Not long ago, Hubby and I were en route to Sulphur Springs for an overnight trip that was going to be a combination of business and pleasure. As we got closer, I went on Facebook and typed the following question. “Can anyone recommend a good place to eat lunch in Sulphur Springs?” It wasn’t long before I heard from my friend Herb who said, “Corner Grub House or Haystacks.” Herb travels extensively for his job and enjoys a good meal just as much as the rest of us, so I trusted his recommendations.
That’s how we ended up at Corner Grub House. Located in the historic Connally Wachholder Building at 113 A Gilmer St. right on the courthouse square, Corner Grub House serves freshly made, comfort dishes that will make you feel right at home.
A good number of people were already dining as we took our seats and our server shared the day’s specials. Looking around, a bar ran about half the length of the dining room with several TVs mounted above it. A larger, Jumbotron-style TV featuring a college softball game between Ole Miss and South Carolina was mounted on the other end of the wall over an attractive, amply-stocked salad bar.
Hubby ordered a chicken fried steak with cream gravy, selecting pinto beans and corn for his sides. The shaved ribeye sandwich with hand cut fries was one of the day’s specials and it sounded too good to pass up, so that’s what I ordered. It was a heaping pile of shaved ribeye with grilled onions and pepper jack cheese on a jalapeno cheddar bun with spicy mayo and it was amazing.
Later that evening, hankering for a good steak, we chose to eat supper at Haystacks. Walking in, we discovered a charming, homey dining room designed with a subtle and tasteful southwestern theme. With our daughter a student at The University of Texas at Austin, we’re now finding ourselves drawn to longhorns. There were several framed paintings and photographs of the majestic and stoic creatures. We ordered a couple of Old Fashioneds, our preferred date night cocktail, and to use Hubby’s parlance, found them to be “mighty tasty.”
We each selected hand-cut steaks with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and gochujang pecan brussels sprouts. He went with the 14-oz. ribeye and I chose the 8-oz. buckeye.
We loved our Old Fashioneds and the gochujang pecan brussels sprouts were absolutely incredible – similar to, yet a little different from – the sweet sriracha brussels sprouts we’ve often enjoyed at Perry’s Steakhouse. We were a bit disappointed in our steaks though. Not only were they very thin, but it seemed as if they hadn’t been cut correctly or seasoned much. However, we saw numerous other dishes come out of the kitchen that looked excellent. We’ll go back, we’ll just order something else next time. Plus, the restaurant had a beautiful ambience and the service was excellent.
Wanting to get a bite to eat the following day before heading home, we stumbled upon a unique place called Eighty-Four. Owned by two female best friends who were both born in 1984 – hence the name – we were intrigued as soon as we crossed the threshold.
You’re greeted by a full-length mirror propped against the wall as you enter with lettering that reads, “Hello. You’re looking absolutely stunning today.” If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will. The place was actually a feast for the eyes because there was so much to look at. A full bar, two pool tables and a couple of old-school video games were in the front room. From there we entered the dining room with its exposed brick painted iridescent teal and gold, fun art and crystal chandeliers sprinkled among ceiling fans with hot pink light bulbs. There was also a large assortment of various furniture styles that were grouped invitingly for conversations or to enjoy live music.
I remarked to Hubby that I found the funky, eclectic vibe of the place reminiscent of the Across the Tracks live music venue in Livingston that we frequently visit.
He selected a loaded double smash burger with tater tots. I ordered the chicken street corn tacos which were two flour tortillas filled with grilled chicken, fried street corn, shredded cheese, bacon, onion, cilantro and drizzled with jalapeno ranch served with tortilla chips, salsa and bean dip. It was all delicious and we left feeling absolutely stuffed.
Though the establishment has only been open since last fall, having checked out their socials several times since our visit, it seems it has developed quite the following. And rightfully so, considering its theme is “Come for the food and stay for the party.” We’ll definitely go back if we’re in the area.
