By Natalie D’Alessandro
The drive to Polly’s Corner Café on Zebulon Road was anything but enjoyable due to the Friday afternoon rush-hour traffic. However, our spirits were lifted by the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen as we pulled into the parking lot. The restaurant was already crowded. When we arrived, we were told there would be a half-hour wait. We were fortunate enough to get one of the two picnic tables situated outside where we were able to enjoy the breeze at the end of a slightly overcast day.
Since beginning our journey through parenthood if we have the little one in tow, we’ve learned from past experiences not to procrastinate when it comes to ordering. So we looked over the menu as we waited. The menu selections range from rib-eye steaks, burgers, and sandwiches to shrimp, all-you-can eat fried catfish, and specialty salads. With our entrees we were offered a choice of baked potato or fries, and salad or coleslaw. Exactly one-half hour later, we heard our name called just as we finished making our choices.
The hostess made sure we were seated at a secluded table in the corner, which was ideal as our nine month old needed a highchair. We were famished from the wait, so we started with the pick-and-choose, three-combo appetizer. There were several appealing choices ranging from wings to cheese sticks. We settled on potato skins, chicken fingers and fried mushrooms. All three were very tasty with generous portions.
For our entrees, I decided on the combo shrimp plate which included fried, grilled, and sautéed shrimp. My husband, of course, ordered the catfish! Our entrees were reasonably priced. You can’t beat $9.95 for all the catfish you can eat and $12.95 for a 15-piece shrimp platter, but the rib-eye steak on the menu at $15.95 seemed a little pricey. That’s what I thought until I saw the size of the steak; it looked well worth the cost.
My extra-large fried shrimp were lightly breaded and golden brown. The grilled shrimp, still on the skewer, were perfectly seasoned; and the butter-sautéed shrimp melted in my mouth. My baked potato was slightly overcooked and decidedly small in comparison to the rest of the meal.
After the appetizer and only a part of my entrée, I was stuffed. My husband enjoyed three servings of the catfish so they must have been fried to perfection. Our daughter, after finishing her dinner, happily munched on French fries to pass the time. The other diners didn’t seem to mind that she smiled at them and tried to engage them in dinner conversation.
Our waitress was very attentive-refilling our drinks and bringing extra napkins for our little one. We weren’t offered any desserts, but anyway, I don’t think we could have eaten anything more. We had plenty of leftovers to take home. We certainly enjoyed our dinner at Polly’s. The restaurant had great service, good food, and a relaxing atmosphere. With a contented tummy, I’d have to say our experience was terrific. Polly’s is family-owned and operated and is definitely a family-friendly restaurant with good food.
Vital Statistics
- Cuisine: Seafood, Steak and Chicken
- Service: Friendly table service, food made fresh and to order
- Hours: Lunch Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Dinner Monday & Tuesday, 5–9 p.m. | Wednesday–Saturday 5–10 p.m.
- Price: Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and burgers, $3.95 and up; seafood and steaks $9.95 and up; Children’s plates $2.25–$3.95
6351 Zebulon Road, Macon
478/757-9926