Over-the-top dining found at Undercliff

Steven Chapman
Reporter

Diners who enjoy a casual atmosphere and don’t mind waiting a little longer for quality food will enjoy dining at the Undercliff Bar and Grill.

The restaurant, found at 6385 Old Highway 71, sits across Shoal Creek at Tipton Ford and has been operating since owner Michael Winn opened it in 1995. The restaurant deserves its name, being built into the underside of a rock face. Undercliff’s hours of business are Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Diners will find a large variety of menu choices including wraps, sandwiches, burgers, 12-ounce ribeye and Kansas City strip steaks, fried chicken, pork chops, jumbo shrimp, ribs, pasta, salads, soups and a large array of appetizers. Wraps, sandwiches and salads run at about $7 to $9 dollars, and some entrees go from $12 to $17. For those looking to save money, the restaurant offers a burger basket or a lunch special which includes a side item and a soda (or a draft beer for those over 21) for $6.99.

In addition to price, diners will want to consider time when planning an outing to this restaurant as food can take 30 minutes or longer to prepare. Indeed, the restaurant’s menu states “We are a restaurant, not a rushaurant.”

Due to the time involved in food preparation, diners with small children may want to hire a sitter or bring something to occupy their children’s attention, as long waits and little kids don’t always mix. Also keep in mind that the restaurant features a full-service bar, so after 8 p.m. it may be best to leave the kids home.

I visited the restaurant with my wife and, though we waited over 30 minutes for our food, found the experience to be quite pleasant. The restaurant was decorated with an amazing collection of license plates from all over the United States, a digital version of a jukebox, and other memorabilia dedicated to adventurous and exciting lifestyles, including pictures of marlin fishing, posters of James Dean, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and various mounted hunting trophies.

When our food did arrive, we found that the wait was well worth it. My choice, the teriyaki steak, was amazing. The meat was tender and marinated in a sweet, tangy sauce that enhanced the steak’s flavor; it was Heaven on a plate.

Diners who haven’t eaten at Undercliff are encouraged to give the restaurant a try; an incredible dining experience is guaranteed. For those who would like to eat but are crunched for time, there’s the option of ordering ahead to get food on the go. Call the restaurant at 417-623-8382 to place an order.