Webster’s defines ambiance as: the mood, character, quality, tone, atmosphere, etc., particularly of an environment or milieu: The restaurant had a delightful ambiance.
A hoity-toity, mamby-pamby restaurant reviewer might note sarcastically that nothing says ambiance like the lack of ventilation, boosted cafeteria trays from other eateries and misspelled handwritten signage. Such faux pauxs would result in an automatic one or two fork deduction. Not so fast my friend, for these very environs at Furnace Street’s finest -- The Stockyard Café -- only enhance the dining experience. However, the accent on the “e” in the word "cafe" is a little misplaced when used with the word "Stockyard". They don't put the little accent on the e on their homemade signage at the Stockyard Cafe.
But just imagine the games you could play on a return trip: Will I get a the Smoke House BBQ tray? I hope not a plain “lunchroom green one”, or dare I think … the coveted antique “Francis Cafeteria” tray? Oh my. But what are the LITGers really looking for? If it’s uniqueness, it’s here. If it’s a flair for the genteel, not so much. But I challenge you to find another establishment where everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed or nationality is greeted with “What would you like baby?” even when their first name is over their shirt pocket.
Now getting there is also somewhat of a gamble. I can’t begin to explain how to do it so plug "1464 Furnace Street" into your GPS. Keep your doors locked, eyes forward and do not stop to ask for directions. Those of you dealing in “Bull Serum” know the Stockyard Café is right across the street from that establishment. The Café is open from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast (we hear the breakfast is really good) and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch M-F. Sorry, no dinner and no bar.
Back on point, the Stockyard experience begins with a simple statement posted on the door: “This is a smoking establishment” and while one would hope that describes the waitress staff, such is not the case. It is however, an accurate description of what emanates from the kitchen window and some patrons enjoying a non-filtered fine tobacco product. There ought to also be another sign on the door: “This is an NRA Establishment. Everyone is packing heat.” The place oozes grease and confidence like their patrons. They even give away raw onions and peppers to those who don't care how they smell from either end. Once inside, you must deal with the previously noted tray selection and a friendly toothless counter-gal asking “What’ll you have baby?” It is the luck of the draw and tray wagering will all but certainly take place on future visits.
This LITG venture was so well attended we needed two bodyguards watching the parking lot. And judging from the similarities of the selected dishes served on meat and vegetable segregated china, if the fried chicken was not up to established southern standards this was going to be a sad gastronomic experience for all. However, the Stockyard’s fried chicken is over the top. It truly conjures the thought of a LITG sponsored fry-off between this little-know institution and the fried chicken giant that is Martin’s Restaurant (see previous reviews). The vegetables? Fresh. Each selected the real mashed potatoes, some with gravy conveniently dipped from the adjacent chopped steak bin, some not, but all delicious. The field peas were divine and the squash casserole seemed to have come from grandma’s own hands. While the Stockyard does not offer an exhaustive bill of fare, what they do serve is fresh and fine. And you obviously do not have to know how to spell “bread” to rustle up some fine hot cornbread. Last but certainly not least, at the Stockyard you are given the option right up front for your beverage to be served in your very own go-cup. Plate clean and belly sated, for $8 all-in (i.e. including tax): 4 warm corn muffins.
A hoity-toity, mamby-pamby restaurant reviewer might note sarcastically that nothing says ambiance like the lack of ventilation, boosted cafeteria trays from other eateries and misspelled handwritten signage. Such faux pauxs would result in an automatic one or two fork deduction. Not so fast my friend, for these very environs at Furnace Street’s finest -- The Stockyard Café -- only enhance the dining experience. However, the accent on the “e” in the word "cafe" is a little misplaced when used with the word "Stockyard". They don't put the little accent on the e on their homemade signage at the Stockyard Cafe.
But just imagine the games you could play on a return trip: Will I get a the Smoke House BBQ tray? I hope not a plain “lunchroom green one”, or dare I think … the coveted antique “Francis Cafeteria” tray? Oh my. But what are the LITGers really looking for? If it’s uniqueness, it’s here. If it’s a flair for the genteel, not so much. But I challenge you to find another establishment where everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed or nationality is greeted with “What would you like baby?” even when their first name is over their shirt pocket.
That's the Montgomery Serum Company across the street. Don't ask us what "serum" means.
Yes, it is a smoking hot establishment. It is so hot it had to be on "Furnace Street" (thanks annoymous).
Back on point, the Stockyard experience begins with a simple statement posted on the door: “This is a smoking establishment” and while one would hope that describes the waitress staff, such is not the case. It is however, an accurate description of what emanates from the kitchen window and some patrons enjoying a non-filtered fine tobacco product. There ought to also be another sign on the door: “This is an NRA Establishment. Everyone is packing heat.” The place oozes grease and confidence like their patrons. They even give away raw onions and peppers to those who don't care how they smell from either end. Once inside, you must deal with the previously noted tray selection and a friendly toothless counter-gal asking “What’ll you have baby?” It is the luck of the draw and tray wagering will all but certainly take place on future visits.
Minding the store
This LITG venture was so well attended we needed two bodyguards watching the parking lot. And judging from the similarities of the selected dishes served on meat and vegetable segregated china, if the fried chicken was not up to established southern standards this was going to be a sad gastronomic experience for all. However, the Stockyard’s fried chicken is over the top. It truly conjures the thought of a LITG sponsored fry-off between this little-know institution and the fried chicken giant that is Martin’s Restaurant (see previous reviews). The vegetables? Fresh. Each selected the real mashed potatoes, some with gravy conveniently dipped from the adjacent chopped steak bin, some not, but all delicious. The field peas were divine and the squash casserole seemed to have come from grandma’s own hands. While the Stockyard does not offer an exhaustive bill of fare, what they do serve is fresh and fine. And you obviously do not have to know how to spell “bread” to rustle up some fine hot cornbread. Last but certainly not least, at the Stockyard you are given the option right up front for your beverage to be served in your very own go-cup. Plate clean and belly sated, for $8 all-in (i.e. including tax): 4 warm corn muffins.
