Last week, I ventured to Paco’s Sol Bistro in downtown Decatur to try their shrimp tacos—and I loved it. This week, I decided to go somewhere else in downtown Decatur: Coney McKane’s, a family-owned restaurant known for its sandwiches and homemade desserts.

As was the case with University Dogs, I had been to Coney McKane’s before. The first time I went, I ordered a burger. I was disappointed in how bland and heavy it was and couldn’t manage to finish eating. Even though I wasn’t impressed the first time, I chose to go there again and give it a second chance.

The restaurant began in 1997 with the help of grandma “Flo” and her children, and it has a couple of locations. According to “Flo’s” daughter, Lea, they went “from having just three family members participating in the operation to having over 20 family members work, not only in customer service but behind the scenes, as well.” Their mission statement is one very centered on family and feeling welcome.

“One thing will never change: our desire to make all of our guests feel like they are coming home for a meal,” Lea said. The ambiance is very tranquil and especially reminiscent of home due to the fact that grandma “Flo” is still cooking in the back. On the first level, there is a bar, and near the back, there are casino games lining the wall.

The experience I had this time was much different than the first. Unlike last time, as I walked inside, all of the workers began clapping. I chalked it up to a ‘night-time tradition.’ Then, my waiter led me up the stairs to a beautiful window view of the sparkling streets below.

My waiter was very kind even before I told him I was a restaurant reviewer for the newspaper. Of course, he was much more accommodating once aware of that fact. When I asked him what some of the most popular items were on the menu, he mentioned the pretzel melts, the Reuben, the spinach salad, and all of the homemade desserts. I decided on a pretzel melt with smoked ham.

One thing that caught me off guard was the price. This wasn’t like a Steak ‘n Shake or Subway—it was considered a different caliber. However, I had to disagree. Though the ambiance was pleasant, it didn’t quite scream $10 sandwiches. When my sandwich came out, it looked so small compared to the nine dollar price. But, the flavors were sweet, salty and savory which altogether made for a delicious meal. I wasn’t quite satisfied when I was finished eating, so I ordered some of their favorite desserts—peach cobbler and butterscotch pie.

The waiter warmed up the peach cobbler and topped it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was tasty, but so small for the $3.50 price. The butterscotch pie was gorgeous, with cool whip and butterscotch chips on top. It was extremely sweet and a rather big portion compared to the cobbler. I recommend the butterscotch pie to anyone who has a sweet tooth.

This was a tasty and filling meal that you definitely wouldn’t get at a lower-end restaurant. However, the price was a bit much, and I don’t plan on coming here often. Additionally, not all of their menu items were impressive. Other than that, the service was outstanding, and the food I tried that night was great—8/10.