RESTAURANT REVIEW: Gravel Road brings goodness to new location

Dishes such as chicken pot pie, country fried steak, and meatloaf are prepared with upscale, but still comforting, twists. For example, the meatloaf and a burger are made with Kobe beef.  

The menu is simple. There are three salads (one features duck and another fried calamari), a list of entrees, and a list of sides. The most expensive item on the menu is the ribeye steak with demi glace and fried onions ($16).

However, most of the dishes are between $8 and $10, making Gravel Road a remarkable value.  

Our serving of catfish was also generous. The fish was beautifully fried so that the outside was crisp and the inside was moist.

The most difficult part of the meal was choosing a side item. There are 24 choices (18 of which are vegetarian), and all sounded good. Not being able to decide on one each, we tried several of the sides. The portions are large enough to share.

Standouts included fried green tomatoes, fried calamari, fried okra, lentils, gouda and oyster mushroom risotto, mascarpone wild rice, Swiss chard, wakame and cucumber slaw, and sweet potatoes.  

There is a better-than-usual children’s menu. It features typical children’s fare such as chicken fingers and pizza, but also offers hanger steak, chicken and dumplings, fish of the day, and pasta with red sauce, white sauce or butter (chicken, fish or shrimp can be added).  

Omelets are design-your-own affairs with a choice from 20 fillings. Cheeses include gouda, Cheddar and mascarpone. Among the vegetable options are roasted red peppers, onions, carrot and jalapeno. And proteins feature tasso, pancetta, scallops, chicken, bacon, sausage and fish.  

It is good to see Gravel Road return. It is even better to see that the food is comforting and good, and the prices make it affordable. Add to that a friendly staff and good music, and you have the makings of a great neighborhood restaurant.

QuickBites

Restaurant: Gravel Road
Location: 4935 East Highway 30A, Seagrove Beach
Telephone: 534-0960
Hours: Breakfast, Monday through Saturday 7 am to 11 am; Lunch and Dinner, Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday Brunch, 10 am to 2 pm   Handicap accessibility: good
Children’s menu: yes
Reservations: not accepted
Price range: Breakfast, $4 - $12
Entrees, $8 - $16
Salads, $8 - $12
Sides, $4
Children’s Menu, $5 - $11
Payment: cash only