Lamberts Cafe in Foley, Alabama is home of throwed rolls, pass arounds, generous portions, and a must-visit on the Gulf Coast.
Lambert's Cafe Foley
It's fairly rare for a restaurant to truly shock me with how good it is, but that is exactly what happened when we visited Lambert's Cafe in Foley, Alabama.
Living in the area we had driven by the restaurant many times and always seen a line or the parking lot looked pretty busy so we kept telling ourselves that we would visit when it slowed down a bit.
We finally went in and now I am sad that we waited and missed out on enjoying the food for months. Oh my goodness they know what they are doing and they do it right.
I honestly went in thinking it was going to be a tourist restaurant and the experience was going to be getting a roll thrown and that was it.
I am going to admit in writing that I was wrong and the experience is so much more than just the rolls being thrown. Don't get me wrong you need to enjoy a roll or two or three.
Not only for the experience of catching your food in a restaurant but also because they are some of the best rolls I have had anywhere in the world.
They are hot and delicious, and there is a tub of butter on the table waiting to grace the roll with its goodness. Don't worry if you are not a butter person a lovely Lambert's Cafe Staff member will walk by your table and happily ladle out a heaping load of apple butter or molasses if you prefer.
You will want to grab a paper towel and get it ready on your table because the next thing coming your way is hot fried okra delivered right to the table as you decide what you want to order.
I will warn you not to fill up on the hot roll and okra because there is so much to come and you do not want to miss how epic it is going to be!
PLEASE leave space on your plate for the Fried potatoes and onions that come around. They are truly some of the best potatoes I have enjoyed. I would go back to Lambert's Cafe in Foley just to have another round of Fried Potatoes they are that good.
Waiting/Reservations
Lambert's Cafe Foley does not take reservations. They do have a waiting list once you arrive at the restaurant. Make sure you get your name on the list when you arrive.
There is a large waiting area that runs along the front of the building. If you arrive before the restaurant opens plan to wait until right at 11 am for the doors to open.
When the doors open it is a bit of a mess as people head to the door from three directions trying to get in line first. Don't worry there is a ton of seating inside and they move people through very quickly.
There is a wooden train play structure for kids to enjoy while waiting. We also saw some great family photos being taken with the train.
The train structure was designed and built by Scott Lambert.
When you walk in the front entrance make sure to look at the houses, barns, and grain bins that are on display. They are replicas of the Lambert Farm in Missouri.
The covered bridge is a replica of the bridge Norman Lambert built and dedicated to his father Earl Lambert.
Indoor Seating
The tables are situated between two benches with high backs. The tables can be moved so if a person is larger and need a bit more space you can make that happen.
There are a couple of tables that have chairs if you prefer to sit in one instead of a booth bench.
Lamberts Cafe Foley Menu
The Lambert's Cafe menu is filled with southern comfort food! There are things on the menu that I have never seen on a menu before including Hog Jowl and Frog Legs.
Menu Highlights
Pass Arounds are literally passed around the restaurant by friendly staff members while you are dining.
1st round before your meal comes - Hot Rolls, Sorghum/Molasses, and Apple Butter, Fried Okra
2nd Round once you have your plates - Macaroni and Tomato, Fried Potatoes & Onion (get 2 servings, trust me), Black Eyed Peas. The menu online also says boiled cabbage but we have not seen this during our visits.
These items are in addition to the entrée that you order and side dishes from the menu. Be prepared there is a lot of food but it heats up great the next day.
Entrees
Chicken Livers or Gizzards - Choose either one or have half and half. Breaded and deep fried served with mushroom gravy and two sides.
Chicken & Dumplings - Prepared from scratch and hand rolled every day these dumplings are a must try! Served with 2 sides.
Pork Chops Cutlets - Deep fried pork chop cutlets with three sides
Barbecue Ribs - a full slab of the best loin back pork ribs served with two sides.
Hot Beef Sandwich - open faced pot roast sandwich with gravy, served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and pass arounds.
Hog Jowl - Lambert's famous hog jowl sliced thick, deep fried, and served with two sides
Frog legs - Deep fried frog legs served with cornbread and onions
Golden Fried Chicken - White and dark fried chicken served with two sides
BBQ Pork Steak - Fresh cut pork steak served with three sides.
Hamburger Steak - 100% ground beef topped with sauteed peppers, mushrooms, and onion, smothered in gravy. Served with 2 sides.
Kids Menu
There is a Little Scotty's Kids Menu for children under the age of 10.
Kids can choose from a choice of hamburger, cheeseburger, chicken leg, chicken tenders, chicken & dumplings, roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, BBQ sandwich, vegetable plate, grilled cheese, or mac n cheese.
All kids menu items are served with 2 sides and a drink.
They also offer catfish or shrimp with 2 sides and a drink on the kids menu.
Gluten-Free - The menu designates which menu items have wheat in them.
Vegan - The menu designates if an item has eggs, dairy, or soy in it. You will most likely need to remove the meat from one of the salads and ask about some of the sides.
The green beans, baked beans, and other perfect sides have meat in them or are made with meat stock.
Vegetarian - I normally order the choose any 4 side dishes and have been happy every time.
Takeout
If you are wondering does Lambert's Cafe offer takeout the answer is YES!
You can pick up an order to go and enjoy it at the Gulf Shores Beach or in your vacation rental.
Why you will love Lamberts Foley Al
- Fun atmosphere
- Epic food with large portions
- Southern hospitality
- Family friendly restaurant in Foley
Things to know when planning a visit to Lamberts in Foley, AL
The Foley Lambert's Cafe is the third restaurant that has been opened. It opened on June 24th, 1996. k
Address - 2981 S. McKenzie, Foley, AL 36535
Phone - 251-943-7655
Hours -11 am - 8 pm Monday-Friday and 10:30 am-8 pm Saturday-Sunday.
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that hours have not changed.
The café is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
They close at 3 pm for New Years Eve and on the 4th of July.
Accessibility - There is accessible parking right near main entrance and exit. Inside the restaurant there is an accessible restroom near the exit that is nicely sized.
Plus Size Seating - At first glance the booths look a bit scary if you are plus size. The nice thing is the tables do move so you do not have to squeeze into a small area.
They do have tables with chairs but they are in the same confines as the booths for space. The chairs move around but you only have so much room.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the restaurant.
Parking - There is a large wrap around parking lot for the restaurant along with a secondary dirt lot behind the restaurant.
Lambert's Cafe Gift Shop
There is a nice size gift shop located next to the restaurant. You can pick up one of the epic large mugs to bring home with you along with t-shirts and more fun.
We picked up two of the large mugs and use them for water at our desks every day and love them. They are massive and easy to clean.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen - Located in OWA this restaurant offers family style meals.
Drowsy Poet Foley - Cute coffee shop located in an old school gas station.
Best things to do in Foley, AL - All of the best attractions, museums, parks, and more to check out in Foley.
Burris Farm Market - Grab a bunch of fresh produce and epic snacks at this wonderful farm market.
CoastAL Orange Beach - Epic new restaurant right on the water.
Locals Fairhope - If you are heading to the cute town of Fairhope, Alabama we highly suggest checking out Locals Restaurant.
Foley Train Museum - Fun for all ages museum with model trains, a train ride, and full scale locomotive and caboose.
The Brick Oven Pizzeria - Locally owned old-world-style brick oven pizza restaurant in Foley. One of our favorite pizza restaurants.
You can pick up a giant cinnamon roll to go for $5! These are perfect for a sweet snack while on vacation.
They also sell rolls to go, apple butter, and sorghum.
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Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Alabama and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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Lambert's Café Locations
Lamberts Café 1 - Sikeston, Missouri
Lamberts 2 - Ozark, Missouri
Lamberts 3 - Foley, Alabama
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