Hinkle's Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbia

Before checking out the Columbia Crossing River Trail we stopped here for lunch. Let me start by saying that it would be super helpful to post signs advising customers (especially newbies like myself and several other couples who were also puzzled) that the entrance is around the side with an arrow pointing in the correct direction. We were seated right away and a young lady brought us drinks but after that it took about 15 minutes before a server came to our table (the young lady bussing was more attentive). In hindsight, the stapled together sheets of photocopied papers that served as menus should have been my first clue about how this meal would go but we were hungry and there's no place else close by that was open. Hubby got a cheeseburger wrap and for an upcharge got fries & slaw (trust me, don't do it). He enjoyed the wrap and the slaw was tasty but I don't even know what was going on with the fries, unappealing, lukewarm and limp, no potato should be treated like these beaten down fries looked. I got the Hot Turkey with filling and although the turkey was edible they should provide sunglasses to shield your eyes from the nuclear yellow gravy - how exactly did this shade of yellow come about because it certainly wasn't natural. The filling was a small ball that had an okay taste but was too wet & mushy and the cook really should consider toasting the bread. The best part of the meal was the homemade buttercream candies for sale at the counter. Lots of elderly clientele and fairly busy place, it's a shame the food doesn't encourage...

I do not leave many reviews, but had to leave one for Hinkle's. The super cute old time soda counter is why we decided to stop in. We were in the area on vacation, and were wasting time in a nearby antique shop when the security guard heard me say Hinkle's. He directed me to a "golden ticket" coupon for a free scoop of ice cream, just a little extra. But anyway, the ice cream counter is not the only thing "old fashioned" about Hinkle's. The staff were so pleasant and truly kind, the food was very good quality, hot and fresh, and at a very reasonable price. They really make you feel welcomed, even the hostess I was blocking as I stood up from my booth to snap a pic of the counter while it was empty. The appetizer sampler was the best we have had in years. The chicken tenders were actually nice, big, whole tenders too. Even the restroom stop made me smile, with old fashioned toilet paper holders! If we lived nearby, we would be regulars for sure. We will be stopping by next time we are in the area. A small treasure amid the overpriced tourist traps...

I absolutely love Hinkle's! They have done such a wonderful job with the restaurant. It is a great meeting place to bring family and friends. The food is always consistent and the servers always have a smile. I love that they work as a team to bring you your drinks, take your order and deliver food. Sit at the ice cream counter. Order a float or try their signature drink a Lime Rickey. It will take you back to a era that has gone by. I love the nostalgia, the pictures they have hung in the restaurant of generations past. Columbia is really doing a great job with restoring and bringing life back to it's town and Hinkles is such a wonderful example to that. Visit their Mercantile inside if you are in need of a quick gift for someone. It's also close to some wonderful shops like Kindred and Thistle and Sage. Make sure you stop in at the Columbia Market house a short walk away (open only on Saturday) after you had a yummy breakfast! Thank you Hinkle's to all that you do for the community and for the support you show to other organizations...