Restaurant Review by Pamela Holz
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Often in conversations, when it is mentioned that I like to write about restaurants in the Clarksville area, people suggest a restaurant that I just have to try, along with a description of their favorite dish. Food really is a universal language, and the conversations are fascinating.
It was because of one of these conversations that I learned of Pat’s Café, with the insistence that I had to try the Pudding and Sauce. Somewhat of a self-admitted dessert snob, I am always eager to hear someone rave about a dessert. I was game to check out Pat’s, and asked a friend to come along with me.
We arrived for a late lunch, but had to search for a parking spot, as all of the designated parking for Pat’s was full. We were invited to find a spot to sit, and also apologetically told that there was just one waitress on duty, which might result in a delay in service, but that she would do the best she could.
Pat’s is a very simple café. The walls are cinder block, the lightning is low, and the tables look like they have seated many customers. There was a large party seated next to us, and they all exuded a comfortableness that seemed as though they made Pat’s a regular lunch spot.
My friend decided on the catfish dinner with black-eyed peas and rice ($7.50). I went with the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn ($7.50), as they were out of green beans. We watched a steady stream of take-out orders as we chatted and waited for our food. It did take a while for us to get our meal… about 50 minutes, but when it arrived, it was hot.
The fried chicken had a delicious crispy breading on it, seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of greasiness expected with fried chicken. The mashed potatoes and canned corn made companionable side dishes, though were nothing particularly note-worthy. My friend’s meal of fried catfish also had a nicely crisp coating. The black-eyed peas were delicious.
We were happy to end our meal with both a piece of pudding and sauce (a warm piece of vanilla cake with a buttery sauce) ($2.50) and a slice of chess pie ($2.50). Something about a super sweet dessert after a fried meal just seemed to fit.
If you are having a craving for some traditional fried food and Southern desserts, Pat’s is a great place to check out.
Pat’s Café
119~ 9th Street
Clarksville, TN
931-802-6600
Tues.- Thurs. 10:30 am-8:00 pm
Fri.-Sat. 10:30 am-9:00 pm
Sundays 10:30 am-6:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/PatsCafeTN/info