Farmer Restaurant — A Homecooked Good Time

The Farmer Restaurant, in the historic , is a wonderful restaurant and experience that has something for everyone.

The restaurant has quality home-style food, such as fried chicken and steak sandwiches, and there are events such as Burgers and Blues on Wednesdays nights from 6 to 9 p.m.

There's live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday featuring local talent. My favorite event is Murder Mystery Night. Every mystery event has a new theme and storyline and this June is no exception: "Murder in Space" comes with a three-course gourmet meal.

As someone who has attended these in the past, this is a night full of sleuthing, fun and great food. Be sure to bring your thinking cap.

Now, onto my favorite part of the Farmers, and that is the food. You cannot go wrong here — everything is so yummy. But it is the welcoming staff and casual atmosphere that sets it apart. You are greeted with a warm smile and are ready to start this culinary adventure. We started our recent dinner with an appetizer of Garlic Pizzetas, which is pizza dough stuffed with bleu cheese and Tomato Basil Salsa for $8.95. This is great for sharing and is the perfect mix of garlic and tanginess.

I went with my parents, and each of us decided to order a different entree; dishes are large so they are perfect for sharing. You will most likely have some to take home.

I had the fried chicken, which is to die for. I had homemade mashed potatoes, country gravy and vegetables for $14.99, and if you want all white meat, it's just a dollar extra.

My mom had the chicken piccata, which is chicken breast with a lemon caper, white wine cream sauce served with rice pilaf and vegetables — another classic dish that is simply delicious.

It’s hard to find a restaurant that still makes the classics well. To me, a steak is a universal indicator whether a restaurant is good at cooking the basics. My dad’s entrée was the broiled filet mignon, which was 12 tender ounces of an Angus tenderloin finished with Bernaise sauce and served with creamy au gratin potatoes and vegetables. This steak most definitely passed the test.  The price was high at $29.95 but it was worth every penny — tender, flavorful and most of all, memorable.

Finally, we reached the best part of the meal, which is dessert. It is very rare that I don’t order dessert here because everything is just so good. My top two favorites are the fruit cobbler served warm with heaping dollops of ice cream and the grasshopper pie.

Part of the reason I love the cobbler is that it is so flaky and buttery — it's like something your grandma used to make. The grasshopper pie is a smooth and creamy mint filling on top of chocolate cookie crumbs. This is simply divine, and any lover of mint will enjoy it. All desserts are $6 and are generous and great for sharing.

Overall, this is a great family place with home-style comfort foods that will not disappoint. You will leave feeling full and happy. And you will be welcomed by a friendly staff that is very accommodating.

So, if you're looking for good tunes and dancing, mystery nights or just a casual meal, go to The Farmer Restaurant.

Hours:

Sunday 10 a.m. — 8p.m.

Tuesday — Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday — 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Bar is open until midnight.

Phone: 925-399-6690

(If you are making restaurant reservations, please call the number above — do not email.)