Russell's Restaurant

I get through Caledonia about once a month on my caving adventures so I stop at Russell's often.  We've always eaten outside but decided this time to eat inside.  Big mistake!!! I noticed a sign on a post in the totally open dining room that said "smoking only beyond this point" which I thought was strange since the whole dining room is one room.  I commented to my cohort that I was glad no one was smoking, otherwise I'd have to move outside.  He agreed.  Cigarette smoke disgusts me.  Just then, I smelled smoke and looked over find our server smoking a cigarette, right in front of everyone.  She then walked over to the server station with her cigarette in hand!  Noticing our food was on the way, she took a drag of her cigarette, set it down still burning in the ashtray and came over to our table as we were heading for the door to eat outside.  I know this is rural Missouri and they are a little more casual about things, but allowing smoking inside a restaurant is just wrong IMO.  Allowing your employees to smoke in front of customers and allowing them to bring their lit cigarette into the servers station is unfathomable to me.  I'm afraid they're going to lose my business in the colder months if they continue to allow smoking inside.  YUCK!!!  Otherwise, the food and the service have always been great!  Guess I'll go to the Hiway 21 Cafe in Centerville instead?  At least they smoke outside there.

SO much food for so little money. This is what American breakfast is all about. Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage, Hasbrowns, Eggs, Toast and Biscuits and Gravy for 6 bucks! Are you kidding me?

My favorite part about backpacking in Mark Twain National Forest is the stop at Russell's for breakfast on the way home.  They don't mess around here.  You can get a GIGANTIC breakfast for around $6.  

Good old fashioned country cookin'.  Come starved, leave bloated.