Family Style Food at a Reasonable Price

We'd passed the billboards dozens of times.
You know the ones, summer squash, red velvet cakes, key lime pies.
My husband and I attributed it to kitsch and tourist trap and gave it a pass.

Thanks to a friend, once we moved to the area permanently, we gave Branch Ranch a try and were pleasantly surprised.


The menu was perplexing. What's a service plate, we asked each other. We didn't ask our server and ordered Pot Roast and Ham.

What we did not know is that the meals are served 'family style'. The portions of meats came on platters enough for five to eat. Along-side were several sides that will remind you of Sunday dinners growing up. Slippery Pot Pie ,Corn, Broccoli, Green Beans, Eggplant, homemade macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and amazing scratch biscuits.

All of it reminded me of Mom's home cooking and I didn't have to fight off my siblings for the good stuff. The only thing that we didn't eat more than a mouthful of was the eggplant. It was in a cream sauce, when I prefer a fried eggplant parmesan.

Everything else? Wonderful. My two sons, even my picky guy, enjoyed sampling. The pot roast was fork tender, the ham had just the right amount of sugar curing.

After filling ourselves beyond full, there were enough leftovers for a full meal and two lunches. The waitress brought plenty of boxes, apologizing that they were out of the big ones.

Even though we were that stuffed, we added a slice of Red Velvet Cake to go home. It was great with a glass of milk as a midnight snack.

Granted, Buddy Freddy's puts on a good buffet. Branch Ranch takes it a step further --- seats you in a nice, cozy dining room and plans on you having leftovers. This more than satisfies the difference in price.

Take your time to look at the gift shop. They've got candies that I haven't seen in years.    [31 Jan 2006 18:59:16]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Suzanne, Seffner