Lambert's Café in Foley, AL – A Unique Dining Experience!

Do you love good food – good southern food? I’m talking about the rib-sticking comfort food that reminds you of sitting at your grandmother’s table for Sunday dinner. If you answered “yes,” you need to visit Lambert’s Café. Whenever we vacation in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, the entire family schedules a couple of meals at Lambert’s in Foley, Alabama, and we’ve never been disappointed. The menu is large, and just about everything is tempting: fried chicken, country fried steak, hamburger steak, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and baked ham, just to name a few entrees. Just as good as the main courses are the incredible sides, and be sure to make room for the famous rolls!

I’m a fried chicken junkie, so I often get the fried chicken. Keep in mind, I'm a southerner and know when fried chicken is done right. Here, it’s perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Sometimes I get the country fried steak, which is also great. Hubby usually orders the liver and onions because he never gets that at home. Other family members have tried the salmon, the fried shrimp, the fried catfish, and the roast beef. If you prefer more Deep South food, check out the fried hog jowl, frog legs, fried gizzards, or beans and fried bologna. More mainstream items include Caesar salad, hamburgers, ribeye steak, chicken salad, chicken tenders, BBQ ribs, and pulled pork. You can also order a vegetable plate. There’s something for everyone!

I love the atmosphere at Lambert’s! The vibe is super chill and laid back. The restaurant is large, in a rustic building, and the walls are covered with all sorts of interesting items. From our experiences, it’s always noisy and lively. It’s easy to tell patrons are having fun. Something unique here is their famous yeast rolls. They’re big and fluffy and absolutely delicious. What makes them so unique, however, is the way they’re delivered. When you want a roll, you raise your hand, and one of the friendly waiters tosses you a roll. In fact, Lamberts is known as “Home of the Throwed Rolls.” Slather that baby with some butter and some molasses or apple butter, and it’s better than dessert!

Waiters are constantly walking around with large bowls of “pass arounds.” These delicacies come with the entrees, and you can have all you want. The pass arounds include fried potatoes and onions, blackeyed peas, macaroni and tomatoes, and some of the best fried okra you’ll ever eat. Don’t be shy, If you want something, just flag down a waiter.

You’ll also get sides with your meal. You can choose from candied yams, turnip greens, corn, carrots, applesauce, cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw, peaches, fries, baked potato, potato salad, and more. I always get homemade mashed potatoes and drown them in savory country gravy. Chase all the yumminess down with a big mug of ice cold sweet tea!

As you’ve probably already guessed, Lambert’s is very popular, and the wait line can get long. We’ve found that the best time to visit is mid-afternoon, preferably on a weekday. If you can’t schedule a visit at that time, don’t despair. You can sit under the porch until your name is called, or you can mosey over to the adjacent gift shop, where you’ll find jams, jellies, tee shirts, tumblers, plush toys, caps, key chains, and souvenirs. Anyway, the line moves pretty quickly, and the food is definitely worth the wait.

Lambert’s is open every day, and the Foley location is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. There are three locations. The original Lambert’s was opened in 1942, in Sikeston, MO, by Earl and Agnes Lambert. In 1994, a second restaurant was opened in Ozark, MO. A third location was added in 1996, in Foley, AL, which is the one we visit. We learned about it from friends who have family in Missouri. They had eaten at the restaurant in Ozark and loved it. When the four of us made a trip to Foley, Alabama for a funeral, they found out there was a Lambert’s there and urged us to try it. We did, and we return whenever we get the chance!

Dining at Lambert’s is more than just going out for a meal. The food is great, but entertainment is provided at no extra cost. Some diners have described it as a “food circus.” Once the rolls start flying, guests seem to loosen up and take part in the fun! You’ll hear a lot of laughter, especially from kids. Sometimes an errant roll collides with a big glass of tea or soda or plops in some mashed potatoes, which just adds to the merriment. Dining at Lambert’s isn’t just having a meal; it’s a unique dining experience.

I’ve already told you the best time to go to avoid a long line. If you take my advice and go mid-afternoon, avoid eating breakfast and snacks on the appointed day. I assure you, you’ll want to be really hungry so you can take full advantage of the offerings. Another good idea is for everyone in your party to order a different entrée so that everyone at the table can have a sample. Also, be sure to dress casually. Lambert’s isn’t a fancy restaurant where you’ll need to dress up. Besides, there’s always the slight chance you could get hit by a flying roll or by a spilled beverage!