Mary Lou's Grill Gift & Greeting Card

Business Description

Located in the heart of Carbondale, Illinois, Mary Lou's Grill is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving delicious meals for over 54 years. This restaurant is well known for its homemade biscuits and gravy, cream pies, and plate lunch specials. Mary Lou's Grill is a classic American diner that has a casual ambiance, perfect for a relaxing breakfast or lunch.

Founded in 1962 by Mary Lou and Jim Trammel, the original restaurant was located next to the IC railroad tracks, and it resembled a train car with only 13 stools. Mary Lou cooked on the grill and handled the counter all by herself. In 1976, the restaurant moved to Illinois Avenue and expanded to 28 stools and a small dining room.

In January 1990, Mary Lou handed over the reins to her daughter Marilynn and her husband Robert Martin, and they still run it to this day. Mary Lou passed away in December 2006. The restaurant has a rich history that has been passed down through generations of the family. In December 2011, the restaurant moved one door south on Illinois to its current location at 118 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale.

Mary Lou's Grill has a loyal customer base that includes many generations of families and Southern Illinois University students. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the homemade gravy is still cooked in the same skillets that Mary Lou used when she opened in 1962.

The restaurant has a large dining counter, and customers can choose to sit wherever they like. The breakfast menu is filled with classic American breakfast items, and the lunch menu includes classic sandwiches and burgers. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

Mary Lou's Grill is the perfect place to enjoy a home-cooked meal in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Stop by for breakfast or lunch and experience the warmth and hospitality of this classic American diner.

Gift Ideas for Mary Lou's Grill

For those seeking a unique and delicious gift, Mary Lou's Grill has a variety of options that are sure to please any foodie on your list. With a rich history of serving up homemade dishes for over five decades, Mary Lou's Grill offers local flavors and classic American comfort food that will tantalize the taste buds of any gift recipient.

One great gift option is a gift certificate to Mary Lou's Grill. This allows the recipient to enjoy a delicious meal at their leisure, whether they are a longtime fan of the restaurant or a first-time visitor. Another great option is to purchase some of Mary Lou's famous homemade jams, jellies, or relishes. These have been made using the same recipes for over 50 years and are the perfect accompaniment to any breakfast or lunch. The jams and jellies come in a variety of flavors, such as strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry, and the relish includes unique options like zucchini and corn.

For those looking for a more substantial gift, a Mary Lou's Grill gift basket could be just the ticket. This could include a selection of homemade jams, jellies, and relishes, as well as some of the restaurant's famous biscuits and gravy mix, pancake mix, and coffee mugs. For a more personalized touch, add a handwritten note with some of the recipient's favorite menu items and why they are so special.

Mary Lou's Grill is a true gem of a restaurant, and its homemade dishes and friendly staff have been delighting customers for over 50 years. By giving a gift from Mary Lou's Grill, you are sharing this experience with someone special and giving them the gift of delicious food and warm memories.

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