After two months of school, it’s hard not to crave the warmth of a home-cooked meal. Since they couldn’t cry to their mommies, the Daily’s homesick critics searched the city for a brief taste of home.

Atmosphere:

AL: Stepping into The Grove Cafe brought back instant memories of the small-town restaurant I worked in during high school. From the locals discussing the weather to the friendly waitress and smiling short-order cook, it’s impossible to deny the charm of a greasy spoon. The napkins might be paper instead of linen, and the coffee might come in a non-matching mug, but it all adds to the charm.

ER: The most time I’ve spent in a small diner was at the Cove off of Interstate 80 for 45 minutes on my way home from Iowa State. Being from Rockford, Ill., which is a cement jungle compared to Ames, finding small, homey diners is a rarity. Hearing about The Grove Cafe, I knew I had to make one visit before I graduate.

Stepping inside, I was transported back to a time when everyone still knew your name and what you did five minutes ago. A small bar, lined with short stools, was arranged along the front of the open kitchen, right in front of a wall that had “Just like home you don’t always get what you want” written on it. With that said, I guess I can’t complain very much.

The small dining room gave a cozy feel, much like having dinner in your own home. It’s a place where people who work hard go after an all-night shift for a cup of coffee.

Service:

AL: I’ve worked in a restaurant very similar to The Grove Cafe and still have never seen service this fast (in other words, I was a lazy employee). Eric and I went from hungry to full in less than 10 minutes, making it the perfect stop for a short lunch break. Granted, we ordered simple special items and deep-fried foods, but then again, that’s a pretty large proportion of the menu.

ER: Before I could get to the back page of the menu, the waitress was already asking us what we wanted. Highly efficient, highly rated. The waitress went back talking to other locals about their weekends and cars they were going buy while Aaron and I skimmed the menu. Minutes later, we order, and three minutes after that, we had our food. Unbelievable — I’ve finally found a place faster than El Azteca. Breaking the six-minute barrier was only a dream, but now I’ve found it.

Quantity/Value

AL: I paid too much for my meal, but I don’t blame the restaurant on this one. Instead of ordering the special or coordinating more affordable food, I ordered separately and spent way more than I should have. I guess it’s the equivalent of ordering a Big Mac, fries and a drink separately instead of getting the value meal and saving some cash. Had I thought out my decision, I would’ve noticed that it’s pretty tough to spend a fortune at The Grove — yet I still managed to pull it off.

ER: The menu didn’t have anything that was more than $6. I was amazed at the value. I’m surprised a place with such low prices has stayed open since the 1950s. A large piece of meatloaf was served, dressed with a helping of mashed potatoes and carrots. Just like a home-cooked meal, the food was just the right amount. I left feeling full, but not stuffed. I felt even better knowing I only spent $4.50.

Quality/Taste

AL: I love a good homemade potato soup like mom used to make, and The Grove came relatively close. Although it took a touch of salt to liven it up, the consistency was unique and tasty, and the potatoes and white sauce very satisfying. However, I must find fault with my pork fritter. Coming from a restaurant where we hand-breaded our tenderloins, it’s always difficult to accept what tastes more like it was pulled from the freezer and dropped in the fryer without any tender loving care. Call me sentimental, but someone has to put in a little extra effort to remind me of home. Regardless, it was still a very acceptable — and quick — lunch stop.

ER: Unlike the meatloaf I eat at home, it wasn’t dry. In fact, it was quite juicy. The extra-sugary ketchup-like sauce added to the top of the meatloaf really made the meal. It added a sweet kick to the meal, even though it didn’t need any more flavor.

The meat was quite good, not greasy or dry. It was a flawless example of a good loaf. With a deep hatred of cooked carrots extending from deep within my childhood psyche, I refused to eat them. Aaron tried them and told me they were fine, but I still refuse to give in to the government’s carrot mind-control plot. The mashed potatoes weren’t quite smooth enough, but I was able to look past that when the gravy hit my tongue.

Final Say:

AL: 2.5 of 5 forks

ER: 3 of 5 forks