I was a lucky kid in that even though we had lots of great home-cooked meals, we also got to eat at restaurants at least once a week. Â (Which wasn't as common way back then!) Â One of my dad's favorite things to order was a patty melt. Â I never understood that and actually never even TRIED a patty melt until about ten years ago. Â Boy, was I surprised to find out how much I love them!
So, that has been one of my go-to menu choices when visiting a cafe or other small town restaurant – it's a good judge of their overall quality! Â Soooo – last week when I visited Olde Main Eatery in Elk River, Minnesota, with my Mom, that's what I ordered. Â Elk River is the town where I went to high school, but Olde Main Eatery wasn't around back then.
Olde Main Eatery has a warm atmosphere with a hodgepodge of decor making it feel very welcoming.  Their menu is classic small-town cafe fair with sandwiches, salads, burgers and breakfast served all day.
As I mentioned, I ordered the Patty Melt, but made a few changes to it. Â On the menu it specified marble rye and swiss and american cheeses. Â I switched it up a bit and ordered it on white bread and skipped the swiss cheese, since I'm not a fan. Â It was really good! Â I especially liked how golden and crispy they made the bread.
My mom ordered the Spinach Salad and loved it. Â She raved over the grilled chicken on the salad and I though her roll looked amazing. Â I think this may be my choice next time as I'm sure I'll head back there again for another lunch with Mom.
We ate at Olde Main Eatery Restaurant using a Restaurant.com gift certificate. Have you used one before? They’re super easy to use. You just browse Restaurant.com for a restaurant to visit in the area you live or are visiting. Then you print out the certificate to present to your server at the restaurant. The super cool thing is that these certificates NEVER expire. They are also perfect for traveling because if you purchase a certificate for a restaurant but end up not getting a chance to use it on your trip, you can simply trade it in for a different restaurant!
Restaurant.com is the trusted and valued source connecting restaurants and diners nationwide. The company offers savings at thousands of restaurants nationwide with more than 50,000 gift certificate options. Restaurant.com brings people together to relax, converse and enjoy well-prepared and served meals at affordable prices. To date, Restaurant.com customers have saved more than $1 billion through the gift certificate program.
 What is YOUR favorite thing to order in a small-town cafe?
Terry says
Sounds like a great place to eat. Especially if they have no problem with you switching it up a little bit. I always like to order food my way.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I totally would have ordered something like patty melt, too! That’s usually my go-to meal.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
Looks like a fun, laid-back place to eat. And, that pickle looks like it’s delicious.
Kiwi says
It looks like I can eat that pickle through the screen,,,nom! I have used restaurant.com before and will be using it again in the future!
Debbie Denny says
Looks like such a nice place. I love patty melts.
Cori Westphal says
Wow! I’ve been a reader for a long time now and had no idea you were my neighbor! I live in Elk River and grew up in Big Lake! And Old Main Eatery is one of our favorite spots for breakfast!
Small world! 🙂
Chrysa says
That’s so cool! Really IS a small world. I grew up in Zimmerman, but went to high school in Elk River (there wasn’t a high school in Zimmeramn back then).
Maria Oller says
The place looks great and has that home feeling I love in restaurants and the patty melts are one of my favorites.
Kayla says
I love small town restaurants. I always opt for a BLT! 🙂
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
I love trying new restaurants with Restaurant.com vouchers! It’s such a nice way to try something different and save while doing it.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
I try to order something that looks like a specialty. That salad does look yummy and the chicken was probably nice and juicy!
Carly Bellard says
Sometimes all you need is a sandwich! I love going to casual dining spots with my family.
Krystal says
That salad looks great. I love delis, they have everything!
Rosey says
I didn’t know you could trade the certificates. That is an awesome feature to know about, thanks for sharing it!
teresa mccluskey says
I always go for the hamburger and fries! Yummy! or if its in the morning. Biscuits and gravy even better!!
Pam says
I live on the West Coast but fly into Minneapolis several times a year to visit family in Wisconsin. I love restaurants like this and will have to stop by and try it out.
Brandy says
What a great view, this looks and sounds like a great place to eat a meal. I love learning about new places to eat out at, although I am in New Hampshire so won’t be able to experience it, I hope many others who see this will!
Family Travel Blogger says
Eating out is always atreat for the whole family 🙂 Those little diners can dish out some of the best down home cooking.
melinda says
now i’m craving a salad with hard boiled egg. only those “dive” looking places serve real food like that
Christina S says
This looks like a great little place. We love going to local restaurants (especially when we’re away).
Mary Edwards says
I love small restaurants that have a homey feel to them. The Patty Melt looks delicious!
Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com says
Sounds lovely! The good looks really delicious too!
Alesha @ Full Time Mama says
This looks like a great restaurant we’d all love. That Patty melt looks fantastic!!