News - Entertainment - Dining Out

Friday, Oct. 03, 2008

Pull into The Lake Wylie Junction for a tasty meal

This column offers a sampling of dining experiences in the area. It is not intended as a review of the restaurant other than to provide the reader with one diner's experience.

The Lake Wylie Junction Grill & Pub

Location: 13105 S. Tryon St., Steele Creek

Hours: Breakfast/brunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week; dinner, 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays; late-night menu, 10 p.m. to midnight Fridays and midnight Saturdays to 2 a.m. Sundays; bar open late

Phone: (704) 605-0036

Web site: lakewylie-junction.com

Ambiance: Casual but classy sports bar and grill

My friend and I had sampled food from The Lake Wylie Junction Grill & Pub (former site of Grid Iron) many times at Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. But there’s nothing quite like sitting down and taking in the laid back, friendly atmosphere of the restaurant that includes warm in wood and brick, yet open space with many windows, and catch this — 30 televisions throughout the place.

Sports fans are sure to be able to see all the action here. There’s a large dining area and private party room (great for luncheons) to the left after entering the welcoming host in the foyer, and a large bar and more booths and tables to the right. There’s also patio seating.

The menu features American classics such as homemade soups, an assortment of salads, sandwiches, burgers and variety of entrees from braised beef short ribs to lobster tail.

The Junction’s special Business Lunch menu includes several options for $7, including coffee, tea or soda, with soup and salad, salad and sandwich, soup and sandwich, open-faced roast beef sandwich, chicken tenders and more. For $9, the menu includes entrees like half-pack baby back ribs, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings and fish and chips.

I came on a mission to try what has made The Junction a name for itself since opening almost a year ago — the buttermilk fried chicken breast marinated in a seasoned breading and served on a bed of warm blue cheese coleslaw with a white pepper gravy (offered the $9 business lunch menu). The restaurant was voted “Best of 2008” at Taste of Charlotte serving this dish, along with the Chocolate Sack Dessert filled with pound cake, strawberries, kiwi and more that serves four ($12).

My chicken was scrumptious, the blue cheese slaw surprisingly fantastic, and the au gratin potatoes definitely didn’t come from a box. I devoured the plate. My friend had the garlic and herb-roasted chicken with baked squash casserole and blue cheese slaw. There was plenty for taking home to top off a salad or make a sandwich.

We split dessert after our waitress suggested the pecan pie, saying it’s the best around. While I haven’t had every pecan pie around, I can tell you the caramel drippings added a new wonder to what is already one of my favorite pies.

The Junction coins itself “the spice of life.” Our meals definitely showed off the chefs talent for spicing up what could be ordinary dishes with new tasty twists.