Main Street Cafe nice addition to downtown eateries

It may not be really fair to judge a restaurant after it’s been open for just a few days, but nevertheless here are my thoughts on Main Street Cafe in Dothan.

To start with, I was extremely impressed with the way the restaurant has been decorated. Plenty of seating and wide-open spaces. It’s much nicer inside than I envisioned by looking from the outside. It’s got a real relaxing feel to it.

I was welcomed when I stepped through the doors, and my drink order was promptly taken.

It was a little after 1 p.m. when I arrived, but there still a good variety of meats and vegetables to choose from on the cafeteria-style line.

The standard meal is a meat and two vegetables, along with bread for $5. It’s served on large lunch trays, similar to those you’ll find at school cafeterias. The cost of a drink, and dessert if you desire, is added on.

There was barbecue chicken breast filets, barbecue ribs and fried chicken among the choices. It looked as though the batch of fried chicken remaining may have been a bit overcooked for my liking, so I went with the barbecue chicken.

I was given two chicken breasts, then chose baked beans, potato salad and a roll. I also decided to give the homemade peach cobbler a try. Sweet tea to drink. Other items on that day included greens and homemade cole slaw.

The chicken filets were good — not too big, not too little. The barbecue sauce had a nice taste and the chicken was tender. I was happy with the choice.

The baked beans had good flavor, and the portion was big. I really liked the potato salad. It was homemade and fixed the way I enjoy it without the onions some prefer.

The roll appeared to be homemade, but if not, was a high-caliber brand. Very good.

The sweet tea was a bit too sweet for my liking, or either I got a batch that had been sitting for quite a while and was just a bit overwhelming.

I enjoyed the meal, though the highlight for me was the peach cobbler. It was served warm in a big dish with a bit of whipped cream put on top.

I’ve always thought the key to a good peach cobbler is the crust, and this one was good. It was a flaky crust that was a perfect compliment to the sweet peaches soaked in their juices.

For those not interested in a big meal, a salad bar is offered. The salad looked fresh and could be a good choice on a hot summer day for those wanting a lighter meal.

The service was good, and the waitress I had was extremely nice. I was also impressed with how clean everything seemed to be.

My bill — meat, two vegetables, bread, drink and dessert — came to $8.76.

The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.

I will be interested in going back and giving this restaurant another try. I think it has real potential and is a nice addition to the eating choices downtown.

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Main Street Cafe
Where: 277 W. Main St. in Dothan
Phone: 699-1400
Hours: 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
Rating: 2.5 out of 4 stars.