T-Bones Steakhouse & Grill

By Tom Ingram

It’s tempting to underestimate Ladonia, AL. The unincorporated community is just a comfortable five mile drive from Columbus and home to fewer than four thousand people. Its main attractions are a few tucked away cafes, which deserve their own review.

But on a recent lunch trip to T-Bones Steakhouse & Grill (3745 US 80), owner Gil toured us around his bright new restaurant. The main dining room, complete with full-service bar, was open and commodious, with a modern rustic flair. Most important, of course, was the food. Everything we sampled arrived the same: perfectly prepared, straightforwardly delicious, and in ample portions.

Locally owned and operated by partners Gil Dyer and Rusty Gorman, both reiterated that theirs is a blue collar restaurant. We understand, and we also disagree. There is no pretense to the food. Whether you enjoy one of their burgers, steaks or sandwiches, everything is no-funny-business good, every time you go. In that way, yes, theirs is a blue collar restaurant. But we also think everyone will fall in love with their down home cuisine. Whether on lunch break, taking the family to dinner on Friday, or as a famished whitewater rafter looking for superb southern staples, T-Bones has something excellent for everyone.

In addition to a broad dinner offering, T-Bones has regular specials. A lunch buffet (we enjoyed the baked chicken, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and some of the freshest lima beans around) is offered daily. T-Bones’ quarter-pounder burger special with fries is only $5.99, and is miles above any fast food meal, despite being the same price. Their Wednesday steak special is a 12-ounce cut, plus baked potato and a beer. They even have a Sunday brunch, with steak, skillet potatoes, fruit and pancakes. Regular drink specials include $5 margaritas and $2 draft beers on Tuesday. Of course, for the adventurous, there’s a 40-ounce steak challenge, too.

Big party? No problem. T-Bones has two party rooms on site, one that seats 27 and another that seats up to 72 and are available for anything from wedding receptions to community meetings. And when it comes to catering, the sky’s the limit. T-Bones offers fully customized menus, plus they provide the service. They will set up, serve the food you want, take care of your guests and handle all the cleaning. T-Bones is top-notch for flexibility and service, and as always, the food is excellent.

Still new to the area, T-Bones is fast becoming a destination, not only for Ladonians, but for people all over the Chattahoochee Valley. Groups of all kinds come through the restaurant, and Gil and Rusty value these relationships. “If you’re blessed,” Gil explained, “you give back to your community.” The high school football team enjoys their pregame meal on the house.

More than a restaurant, the T-Bones Steakhouse location (which actually used to be the Piggly Wiggly next to Custom Jewelers) will also house The Party Barn this summer. An outside music venue featuring live music Friday and Saturday nights, serving up some nice oysters on the half shell as well.  T-Bones also houses a women’s boutique, the Treasure Barn. Started twenty years ago as Treasure’s Boutique, the new location connects this well-known business with everyone who comes to dine–and everyone who comes to browse the boutique has the perfect opportunity to visit the restaurant. Opened in August, Treasure Barn features quality costume jewelry, replica purses from upscale brands, and women’s clothing. They offer sizes small through 3x, so there’s something for everyone to love. As football season approaches, the Treasure Barn will be the perfect place to find college apparel from all the teams you love.

From Cusseta to Pine Mountain, from Ellerslie to Ladonia, our community is growing. Visitors and long-time residents alike should take every opportunity to venture off the beaten path and explore the new gems springing up all around us. First stop on your next adventure? We recommend T-Bones Steakhouse and Grill.