What makes a truly American restaurant? In a way the much maligned chains are an offshoot of American dining experience: affordable, quick, no fuss, nothing fancy, filling yet good, and these days increasingly nutritious and calorie conscious.
But these are chains, good in some ways: you can search for your fave in town after town on your road trip; they open early in the morning and late at night; no tipping if self-service, but for the very same reasons humdrum: none of that special eating-out feeling, and “mass-produced” yet still tasty.
That is why the Little Red Barn Restaurant and Lounge in Washington State was such a find. A former barn – how much more American can you get? - this place has been open for around 40 years now. They are famous for their Chicken Fried Steak (US$8.99) which is served with two eggs, hash browns and toast. The steak was not bad by my standards, and I say this because the chicken did taste delish but was a bit dry. The burger (US$5.49) was alright, served with a choice of green salad, potato salad, cole slaw, cup of soup or French fries. I have to say Burger King does a better job. So why then do I say Little Red Barn (it is not little) is a find?
At Little Red Barn, everyone was nice especially Cherri Crossland who has been serving for 11 years.
So if you’re in the area, take a break from the chains, and imbibe Americana in and out at the Little Red Barn.
The Lounge is separated discreetly by a wall and at a distance, unnoticeable so the kids will barely hear any crowd or smell the liquor.
