Flaming Lantern

We came upon this place while on a road trip and we are glad we stopped in for lunch!

Food (3.5 stars):
We ordered a club sandwich and the fried pork tenderloin sandwich and crinkle-cut fries with both. I found the club to be comparable in taste to most clubs I've had, meaning it was good. My husband is a sucker for fried meats and he thought his sandwich was on the mark. The portions were generous - the pork was twice the size of the bun. Unfortunately, the fries were below average. Next time we'd order the curly fries (Suzy Q's) because they looked great. Overall, the food tasted fresh and handmade (except for the fries).

Service (5 stars):
Our waitress, Gail, was beyond excellent. She was incredibly busy but we never felt ignored. Even though we aren't locals, we didn't feel like outsiders among the crowd, as Gail was very friendly and attentive.

Atmosphere (2.5 stars):
While the place wasn't dirty, the decor was dated, which could make people assume it's not clean or maintained. The bathrooms were very clean, as was the rest of the restaurant.

Value (3.5 stars):
We paid around $20 for two sandwiches, two orders of fries and one drink. They offered a couple of daily specials that seemed like a really good value; it would've saved us a few bucks. Overall, this was a good value.

We have eaten here several times and it was good BUT the last time was HORRIBLE!!!  Along with their new menus they have changed their products for the WORSE!!! At one time their chicken fried chicken would have been highly recommended but NEVER again.  It was thin, dry and undesirable.  What a shame!!  We use to enjoy their food.

The Flaming Lantern is probably the most happening place in town. Well, from what I could tell, it is the only place in town, at least the only bar; and despite its name, it is not a gay bar. It is a fun place to be if you want to get a drink, but the food leaves something to be desired.

Everything on the menu, and I mean everything, is deep fried. Now, they have some inventive items, like deep fried cauliflower, and deep fried jalapeño slices, both of which are pretty good. But for me, I get really sick (and I mean sick) after having a small portion of deep fried anything, not to mention that the flavor isn't exactly amazing despite what is being fried. And you really cant be eating for the condiments, especially when it is their mystery cheese sauce.

I had the catfish sandwich, and I asked for nothing on the sandwich or on the side, and of course was given a pickle on the side, so all the juices soaked in and ruined it for me despite specifically asking for no pickle. But I was with a bunch of people and couldn't really send it back.

The service is good though, and best of all, it is right across the street from the only hotel in town, so chances are you are staying there, and you can just walk on over.

If you are staying in Butler at the hotel I highly recommend that you go to Wal-Mart (something I never recommend!) and get some fresh fruit for your breakfast, because you will not find anything healthy to eat anywhere in town, and you will feel it, believe me!