Guest list: Hotel restaurant and bar open for all to enjoy

For the customer craving fine dining or casual fare, Cedar Street Restaurant in the Drury Lodge offers its customers a myriad of options. Since its opening in 1969, Cedar Street has transformed from a buffet-style restaurant to one with an extensive menu.

Black-and-white photographs of familiar Cape Girardeau sites such as the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge and buildings on Broadway adorn the manila walls. As the dinner hour approaches, the restaurant changes into a more romantic atmosphere. The tables are draped with burgundy tablecloths with a place setting of white plates and black napkins. In the center of each table, a tiny candle hidden beneath a lampshade adds to the beauty of the setting.

For more casual dining experience, the sports bar with its large flat-screen televisions welcomes sports enthusiasts or anyone who just wants to relax. Cedar Street also has a game room with a pool table and old-fashioned video games, not to mention one of the few shuffle boards in the area.

Fred Crowe, a manager at Cedar Street, said the restaurant's clientele is not limited to business travelers. It includes vacationing families and many locals.

"We are committed to customer service. We have been leading in JD Powers for the past two years," Crowe said.

Brooke Spridgen and Juan Grajales, who discussed business over dinner, seemed content with their experience.

"It is nice and quiet, and the service is very good," Spridgen said.

All menu items are freshly prepared after the customers order.

"All of the soups are made from scratch and food items are made to order," said Tony Effinger, a Cedar Street chef who also has a degree in hotel management.

Although Cedar Street is a part of the Drury Hotel, breakfast specials are not limited to hotel guests. The hot breakfast features all-American favorites such as eggs or biscuits and gravy.

Dining in the restaurant is not the only option; catering is also available.

Cedar Street is especially popular for special events such wedding dinners, baby showers and anniversary celebrations. Earline Lowes, catering sales manager, said the menu is flexible.

"Any menu there is can be done," Lowes said. "So even if you have special family recipes, we are willing to attempt those as well."

Lowes also said people like to use the banquet rooms because they do not require extra decorations.

Cedar Street is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and offers a brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Cedar Street

332-7427

104 S. Vantage Drive