Billy Gail's Cafe

Roadside Lunch in Missouri

Last November Don and I stopped for lunch, not far from the touristy Branson area.

We were traveling on Highway 265, when we spotted the  log cafe. I couldn't resist the red rocking chairs and the chainsaw art.

Plus, the name Billy Gail's sounded perfect for Arkansas. It sounded like something from the old sitcom, Petticoat Junction. 

​We pulled right off the road and headed for the red door.

There were lots of signs, besides the big one on the roof. The bear held an Open sign. There were 3 signs and a dozen stickers on the door glass. There was a Come On In sign and a Happy Holidays sign and a Let It Snow announcement, painted on the window.

Entrance

Once inside, there was lots to see in the front room.

There were shelves and cases, filled with well-loved toys. This was very entertaining for the Baby Boomer in me. It's scary to see how many toys I recognized.

There were also things for sale, like jams and hats and leopard skin purses. And there was another sign. Huggin" Place. Now that was a mighty sweet sign.

There was a little kitchen-corner with coffee and mugs. That must have been set up for busy times, when folks have to wait a while for a table.

During touristy summer months, you might have to wait a while on one of the red benches. The only one we saw waiting, was the Grinch.

Our Dining Room

There was a bit of a maze of rooms. The 50+ year old building has probably seen some additions and alterations over the years.

We were given a table in a cozy room, filled with lots antique what-nots and locals, who greeted the servers by name.

Tiffany

Our server was energetic and pleasant when she handed us menus. She introduced herself with a helpful tip, so we wouldn't forget her name. "Just remember the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's!"

Besides the menu I saw another sign worth reading. It was a poem, by Trey. I read the poem and got another hint. I should try the pancakes... as big as hubcaps!  

​Checks of All Colors

​Don and I decided to go all breakfast for lunch. ​

Tiffany brought our plates and offered to snap a photo. Wow! I had no idea how fantastic we looked, with all our checks!

Food!

Don's ham and cheese omelet was covered with crispy hash browns. He was in heaven. 

My pancake was ridiculously fun!

The buttermilk circle hung about an inch off the edge of my plate. I had to stare at the other diners to figure out how to approach the beast! Folding was the only way. Hopefully I put on more syrup than this photo! My mouth feels dry just looking at it!

Wandering

After we finished our feast, the rush was over. I was able to peek around a little more.

I of course found more signs. Prayers go up, Blessings come down. That sign was beneath the carousel horse. I kind of liked the rusty egg sign.

My eyes were drawn to some old games that I remember from my childhood. So many hours of croquet, in so many yards! I spotted a wooden Carrom board! Whatever happened to the one my family owned?

More Toys at Checkout

​We headed to the front room to check out. I got to admire more of the toys. 

The man at the register, I believe was a member of Billy and Gail's family. Billy Gail was not one person, but two. They bought the building in the 1995 and named the restaurant with both their names. As I looked around the place, I overheard a phone conversation. Someone said that Gail hadn't been well. I detected real worry in the tone.

Sit a Spell

We took our leftovers and headed outside to have another look at the curious property and the rambling building.

I wondered about Billy and Gail, who created their own cafe along the highway 25 years ago. As we drove away, I looked it up on my phone and read that Billy had passed away in 2012.

Billy Gail's a Few Months Later

As usual, I'm behind on blog posts. It's been 4 months since Don and I had our fabulous breakfast feast.

I looked up Billy Gail's just moments ago and learned that Gail passed away just weeks after our visit. That made me sad. I hope Billy and Gail's kids can hold onto the sweet place.

​I could sure use one of those gigantic pancakes right now.