Restaurants in Madison

According to an article by John Hampton of Examiner.com, Rolo's opened in 1991 as homage to a train trip taken by Huntsville restaurateur Chuck, and his son, Rolo. Reportedly, the two were on the way to New Orleans for a football game, when Rolo looked to his father and said, "Trains keep attention for the kids and the grandparents." A light bulb went off in Chuck’s head––he would open a homestyle restaurant paying tribute to the train-riding days of yore. He'd call it Rolo's Cafe.

In a burst of whistles and chugs, a multicolored model train can be seen rounding a wooden track suspended high above the dining room. The locomotive circulates the aromas of lightly fried pond-raised catfish, juicy grilled steak, and housemade peach cobbler. Breakfast biscuits arrive to tables saturated in signature chocolate gravy for pairing with sugar-cured ham and fresh hush puppies. After polishing off a slow-smoked pork chop, patrons can make choo choo noises on train station-style wooden benches, or peruse the room's vintage train signs, framed articles, and photos of locomotives.

Royal Waffle King's chefs crank out comfort-food staples such as belgium waffles, biscuits, and burgers 24 hours a day. Breakfast platters team waffles up with eggs, sausage, and hash browns, while Royal burger platters pile juicy beef patties with cheese, bacon, and onions. Omelets, country fried steaks, and grilled-chicken clubs are served at all hours at Royal Waffle King's more than a dozen locations in four states. Each restaurant is conveniently situated near major highways, ideal for a rest stop on a long road trip or a vacation beneath diner booths.