Posts from the ‘Unique Places’ Category

What Does A Rattlesnake, A Burger And A Cave Have In Common? 100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die.

MEGabite # 29 or #73 on the countdown of “The !00”  On Tasty Tuesday

The Duke Rustler burger with apple wood bacon and fried snake eyes (jalapenos) at the Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia. Folks, this isn’t a burger, this is an outing with a burger served in one heck of a setting.

Leaving Tuscumbia, I turned onto a windy but gorgeous road in the Alabama countryside, I came across signs for The Seven Springs Lodge and Rattlesnake Saloon. The same family has owned this spot of gorgeous land since 1935. The Seven Springs Lodge was built and later, The Rattlesnake Saloon. During the 48 days that the lodge took to build, one of the workers reportedly found a rattlesnake den that housed a mother snake and her 12 babies. In the nicely decorated saloon there are “The thirteen deadly skins” said to be that fanged family who apparently did not live to see the saloon thrive.

I parked in the parking lot next to a group of folks who had RV’s and horses. To get to the saloon, you may walk, horse or take the “Saloon Taxi. ”

I met people from a few different states, and an excited 8 year old boy who came from Tennessee to have his birthday dinner. We were driven a short distance down a very steep and winding hill. The “taxi” stopped and we climbed out to one of the most unique and interesting dining settings that I have ever visited.

I met people from a few different states, and an excited 8 year old boy who came from Tennessee to have his birthday dinner. We were driven a short distance down a very steep and winding hill. The “taxi” stopped and we climbed out to one of the most unique and interesting dining settings that I have ever visited.

This inside of the cave is decorated in a western saloon style. More seating is found across a small road

There is also an area on top of this rocky outcrop and named Lover’s Lane. Of course, I chose to dine in the cave like area, where there are about 30 tables. At 7 p.m., there is live music or karaoke. After 5 p.m. you may purchase alcohol.

The monster half-pound burger with cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and pickles. Topped with crispy apple wood bacon and fried snake eyes (hot jalapenos) this MEGasandwich comes served on a Kaiser roll, with a fried snake eye on top and a choice of french fries or onion rings. The other food items have creative names such as; snake eyes and tails, skunk rings and bronco bits.

MEGastars; Let’s face it, this is a hamburger The hamburger was a bit above your average burger but the setting was awesome. Because of this unique setting, I give this dish/experience 5 stars.

• *** for a good burger with a little extra something.
• *star for highlighting Alabama pride.
• *star for one heck of a setting that you can not get anywhere else.

More about this burger. Featured recently on Food Network’s “Craziest Restaurants in America “The Rattlesnake website said the Gigantor  — a $45 meal featuring a two-pound beef hamburger, pound of fries, half-pound of onion rings and a beverage pitcher — is free if eaten within 45 minutes. And the wild bill cody wings. Also, featured on AL.com 9 most unusual restaurants.

The lodge has many acres, for recreational activities such as; horse riding trails, fishing, hiking, swimming, ATV trails. There are native American shelters and 8,000 year old burial sites. The lodge offers camping for the refined and the rustic as well as cabins and converted silos for rent.

MEGatips:

1. The 6 mile road in is extremely curvy and can test your driving skills on a good day. If you are going to get your party on, don’t drive.
2. Bring your ID, this is Alabama folks. They will do their job and card you.
3. I understand it gets busy in the evenings. Want to get a seat? arrive before 5 p.m.
4. Under 16 must be accompanied with an adult. After 5 p.m., the kids must leave.
5. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Dress right for rocks, cold or hot weather.
6. I advise visiting website or making a call before you travel.
7. Closed November-January.

This MEGabites and MEGastars description is found at the bottom of each post. If you are new to my 100 Dishes in Alabama escapade, this may be helpful.  

*100 Dishes to eat in Alabama before you die is a compilation of food to chow down on Bama style. Thanks to Tourism Alabama, www.alabama.travel my Alabama bucket list just became a little easier. I am going to have some fun while making my way like Ms. Pacman, in yet another state that I call home.   You too may pick up the brochure at Alabama Tourism stops or download the alphabetical brochure that begins in Abbeville and ends in York. From the little old diner to the white cloth joint, it is an opportunity to explore and experience pride in the food from restaurateurs who are dedicated to local food with some Alabama style. From the local BBQ cook to James Beard recipients, you too will take a culinary trip across scenic and historical Alabama.

I use a 5 MEGastar system. I am not a food critic, just Meg, a curious traveler, with an interest in trying different foods and sharing my two cents on my experience. I try to follow my star system so that I may be fair to the wonderful dishes on this list.

• *meh food. Just wasn’t good. Maybe the food came from a can. The place was not one that I would want to send someone to show pride in Alabama.   This has happened to me a few times and it is a difficult write.
• ** passable – the food was ok and above happened but the place or vice versa
• *** good but not outstanding or unique
• **** Very tasty dish AND meets one of the definitions set forth by Alabama Foods/Tourism, of local food and/OR highlights Alabama Pride.
• ***** I actually died, went to heaven and came back when I ate the dish. OR, something is very unique, something you can not get anywhere else.