AN OLD GROUCH
RESTAURANT REVIEW
The Depot Deli and Grill is located in Old Town Helena, Alabama. It sits on the south side of Buck Creek Dam and provides outdoor seating overlooking the falls. As previously stated when reviewing incahoots, located on the other side of the dam, Niagara Falls it is most definitely not. However, the view and sound of falling water is relaxing from either side.
The Depot is housed in a very old building that was, in fact, a depot many years ago. The building’s history is recounted on the wall next to the entrance. Take a moment to read the building’s history and learn a little about the history of the area.
We arrived just before 11 am, which is opening time Monday through Saturday. The Depot is closed on Sunday. The Depot is, above all else, a hamburger joint in the nicest sense of the word. The menu contains all the things that you would think a hamburger joint should serve. Two sizes of burgers, fries, onion rings, along with tea and soft drinks comprise the heart of the menu. Of course you can get chicken fingers, chicken salad sandwiches, hot dogs and such exotic items as chili cheese fries.
My humble suggestion is when you go to The Depot, have a burger. The logic here is simple: if you go to a restaurant with a specialty it just makes sense to order that specialty. Crab legs at Longhorn just doesn’t sound right to me nor does a burger at KFC.
Inside there are several booths and tables and a short counter with half a dozen stools. Place your order and help yourself to a drink while waiting on that burger. We ordered a small (4 oz.) and large (7 oz.) burger combo which includes fries or onion rings and a drink. We had one order of onion rings and one of fries. The rings and fries were adequate, but about what you get anywhere.
The hamburgers on the other hand were above average, cooked as ordered and served with a variety of condiments. The tea (sweet or unsweet) is good, and if you don’t want a soft drink or tea you can have a YooHoo. The two combos cost under $15.
The desert menu is rather skimpy. They have something called OoeyGooey (sp) which was described as creamy with sugar. I didn’t try that.
We did enjoy eating our burgers on stools at the counter which overlooks Buck Creek Dam. When the weather is a bit more pleasant I suggest sitting outside and listening to the falling water. It is a pleasant and interesting place to enjoy an old fashioned basic American hamburger.
Depot Deli & Grill
(205) 620-1426
29 Lake Davidson Ln, Helena, AL 35080
Jack Kean
