Gray Brothers Cafeteria, Mooresville, Indiana

When you first arrive at Gray Brothers Cafeteria, you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised before you even park. The grey stone building with wooden rails and accents resembles a western hunting lodge more than a Mooresville restaurant and looks almost out of place across from a Long John Silvers and Kroger. But if you're lucky enough to find a parking spot and the line isn't wrapped around the building, you're in for the best food in the state. Since 1944 Grays has been wowing the small town of Mooresville, Indiana with unequaled home style cooking.　

There are thousands of restaurants around the world that claim home cooked meals, but the only one I've ever believed is Grays. The dining room boosts big stone fireplaces which are lit in the winter, stained glass windows and large, wooden family style tables. Decorated with primitive tins, dishes and pioneer style objects, its charming and authentic. Sometimes it will be so busy you'll be sitting at the same long table as another family, but the entire atmosphere of comfort and home makes this seem normal.

When you enter the building, you'll stand in line behind other customers for typically 15-30 minutes depending on how busy they are. Holidays and Sundays may be even busier, especially around dinner time. There are no reservations or greeters, just a cafeteria line where you select each item a la carte and slide your tray along metal rails, much like any other cafeteria in the country. This is the moment when Grays leaps beyond the ordinary.

The food is unbelievable. It tastes like an army of the best grandmas in the world are in the back, baking pies, roasting turkey and making sure everything is perfect for their families.

The first food you'll encounter is the cold section, housing small side salads, cottage cheese, jello and other such dishes. They are all fresh and tasty but if you don't have a big appetite, save room for what's to come. Next there is another small cold food section, housing deserts such as frozen pies and cheese cake. Although these are fantastic, they are not made in house & we normally do not select them.

Immediately after the cold section are the homemade pies. From the crust to the fillings, these are all made in the restaurant by hand and famous across the Midwest. They typically have at least fifteen kinds to choose from, including a strawberry pie completely filled with whole, fresh berries and a butterscotch pie I could almost swear my mom must have made. They offer every type of pie you can imagine--chocolate cream, pecan, lemon, coconut cream, apple, blackberry, raisin and more. The crusts are light and flakey and the fillings are rich and flavorful. Do not miss out on these pies, even if you just want to share a piece with someone else. I suggest the strawberry pie with whipped cream as its uniquely scrumptious.　

Next are the main courses. Each one is cooked to perfection, flavored perfectly and simply the best home style meal you can get outside of (or in some cases, even in) your own kitchen. One of Grays most famous main courses is the fried chicken, which is better than any chicken I've ever had. Its moist without being to greasy, perfectly breaded and seasoned, but beware--you might be craving it for days to come. Although most everyone does select the chicken, all their other entrees are perfect. The fried pork tenderloin is big enough to eat your full and still take half home. The roast pork has a hint of mustard that makes it simply divine. Pork chops, homemade noodles, baked fish--the list goes on and on. I've never had a disappointing meal at Grays Brothers. I suggest the fried chicken or roast pork.

As the meals are a la carte, next you'll encounter the side dishes. You can choose any number you'd like, but remember the portions are generous. I've noticed most people selecting 2-3 sides to go with dinner and desert. They offer typical vegetables such as assorted beans, peas, carrots, and corn as well as mixed vegetables, each one seasoned and cooked carefully. Don't expect bland veggies with a little salt and pepper. The corn is fresh, the carrots sweet, and the lima beans seasoned with ham. They also offer traditional side dishes such as mac & cheese, sage stuffing with gravy and au gratin potatoes. If you like gravy and mashed potatoes, they normally have both white & brown gravy and creamy potatoes, none of which come from a powder or can. I recommend the lima beans, stuffing and mashed potatoes with white gravy.

Of course, they offer various home made muffins & corn bread at the end of the line if you have room on your tray as well as fantastic sweet tea. When you get to the cash register, you'll be even more surprised. While restaurant prices spiral out of control in this difficult economy, Grays only costs around $10.00 for any entree with two sides, a drink and pie.

I've heard tales of people driving miles out of their way or coming in from nearby states to visit this extraordinary restaurant. They aren't crazy--its really that good. If you're anywhere near the state of Indiana, plan to visit Grays Brothers Cafeteria. They are located on S.R 67, about 8 miles south of 465. Visit the Grays Brothers website for more information such as hours, directions, menus and phone numbers.