Valley Dining

Cafe 113 offers fine dining in casual atmosphere

Published: Friday, October 19, 2007 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 5:21 p.m.

Decatur has a haven for those who like fine dining, but who may want to casually unwind after a meal with Cafe 113. Entrees come with salads, soups and side dishes. In an upstairs bar, you can sip a beer and throw your cares away at the dart board.

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A specialty at Cafe 113 is lamb chops with house pear-chutney sauce on a bed of spinach with sauteed mushrooms. It's served with a side of orzo pasta fresh tomato-spinach blend topped with peccorino and romano cheeses.

Jim Hannon/TimesDaily

Cafe 113

Owner: Victor Melanos

Address: 113 Grant Street SE, Decatur

Phone: (256) 351-1400

Hours: Monday-Friday,
11 a.m. until; Saturday, dinner
6 p.m. until

Type of cuisine served: American with a Greek flair

Credit cards accepted: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Diner's Club

Types of alcohol served: All

Web site: cafe113.com

Q: How would you describe your atmosphere?

A: Casual fine dining with a romantic flair.

Q: What is the chef's favorite menu item?

A: That one is too hard to answer. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary, and I've personally selected every item on the menu from the best of the best. They are all my favorites.

Q. If I'm going to visit your restaurant only once, what should I order?

A: If you are a meat eater, you can't go wrong with the filet mignon. Otherwise, the pasta and seafood are excellent.

Q: What is the best bottle of wine for less than $25?

A: Our Wine Club members have the opportunity each month to enjoy a private wine tasting featuring four to eight wines with complimentary appetizers.

Q: What do you recommend for dessert?

A: That's an easy one - tiramisu.

Q: What makes you unique?

A: Our goal is for each customer to enjoy a truly fine dining experience from the time the customer arrives until he or she is ready to leave. We are not interested in turning tables. We want our customers to take their time and enjoy the meal.

Q: Do you have a smoking section?

A: The city of Decatur does not permit smoking in public buildings.

Q: Do you have a separate bar?

A: Yes, and we also have a room upstairs with pool tables and darts.

Q: Is there entertainment?

A: Occasionally, we have someone play the guitar barside.

Q: What is the typical cost range of meals?

A: The menu prices include soup, salad, entree and sides; the average price is $30.

Q: Do you take reservations?

A: Yes, and we highly recommend that our customers take advantage of this option.

Q: What is the average wait for a table on the weekends?

A: There is no wait if you have a reservation.

Dining Out is compiled by staff writer Jennifer Crossley. She can be reached at 740-5743 or jennifer.crossley@timesdaily.com.