Prairie Lane Bakery

Prairie Lane Bakery is a family-​owned Amish eatery about a mile east of Highway 69 just outside Chouteau, OK. A dirt road leads to its blink-and-you’ll-miss-it door. No signs declare its existence.
My wife and I found ourselves there for a meeting with her coworkers, one of whom has been a longtime frequenter of this establishment and recommended it as the site for the group’s monthly dinner.
She had made the reservation (required, for parties of at least 15) and had also been the one to choose our meal. I’m told the business can accommodate for many different allergies or diets and that they have a wide selection of meats, vegetables/​sides, and desserts from which you can take your pick.
The dining hall is in a nondescript white building across from the main house. It is far from fancy in keeping with the lifestyle of its proprietors. As in tin-​metal walls, concrete floor, and gas-​powered lights/​heat. Metal folding chairs flank two long rows of folding tables covered in plastic tablecloths; our party of 12 sat in one row with a few seats to spare. The atmosphere is that of having a Sunday supper after church with kinfolk at grandma’s. The (rather adorable) children of the (hardworking) women preparing and serving our food played along the borders of the room and ran through the doors, the air ringing with their laughter. Drinks (water or unsweetened tea only) were served as we arrived. Once everyone was present the food came out family-​style — one large platter or bowl at a time, passed from one person to another.
And now what you’ve all been waiting for: the food! The coleslaw wasn’t very good; then again, I’m not a coleslaw fan and so might not be a good judge of it. The green beans could’ve come from a can for all the good they tasted. And the roast was dry, tasteless. That’s where the negatives end. The baked chicken was tender/​moist/​juicy, all those words that make some people uncomfortable when talking period, let alone about food. The mashed potatoes were creamy, the white gravy perfectly rich, the country noodles expertly flavored, and the turkey dressing pure cheesy goodness. I can’t forget the rolls, too, which when paired with homemade apple butter were the best I’ve ever had.
After a brief rest to digest, we were served one kind of coffee and two kinds of pie — cherry and coconut cream. The cherry pie filling reminded me of a Pop-​Tart but more intense, which wasn’t a bad thing at all. Typically I don’t like even the word coconut unless it’s followed by «rum and pineapple juice», but that particular pie was delicious. It may have made me a convert.
I haven’t mentioned the service, but it was fantastic. Glasses never more than half-​empty before being refilled. Constant questions of whether we needed anything else. Smiling faces and good conversation. We ate until we were stuffed and several people took home heaping to-​go boxes, yet there was still a ton left of each food item. On the way out I picked up a loaf of banana but bread from the bakery side. The damage to my wallet for all of this? $ 27.59! Yep. All-​you-​can-​eat comfort food for two in a place that feels like home for under $ 30. I’m definitely going back. Just as soon as I can round up 10 – 12 likeminded foodies so I can make a reservation.