I don’t make it to Pataskala very often but always want to eat at the Nutcracker Family Restaurant whenever I’m in town.
It’s a locally owned place with a fifties motif, a whole lot of Coca Cola pieces and a collection of nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes.
It’s not an old restaurant and the exterior of the building is a little plain but the interior is a feast for the eyes for those of us who like that sort of thing. It’s really well done.
There’s a gorgeous counter with stools and lots of interesting things to see on the walls including gas and oil memorabilia as well as Coca Cola collectibles. The black and white tile floor, jukebox and working mechanical horse are simply perfect. At the cash register you’ll find a nice selection of vintage candies too.
They even have beautiful homemade desserts in a rotating case. Everyone knows that dessert from a rotating display tastes better!
The service is always good and the food is pretty tasty too. They serve breakfast all day and have everything from fish and fries to prime rib.
Meatloaf? You got it. A burger and fries? No problem. A club sandwich? Just ask. They even have a quinoa cauliflower burger which I want to try next visit.
The place is always busy and they have a lot of regulars which says a lot about a restaurant.
If you’re in the area I suggest you stop by and check ’em out.
Follow the Nutcracker on Facebook. From there you’ll find a link to their website which is packed full off good stuff.
Did you read about The Oasis Diner in Indiana? Man, I love a good diner!
Love it – If I ever get over to the US (which will be interesting as I hate flying) I’d love to go to a diner like that – what a great looking place. You can tell the atmosphere is great by the look on everyone’s faces.
I’ve been a veggie for 20 years so the quinoa cauliflower burger sounds lovely – if you have one you’ll have to post a picture up for me!
Flying isn’t my favorite thing to do but I’ll bite the bullet in the interest of adventure! And I will absolutely share a picture of the burger when I have it. Been pescatarian for a few years and always appreciate finding a good veggie dish.
Look forward to it.
How easy it being a veggie in the US?
Ugh. When it comes to dining out – it depends on geography.
In my area, which is quite rural, I eat seafood out of necessity because most local restaurants think vegetarian means grilled cheese and limp salads. With that said, I’ve noticed that it has gotten better just in the time I’ve been eating this way. For example, a lot of restaurants are adding a veggie burger or offer a plain marinara for pasta. But there’s still much room for improvement.
However, I usually have no trouble in urban restaurants.
Most chain grocery stores sell faux meat products like veggie burgers, soy sausage and even fake hot dogs from brands like Morning Star and Quorn. The fast food chain Burger King has gotten in on the action with a Morningstar veggie burger while Taco Bell will adapt any menu item to vegetarian using refried beans. But fast food isn’t the healthiest option, even if they are accommodating our desire to not consume meat.
In my area, the best bet for a sit down restaurant is Italian or Mexican restaurants because they almost always offer meatless options!
Long story short – – it’s hit or miss!
Thanks for that – I’ve often wondered what it was like over there. By the sounds of it it’s much the same as over here – although I’ve noticed a big improvement over the last few years since the Vegan fad kicked in.
I’ve not thought of Mexican for veggie – I’ll have to check it out.
Mexican restaurants here typically have a veggie menu. Veggie fajitas are my go-to but I recently had a spinach enchilada that was delicious.
It’s funny how vegans have made vegetarians seem less extreme and therefore easy to accommodate. Lol.
They both sound lovely – I need ot seak out a Mexican!
It’s gone the other way here in some respects. Everyone seems to have jumped on the Vegan bandwagon – and not offer plenty of choices when previously you were lucky to get one Veggie.
Wow. That’s great! Choices make my heart happy. Lol. So, yes, take your wife out for Mexican this weekend and see what you think!
It’s my birthday next week (42 – yikes!) so maybe the following weekend – we’ll have to see if we can find one though as I’m not sure if there are any about here.
Oh dear. Well…. I sense a road trip coming!! Lol. Happy early Birthday! And don’t feel bad— I’ll reach that ugly number this summer.
Any excuse for a road trip!
Happy early birthday to you too!
Thank you!!!
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