The Dillard House, Dillard, Georgia

On our trip to the mountains, we stopped by The Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia, where you don't just eat dinner, you experience it.  I was introduced to this restaurant by my husband on a trip in 2009 when we ate there for breakfast, but we wanted to try their dinner menu this time.  On the way in I told Richard that I sure hope I didn't over eat because I had been doing so well on our trip so far.  After he laughed his head off at my statement, we went in and were seated, then were greeted by a sweet grandma-looking waitress in a cute little apron.  Her grandma buddies must have been in the kitchen cooking up our meal because that's what it tasted like--grandmas cooking in the kitchen.  This is country food at it's finest, people.

From 2009

From 2009

The casual dining room is open and full of windows, with a spectacular view.

You don't order at the Dillard House.  You just sit.  Your server will begin bringing bowls, baskets, and plates of food to your table.  It's all served with a smile, family-style.

For starters, we were served some fresh melon, sliced tomatoes, slaw, apple sauce, and a chow-chow type relish.  The tea was perfectly sweetened, which is really important to me.   I don't like it when my sweet tea isn't sweet enough or it's too sweet.  I'm kind of picky like that.

Then the food started coming.

Virginia ham, fried pork chops (the best I have ever had), and fried chicken.  There was a sweet potato casserole that made my non-sweet potato loving husband proclaim "I think I like sweet potatoes now!"  Do you think those are hush puppies in the picture?  They are actually pineapple fritters.

The corn on the cob melted in our mouths.  There was a cabbage casserole with cheese that I have never had before--to die for.  Creamy homemade macaroni and cheese.  Fried okra, green beans, lima beans (or some type of bean), and all perfectly seasoned.  Someone there knows how to add just the right amount of salt.  And the bread basket?  Corn muffins, biscuits AND yeast rolls.  With all the butter and jelly you want.  I think I may have missed a few items.

Yes, coffee and dessert too.  A homemade cobbler a la mode. I was so full by then I couldn't even push the shutter on my camera to take a picture.

There's much more than just the restaurant.   The grounds and buildings there are just beautiful. 

Go there if you are in the area.  But wear loose clothing.