes every so often and everything I have tried is fantastic. I would highly recommend that you visit. read more

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I have to apologize that I did not write my review sooner for the Taghkanic Diner. This place is just a n extraordinary culinary delight in the world of diners (It's not really a diner as we know one to be.) It was right off the parkway and we thought it would be a nice place to stop for lunch. We parked right out front and made our way inside. A wonderful team greeted us at the door and sat us in a booth. It appeared that everything in this diner is "smoked" because most everything in this diner is smoked by the "smoke-master" working outside. Our waitress explained the smoker is outside right next to the diner and we should stop by and say hello to the chef. We went right to the Smoked Pastrami reuben and potato salad. This was just awesome. The pastrami was just so savory-tasty-moist. Our friend had the pulled pork sandwich. (same description as the pastrami.) The bread they use is also awesome. A delicious rye. Just loved this place. So unique and different than a lot of places I usually go to. They have a ton of seating outside and this would be the perfect stop when it gets a little warmer. They also have music on occasion and also showed movies outdoors during the height of the pandemic. This will definitely be on the route for the next trip to Albany. KUDO's to the team here at the diner. read more

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If you're in the mood for smoked meat stop in here. I would agree with the reviews that call this an upscale diner - definitely not typical diner food! They are doing a different take on the sandwiches. My pulled pork included cabbage and kale topping the meat. I was disappointed to find bones in the shredded pork. Unfortunately, my dining partner found his chicken salad sandwich so much not to his taste he couldn't finish it. The wait staff were friendly and helpful. We found the wait for food just a tad bit too long, as we were hoping for a much quicker stop. read more

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Classic old school diner with a small, but elevated menu. I ordered the breakfast sandwich that typically has smoked sausage, but I swapped for bacon. I say elevated menu because not many places, or any diners that have I been to, include collard greens on a breakfast sandwich. It also had their special sauce on it. WTD has been on my list of places to check out for awhile. I finally made it in right before they close for some down time - closed until December 8th. I would definitely like to come again and tag on a hiking trip at the state park that is conveniently basically next door. read more

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The pastrami reuben was really amazing. We also really liked the egg sandwich, and my son's grilled cheese was excellent. read more

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So my friend and I were trying to make the long drive from NYC to the Adirondacks near Lake Placid. Three words - long ass drive! Me, with my teeny tiny bladder couldn't take it anymore and we stopped to find a serviceable bathroom at a gas station. Sooo sooo happy for the random pit stop! Right next to the station was this diner with a big, rather dubious sign for WTD. We were rather hangry, shrugged and said "might as well." Upon entering, I immediately noted how this classic diner was sleek, extremely spick and span. So clean the countertops and all the furniture seemed to gleam and sparkle. Everything was just very well put together and cute! We were immediately seated and the menu was very well curated. Someone had fun naming their dishes and providing the descriptions. Friend and I were impressed and pretty excited for the meal. I had to use the restroom which was just so cute and hipster. And most importantly, so clean! I'm a huge stickler for clean bathrooms public or private so it was just overall a pleasant experience. Downside, food took a little while to come out but boy, when it did!!! It did NOT disappoint! Every dish was delicious! Gf is a fellow NYC Yelp elite and we both agreed this place deserved 5 stars, unlike their current average. Friends - do not be deceived by WTD's current rating, it is an experience you don't want to miss, especially if you are traveling through the boonies. Right outside to the left of the diner, there is the cutest little flower garden and an area to order for outside dining. They also do all their BBQing on the grill right there. It's picturesque and has such a quaint, laid back country vibe that I was immediately in love!!!! Would definitely come back but wish it wasn't so out of the way. read more

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The diner was taken over by A new owner in the spring of 2019. I've eaten here previously under the original owners. It was more of a regular standard diner back then with a bigger menu. The inside looks much nicer now brighter great retro look that it had before but it just looks much better now. I saw that they had a smoker in the back of the diner. Nice outdoor seating as well. They had fans on inside but it didn't seem like there was an AC on when I was there. Brisket smoked turkey smoked chicken pulled barbecue sandwich. They all sounded very good. I had noticed that the menu from a couple years ago when they first reopened under The new ownership they had a roast beef sandwich and organic burger. I asked the waitress if they still had it but it wasn't on the menu. She went to ask and said that because of the situation with the virus outbreak that they are just focusing on the smoked sandwiches and items on the menu for now I decided to order the pastrami Reuben. 6 Oz with Russian dressing sauerkraut and cheese was $14. You can double the meat for $22. But I figured that would be a little bit too much to eat. I noticed they had some good looking side items. You have to order them separate you don't get any of the side items offered with the sandwich itself Homemade pork rinds looked very good. I've never seen them offered before in a restaurant. Ruben was delicious excellent bread and the meat was smoked for 12 hours. The pastrami was not fatty at all juicy with a really nice smoke flavor. Just the right amount of sauerkraut Russian dressing and cheese. The pork rinds were very delicious. I didn't order a separate dipping sauce for it though. Very good portion of the pork rinds. I definitely recommend them. The crispy potato salad looked good too. Very good quality food here. At $19 for the sandwich and The side item. I think it was a good value. You are paying a little bit more than other places that offer a Reuben with a side of french fries which usually runs around $15 Hopefully they'll bring back the option for a roast beef sandwich and an organic cheeseburger I didn't see any omelettes on the breakfast menu. The breakfast sandwich looks very delicious. Fresh mozzarella greens smoked sausage and eggs. But again this item would be on its own $9. It would be nice if they could offer a side of potatoes with the sandwich. Instead of à la cart where you have to add on an extra $4 If you wanted to get two eggs toast and potatoes looks like you'd have to order Each of those items individually(I didn't ask the waitress) this would come to $9. Adding bacon would bring it to $13.00 making it a little bit pricey. Hopefully when the virus is pretty much over and it's getting that way now. They'll be able to expand their menu for breakfast and lunch. I definitely recommend eating here. Having a smaller menu then your regular average diner can I have it's advantages as you can focus more on the items you have and not have to worry about having an over abundance of choices. The service was very good. There was a nice gentleman who greeted me and offered to take my order. But I had already spoken to a waitress who came over and had gone back into the kitchen to answer a question I had about the menu. So after she took my order the young man asked how everything was And took my payment up at the front counter It would be nice to see omelettes offered.. As well as the option for getting two eggs toast and potatoes for one price instead of it being À la cart. read more

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Super clean. Updated retro chic. Menu is pompously small. The diner breakfast requires your eggs to be over medium - no substitutions. I can only imagine the chef is limited in their ability to make eggs over easy. Food is just so so. Would not have known I was eating a reuben if I hadn't ordered it. The special of burnt pastrami ends hash was packed with fatty bits, chewy meat and gristle. As a hash fan, I was deeply disappointed. Not sure we will return. Definitely not for breakfast. read more

Not just the greatest "diner? of all-time - one of the greatest restaurants that I've ever eaten at. Stopped in with my wife and daughter yesterday morn - ate the burnt ends hash, pancakes and a hot dog w potatoes. everything was superb. The hash is made w meat coming off of the smoker outside - two beautiful local eggs (you can tell by the color of the yolks), and some pickled onions. My wife's cornmeal pancakes were as good as I've ever had - ok - they were the best pancakes I ever ate. The babies hot dog and potatoes outstanding. I cannot say enough about this spot - it is a destination place. Kudos. read more

I don't know anything about the ownership or management, nor did such matters concern me when I rolled in for brunch yesterday, party of three. Table with a nice view and soon we all sipped coffee out of cups. Farm. Table. I ordered the smoked hash. In addition to potatoes and spices, there's corned beef in there, and it's topped with two fried eggs and some slices of pickled onions. While certainly filling, I would've swapped a little of the potato for some bigger chunks of meat; ya boy's hungry. My companions enjoyed, respectively, the breakfast sandwich and the turkey club. Nicely done. I am left curious about the rest of the menu, chiefly the pastrami sandwich, and the pulled pork. I'll have to investigate further when next I'm in the area. read more

Enjoyed my Ruben. A little pricey. Place has a Brooklyn bobo minimalist thing going on. Staff were young chicks who I liked. Friendly energy. Sammy was respectable. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Liberty at the exterior - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

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Probably the best case scenario for this kind of "hipster-fied" old school diner. It has the look of a no-nonsense roadside joint, with all the trappings of a modern Brooklyn hang -- a refined menu, local produce, and even Forthave aperitivo. Most important, however, is that the food is really, really good. read more

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Ok, first of all - I loved this visit but expectations are *very* important. This is not a greasy spoon diner where you look at a 20 page menu, get two eggs with hash browns and toast, and leave a $10 on the counter. It has all the trappings of a retro diner, but it's actually an upscale brunch joint that would fit well in Brooklyn. It's at a perfect location to capture tourists passing through the region as they exit the Taconic Parkway and look for a road that isn't a dumpster fire - and given that they were quite busy the entire time I was there on a Saturday afternoon, it seems like their strategy is working. I walked in and sat at the 1950s-styled counter, but noticed right away that this is a trendy spot - they have the wifi password on a magnet that also advertised their instagram account and spotify playlist, the paper menu had vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options, and the ingredients are far outside what I would've expected. I got the breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, smoked tomato jam, collard greens, and muenster cheese. It was faaaaaaantastic and had a depth of flavor that really surprised me in a good way. I'll note that the sandwich, a coffee, and an orange juice cost me $20+tip - again, I was expecting it, so if you're going here, you should calibrate your expectations too. If this place was close to me, I'd go all the time. read more

Pricey and underwhelming. Service was slow, food was just okay. Skip it. Much better restaurants nearby in Hudson. read more

This place is fantastic. Great food and just a really cool spot. I got to hang out with some honey bees in a beautiful garden while I ate bread pudding french toast, bacon, and potato salad. I can't wait to go back. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

Return visit after a week of glamping at Taconic State Park. First-the ambience is diner style and I LOVE LOVE the fresh flower bouquets for sale and at each table-ranancoulis bouquets are stunning and add to the crabby chic feel of the diner. The flowers are apparently farmed by one of the servers. Food is fun-so many creative options. Started with the hibiscus ice tea and a drip coffee for my husband. I would've liked a touch of honey in the tea-but that can probably only be done while hot. The beet gazpacho was excellent. I love beets so I felt like i was getting my veggies in with chunks of cucumbers and beets with a crème fraiche finish. I had the burnt ends hash, very good, but would have liked a bit more corned beef in the hash component. My husband had the Farmers Breakfast and he said it was all good! We brought home a pistachio cookie and a cheddar honey biscuit. The biscuit was delish. The cookie would've benefited from some white chocolate chips. Our server was kind and very friendly. The service was a little slow but they were busy when we first got there so we didn't mind. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Beet Gazpacho - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

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Love that they offer a veggie Reuben (made vegan) with gluten-free bread. Flavor-filled and good size portion. Love the potato sides, too. Honestly, it was the best meal I had during our roadtrip. Highly recommended! read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Veggie Reuben with gluten-free bread - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

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Yes, yes, YES!! This is everything I want in a restaurant! The food is delicious! It is fresh! The menu is limited and focused and seasonal and selective and smoked in house, and PERFECTLY PREPARED. The BLT was PERFECT. (Please excuse my shouting. I am exuberant!) The tomatoes were of course seasonal in August, at their prime, the bread white and perfectly toasted, good homemade mayo -- for the sandwich and to dip in the perfectly cooked french fries, that had Maldon (?) sea salt sprinkled on top. And a good half sour pickle slice. My friend's standard egg, bacon, potatoes, toast looked perfect and he ate every bite (even though I cringe at his ketchup use). I have decided I will move in here since they serve both breakfast and lunch, albeit now just four days/week, because it meets all my food -- and soul -- needs. I am happy. The waitress is happy. The baker is happy. The mark of a good restaurant is thinking as one leaves: "That was good." The mark of an excellent restaurant is leaving and thinking: "The world is wonderful." This diner is excellent. Okay, service is a little sloppy, but I can get up and fetch my own napkin as need be. Yum! Yea! Love live Chef Kristopher Schram, perhaps the world's first short-order chef, per Grub Street. http://www.grubstreet.com/2019/05/west-taghkanic-diner-kristopher-schram-new-york.html read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Almond peach pastry pocket. With Jane's vanilla ice cream. - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

we saw the diner on the way to Cooperstown so on our way back we stopped, what a mistake... I do like the how it looks from the outside old fashioned and inside the same way, the smokers are very attracting. they said we had to order inside, I'm thinking smokers Ribs and other meats, yummy Nope. We waited around 10 minutes before someone took our order, waitress couldn't help me pick a local beer she seems like she doesn't know the drinks. the place it wasn't that busy for us to wait. . I ordered the pastrami Rueben which seems a little dry, one slice of swiss cheese it couldn't be more, a slice of pickle no sides $19, that's insane. the sandwich wasn't worth it, the taste wasn't all there. it didn't taste like it was smoked but reheated. Me quede con las ganas ( I stood waiting for the taste), My girlfriend had a veggie burger, they never told her what type it was, and it was burnt in the outside and mushy in the middle. I never been to a Diner where they don't have hamburgers, to me a diner is about the breakfast the the burgers, very disappointing. they never came back to the table to see how we where doing or if we wanted something else, I had to get up and get the check, which they never gave me but instead asked me fo the table where I was seating. Unbelievable no check or receipt. we should of gone to the pizzeria across the street.. Not good for https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g29813-d17568281-r852871219-West_Taghkanic_Diner-Ancram_New_York.html# read more

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So we drive between NJ and Vermont very very frequently. This old diner was closed for years! I am so happy that reopened and the food is wonderful. We had pulled pork and a BLT on a fresh homemade foccacia. The bacon was thick cut. It was probably locally made because there are now so many farms in the area. read more

Stopped here on our way to the Berkshires. Rather crowded, always a good sign. My husband ordered short stack of pancakes. Fluffy and fresh. I ordered one scrambled egg and side dish of Hash (corned beef hash). A huge portion for a side dish The food was really good but for a diner, we thought the prices were over the top. Many reasons why but this surprised us. read more

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The measure of a classic diner is, imho, its home fries, and this place knocked it out of the park. Red potatoes with chives and bacon bits that was almost a meal in itself. I had the breakfast sandwich which was delish with savory greens on a spongy sesame bun. My partner had avacado toast with egg, that had pickled onions for extra depth. Alcohol is available in the form of hot cider with local bourbon and other drinks. They smoke their own pastrami and I looked forward to tasting that on my next visit. Right off the Taconic, it has one of Americas best neon diner signs. read more

The breakfast hash is unbelievable! The pancakes are extraordinary. The French toast with rye is a nice twist This isn't a typical "diner" - so don't expect diner prices. A lot of thought and love went into this menu and you can tell! The foods great and the service is very friendly unlike some of the other hipster places in town. Our go to when we are upstate! read more

Outside: vintage. Inside: upscale upstate hipster. Food is good and inventive, but don't expect a baconeggandcheeseonarollsaltpepperketchup and a chocolate egg cream. As an example, their breakfast sandwich has eggs, collards, muenster and "tomato jam" (???). And two breakfasts plus two coffees should not total $44 before tip. But the food's good, just know what you're getting into. ETA: I like that one restroom is marked "Toilets" and the other is "Toilets & Urinals." read more

This place has just been taken over, new owners and new food and concept, same name. They have transitioned from greasy diner food to farm to table cooked from scratch. I absolutely adore it. This is no longer a stop on the way through on the taconic parkway to grab a bite to eat, this is now a dining destination worth seeking out. The menu is very thoughtful and the service was all star all the way. I ordered a sampling of dishes to try it out and everything was good to great. For now they are open 9-4 Wed-Sunday, but they do plan to start introducing dinner by July. I can't wait to see what else they come up with! Oh, and the Bloody Mary was fantastic! read more

It's a destination diner - and it doesn't disappoint. Come for a slice of cake and coffee as a primer for the re-imagined breakfast or lunch specials (mind the organic, farm-to-table prices). We had no issues with staff or service, and we were prepared for the 20-30 min meal wait time on busy weekends (thus the coffee and cake pre-gaming). The hash comes highly recommended and is promptly inhaled. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - almond thyme - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

We liked it so much we went twice in one week. For starters the staff/servers were all really friendly. The food is fresh, local and we just loved the brightly flavored dressings and sauces which didn't overwhelm the dishes, it highlighted the flavors. Eggs Benedict that had the right amount of Hollandaise sauce and sautéed local greens (not really sure what they were... but I loved them). The Ruben was delicious. They smoke the meat on site, it was moist and not fatty, with Hawthorne Farms sauerkraut and a thin layer of the WTD dressing (perhaps it could have used a dash more) on locally sourced Bread Alone rye and smoke infused potato salad OR old fashion diner french fries that were fresh and hot. The chowder had more potatoes than smoked clams so at $12 for a bowl it seemed a bit pricey, but super tasty. Grabbed cookies to-go which are made on site. Homemade style baked goods. They didn't quite live up to my expectations, it seems they need to elevate this to match the savory food offerings. Not sayin' they are bad, just not quite amazing. Can't wait until the open for dinner...we will be back. read more

New owner! This diner is now absolutely fantastic AND it's totally affordable. Everything I had tasted great, made from local produce of high quality. The details of the food was impressive - from the bloody mary (the best I've ever had, and I've had my share) is made with miso and comes with a hand-stuffed olive. The reuben sandwich was simply awesome and the porridge (yes, porridge!) was full of flavor and crunch. Don't let the poor rating keep you away, it's from the previous owner. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Look at those greens! 5 stars! - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

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Have been waiting to try this place after reading about its relaunch over 2 years ago, and wow, it did not disappoint. It's unpretentious, elevated diner food at prices that feel like a steal for the quality, the kind of place I wish existed in NYC so that I could be a regular. We loved it so much, and were so underwhelmed by other food options in Hudson, we drove here three times in one week. There is a huge garden with picnic tables which was ideal for hanging out with a baby. Do get the: Burnt Ends Hash - THE perfect hash. Reuben Smoked Cuban Tomato and Pickled Beet Gazpacho - I ordered this every time and still salivate thinking about this. Crispy Potato Salad - Potato salad but make it crispy? Wot. Local Blueberry Soda - The server upsold me on this, but it was worth it. DO NOT skip the pastry case: Salted Maple Banana Bread - Damn. Coffee Cake - Still so good the next day. Corn and Pepper Turnover - Tears. read more

Holy crow, this was incredible! Smoked pastrami reuben + smoked tomato gazpacho + crispy potato salad was a perfect meal. Beautiful garden seating. I just thought this was going to be an old diner (which I love) so was surprised by the serious chef approach to simple food. Really really really delicious. Going back as soon as possible. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

Very interesting place! It's a classic dinner setup with an updated menu. Outside is a barbecue pit, so we figured that should be a good stop for some pulled pork or ribs. The menu is that of a traditional Diner but with less choices and a twist on most of the items. The service is very good and they do have enough choices in the menu for everyone's taste. Vegetarian choices are also available. I had the pulled pork sandwich, which was served on a roll and comes with a pickle. We also had a pastrami Reuben on eye bread. Both sandwiches were great! Would amtierende in again to try other items in their menu! read more

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This place is okay, small portions and kinda pricey. What's not okay is the Native American logo and branding. Offensive and out-of-date. Change this immediately. read more

Definitely not worth waiting for if the parking lot is crowded. This was our first time here and it's pretty bad, even as far as diner food goes. Add bad service on top of that and it's an all around definite pass in the future. Even the breakfast was greasy and very Smokey flavored. Eggs shouldn't be Smokey flavored, I'm sorry. Oh well, live and learn. read more

Obsessed. We went for breakfast, and absolutely loved every moment. Delicious coffee with oat milk (bless!), pancakes were OUT OF THIS WORLD good, amazing take on bfast sandwich, and burnt ends hash was bomb. Amazing crew here as well, and lovely diner vibe with nice, intentional touches. Can't wait to come back for dinner and cocktails and wine!!! read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

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When you come inside, you'll feel the retro diner vibe. But the menu is anything but retro. Every bite explodes in your mouth with flavor. I had the eggs benny, and I can easily say it's the most elegant twist on a classic diner meal. The side of hast browns taste like real fresh potatoes. Coffee is delicious too. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

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I'm confused by the 3 star reviews here. Maybe people are expecting a cheap greasy spoon. Always good vibes, staffed by interesting people whom I assume are paid a living wage, and my favorite pancakes in the Hudson Valley. read more

Excellent!!! A must stop. We'll be back to try everything on the menu!! Avocado Toast! read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Avocado toast. The toasted buckwheat adds so much more than expected!! - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

So so happy we made this stop on our way to Lake George. This was a great diner with ample outdoor seating. Loved the smoker! Really clean, well run, great food. You feel like you've really found a gem when you arrive. read more

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We stopped for lunch but saw pancakes on the menu which were awesome, buttermilk corn meal nice texture cooked to perfection and what appeared to be home made local sausage also outstanding. Picnic tables and umbrellas in a beautiful flower garden was the icing on the cake. Will definitely stop again. read more

West Taghkanic Diner - Picnic tables in garden - Diners Near Me - Ancram, New York

Got to diner as sun was setting. Due to COVID, the inside diner was closed - you order at door, they give you a beeper, and you pick up your order out back near their garden. I noted 2 smokers as I drove in, but didn't want bbq for meal. Ordered their turkey sandwich, Reuben with regular amount of meat, hush puppies, and a roasted squash soup. Soup was a bit too thick and sweet for me. Hush puppies were not bad, but the mustard dipping sauce didn't complement it well. Reuben was pretty good, and I thought very well done in terms of smoked meat, sauerkraut, dressing, cheese, and bread. The stellar part was the smoked turkey sandwich though ... whatever sourdough bread that was on, I loved that bread! I'd drive back just for that bread alone... oh yeah, the turkey wasn't that bad. Also picked up an apple/cinnamon muffin for dessert and that was very good too. Highly recommended. read more

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