Apple Barrel Restaurant — Restaurant in Nebraska City

My server was TERRIFIC! I sould have taken time to discover her story. Her accent made me think "Russia," and she referred to me as "my lady." She was over and above in every way--bringing samples of soup so I could choose, making sure my "take home bag" had everything I needed to finish my leftovers (container for chili, napkins, utensils, extra crackers, all in a bag to carry easily). I didn't ask for any of it, so her thoughtfulness and care both surprised and refreshed me. Delightful!

Honestly there's nothing special about the restaurant itself or the food other than being an oasis in the middle of a long drive. (Actually, I should have thought to ask about what sandwiches are grilled in. I'm used to real butter or olive oil, and should have requested something of quality. So if someone reads this, you may want to ask about or request what you prefer.)

You should know that the Sapp Bros. travel center in which Apple Barrel is located has a coffee called "Awake!" with extra caffeine, and their women's bathrooms are all private rooms with sinks and a bidet--a spa for your special parts! And if your soul needs refreshment, there are free CDs and Bibles at the side...

This place is amazingly good in my opinion. I tavel a lot, its hard to find a decent spot that serves well and tastes good.

I got their whiskey steak, with mash potatoes and a salad.

I thought it was just gonna be another bland steak meal on the road, but as she delivered my plate the first thing that caught my attention was the delectable scent. It smelled sweet and tangy and warm. I immediately cut into my medium rare steak and ate it... it was an explosion of flavor and perfectly cooked. Trying my potatoes i noticed it had actual potatoe chucks in it, made from real potatoes is always better than powder stuff a lot of places do, and the gravy wasn't too thick and overwhelming.

The service here was polite, you choose your own seat. The service person (Tammy P) was right there before i fully sat down despite nearly every table in the place being crowded and full. She showed me the menu and came back a minute later took my order. Delivered the drink fast and checked up often.

Food came quick for how crowded they were, pleasantly surprised.

I absolutely enjoyed this place and intend to return as often as possible.

Update 5 months after posting this:...

Well what to start with, I use to eat here before the pandemic. The food was always good. Well I stopped in to get some food. And they did not have any steaks at all. Which was very disappointing, so I settled with pork chops and vegetable of the day and onion rings. My waitress came back later and said no more onion rings, ok I take a salad, because I don’t eat potatoes and that salad was the only thing that was not a potato for a side. It came out with lettuce and cheese, with small pieces of tomatoes, Then my pork chops came out. They was so over cooked and burnt it was ridiculous, I had to scrape off the burnt just to try and eat them. All you tasted was the charred and the meat was so dried it was like eating jerky. Then as I drank my coffee it was full of grounds. The waitress was nice, but the cook needs cooking lessons or just close the doors for good. I know I will never stop in here again for food, it...