Bites Nearby: Old Ephraim’s

Overview: I’m not sure how I have managed to drive by on the Marietta Square countless times and not known it was there, but I did, and I’m told it’s been there for three years. My bad–it is really good. Named for a gigantic grizzly bear that roamed the Cache National Forest from 1911 to 1923, Old Ephraim’s Restaurant looks like a rustic hunting lodge, complete with stone fireplace, stained wood floors and lots of windows. Lunch and Dinner is served seven days a week. On Saturday and Sundays, breakfast may be ordered from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Food: I had every intention of ordering fish because I’d heard they serve great seafood. The smell of freshly smoked BBQ wafted through the restaurant and by the time our server arrived, I was just powerless over that aroma. I ordered the Smoked Pork BBQ Platter for $11.99, served with two sides. I am here to tell you it was some of the best smoked pork I have ever tasted. The meat was moist and tender, served chunk-style. Even if you are an opinionated BBQ lover, they have you covered. Two BBQ sauces available: one is sweet (molasses, brown sugar); the other is mustard based and more tart.

Some of Old Ephraim’s signature dishes include:

Appetizers:

Butter Pecan Shrimp  $10.49 – Five butterflied shrimp dipped in a mild butter pecan batter and rolled in a mixture of pecans, coconut and bread crumbs. Served on a skewer with a Caribbean sauce. NOTE: This is also available as an entrée for $16.49 with six shrimp – the appetizer is a better deal.

Other Entrees To Try:

Grilled Cold Water Trout  $16.49 – Fresh from the cold waters of the Rocky Mountains (This was what I really meant to order before getting sidetracked with the BBQ aroma. I hear this trout is delicious). Served with two sides.

Super Salad  $10.49 – (It’s HUGE - see photo) Your choice of Hickory-smoked pork, beef or chicken served over a blend of lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and shredded cheddar cheese. This salad is plenty for two people.

King Crab Legs $16.99 - Giant  1 ½ pounds of legs direct from the glacier waters of the North Pacific and served with warm butter.

Sides: The potato salad is southern style-creamy, not chunky, with mayonnaise, and the baked beans are very meaty with beef. Both were delicious. Served with two sides.

Breakfast:

The Big Bear  $10.99 - One strawberry crêpe One serving French toast, two specialty pancakes, two strips of bacon, two sausages, hash browns and scrambled eggs.

The Desserts:

Grand Frontier $4.99 –Vanilla bean and chocolate mousse with fudge brownie bites. This is rich, rich, rich.

The Drinks: Try the delicious homemade lemonade. Premium beverages include Mimosas and Poinsettias (dine-in only).

Hours: Mon-Thu 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m. –11 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

70 South Park Square NE, Marietta 30060   (770) 425-0073  View menus at  www.oldephraims.com.

Overview: I’m not sure how I have managed to drive by Old Ephraim’s Restaurant and Catering on the Marietta Square countless times and not know it was there, but I did, and I’m told it’s been there for three years. My bad – it is really good. Named for a gigantic grizzly bear that roamed the Cache National Forest from 1911 to 1923, Old Ephraim’s Restaurant looks like a rustic hunting lodge, complete with stone fireplace, stained wood floors and lots of windows. Lunch and Dinner is served seven days a week. On Saturday and Sundays, breakfast may be ordered from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Food: I had every intention of ordering fish because I’d heard they serve great seafood. The smell of freshly smoked BBQ wafted through the restaurant and by the time our server arrived, I was just powerless over that aroma. I ordered the Smoked Pork BBQ Platter for $11.99, served with two sides. I am here to tell you it was some of the best smoked pork I have ever tasted. The meat was moist and tender, served chunk-style. Even if you are an opinionated BBQ lover, they have you covered. Two BBQ sauces available: one is sweet (molasses, brown sugar); the other is mustard based and more tart.

Some of Old Ephraim’s signature dishes include:

Appetizers:

Butter Pecan Shrimp  $10.49 – Five butterflied shrimp dipped in a mild butter pecan batter and rolled in a mixture of pecans, coconut and bread crumbs. Served on a skewer with a Caribbean sauce. NOTE: This is also available as an entrée for $16.49 with six shrimp – the appetizer is a better deal.

Other Entrees To Try:

Grilled Cold Water Trout  $16.49 – Fresh from the cold waters of the Rocky Mountains (This was what I really meant to order before getting sidetracked with the BBQ aroma. I hear this trout is delicious). Served with two sides.

Super Salad  $10.49 – (It’s HUGE - see photo) Your choice of Hickory-smoked pork, beef or chicken served over a blend of lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and shredded cheddar cheese. This salad is plenty for two people.

King Crab Legs $16.99 - Giant  1 ½ pounds of legs direct from the glacier waters of the North Pacific and served with warm butter.

Sides: The potato salad is southern style-creamy, not chunky, with mayonnaise, and the baked beans are very meaty with beef. Both were delicious. Served with two sides.

Breakfast:

The Big Bear  $10.99 - One strawberry crêpe One serving French toast, two specialty pancakes, two strips of bacon, two sausages, hash browns and scrambled eggs.

The Desserts:

Grand Frontier $4.99 –Vanilla bean and chocolate mousse with fudge brownie bites. This is rich, rich, rich.

The Drinks: Try the delicious homemade lemonade. Premium beverages include Mimosas and Poinsettias (dine-in only).

Hours: Mon-Thu 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m. –11 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

70 South Park Square NE, Marietta 30060   (770) 425-0073  View menus at www.oldephraims.com.