DINING

OUT

Tried and True

This Tried and True section lists the restaurants that survive from the 1985 edition of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE. The descriptions are as they were originally written unless the restaurant has moved or substantially changed since then.

The No. 1 Greasy Spoon
To lubricate your bones at any hour of the day, Big Spring Café No. 2 awaits. This is the successor of Big Spring Café, displaced and forgotten many years ago. Stop in before your next hunting trip to stock up on some vittles that will keep you warm. 2906 Governors Drive S.W. Phone: (256) 539-9994.

The Best of Bavaria
This isn’t old Germany, but you would never know by the décor, the waitresses or the food at Ol’ Heidelberg. This fine restaurant offers the best variety of schnitzels and wursts this side of the Rhine River. Ol’ Heidelberg also has one of the largest wine selections available at any restaurant in Huntsville. And a weinstube in the midst of this establishment offers a place for an Oktoberfest anytime. 6125 University Drive N.W. Phone: (256) 922-0556.

 The Tastiest Thin Pizza
Before the major pizza chains arrived in Huntsville, Big Ed’s was everyone’s choice, and many still swear by it. Big Ed’s was first hidden in a small shopping center near the intersection of Pulaski Pike and Oakwood Avenue. It now has an easy-to-find location near the corner of Memorial Parkway and University Drive. It’s the oldest surviving pizza parlor in town. 255 Pratt Ave. N.E. Phone: (256) 489-3374.

The Cream of the Crop in Coffee
If ever Huntsville had a coffeehouse, the Kaffeeklatsch is it. Anytime your tastebuds scream for caffeine, the ’Klatsch can answer them. In the ’50s, this hangout would have suited the Beatniks perfectly. Likewise, it would have been hip in the ’60s, and it truly was far out when it appeared in the 1970s. What’s left? The Kaffeklatsch is open daylight hours serving pastries and a variety of coffee blends. 103 Jefferson St. N.E. Phone: (256) 539-1636 and (256) 536-7993.
 

Meanest Meat Ball Sandwich
Stanlieo’s Sub Villa believes that sandwiches are the spice of life, and the meat ball sandwich here is definitely the spiciest in town. This isn’t the only imaginative creation at Sanlieo’s, though. Try the Steak and Cheese or the Kitchen Sink submarine at either of the two locations. 605 Jordan Lane N.W. Phone: 837-7220; 602 Governors Drive S.W. (256) 536-6585.

 The Very Best of Everything
In searching for favorite specialty items at Huntsville restaurants, the name of one popular chain restaurant surfaces over and over again. It is T.G.I.Fridays, the place with the most extensive menu in town. Give yourself time to browse through the voluminous booklet of appetizers, brunch items, entrees, desserts or whatever suits your fancy. It is beyond belief how a single kitchen could produce so many different specialties. Folks mention the nachos, cheese sticks, chicken fingers, burgers or brunch. This is also a fun place to take the children. 4935 University Drive N.W. Phone:  (256) 830-2793.

Smooth Sailing for Seafood
Seafood restaurants in Huntsville have found the going rough, but Red Lobster seems to have weathered every storm. This chain restaurant continues to thrive against the fast-food competition. The service is consistent, and cocktails are available. 1818 University Drive N.W. Phone:  (256) 533-2880.

Huntsville’s Largest Sandwich
Even Blondie’s man Dagwood would have had trouble putting away an entire sandwich from Schlotzsky’s Deli in Huntsville. The mozzarella cheese makes this monstrosity nip at your pizza fancy, while balancing your meals with sandwich meats, shredded lettuce and special sauces. Actually, if your appetite is small, Schlotzsky’s has a smaller version. The Huntsville area has three locations at 4319 University Drive N.W. Phone: (256) 830-6400; 11120 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 650-6300; and 8969 Madison Blvd. in Madison. Phone: 464-5300.

 Elegance American Style
As many as 10,000 Huntsvillians qualify to join the Redstone Arsenal Officers’ Club on the sprawling army base that makes up the city’s southwest border. The modern military club is open for membership to all officers, to arsenal civilian workers or to Department of Defense employees ranked GS-7 and above. Dining, entertainment, catering and other conveniences are available to the club’s 3,000 members. Redstone Arsenal. Phone:  (256) 830-2582.

MORE TO COME...