Lunch Room — Review by Brennen Taylor

The Dishes

The reviewers ordered an ambitious spread of dishes to try a variety of offerings. The fried chicken arrived with a super crispy, well-seasoned batter and good pepper coating, earning praise as some of the best they have tasted. However, they noted each serving only included one piece, which felt insufficient. The fried okra had an excellent crispy exterior with juice inside and strong seasoning, proving to be a standout item and a favorite growing up in Tennessee. The breaded apple was described as reminiscent of holiday flavors and tasted very good.

The pig feet, ordered as a venture outside their comfort zone, turned out to be deeply disappointing. Following the staff recommendation of mustard and hot sauce, the reviewers found the dish to be mostly fat with virtually no meat, estimating a 1% meat to 99% fat ratio. The texture and taste made them feel sick. The meatloaf did not taste like traditional meatloaf and was compared to goulash or ground horse meat, with neither reviewer enjoying it. The whiting fish, while having decent taste once eaten, had an extremely strong fish smell that was off-putting and could deter diners before they even tried it. The mac and cheese looked promising but did not deliver, possibly from sitting too long. The mashed potatoes were visually striking in their whiteness and fluffiness but were very plain without added seasonings. Overall sides like pinto beans and breaded items were decent, and the peach cobbler at the end was described as pretty good.

The Experience

Lunch Room operates in a cafeteria-style format where customers select their items and walk them back to their table. The interior is very bare bones with minimal decoration, featuring some items that appear to have come from antique stores or HomeGoods. The walls display framed old newspapers and accolades showcasing the restaurant's history. The staff member who served them mentioned the restaurant has been operating since 1976, previously housed a grocery store, and before that was a dog grooming shelter or daycare. The establishment clearly has deep local roots and family ownership. During the meal, a staff member asked if they needed tips, which the reviewers found slightly awkward given they were paying by card and did not have cash.

Value and Pricing

All the food ordered for both reviewers came to 69 dollars total, which the reviewer described as a favorite number and reasonable pricing for the quantity of food provided. While the price was fair, the experience did not fully justify the cost given the disappointments with several dishes.

Notable Moments

That's pig feet right there. Look at that thing.

Oh my god, it's so fatty. That's gory. Oh, golly. This feels like it's still attached to the pig itself.

Listen y'all, we're just tasters. We come in here, we taste stuff, we try it, we love it, we indulge in it. If we don't, we keep it real with you.

The Verdict

While Lunch Room has been a community staple for nearly 50 years and clearly means something to locals, the reviewers could not enthusiastically recommend it. The fried items were excellent, particularly the chicken and okra, but the adventurous choices like pig feet and fish fell flat. The meatloaf was questionable and the sides were largely forgettable. This restaurant appears best suited for those familiar with traditional Southern soul food and meat-and-three establishments who grew up eating these dishes. For newer diners or those seeking consistent quality, they recommended making your own decision and trying it to form personal opinions rather than relying on this review.