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Roadhouse Roots

Driving along the rural roads of Salem Township you stumble upon a historic log cabin restaurant  that opened it's doors on January 31, 1947.   The roadhouse was built on a farm and garnered much excitement as a dance hall with live music 4 nights a week, even once hosting a performance by the legendary Johnny Cash & The Tennessee Two.   As the years went on,  The Rustic Tavern gained a hard nosed reputation with regular calls being made to the police to break up disorderly clientele.  It was sold and passed through two short lived ownerships in 70's first as Heffner's Hideaway a biker bar with a notorious after-hours operation of illegal gambling, bookmaking and wild clientele.    And then as The Stock Yard  a fine dining steak house with an open pit grill.   The cabin laid dormant for 4 years until Karl Poulos discovered it in 1981 and fell in love with it's unique log timber design.  He purchased it against his wife Sophia's wishes and opened Karl's Family Restaurant, Inc. in November of 1982 serving homemade comfort food including breakfast on the weekends.  With hard-working Karl creating delicious meals in the kitchen and charming Sophia greeting everyone at the front door, their warm hospitality soon became the recipe for success. 

   Today, Karl's legacy lives on celebrating our 40th year as a family owned and operated restaurant.  Specializing in rustic American comfort food, our Chef's take great pride in creating seasonal menus using fresh locally sourced dishes with generous sized portions.  Complementing the menu is our bar which offers boutique wines that pair with our food,  20 delicious rotating craft beers on draft and cocktails made with great care to suit the season.   Our staff, the heartbeat of our restaurant,  will always greet you with a friendly smile and take the extra steps to WOW you.   For 75 years this storied log cabin roadhouse has brought joy to its guests offering heart-felt service,  classic home cooking, big drinks & supper club -style lively entertainment.  We'd love to share the  experience with you.

WE APOLOGIZE AS WE ARE TAKING A BREAK FROM ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING BANDS & DUELING PIANOS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  WE HOPE TO BRING LIVE MUSIC BACK IN THE NEAR FUTURE.  WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE.  PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON.  

   2020 Calendar