I am kinda of ashamed to say this but I have never been to the Rattlesnake Saloon. I should have gone before to experience this breathtaking attraction. I had heard of the place and saw pictures of it but nothing prepared me for the natural foundation for this restaurant. Many of my friends have been and told me that it was definitely a place to visit.
I met William Foster, the owner of the Rattlesnake Saloon about a year ago. He invited me his establishment. However, life, work and other things invaded and I didn’t get a chance. But that all changed last Friday night. Tracey and I decided to visit this well-known restaurant. The Rattlesnake Saloon is located off County Road 247 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It is sort of out in the middle of nowhere but that is what makes it unique.
Arriving at the establishment, I saw that there was an area for a rodeo, horse storage and a camp ground. Tracey told me that they have trail rides there. Walking across the parking lot, it was a marvel to see the set-up. The campground was full. People were sitting around bonfires, having a good time.
As you get to the store, yes, a store for your camping needs, there is a truck waiting to take you to the restaurant. Driving down a gravel road, as you come around a corner, you suddenly see the overhang and the restaurant seating. It is hard to put in words the natural beauty of the formation of the “cave” that surrounds the restaurant area. It is unbelievable. There were tables set up around a stage. I would say there were about 4 tables filled when we got there.
There is a Saloon beside the outdoor tables. Walking inside, it is as if you took a walk back to the old west. The décor is done with signs and posters for cowboys and gunfighters. I saw a lot of John Wayne memorabilia there. There were about 3 tables filled with customers. We met William’s lovely wife Stacey, who was also our waitress. Our drink orders were taken promptly.
Looking over the menu, there is a list of appetizers as well as entrees. I had cheese sticks while Tracey had Mushrooms. Both appetizers quickly came to the table. My cheese sticks were great. Tracey raved even the next day about how good her mushrooms were. Note: the order of mushrooms is a lot. Tracey had to take hers home in a box to finish over the weekend.
I ordered the Chicken Tenders and fries while Tracey ordered a Smoked Sausage Hot Dog. Both entrees arrived very soon to us. First the chicken tenders. I like my tenders done. Some places I have visited don’t know the fine line between done and over cooking, which dries them out. I am pleased to report that the tenders were cooked to a golden brown and were not dried out. Good job Stacey. The fries are a type of spicy fries. I really enjoyed them. I am not really a fry kind of guy, but these were really good. Tracey enjoyed her Dog, saying the smoked sausage was good.
After finishing our meal, I looked at the menu again. I saw that they served desert. That fried Cheese Cake was very tempting so I got it. Ahhh, I have to tell you, it was so good. Biting into the crust, the cheese cake melted in your mouth. I gave Tracey a bite, and she was hooked.
On a side note about the menu, the following is listed:
“Gigantor: Two pounds of Ground Beef on a huge bun with all the fixin’s. A pound of fries, a half of pound of onion rings, and a pitcher of your favorite beverage to wash it down with. It’s enough to feed 4, but if you eat it by yourself in less than 45 minutes…..IT’S FREE. “
William told me that “many have tried. Few have succeeded.” I love to eat but I think I am going to pass on the challenge. I don’t think I could do it.
We stayed about an hour in the saloon. Looking around, I saw that almost all the tables were filled. We walked outside to where the band was playing. I noticed that almost all the tables had filled up since we got there.
The band was called the Mainstreet Band. We really enjoyed them. They quickly had people on the dance floor. Even this old fat boy got Tracey on the dance floor for a slow dance. The drummer of the band had his grandchildren (little girls) there. They were dancing with all the adults. The Band did the John Cougar song “Hurts so good” and had the place hopping. At the end of the song, one of the little girls yelled “one more time pawpaw.” Everyone laughed and the Band did another verse of the song. Priceless.
On a side note, when it rains, there is a waterfall that comes off the top of the “cave.” It is breath-taking.
We stayed about 2 hours at the Rattlesnake Saloon. I really enjoyed myself. I regret not going sooner. We plan to go back. I would like to walk around in the daylight to explore the area and what all is offered. If you get a chance, take a short drive and see William and Stacey. I think you will be glad you did.
Rattlesnake Saloon
1292 Mt Mills Road
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
256-370-7220
Bobby Inman is retired from Law Enforcement after 21 years of Service. He is a Consultant for Southern Heritage Gun & Pawn in Tuscumbia. He has articles published in Law & Order Magazine, Police Marksman Magazine, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement Magazine as well as several published ebooks on Amazon, Kobo Writing, as well as Nook (Barnes & Noble). He is owner of Poopiedog, an Animal Rescue Dachshund, who is his constant companion. He is a Senior Investigative Reporter for the Quad Cities Daily. Bobby is the Photographer for Continental Championship Wrestling.
1 comment
Don’t forget Bobby is an albino