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It is safe to assume that in an establishment named for a south-western gathering call roughly translated as “get over here,” a fine time is waiting to be had. For ten years the crew of Koodie Hoo’s has been serving the community of Mt. Vernon with fantastic comfort food and the self proclaimed coldest beer in Posey County. The overall vibe of this small town establishment is everything a grassroots restaurant and bar should be. The interior is covered with beer and sports signs and a giant wooden Indian welcomes you as you walk in the door. The décor is easy on the eyes and very comfortable. The whole place is so inviting you feel as comfortable as if you were in your own living room.

            As my culinary accomplice Beth and I made our way to our table to sit down we were greeted warmly by everyone on the staff. Our waitress was very prompt and helpful to any questions we had. We were quickly brought a couple of abnormally cold and refreshing beers. This was not surprising because of the massive display cooler behind the bar. The best part about this cooler is that it is custom made and carry out drinks are available for purchase.

            We were given menus but they were to no avail because the kitchen had plans of their own to serve us a special course including nothing but the hits. First up were three appetizers, fried and true little dishes. Red pepper fiesta poppers were spicy goodness. I am a huge fan of the traditional jalapeño poppers but this original spin on a classic was very flavorful. The next glorious edibles to be brought to the table were a juicy steak and a steaming twice baked potato. The steak was very tender and rich and the potato was fresh and filling. The texture of the potatoes was amazing as well. We soon found out that the twice baked potato is a signature dish by Koodie Hoo’s seasoned cook Faye. By the taste alone it is apparent the amount of care and effort put into it.

The soul of Koodie Hoo’s is its focus on tradition and keeping the recipes and the food the same for its regular patrons. Don’t be misled Koodie Hoo’s is worth traveling a distance to reach. The best part about being a first timer at this place is that once you sit down eat, drink and soak in the atmosphere you feel like you are a regular.

            Next up was a large, oval basket stacked with four massive, breaded catfish filets. By this time I had eaten so excessively that my stomach was nearing its full capacity. I had originally put down the idea of eating fish due to the recent end of the Lenten season but the waitress and the staff talked so highly of their catfish I had to try it. I picked a specific section of the fish, cut it concisely with my fork and noticed how flaky and tender it was right away. When I took my first bite I was astonished. This catfish had a balance of taste that was unlike any other catfish I have had. The breading had a crispy and almost gritty texture that perfectly complimented the delicate, smooth texture of the fish itself. We found out the fish batter is a secret recipe and a big hit with all the patrons. This is no surprise because it has a light but noticeable flavor that is totally original.

            Of course to round it all out came two small plates on top of which rested two different types of desserts. One was an aerated piece of chocolate cake streaked with caramel and chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream. This confectionary tease was called the Koodie Hoo’s Cake. The other was a slice of peanut butter pie also topped with whipped cream. The Koodie Hoo’s Cake was nothing too special but its strength is that it’s very decadent without being unbearably rich. The peanut butter cake I am a little biased on, I am peanut butter’s number one fan and I was very impressed with the way they executed the dish.   Peanut butter deserts are notorious for being obscenely rich but this pie was light without sacrificing too much taste. With the whipped cream topping it gave the pie another facet of sweetness which provokes a standing ovation from the taste buds.

            For an honorable mention Koodie  Hoo’s boasts a beer marinated ham that is also coated in a  rub which is also a Koodie Hoo’s signature.  The kitchen closes for the night at 11 pm but for those who burn the midnight oil until the well is empty Turoni’s pizza is available after hours for a late/early meal. A perfect cure for when you stomach is empty and your head is spinning. The soul of Koodie Hoo’s is its focus on tradition and keeping the recipes and the food the same for its regular patrons. Don’t be misled Koodie Hoo’s is worth traveling a distance to reach. The best part about being a first timer at this place is that once you sit down eat, drink and soak in the atmosphere you feel like you are a regular.

            *Must be 21 to enter.