Magnolia Blossom Cafe

Packed Plates

One perk to living in Mississippi is leaving town.

Meaning, we are very close to New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and the beach. Yes, it’s one of those backhanded compliments like, “You drive so well, for being an Asian!” or “Those pants make you look so skinny!”. Take it for what it’s worth.

In October we took a weekend trip to Orange Beach, Alabama and ate lunch at Magnolia Blossom Cafe.

The route from Jackson to Orange Beach took us through Hattiesburg and Mobile, leaving long stretches of deserted highway between cities with few dining options other than fast food. We held out until Robertsdale and immediately pulled off highway 59 for the first decent looking restaurant in sight.

We darted across the road, walked into the cafe and made a beeline towards the lunch buffet.

Piling our plates high, I was thrilled to see fried chicken, greens, mashed potatoes, corn bread, rolls and a paltry salad bar. My husband was excited about the fried okra, butter beans and cabbage (he loves him some Southern vegetables). We snagged a table and the waitress brought us two glasses of tea, half-sweet half-unsweetened, the best of both worlds.

I’m fairly certain the gravy can from a jar and the mashed potatoes were instant. The beef pan was empty except for a few stringy remnants. Otherwise the fried chicken was juicy, the spicy cornbread had nice crust and the tea was fresh.

Passing up a second plate from the buffet, I chose to search out the dessert table and came back with a slice of homemade coconut cream pie. Apparently they also have a full service bakery and the desserts disappear fast.

Although the instant mashed potatoes were disappointing and the buffet options are limited, it was a decent, inexpensive meal. Proving to be popular place among the locals, they also have an extensive menu and are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Magnolia Blossom Cafe
22667 Highway 59 South
Robertsdale, AL 36567
Phone 251-945-2202
http://www.magnoliablossomcafe.com