Carpenter Cafe

I remember one particular summer in 1998 when the café's only employee had an appointment, and they considered closing in the afternoon (unheard of!). So, I, a 15-year-old with zero food service experience aside from feeding lambs, and my 10-year-old brother had to step in. To be fair, Sherry told us we could have as much soft-serve ice cream as we wanted while working, but she didn’t realize I could eat ALL of it. I drained the entire machine dry and ended up breaking it while trying to figure out how to make more ice cream. Eventually, someone came in wanting ice cream, and I had to admit I had eaten it all. Thankfully, no one else came in that day. Just as we were about to close at 5:55 PM without any major incidents, an out-of-town trucker walked in and ordered a hamburger and fries. Oh no! Alex and I had no idea how to make those. We found some ground beef and threw a massive 3-pound hunk onto the grill. Alex went searching for a bun and onions but returned with just a potato. We decided to try to convince the man that potato slices could serve as both the bun and onion. He then asked for a glass of milk, and the only milk we could find had expired before I was even born—it came out in large, gray chunks all over the table. I attempted to make fries but couldn't figure out how to heat the grease, so I awkwardly pushed the basket into the solidified grease. There they sat, soaking up lukewarm lard. The man ultimately declined to eat his burger with the uncooked potato “bun,” frozen fries, or questionable milk, but he still left us a $2 tip, probably out of pity. Around that time, another couple came in, but we were too flustered to remember their order. The café has since moved locations and seems destined to live on forever. I honestly can’t think of any other place that has had the same sole employee for as long as I've been alive. Hats off to Sherry, I suppose. She’d deserve a promotion if there were any higher position to move her to!

This is a charming restaurant that offers exceptional food, outstanding service, and a wonderful ambiance. I highly recommend giving it a try!

I have been dining at Carpenter Cafe for over 40 years, and I can confidently say it offers some of the best home-cooked meals around. I highly recommend trying their Chicken Strip salad bar buffet, which is available every other Monday, as well as the Hot Beef Combo served every Thursday. The cafe is particularly popular among local patrons aged 60 and over, but you don't have to be from the neighborhood to enjoy their delicious food. Throughout my years of dining there, I've never experienced a bad meal. While the menu may be somewhat limited—featuring burgers, chicken strips, shrimp, fish sandwiches, fries, onion rings, cheese balls, and a few grilled options (they don’t serve steaks)—Sherry is always willing to accommodate any specific cravings you may have. Just let her know what you’re in the mood for, and she’ll do her best to make it happen.

The hot beef combo at this restaurant is outstanding.