Food is a passion. Quality restaurants with good friends can never be a bad time. Graham offers many restaurants in a small square block and one of these is the Graham Soda Shop and Grill.

The Graham Soda Shop deals out southern hospitality with delicious food. Located directly across from the historic Graham courthouse, the soda shop has the feel of a quaint diner.

The look of the diner is something almost straight out of the 1950s and 60s with the black and white tile floor and pictures of the town from that era. Their solid wood bar is decorated from above with jerseys from local football teams, giving a real, local hometown feel. The whole back section of the restaurant serves as a memorial to firefighters who have risked their lives to save others.

While the curb appeal is high for the soda shop, so is its menu and atmosphere. While our waitress was very good, we had one issue. It was unclear at the soda shop if you were supposed to seat yourself or wait for someone to seat you. I later found out you could.

The menu consisted of homemade ice cream and normal lunch favorites that were given some flair with their interesting names.

As far as the food goes I ordered “the Heizer.” This was basically a rueben. Heizer means firefighter in German.

The Heizer was delicious and the sauerkraut was something you could find in a New York City deli.

The sweet potato fries that I had as a side were a smash hit. They were covered with cinnamon and sugar and came with scintillating dipping sauce that was both spicy and sweet. These can be ordered with your sandwich or as an appetizer where they are called “The Tip Off” sweet potato fries.

My friend ordered the chicken wings, which he said were perfect in terms of spiciness; not too hot but with enough kick to them.

The cost of a meal is also an attractive selling point for the soda shop. My meal was $8.50 with tip. The wings with a tip and a drink cost just $7.50. Our drinks were refilled and we were given to-go cups.

The restaurant offers a nice feel for college students and locals alike. I can see this place packed during a busy day of practicing law at the

court house.

In addition to a great meal, they offer specials and viewings of Monday Night Football.

Next time you need a break from studying, drive around and see what else you can find. Always remember to keep your mind open to new restaurants.

The Graham Soda Shop and Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, with those hours extending until 11 p.m. on the weekend. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Reviewer: Seth Gleeson - 12/05/07