Every now and again it’s good to stop in at various eateries one encounters on the open road.  If you’re a bit adventurous, the result can be an unexpected find or at the very least, a funny tale of culinary horrors you can relay to your friends and family.  My wife and I had the recent good fortune of encountering the former – a little gem along route 68 in Western Maryland I never even knew existed until now – the Oak Barrel Café.

Part gas station, part convenience store, part gift shop, liquor store, and yes – even the local post office (all rolled into one), the Oak Barrel Café is one of those rare places that brings smiles and surprises everywhere you turn.  It’s located off of route 68 at the High Germany Road exit (Exit 72), right after you pass over the cut in the mountain at Siedling Hill, just 8 miles west of Hancock, Md.

We entered expecting nothing, but were pleased by everything.  They have a deli with made-to-order sandwiches and sides, homemade baked goods (the entire store smelled like fresh brownies when we arrived – they had just removed a huge batch from the oven), a liquor section featuring local wines, and the option to “build your own” 6 packs of craft beer for purchase.

A smiling server took our orders and asked if we were eating in or “to go”.  We responded “in” and were directed to a cute and cozy dining space just off of the main store that was rustically decorated and also contained store branded food and gift items that we could look over while waiting.  We grabbed a few fountain drinks and settled in.  Our server soon delivered lunch to our table.  My wife ordered a fried shrimp “Po Boy” sandwich, which came with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a spicy mayo.  The shrimp were crispy and well prepared, and contrasted nicely with the cool lettuce and tomato.  I chose the “Bad Boy Beef” – beef brisket served with a horseradish sauce on marble rye bread.  Delicious!  Mine disappeared literally in minutes.  They also had various wraps, sandwiches, and burgers on the menu, along with daily soups and sides like sweet potato fries, broccoli salad, and fresh made cole-slaw.  It’s food you wouldn’t expect at a gas station.

Believe it or not, there was also outdoor seating with a stage area for live entertainment.  This place must be hopping with locals on the weekends, and since it’s open 24 hours, you can stop in anytime to grab a little something for the road.  All the staff we encountered were pleasant and friendly – another hallmark of a business that is “doing it right”.  Prices were a bit higher than a fast-food lunch, but at around $12 for a fresh-made hot deli sandwich, side, and drink, I thought it was quite reasonable for the quality of the food.

Both of us left with the feeling that we had found something special and promised to return.  I encourage anyone on the road to such Western Maryland destinations as Rocky Gap, Cumberland, Frostburg, or beyond to add the Oak Barrel Café to your list of dining options as you travel the highway.  It’s a hidden gem.

 

Restaurant name:  Oak Barrel Cafe

Overall rating out of five:  3.0

Food:  3.5

Service:  3.0

Ambiance:  3.0

Value:  3.0

Address:  35206 National Pike NE, Little Orleans, MD 21766

Phone:  (301)478-2727

Hours:  Open 24 hours

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/oakbarrelcafe/

Parking:  onsite

Reservations required?  not required