Al’s Place — Restaurant in Galt

i should have more to say about al's but in this rare case my words just don't do it justice. best put it this way: indescribably essential. not the experience itself but that having a place like al's in today's world is not only unusual but that knowing its likes still exist simply must be, for a certain balance of the cumulative human spirit to survive if only in the mind. to end it here if you want the quick and easy, the steak dinner on sunday night is probably the key experience, but only if you can tolerate the marauding bikers. otherwise, don't go then.

also don't just come for the steak, buy the t-shirt and wear it if you have balls. i recently treated to dinner here a jewish friend from ny's upper east side, bought him the short-sleeve version, simple elegantly black and understated don't you agree? we were of course quite drunk at the time. he swore on his mother's grave, not exactly so but in whatever way it is that jews do to assure something, then and there to wear it once back home and strolling down fifth some afternoon, and very soon. so far he reports not having done so as yet. pigs will fly first. try it yourself, but maybe begin with dinner...

A Locke haven for Sports, imbibing, liars dice, etc. To cut thirst or watch games, it is a friendly spot to hang out. Don't be deterred by the un-PC name. It was named by the owner, and he's long retired to the tavern in the sky. In this century old structure, it seems like an freeze-frame from the '50s. (Maybe the 1850's?) Like the whole historic region of the fast disappearing small-town delta area of Locke & Walnut Grove, it has much more going on than you'd imagine. The bartender I know is John, and he's quite a cool guy. Treat yourself to a stroll down the one block business district. And if the saloon doesn't grab you, get down to the Southeast corner of the block-long Locke 'business district' and enter an establishment for all ages: Martha's Ice Cream/+ light fare (You know, although I've known her and her children for years, and I rent a room from her in the the Nut Grove- I don't know if it's got a name. But she is a multitalented artist with a love of history, and a deeply researched knowledge of the area's history. Please check it out if you're down the River Road. And there's more to see on both sides of the street. These are my favorites, but you'll find...

After meaning to go here for years, we finally made it last night (a Tuesday). So glad we did.

I enjoyed the character of this spot. It's a bar/restaurant with a rich history, totally unique and off the beaten path.

We started with an Old Fashioned. It was fun talking to Jonny, I think I heard, about Al's, mixology, and ice. He made a most excellent Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioneds, one bourbon and one rye, were a great lead in to the The Big Ol Steak and a Lil Steak. They were cooked as we requested (one rare and one medium-rare) and accompanied with sauteed mushrooms, loaded baked potato, onion rings, French fries, and Brussels sprouts. All was fantastic. My wife raved about the Brussels, and we enjoyed talking with Crystal about how she made them.

Everyone who works here that we interacted with was friendly. I'm still having a hard time adjusting to prices after the past few years, but the prices here seemed quite reasonable compared to elsewhere.

I look forward to...