Dottie’s Fountain & Grill

The restaurant is at the back of the building, past the antiques stalls and pictures of Englander’s in its heyday. It’s the quintessential small-town lunch counter; outsiders are definitely noticed (and welcomed), and one gets the sense that much town business and catching-up is conducted over a steak sandwich or an ice cream soda.

What to eat at Dottie’s Fountain & Grill

The menu features most lunch-counter and soda-fountain standbys such as burgers, sandwiches (including peanut butter & jelly for just a dollar), blue-plate specials, and milkshakes, all of which are good… but the real reason to drive out of your way to come to Dottie’s Fountain & Grill is breakfast. The usual eggs and pancakes and coffee shop fare are all here, but the standout dish is the buckwheat cakes. These thin, almost crepe-like pancakes aren’t like most buckwheat pancakes you’ll find: the buckwheat is locally grown in Garrett County (Maryland) and the adjoining Preston County (West Virginia). Unusually, these buckwheat cakes are sourdough, made with a starter. This lends them a nutty tang that melds perfectly with maple syrup.

The pork sausage is notable as well; it’s coarse-ground and homemade (Dottie’s does a thriving takeout frozen-sausage business) and nicely seasoned with a mild sage flavor.

Original post by Sam Meyer