Worth the Drive
Hidden restaurant unlike any in Alabama By Jennifer Kornegay
I
’d wager that more than half of my Worth the Drive articles the name of your destination across its top. As soon as you pass in the last few years have profiled eateries that are true hole- under it, the path angles down sharply, and the truck descends a in-the-wall joints. But this time, I’m encouraging you to visit steep hill, heading down into thick trees. The road winds deeper a place that’s a true hole-in-the-rock. and deeper into the woods until it bottoms out in a flat. And And not just encouraging you to go, imploring you. The Rat- then you see it, a geological gem. Up on your right is a massive tlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia is unlike any other restaurant in rock ledge jutting out of the hillside. Layers of stone eons old are the state, and its hidden location amid some of North Alabama’s exposed, and tangled vines slip over the edge and hang down most stunning scenery is a sight you must see. Opened in 2009, to form a green, growing curtain. If there’s been a recent rain, this one-of-a-kind spot draws folks by the thousands from all a waterfall ranging from thundering sheets to tinkling trickles over the globe. Once you’re there, it won’t be hard to figure out flows over the ledge as well. why. Oh, and you can rustle up some good grub there, too. It may take a minute for your eyes to adjust to the dim light Rattlesnake Saloon is a part of the Seven Springs Lodge on in the forest shade, but you’ll soon make out chairs and tables the outskirts of the set into the cavern city. The lodge is set that the overhang on 200,000 acres at creates. To one side, the bottom of the a small building is Appalachian Footset halfway into the hills and welcomes cave, complete with guests looking for swing doors and a place to kick off big hitching posts their boots and recarved into coiled lax, as well as those rattlesnake shapes. who are after some You’ve arrived at the outdoor adventure. Rattlesnake Saloon, Trails for horseback a Western-style riding, mountain watering hole and biking and hiking a restaurant that cut through the takes full advantage property and lead of Mother Nature’s to several historical raw beauty and inmarkers designat- The Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia invites you to dine in the side of a mountain. vites you to do the PHOTOS BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY ing ancient Native same. American sites. Accommodations at the lodge include cabins and No matter the weather outside, the air is always cool and calm rooms built into two concrete grain silos in addition to hookups under the sprawling stone ceiling. There are tables inside the for campers and RVs. There are also covered stalls to shelter building and on an adjacent deck, but unless it’s too crowded, visiting horses. you’ll want to grab a seat in the cave. A friendly waitress will Your journey to Rattlesnake Saloon begins in the lodge’s dirt bring you a menu featuring classic American bar food with parking lot. Once you hop out of your car, hail the always-near catchy saloon-themed names. Choose from Skunk Rings (onion Rattlesnake Taxi, an old pickup truck with wooden benches built rings), Snake Eyes and Tails (fried jalapenos and green beans) into its bed. A kindly gentleman will help you up to your seat in and Cowboy Buttons (fried mushrooms) to start. But don’t fill the back and instruct you to hold on. Do as you are told. up on these tasty vittles, or you’ll be unable to truly appreciate The taxi drives along a dirt road toward a metal arch with The Duke, an enormous and delicious half-pound burger topped with bacon, Snake Eyes and onion on a Tuscumbia Saddle Up soft Kaiser roll. Finish The Rattlesnake Saloon Jennifer Kornegay travels to an out-of-the way with some Apple FritOpen February through restaurant destination in Alabama every month. November, Thursday – Saturday, ters, and then just sit She may be reached for comment at j_kornegay@ from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. charter.net. Check out more of Jennifer’s food a spell and take in the www.rattlesnakesaloon.net writing, recipes and recommendations on her blog, 1292 Mt Mills Rd., Tuscumbia, AL view. A Chew on This at www.jenniferkornegay.com. 256.370.7220
28 NOVEMBER 2014
www.alabamaliving.coop