When it's dinner time, you better duck
A visit to a Missouri dining gem known for its "throwed rolls"
Lambert’s Cafe promises good food, big portions and a fun experience.
But be ready for softball-sized rolls flying through the air. It is, after all, “home of the throwed rolls.”
Sikeston, Missouri, a small town just off Interstate 55 between St. Louis and Memphis, is a giant restaurant that offers a memorable time. But the roll-throwing exercise is not one for the faint of heart.
The huge Lambert’s Cafe location in Sikeston, Missouri, can accommodate large crowds and tour buses. (Photo by John Naughton.)
There are locations in Ozark, Missouri (not far from Branson) and Foley, Alabama, as well. All of them offer a mini version of a down home theme park dining opportunity.
There’s a tractor in the waiting area. Every inch of the walls seems to be covered by posters, license plates, you name it.
Tacky? Absolutely. Leave your fancy airs behind, but bring your appetite.
Lambert’s Cafe brings tacky restaurant decor to a new level. (Photo by John Naughton.)
The decor is on a whole different level if you’re used to Cracker Barrel and Famous Dave’s.
Embrace the theme park atmosphere can get ready for the rolls.
They’ve soft and immense cloverleaf rolls, wheeled out from the kitchen in carts. You’ll hear the shouts of “hot roll!” followed by the airborne baked goods.
If you drop the pitched dishes, don’t worry. There are plenty more. Top them with butter, honey, or the apple butter or sorghum molasses that are brought to your table. Delicious — and worth the risk of being beaned.
A Lambert’s Cafe employee dishes out rolls You can get one handed to you, or brave catching one tossed across the restaurant. (Photo by John Naughton.)
There are delicious bowls of “pass arounds” — fried okra, thin-sliced fried potatoes and onions, macaroni and tomatoes and black-eyed peas. They keep coming and are piled on your plate by friendly employees.
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