Much like Steven Tyler sang on the single that was released the year I was born (I just now…read morediscoverd this!), I am back in the saddle, again! Recently, my family went on a, er, fateful camping trip. Fateful is perhaps a strong term. But much like Back in the Saddle isn't Aerosmith's best song, this wasn't my favorite camping trip. Oh, far from it! But this isn't a review about camping venues. It's a review about a restaurant. Why? Because when the rain comes in and dampens your family's weekend plans, quite literally, it's time for Plan B! I wasn't familiar with the area, but something drew us to Ky's American Bistro and, honestly, they kind of saved the day!
Ky's is a locally owned establishment that specializes in down-home cooking and classic American fare. They advertise an unlimited salad bar, which I think is great. The unlimited salad bar seems to be vanishing from our culture (R.I.P. Ruby Tuesday!), and while I am not the biggest fan of the all-you-can-eat buffet (don't judge my lunch choice below!), I AM a fan of a salad bar that giveth abundantly. Beyond the salad bar, they create "handcrafted" burgers, tenderloins and hand-cut streaks.
We arrived on a Sunday afternoon, and they had a hot bar you could add to the unlimited salad bar. Yes, it was technically a buffet, but I am going with "hot bar" because its my review, and I can. Joking aside, it was a solid Sunday meal. The hot bar had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac 'n cheese and green beans. Basically, the perfect Sunday comfort meal after a less-than-stellar camping trip. My son ordered the bone-in wings and they looked great, nice and meaty. My girls loved the "jello fluff" off the salad bar. I am a sucker for a salad bar that includes more than just salad, even if its simply something for my kids to enjoy. They also include a soup with the salad bar because, of course! It was a cheesy cauliflower, and my oldest daughter was skeptical. But she loved it and downed a bowl quickly.
The decor is rustic, yet comforting: knickknacks on the wall, but it never felt like they were going full Cracker Barrel. My youngest daughter loved the "Farm to Table" sign with the greenery hanging down. She was already interested in decorating her bedroom in a similar fashion, so she was very impressed. And let me tell you, that's saying something for her! Lol.
My only drawback was that it was nearing the end for the hours of the hot bar, yet more people had just been sat who stated they wanted to order the salad and hot bar. The kitchen brought out some fresh chicken, but said that was all that would be served. It was a little early, I felt, since a large family had just ordered, but it all worked out. There was enough food, and I understand a business wanting to save on food waste.
I saw a review that mentioned instant mashed potatoes. All due respect, but that reviewed is crazy. These potatoes were THICC. No "k" needed! They were served with a delicious chicken gravy. The food was exactly what you would want for a down-home comfort meal. Whether you are surviving the bad weather or just looking for a great meal, Ky's has you covered.