Ed's Restaurant — Restaurant in DeFuniak Springs

It was the wee dawn hours ushering in a Monday morning as we ambled along Interstate 10. The sounds of the pavement passing under were giving way to the groaning sounds of hunger taking over.

As my Fav Fab One started looking online for a tasty oasis, I advised that I didn't want any 'Exit Food'. None of those cookie-cutter franchise food factories just off the I-10 for me. Nearing a town with a name like DeFuniak Springs almost guaranteed we'd find the perfect place. And that is when she found Ed's...

The first thing I noticed when pulling into the parking lot was that Ed's has been in business since 1964. That's 58 years, folks!

Now there ain't nothin' fancy about Ed's. It's a simple shack with a sometime walk-up window, side by side outside bathrooms, slightly hazed over window filmed windows and plenty of time-honored scars. Right inside the door you see the sizzlin' flattop where all of the cooking creations come to life.

Moseying over to get our breakfast wishes was a girl named Micah. Turns out she was as unique as her name. Friendly and with a bit of fun she welcomed us in true Southern style. When visiting new places, that first contact with a local makes all the difference. Micah made us feel right at home.

Now remember, we're in Ed's for breakfast. It's roughly 8 am here, 9 where we live. Fab One and I keep flipping the two-sided menu over, and over. Lots of choices. Omelets. Pancakes. Eggs any way you like. And a mention about some mighty fine biscuits.

With a hint of mischief in her eyes, Fab One shyly says she's curious about Ed's signature Pub Burger. I glanced around over my shoulder at the sign outside. Sure enough, in big letters it proclaims, 'Home of the PUB BURGER'.

Giggling like two kindergarteners we wondered if Ed's would be willing to whomp up a couple of Pub Burgers while the sun was still waking up outside??? It was at this moment that Micah approached, pen & order paper in hand. Feeling like I was cheating on the breakfast gods I mustered the courage to ask Micah if hamburgers, no, Pub Burgers, could be in our near future? To our great amusement, she responded "Absolutely!"

I could see two girls flipping food, slicing and dicing over at the flattop. The clink of the spatula followed by sizzles and a tiny billow of smoke. This was the heart of Ed's. It wasn't long before a wonderful beefy sweet aroma filled the air. Pub burger fueled whiffs teasing our tastebuds.

Micah marched towards our table with two plates destined for our palettes. And a basket of fries. It was true home-cooked goodness. Golden buns with a shimmering glint of greasy yum oozing down.

I bit into a fry first. That crunch told me this breakfast 'lunch' bunch was a munching great hunch! The burger before me was cut in half. Crispy curves of beef overhung the bun. American cheese filled those curves, cascading into cheesicle drips.

Taking that first bite of burger, I was in a very happy place. And so was that woman across the table from me! Can you picture a pickle puckering smiling face? I was in the midst of pure greatness. Holding an 'all the way' burger that needed nothing else! Nothing. No added mayo. No ketchup. NOTHING. A juicy patty of perfection lovingly wrapped in all the way WOW! With a hint of that 'you know it' shiny good dripping down the hand.

By far a burger worthy of being in any PUB. Anywhere. Perfect Ultimate Burger!

With the mischief that is me, I couldn't resist talking to the cook(s) responsible for this magical meal. I motioned at one of the cooks with a forefinger 'come here' wiggle. (The kind your mama would do when in trouble). She had a look of 'Uh-oh' on her face as she sheepishly stepped over to me. I proceeded to sternly announce that she hit that burger OUT OF THE PARK! Followed by a whole lot of very sincere praise. Her face went from OMG to glee immediately! Her name is Caroline. As she glowed, she said that made her day. She advised her able co-cook was Sam. Both lovely girls.

Ed's. We thank you! And we'll hopefully see you...

We stopped in Ed's for a late night dinner with the kids as we had to pick up a critter. Upon walking up, it's a very small place (hubs and I love small mom and pop places! They have the best foods, in my opinion, without breaking the bank) It's been about a week, so I'm a bit off on all the finer details. Though I will say, I wasn't so keen on the corn nuggets. The salad was that, a salad it was good and got its job done! It tasted pretty good! Cheese sticks were great! My hubs and kids said their foods were great. Ranging from burgers to tenders.

Soda, unfortunately, was flat :( We ended with ice cream! Delcious, according to the baby! Staff was extremely kind! Most high school kids! Was still a great place. The teens were even manning the grill!

Two things Bathrooms could have been a bit cleaner. I understand a mom and pop and bathrooms located on the side. I don't feel that excuse uncleanness.

Out door seating. Yes, it's nice. It's dangerous 😳 ☠️

Youngest ended up having a panic attack, all while a spider came to sit on dad's head from the rafters above. The danger I'm not saying is the spiders. (Maybe if some of those are poison and there ARE ALOT. Eggs, live spiders, etc. If seating is not intended to be there, then move it or clean this up! It's nasty and honestly for some makes enjoying their time unenjoyable. I don't really mind spooders. To be honest. I thought it was only one when my son said, "Hey mom, look, there are hundreds, again live, possibly dead." Tons eggs.

The seating is right beside a very, very busy road (hence the danger )

If you have smaller children, this isn't ideal. It's only a side walk step, then into the road. Maybe these seats would be better suited farther back or even have a small fence just to block that area. There are flat benches with no backs that do sit against the sidewalk. All in all

FOOD-B+ ATMOSPHERE- D STAFF -A+ SERVICE...

3-9-23 Update: Took a friend here that just moved here and it was the worst it has ever been...I was so embarrassed after bringing him here for dinner and you lost him as another customer prospect. The only thing good he had to say about the place was "At least I didn't have to cook tonight". He got the Pub burger...told the waitress he wanted it with a good amount of pink in the middle...it came out burned to a crisp. I took a chance and tried the chicken fried steak for a change. I've been a restaurant mgr for over 8+ years and could tell that it was premade/boxed and just deep fried. It tasted the exact same as the CFS I would get when I was in middle school but paid almost $11 for it and the onion rings were a greasy soggy mess again too! The waitress did ok but only checked on us once. I think yesterday's visit was the final nail in the coffin for visiting anymore. Unless you complain to the mgr and he talks to the staff you are going to get garbage food. Miss the "Local Flavor" downtown that was cheaper and always good.

5-28-22 Update: Decided to give the place another chance. Had a small incoveince earlier but talked to the mgr. Thomas and he made it right. Got the Pub burger yesterday and it was one of the best burgers I have ever had. The manager Thomas wants to make sure that your problem is taken care of and is genuinely concerned about his customers. He is doing a great job of turning the restaurant around. Thanks again for the great service and the delicious food. Raised my rating from 2 stars to 4 stars. Look forward to more improvements.

The food here has declined dramatically in the past 2 years. In the past the food was incredibly good. The customer service is about the same...slight decline. I won't be eating here anymore.... I can cook my own burger way better than what the...