Favorite restaurants - 15-70-71-80

[Kate_D]

I'd like to make note of a few fun restaurants, diners, cafes, bakeries or ice cream shops on a trip from Monterey, CA to Norwalk, CT along HWY 15, 70, 71 and 80.

Because we're not going to stop at fast-food restaurants, we'll probably do a lot of supermarket picnicking along the way. But I'd love to know of any restaurants or cafes or bakeries that you like that aren't too far from our route.

I'd particularly like to find local restaurants (rather than chains) that might carry a vegetarian option.

Thanks!
-Kate

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'd like to make note of a few fun restaurants, diners, cafes, bakeries or ice cream shops on a trip from Monterey, CA to Norwalk, CT along HWY 15, 70, 71 and 80.

Well, along I-15 in Baker, California there is the Mad Greek and in Green River, Utah there is the Tamarisk Inn. Near St. Louis there is Vivian's in St. Charles. As you approach the Dayton area, this wouldn't be food-related, but you might enjoy the Tippecanoe Frontier Trading Co store at Tipp City and there is a great walking tour in town. And the USAF museum in Dayton is one of the best of its kind in the world. Dave Hunter recommends Neil's Restaurant and if you really want an amazing experience -- take a detour and stay at the Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon.

[killer]

Mom's Cafe in Salina, UT is famous for good old fashioned cooking and killer scones, about a mile from I70. You'll probably want to get gas in Salina as there is a long stretch with none east from there on I70.

Just noticed that you said vegetarian, not their specialty, sorry.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Mom's Cafe in Salina, UT is famous for good old fashioned cooking and killer scones, about a mile from I70. You'll probably want to get gas in Salina as there is a long stretch with none east from there on I70.

I was in Salina yesterday -- wish I known about those scones!

Mark

[Mark Sedenquist]

Mom's Cafe in Salina, UT is famous for good old fashioned cooking and killer scones, about a mile from I70. You'll probably want to get gas in Salina as there is a long stretch with none east from there on I70.

Killer,
I made a point to stop by Mom's Cafe in Salina today... I would say that this cafe is living on it's reputation, but my experience today would rate it two thumbs down. It's true that the small town cafe atmosphere is still there -- with retro-style waitress uniforms and decor, but the food was... average at best. Perhaps I just hit it on a bad day -- but I tend to prefer good-tasting food over nostalgia whenever I can.

The so-called scones are much more like "fried dough" and so if you like deep, fat, fried bread-like stuff, I would say it is worth a stop -- but I would never recommend anyone leave the Interstate for such a culinary experience. I had some pecan pie that was pretty ordinary as well -- on the RTA rating system this place warrants a single flat tire.


On the positive side, we did find a roadside treat in Green River, Utah. Ray's Tavern has an impressive number of microbrews on draft and the food was excellent. Ray's has been called the best "pit stop in I-70" and we would agree. The staff was friendly & polite and all of the food was fresh and nicely prepared.

Mark