Benedikts Restaurant

(Photography by Leigh)

After leaving a Homestead Hollow event in Springville, the group I was with all found ourselves starving. Someone in the group suggested a place due north west of Springville called Benedikts.
We pulled into the lot of this small building that resembled an old country gas station of store. "Is this it?", I asked. It was. In entering the place it had a "rustic charm", after you get past the shower curtain room dividers and the cats at the front door. Benedikts is a very unpretentious place of rural charm, located about 40 miles from Birmingham. The food called us all to the table, for it smelled delicious. The service is very laid back (there were only a couple ladies working) and the buffet bekons visitors to serve themselves. The buffet consist of country favorites like chicken pulley bones, fried chicken, fish, mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, cobbler, marinated salad (exceptional!) and fresh rolls and biscuits (to name a few). All items are homemade. Benedikts is certainly a place that, if you are old enough, will conger up fond memories of Sunday dinners, sitting at the dining room table with family members.
Benedikt's is run by two sisters, Ruth and Joice Benedikt. They've been in the restaurant business for 29 years, most of it in a little place called Yampertown new Guin in Marion County. They retired about 10 years ago, bought an old grocery-filling station on a county road in Big Woods and opened what they thought would be a retirement store. However, the word of the food is out and they are doing good business. Not only with the restaurant, but with the catering and bakery as well.
I noticed a sign on the wall that suggested if you cannot locate your waitress that you stand and sing the star spangled banner. I gave it a try (yes, I really did!!-at the surprise of my lunch group) and certain enough our waitress appeared to bring a bottle of hot sauce for greens. Drinks, breads and desserts are all "help yourself". This visit was certainly an adventure of something different. I will return. The place indeed does have a "rustic" feeling where the food warms the soul of any southerner. It is a place that you too would want to take a friend-at first to see the initial reaction and then to experience the good food. Benedickts serves up some mighty tasty food, pleasant service, comfortable atmosphere, and has very reasonable prices.
If there is one thing that the Benedikt "girls" know, it is good food! A piece of advice, Don't stop in without taking home a bottle of their Heavenly Barbeque Sauce concentrate or the Heavenly Cole Slaw Marinade (my personal favorite). You also might want to purchase one of their famous pound cakes or pies (They make them fresh daily.) It is worth the trip from town. Actually the trip over the mountain is worth the trip-gorgeous views and peaceful country road. Tell those sweet sisters I said, "Hello".

Benedikts Restaurant & Bakery
4125 Highway 27
Oneonta, AL 35121
205-274-0230
rjbenedikt@otelco.net


Benedikt's is on Blount County 27, 11 miles north of Springville. From Birmingham, take Interstate 59 north to Exit 154 in Springville. Turn left on Alabama 174 and continue across U.S. 11. The road eventually becomes Blount County 27. Benedikts is on the right. Use caution on the mountain road.
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Closed Monday. Phone: (205) 274-0230.

Hours of Operation

Monday & Tuesday - Closed.
Wednesday & Thursday - LUNCHEON ONLY: 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Friday: Luncheon is served from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Supper is served from 5:00 p.m. until 8:39 p.m.
Saturday - Breakfast is served from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Luncheon is served from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Supper is served from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Sunday - Sunday Dinner is served from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Carry Out orders are available.
http://2benedikt.com/home