I've been through Cook more times that I can recall, but other than an afternoon spent siting a new tower I've never stopped for more than gas. Â This changed on Tuesday when I ventured off of US 53 and discovered the Montana Cafe a few blocks down River Street. Â My sister and I were looking to get lunch and the McDonald's on 53 was not an option. Â We cruised down the main drag and the Montana appeared to the best, and maybe the only, option for lunch in Cook. Â I parked in front of the building and we walked on in. Â There were an assortment of tables and booths along the walls and a counter in the back, and the waitress told us to go ahead and sit wherever we felt like it. Â The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I liked the antiquey feel of the decor. Â
We were given menus right away and explained the specials, and I asked for an iced tea. Â It was brought out shortly, and I was first surprised because the menu specifically stated that iced tea was limited to one refill. Â This glass was about twelve ounces, and I was wondering why they would be so stingy with their tea. Â The reason, I soon discerned, is that this is some of the best iced tea ever. Â One taste and I could tell that it was homemade, probably in small batches. Â Memories of my mom's fresh sun tea during the summer came washing over me, and I would have likely drank a gallon if given the option. Â
The menu contained many of the standard small-town diner items - burgers, chicken sandwiches and so on. Â But on closer examination I saw that the ingredients offered were a cut above the standard. Â The breads were differentiated (black bean, dark rye, etc.). Â I really had a difficult time deciding on which option to go with, finally settling on a pastrami melt with chips. Â It was amazing - the swiss was melted perfectly on the raw onion, and the pastrami was deliciously cured without being too fatty. Â The toasted kaiser roll had just the right amount of heft while being light and just slightly sweet. Â The kicker was a spicy brown mustard, which completely tied it all together. Â This was the best pastrami sandwich I've had that didn't come from my own kitchen. Â My only complaint was that the onion and mustard weren't spread over the whole of the sandwich, a minor quibble. Â My sister opted for the Italian po'boy on my suggestion. Â It was an Italian sausage patty with sauteed onions and peppers, topped with pepperjack cheese. Â My sister managed about three-quarters of it before giving up to fullness and passing the rest to me. Â It was spicy and delicious, but given the greasiness of Italian sausage I can see why a whole sandwich would be prohibitively filling. Â I wasn't too impressed with the chips - standard rippled potato chips - but I wasn't there for the chips.
My complaint is with the service. Â While we were brought our food in short order, there was no follow-up afterward. Â I really wanted to get that sole allowable refill on my iced tea about halfway through the pastrami sandwich, but the waitress was nowhere to be seen. Â I tried flagging her down when she brought a massive burger plate to a booth near us to no avail. Â Finally, after we had both finished our meals excepting for a few stray chips, the waitress came back with the check and asked if we needed anything else. Â I asked for a refill and she hesitatingly agreed, taking my glass. Â My sister and I sat there for another six or seven minutes, finishing up the chip crumbs, and finally gave up on getting that second iced tea. Â When I went up to the counter to pay, the waitress didn't seem to remember that I had a tea coming to me, and that cost her a buck on the tip and a star on my review. Â Despite all that drama, I'd stop by the Montana again without qualm. Â It's definitely a cut above the rest.