Marshall Family Restaurant

I sooooo want to give this place four stars, but I just can't.  Some sins are not easily forgiven.  But more on that later.

There are two areas in the restaurant, the "dining room" area and the "grill area".  As you would guess, the dining room area is a little nicer and formal while the grill is more laid back (and looks like a 50's soda fountain).  As a side note, it looks like the dining area converts to a meeting or reception area, I encourage you to call for information.

I had a chicken bow-tie soup with a cheeseburger and fries for a little over $6.  Throw in wait service and a bottomless drink and this is a great deal.

Except....

My soup was warm and tasty, if not hot, .  My cheeseburger came with a mound of hot, crispy fries.  The bun was big and fresh.  On the side was a fresh tomato slice, crispy lettuce, and a pickle.  As a burger guy, I was getting a little excited.

How can he not give them four stars you ask?

Because the dream all came crashing down when I tasted the meat.  Hiding under all of that goodness was a once (or twice) frozen, super-processed patty that tasted processed.  The burger wasn't bad.  But it was so close to being awesome that all I could focus on was that processed patty.  Replace that patty with a lump of seasoned ground beef and we would be talking about my crazy four star review.

Please do not bypass the Marshall Family because of this.  It is a nice place to eat with a friendly staff and diverse menu.  I will be back, this was just how I saw it today.

We drove by the restaurant, looking to get some dinner.  It looked closed, so my mom got out of the car and went up to the window.  She looked inside and said that it looked to be closed down, permanently closed.

If you ever find yourself cruising on I-40 or I-70 right around the Illinois/Indiana border and you have a hankerin' for some good grub - you must track down the Marshall Family Restaurant. It is only a few minutes off the well traveled path.

To be honest - I was not trekin' through, but was back home again in Indiana (insert state song here) for Easter visiting relatives and had the opportunity to partake in an incredible lunch.

My uncle and I hopped in the truck and he opened his cell phone (yes cell coverage is there). Called the restaurant and placed our orders. Call ahead - YES!

As we pulled into town my uncle was obliged to wave at everyone he knew - basically limiting his driving to one hand.

We pulled into the parking lot and headed inside. After the obligatory hellos and introductions to every person in the place we sat down.

The Restaurant was clean, a fairly good size, enough for a smoking and non-smoking section, all with that hometown feel. I was even advised that many wedding receptions and rehersal dinners are held here. =-)

Here came lunch (pictured). Basically the equivalent of a Whole Fried Chicken and a Diet Coke.

Cost: $6

The taste - incredible. Light, flakey breading and batter, not too oily, and every bit of juice still there! Yet cooked through and through!

I eventually found out that the chicken is slooooooooooooooooooooow cooked (deep fried), and if you do not call ahead it is about a 20 minute or so wait for this delictible treat!

The service was small town - quick, friendly and efficient. Maybe because I was with my uncle and he knows the entire town. Who knows!

All I can say is that I should have ordered another dinner to-go, but that would have posed a serious conflict with the left over Easter ham back at the homestead.