We were treated to a different kind of dive this month. The Countryside is a family restaurant, which is a change from the typical bar-type place we visit. However, it still falls under our category in that it’s not a chain, it’s neighborhoody, casual, and the food was fabulous.
The Countryside has been around since 1958 so they must be doing something right. I know what it is too ~ the food. They specialize in broasted chicken. According to my mom, good broasted chicken is a rare commodity and any restaurant serving good broasted chicken should be frequented often.
Their menu isn’t huge but is filled with some good things. Strange combos too, like chicken and spaghetti, but again, if it works for the customers then more power to them. We started out with some appetizers, as usual. Delish.
Gigantic onion rings ~ crispy and hot
Mini tacos with a taco sauce dip
The onion rings came in a full and half order; our waitress recommended getting the full order for four people. HA! A half order would have been plenty for us, especially considering the second appetizer of mini tacos. But never fear, we cleaned them up because they were so dang good. The tacos were pretty tasty too. I want to know where I can buy little tiny taco shells so I can make these at home.
The Countryside serves bottled beer and Mike’s Hard Lemonade, but doesn’t have a bar. The service was cute. By that I mean they are young, really young, just starting out and learning how to be servers and busboys. (Bus people?) We were asked to save our forks when the appetizer plates were taken away, and when Ruthie asked for another iced tea the waitress took her existing glass, still half full, and just topped it off. See? Kind of cute.
But more about the food. It was hot. Like, really hot. So hot it made a big impression on me. It was a good hot. And the flavor, ooh yeah. Very good. Very, very good.
Clam Chowder ~ not pasty with an appetizing golden color. Some of the best chowder I’ve had in a very long time.
Chicken Sandwich ~ huge! Really good, crispy, and tender. Served with fries and coleslaw. I had to ask for additional mayo, but other than that it was fabulous.
Husby’s Steak Sandwich ~ more delicious onion rings on top! Perfectly done in his opinion. Also served with fries and coleslaw.
Ray ordered the broasted chicken and spaghetti combo. The chicken deserves bragging rights, he said. This combo also included a big stack of bread and butter.
Ruthie got the spaghetti and chicken parmesan combo. She loved it!
My camera shots of the interior of the restaurant didn’t turn out very well. I’ll say it was a well-kept, clean, and brightly-lit establishment. We saw families as well as young couples on dates. The Countryside is a nice restaurant, and I was really impressed with the food. It was so hot! (Did I mention that already?) Not only that, it was very delicious and plentiful.
If you want to take the family out for a good meal without spending a fortune The Countryside is a good choice for eating in or take-out. Located in beautiful Roseville, MN it’s easy to reach from either end of the Twin Cities. We gave it four thumbs up!
Auntie B's Wax 