Much More Than A Sports Bar
By Angie Fenton | Photos by Jason Applegate
OK, there’s no denying Tucker’s American Favorites is the perfect place to watch sports. The restaurant – which is located at 2441 State St. in New Albany – boasts three 118” big screen TVs and flat screens nearly everywhere you look, all of which broadcast one sport or another. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, especially in the large main dining area, which has tables and booths, including giant half-circle ones that can fit six people or more.
Additionally, the beer is cold, the wings plump and spicy (or not; your choice) and the bartenders, hosts and wait staff attentive and friendly. Plus, there’s an array of food choices ranging from the ooey, gooey and oh-so-delicious Queso & Chips ($6.99) and Tucker’s Beer Cheese ($5.99) to Rib Slabs (1/4 slab $10.99; 1/2 slab $14.99; full slab $18.99) and juicy steaks to Top Shelf Burgers ($11.99) and Fish & Chips ($12.99).
Tucker’s also is incredibly family-friendly (kudos for the diaper changing station in the men’s room) and offers a menu for kiddos 12 and under, with all entrees priced at $4.45 and served with Fries or Scalloped Apples and Chocolate Pudding.
But what Tucker’s – the consummate sports restaurant with a full bar – also offers is an easy, appetizing way to stick to your diet, if you’re into that kind of thing.
For starters, you can order lunch-sized portions anytime. The Sirloin ($8.99) is oz. of USDA choice beef cooked to your liking and served with one side. Try it with Steamed Broccoli and add a Sweet Potato ($3.29), and you have the perfect mix of protein and carbohydrates.
If seafood is more up your alley, try the Salmon ($15.99 or $13.99 for the lunch size), the Grilled Tuna Steak ($13.99) or the Shrimp Dinner ($13.99), which you can order blackened or grilled (or fried).
Veggie fans should try the Vegetarian Delight ($9.99), a fresh Tucker’s Salad and your choice of three sides, which include Fluffy Baked Potato, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Beans, Country Green Beans, Creamy Coleslaw, French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Savory Sauteed Mushrooms, Sweet Potato, Onion Rings, Scalloped Apples and Steamed Broccoli.
There are a number of salads on the menu: The Tucker’s Salad ($4.99) is a bed of fresh greens topped with vegetables, tomatoes, cheese, bacon and egg. To keep it healthy/healthier, either request the bacon and cheese on the side or request the salad without them. Try the Chicken Salad ($9.99), which is a portion of grilled or blackened (or fried) chicken, or the Salmon Salad ($12.99), both of which are served on a giant – seriously – Tucker’s Salad.
A word of advice: Don’t overlook the Burgers & More portion of the menu. The Wild Alaskan Burger ($10.99) is a delicious, house-made salmon burger. The Bison Burger ($12.99) and Veggie Burger ($8.99) are both scrumptious. The Chicken Sandwich ($8.99) is, too, and can be ordered charbroiled or blackened (or fried).
If you’re one who believes in moderation, try Tucker’s Ice Cream Cookie ($4.99) at the end of your healthy meal. Added bonus if you share the giant, fresh, baked-to-order chocolate chunk cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate and caramel sauce with a companion or two or more. You’ll cut the calories and your tablemates will be thrilled.
Tucker’s American Favorites
2441 State St. | New Albany
812.944.9999
tuckersaf.com
