LIKE MOST other small towns, Fayetteville has some of America’s most popular fast-food restaurants where you can get a mediocre cheeseburger and fries. You can even get your sweet treat fix through a drive-thru (that is, if the soft serve machine is working). It seems like every time I pull through a drive-thru these days, the food prices have increased yet again. It immediately upsets me, knowing I could drive a little farther to Old Taft Depot to get a burger and fries that are beyond amazing for the price.
Taft is a small, unincorporated community in Southwestern Lincoln County. There’s one red light, so don’t blink, or you might miss it. There’s a post office, a Dollar General, and a few other small businesses. However, the one business that stands out is the Old Taft Depot Restaurant. If you drive by after the sun goes down, it’s the brightest place in town due to the beautiful, glowing strings of lights lining the patio area.
I have eaten at this hidden gem several times. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from juicy burgers and hearty sandwiches to delicious plate lunches, mouthwatering wings, and more. The made-from-scratch desserts include fried pies, banana pudding, and pecan pie — just to name a few. Hand-dipped ice cream is on the menu, too. Anyone searching for a delicious breakfast can stop by from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily. Lunch is served from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Orders can be called in for pick-up at the convenient drive-thru, or you can dine inside or on the patio.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of speaking with co-owners and sisters Lorraine Graham and Judy Kolle. With encouragement from their family, they opened the restaurant in 2018. Lorraine and Judy have satisfied many hearty appetites and happily attribute their success to the skilled cooks who work for them. Judy says if you eat at the Old Taft Depot once, you will definitely want to come back. I know this to be true because I’m already planning my next visit! GN