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Ever since I can remember, I've loved railroads, and model trains. In addition to my love of railroads, I've always loved to eat, and I've always loved to dine at unique restaurants. I've probably enjoyed eating at fine restaurants since about the time I learned to walk. So what happens when you combine a unique, family owned and operated diner, that features delicious food, lots of it AND a family-friendly, model railroad atmosphere? Combine the ingredients, start up the blender, turn it on, and whirl it for a few seconds, and what do you get? ...Golden Ox Restaurant, in Lodi...
Photo: Golden Ox Restaurant is located in a very plain strip mall, along one of the main streets in Lodi, Kettleman Lane. We first learned of the Golden Ox while watching our favorite morning show, "Good Day Sacramento," as host Mark S. Allen enjoyed breakfast at Golden Ox. After seeing the restaurant on television, it was on my "bucket list" of things to do, and finally on Monday, October 12, 2015, we were finally able to visit Golden Ox Restaurant. From the outside of the restaurant, you can tell it's railroad-themed!
Photo: View of the main dining room, from just inside the door. If you like trains, model railroads and anything "railroad," Golden Ox Restaurant is your place to eat. I love good food, unique diners, and all-things railroad, so this is my kind of restaurant... Most of the model railroad equipment is "G-gauge," which is the largest size of scale railroad models commonly available, but there is a small amount of "O-scale," and "HO" models scattered around the restaurant. There is a "G-scale" train that runs around the perimeter of the restaurant, near the ceiling. I'm getting ideas for my garage... I see a model of an F-16 fighter aircraft near the ceiling; how did that come about? I am simply "awed and amazed" by the decor of Golden Ox Restaurant!
Photo: The format of the restaurant is that you walk up to the counter, scan the menu boards above the counter - or the printed menu - place your order, pay for it, and in return, you'll receive a number. You then sit anywhere you choose, place your number on the edge of the table, and within a few minutes, your cheerful server will bring your order to your table. Coffee and soft drinks are self-serve, and unlimited. Works for me!
Photo: Golden Ox Restaurant features an open kitchen, so you can watch your meal being prepared by the expert staff.
Photo: Our friendly server delivers our meals to our table. Crazy me, as I didn't catch her name. Sharlene and I ordered nearly identical breakfasts, and the only difference was that she ordered her eggs scrambled, rather than over easy, which is my de-facto standard way to eat eggs.
Photo: Sharlene and I, ready to enjoy breakfast. Note the many "G-scale" model trains in the background, as there are even "G-scale" models of Rio Grande narrow gauge engines!
Photo: Sharlene and I both looked over the menu, but in the end, we opted for today's breakfast special, which was advertised on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Today's special was chicken fried steak, eggs, hash brown potatoes and toast for $5.95. Neither of us had enjoyed a breakfast of chicken fried steak in several months, to chicken fried steak was our feast today. We ordered identical meals, with the exception that I ordered my eggs fried over easy, and my wife ordered her eggs scrambled. You can't beat this breakfast for $5.95, or for that matter, any price. The food was simply AMAZING, as everything was prepared perfectly to order, and the breakfast was just plain delicious. Sharlene isn't a "picky" eater, but she isn't like I am - I eat everything, everywhere, any place without any hesitation or complaint - and it is rare that she is dazzled and amazed by her breakfast, but I can say that both of us absolutely loved this breakfast! The price was low, the quality of food was very high, and the portions, for us, were "just right." This is one of the best breakfasts that we've enjoyed for a long time... The food is amazing! The portions are "just right," and the staff is friendly, the dining room is comfortable, the model trains are entertaining, the price is right, and the food is delicious. No wonder Golden Ox Restaurant is a favorite of Lodi locals, '"in the know" for a superior breakfast. Golden Ox Restaurant Copyright(c) 2015 eRench Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. This site has been on the web since December 22, 2002.
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