Strolling into the Fort Café in Fort Rock is like stepping again in time; the constructing is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Buildings and within the Nineties was the place ranchers, vacationers and miners gathered. Based on the cafe’s web site, “ … brawls have been so frequent that Douglas County was pressured to rent an additional deputy on paydays.”
No want to fret about scuffles today. Though, who is aware of what may occur if somebody tries to nick one thing off your plate. You’ll need each morsel for your self.
In addition to its historical past, the Fort Café is thought for hearty servings of house fashion meals, significantly pan-fried hen ($19.95). This isn’t a fast-food choice; plan on half-hour earlier than the flawlessly ready hen arrives at your desk. In case you’re fearful concerning the wait, order an appetizer, however I recommend not filling up earlier than the entree.
Together with two items of darkish and two items of chicken, the meal consists of soup or salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, a vegetable medley and Parker Home rolls. All white or darkish is obtainable for an upcharge. Both approach, that is golden, juicy, not greasy hen with a crispy veneer. The faintly peppery, easy gravy is the right companion to the chunky-still-creamy mashers.
Least profitable on the plate are the greens: a combo of peas, carrots, summer time squash and zucchini. This may be selfmade however tastes prefer it comes from the grocery freezer part. The little boy at a close-by desk refused to eat his veggies and I couldn’t blame him.
The Parker Home rolls are gentle, buttery and barely candy. It will be simple to eat these in extra.
Neither as costly, nor as tasty, is the hen fried hen ($15.95). It’s a single breaded, fried breast and comes with the identical sides as its pan-fried sibling. On the plus facet it takes much less time, however half an hour extra is price it on the subject of hen harking back to conventional Sunday dinners.
If hen isn’t your factor, loads of different consolation meals choices can be found: buffalo meatloaf, hen fried steak, campfire trout and extra. Blue Plate Specials are provided every day, ranging in worth from $14.50 to $23.
The “Between Bread” decisions embrace a handful of sandwiches, together with burgers, pulled pork, grilled hen and brisket. Torn between the latter and the hen fried steak, our server really helpful the brisket. Decreasing her voice a bit, she defined the fried steak isn’t all the time constant; typically it’s powerful and typically it’s good. Not eager to take any possibilities, we ordered the brisket ($14.79).
A brioche bun overflows with skinny slices of smoky beef bathed in what’s described as Memphis-style barbecue sauce, which is tangy and candy. That is topped with fried onion strings for texture. Sides embrace french fries, a salad or slaw. For an additional $1.50, swap out for a gluten-free bun.
Workers put on T-shirts with the phrases “No Sniveling” on the again. When requested about it, our server mentioned it merely meant no complaining. We weren’t positive if that is directed to the workers or diners; diplomatically, she didn’t reply, and we had no grievances.Fort Cafe
Description: Homestyle delicacies in a historic setting
Location: 403 Wilcox St., Fort Rock
Contact: 303-814-2233; www.castlecafe.com
Costs: $13.75-$26
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for lunch Monday–Sunday; dinner menu out there from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 4:30 to eight p.m. Sunday
Particulars: Bank cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi.
Favourite dishes: Pan fried hen (served all day till the restaurant reaches capability)
Different: Gluten-free and restricted vegan choices out there
No violations noticed by the Tri-County Well being Division on Aug. 2.
