Morguen Toole Company, Myersdale, PA

The Morguen Toole Company
http://www.morguentoole.com/


Type: Unique American Fare
Serves Beer/ Alcohol
Restaurant/ Hotel


Contact: 130 Center Street 
Meyersdale, PA 15552 
814.634.9900


Price Range: $10 & Up


Rating: 5/5

The Morguen Toole Company is located in southern Somerset County in a small town named Meyersdale. Not far from the G.A.P. bike trail, a trail sign led us to the large brick building which houses a restaurant  and a ‘supper’ pub. This restaurant offers a decidedly different menu compared to other local ‘dinners’, deep fried offerings, fast food and traditional restaurants in town. Arriving on a Friday at about 11:30, we were thrilled to find that the restaurant served lunch and had a bar with over 12 beers on tap!

I asked the server for recommendations and was told that the Chesapeake chicken sandwich was a popular option. Specials were also presented along with new offering: FRESH CUT POTATO CHIPS! Beer and fresh chips- this was a really good start. The lunch special, the server explained, was a Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich- based on the legendary creation from the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The sandwich is an open-faced turkey sandwich topped with mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon and a cheesy gravy (Mornay) Both sandwiches sounded good, so we ordered both.

The décor and the atmosphere were so intriguing that we found ourselves wondering around the dining room pointing out interesting bits of hardware, vintage advertising posters, and old soda bottles from local bottling companies of yore. The walls were hung with an assortment of crate lids and windows. The booths themselves are re-purposed church pews and tables are made from doors. Even the restrooms are decked out in charming advertisements and old time oddities. Luckily, one of the owners was at the bar and obliged us with a history of the building and project. The restaurant has been open for a year and houses 3 businesses under one roof: an event facility, restaurant/ pub and a hotel on the third floor. All in a fantastic turn-of-the century brick building.

Our food arrived and we dove in. The Chesapeake Chicken ($7.98) was very flavorful- a grilled chicken breast topped with the restaurant’s own rich, cheese and crab dip. The new house- made chips were a perfect light side with ample portions and a crisp crunch. The crab dip on top of the chicken was an unusually tasty combination that provided for a delicious sandwich on a soft and fluffy bun that needed no other condiments.

The Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich ($ 8.95) was a surprising delight. The roast turkey was hand-carved, thick and juicy and full of flavor, the sautéed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and bacon were topped by the MOST incredible sauce- a creamy, cheesy parmesan sauce that I now want to put on EVERYTHING I eat. The combination of ingredients is not something I would typically choose, so I was happy to taste how well the flavors complemented each other. My only request is that is becomes a regular menu item so that I can order it again. This sandwich is served without a side dish, but one sandwich could easily serve two for lunch.

Overall the experience was excellent: fantastic food at a good price, prompt courteous service, ample portions and an interesting escape for two weary travelers who ended up staying the night in a room that was charming, clean and affordable. We will be back to dine and stay again and again!