experience

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

28 EXTOL • JUNE / JULY 2017