Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House SignWe stopped for lunch at the infamous Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House before heading to the Jack Daniel Distillery tour. And what a lunch it was!

Rooms in the boarding house have been converted into dining rooms, each holding a long table seating 8-14 guests. This is done purposely, allowing for interaction with those you’re eating with during your family style lunch. (My friends and I were seated with people from California, Tennessee, Alabama, London, and Russia!) The food is already on the table when you walk into your dining room. Keep in mind, there is no menu posted. Each day the chefs decide what they feel like making and all meals come from the Jack Daniel’s Cookbook (one day fried chicken, another day catfish, etc.). A Miss Mary Bobo’s Hostess also joins you for lunch, sharing the history of the boarding house and of those who once resided here.

Today’s lunch, southern fried chicken, meatloaf, fried okra, macaroni and Lunch at miss-mary-boboscheese, boiled potatoes, corn, butter beans, rolls, and apples seasoned with a splash (or ten) of Jack Daniels. Our hostess tasted the apples and told us the chefs were quite happy today and we would be as well after eating them. And for dessert, chocolate fudge pie with Jack Daniel’s whipped cream. (Definitely not the best meal for those who are gluten-free, like me. The meatloaf is gluten-free, made with oats, just ask for it without ketchup.)

I’m sure you noticed the use of Jack in some of the food. Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House is located in a dry county, meaning you can’t buy or sell alcohol. Miss Mary found a way around this by using the local product in her recipes.

This is a quaint restaurant sticking with the traditions and history of Lynchburgh, Tennessee. A definite must for lunch if you’re in the area. Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House offers two lunch time seating options, 11 AM or 1 PM. During peak seasons, you may find a third for 3 PM. No matter when you visit, remember reservations are required.

26 Responses

  1. I love long tables in dining rooms, it forces people to connect. I would love to sit there and have a southern meal and it’s funny how they sneak in the whiskey. Not a good diet for every day though, we would be adding some pounds:-)

  2. It is always so much fun to experience places that are entrenched in the community. I definitely would have needed a nap, though, after eating all of what sounded like amazing food.

  3. Wow, what an excellent story. I have only been to one bed and breakfast… and it was a wonderful experience. We also went to a place in Virginia for a motorcycle ride, to eat lunch, it was a gorgeous older home that was turned into a restaurant… and each room had a different theme… it was a wonderful experience. That just reminded me of your story. Thanks for sharing!

  4. Sounds like a very interesting place! I hope I can go there as well. I just love the idea of being surprised of what the food is going to be (since there’s no menu)… love the thrill! =)

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