Gather around TJ's Table for hometown eating

FREEPORT, FL - What started as a seven-table joint with two Crock pots and two countertop griddles has grown into one of Freeport's favorite eateries in less than a year.
   
At TJ's Table, you might as well be in Mayberry. TJ runs the place, along with help from a small staff that are her friends. Inside, the atmosphere is more beauty parlor gossip than restaurant, especially when a group of regulars show up, as they do daily, TJ says.
   
So, from those seven tables, TJ's has tripled, taking up three storefronts in a small shopping center on State Road 20 in the heart of Freeport.

The food 
TJ's menu features a majority of soups, salads and sandwiches. However, with the business growing ,TJ is adding new items all of the time. Recently, she added steak and seafood items, such as oysters, shrimp and fresh mullet.
   
TJ also serves breakfast daily and all day Saturday.
   
I ate there on a Saturday afternoon with my mom. We were starving after a long car ride from Texas.
   
Mom ordered the Freeport Philly and I had the Country Club. They each came with a side. I chose sweet potato fries, and mom had the homemade potato salad.
   
My club was mammoth. So big, I took half home. It towered on my plate, the crisp sourdough sandwich cut in two.
   
Mom was also pleased with her Philly, which was recommended by our waitress who said she often fills up on one after a shift.
   
TJ's also offers desserts. On they day we dined, they were serving Key lime pie, lemon pie and turtle pie.

The atmosphere 
TJ gutted the place and has remodeled it, reflecting a '50s and '60s theme. Lipstick red walls are offset by black and white checked floors and ceiling. 

Black and white photos of the Beatles, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe hang on the walls while 45-size vinyl records sit on display shelves.
   
Behind a small counter, is a life-size traffic signal that‘s missing the green light.

The service
The service at TJ's table was above average. A woman named Doris seated us and took our orders. Later on, another woman took over. Each server was chatty and bubbly. Everything you'd expect from a small-town café.
   
Their banter back and forth was enough entertainment. Mom and I enjoyed hearing stories about how the restaurant grew. We also checked out pictures of old cars at historic locations around town.

A final taste
TJ's serves homemade hometown favorites with a friendly attitude. I'd recommend a stop by TJ's anytime you're in the Freeport area.

QuickBITES - TJ's Table

Location
119 State Road 20
Freeport
(850) 880-6353

Hours
6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday
6 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
6 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

Reservations
Not necessary

Handicap accessibility
Good

Children's menu
Yes

Price range
Salads
$3.95-$7.95
Sandwiches
$4.50-$7.95