It isn't everyday that a new restaurant opens in our local area, and it is a rare event indeed when a new restaurant opens that isn't a corporate chain. However, one local eatery that has hung out it's shingle is that wonderful combination of both good food and local culture. It is a place where you can go and immediately feel right at home while you enjoy some of the best food in the area. The name of this restaurant is Jabo's State of Mine located in Hazard, Kentucky.
My wife and I were out on a date night last Friday night when we decided on a whim to try out this new restaurant. We eat out a lot! In fact, several people might say that we eat out too much. But we say...if we don't have to cook it or wash the dishes then it is perfect! So, on our way to Hazard, we were going over our usual favorites. Nothing seemed to peak our interest until I suddenly remembered that some of my Facebook friends had been going on about a new place called Jabo's State of Mine. My wife agreed that she would like to try it out and so off we went.
Entering the place, I was very impressed with the atmosphere. I love restaurants that have low lighting because it gives the place a cozy atmosphere. Jabo's did not disappoint in this. The lighting was low enough to be cozy and to bring attention to the wonderful fireplace in the back. The combination of the low light and the fire made me feel right at home. I also appreciated the sign posted at the front that stated "In God We Trust." You just don't see enough of that in today's world.
After being seated very quickly, we scanned that menu. I loved the fact that everything on the menu is named after something in Kentucky. For example, instead of a Kentucky hot brown, my wife ordered an Eastern Kentucky Hot Brown. There were other examples on the menu that I could tell you about, but believe me....you have to go and experience this place for yourself.
While we were enjoying a hearty appetizer of cheese fries, I took some time to look around at the decor. For those of you who are into supporting coal and coal miners, you will truly appreciate the pictures that are placed around the restaurant. There are several pictures of coal miners, mines, and other pictures related to the coal industry.
After enjoying the appetizer and a great meal, I decided that I just had to write about Jabo's State of Mine. I asked some questions to our wonderful waitress who called herself Amazing Grace....and she was truly amazing! If you go, I hope you get to experience her cheery disposition and wonderful service! Grace informed me that the owner was in the place, and she immediately introduced him to me.
The owner, Jabo Clemons, is a man who knows the restaurant business. He has been in the business for over 4 years. After being successful in other areas in the business, he knew that he wanted to bring a nice restaurant back to Perry County where he has lived his entire life. Originally, the place was going to be a Tony Romas. However, he decided that he wanted to do something a little bit different....and in my opinion, better....here in our local area.
Mr. Clemons stated, "If I had opened a Tony Romas, I would have to put stuff on the menu that doesn't sell. But with a local business, I can put things on the menu that people want." So instead of opening a chain restaurant like Tony Roma's, the idea of Jabo's State of Mine came about.
When asked about the mining nature of the place, he stated that all of his family was into mining and he knew that it gets a bad rap. He wanted to have a place where people could see the other side of mining...the good side. Mining is a huge part of our local economy and it is great to see a business that supports it. This was easy to see with the large "Friends of Coal" signs throughout the place.
Jabo's State of Mine is a family restaurant with a full service bar. The bar is separated from the main part of the restaurant so that the family atmosphere is maintained. It is a great place to go and unwind with a nice drink. It is also a wonderful place to take your family out for a great meal. In either situation, you will be in a locally owned restaurant where the owner truly appreciates both the people and the culture of the area.
And speaking of appreciating the culture of the area, Jabo's State of Mine does something that I have never seen in any other restaurant. It takes suggestions for recipes from the people who visit! As Mr. Clemons stated, "Everyone is proud of their hometown. And they think that their grandma's chicken and dumplings are the best." So, in order to celebrate this, Jabo's has a box at the front of the restaurant for recipes. They also accept recipes on their Facebook page. Once a month, a different recipe is selected and is given a place of honor on the restaurant's menu. This month was Tammy's Taters. Although I did not try them, I am sure that they were delicious....just like everything we tried that night.
If you want a real treat that will support a locally owned business and also the local coal culture in our area, you have got to try some of the wonderful food, drink, and atmosphere at Jabo's State of Mine. Located in the shopping center where Big Lots and Rite Aid are located, it isn't hard to find. There is a wide variety of food on the menu that is sure to please just about anyone. But if you ask the owner, he is most likely to say that his favorite is the ribs. The place has a huge smoker that turns out a wide variety of barbeque.
The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. every day and stays open till 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, till 11 on Friday and Saturday, and till nine on Sundays. For more information about the restaurant you can check out their Facebook page or stop by. They will have a website up and running very soon. They are located in the Village Shopping Center.
So stop by the next time you are in Hazard and bring the entire family. Believe me....you will be very happy that you did. In fact, I think that my wife and I have found our new favorite place to eat....Jabo's State of Mine.
Until next week.....class dismissed!
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