When the summer started I decided to do my best to avoid writing about “the same old thing;”meaning Tyler restaurants. But on the morning of Sunday the fourth, I woke up late and since my little boy had been plagued by a cough and a runny nose all night I decided to skip church and avoid annoying all the other parents whose children occupy the Sunday morning nursery. As it turned out I was surprised by a visit from a friend who asked me to breakfast at an old Tyler staple, which surprisingly I had never tried. The restaurant of choice was Sweet Sue’s.

            Now I had not previously avoided the twenty seven year old establishment deliberately, despite the fact that I have gotten mixed reviews. Opinions seem highly diverse by the way. Some have told me it’s a great place to eat while others strongly dislike it. It had simply never really occurred to me to try Sue’s. Now that I’ve had the experience I find that I’m somewhat torn. Here’s my predicament.

            As a rule, I generally prefer local restaurants to the larger corporate chains. I find the local food better, fresher, more unique and more supportive of our local economy and culture. I dislike the bland microwavable experience of a Chile’s or Appleby’s. Not that those places serve terrible food, but there’s nothing one can’t get at the franchise in Dallas that’s not available at the one in Tyler.  All that being said I expected a more delicious home cooked meal at Sweet Sue’s than the one that I got. Now I’ll admit my predilection to suspect buffet food may be coming into play here, and I’m not exactly sure what I expected, but I just wasn’t terribly impressed! I have enjoyed breakfasts at Shoney’s or the Hot Biscuit more! (I realize it’s been a while since those franchises were at the height of their popularity too).

            I am open to the notion that I visited Sue’s on a bad day or an unfortunate hour. That may be so. The wait staff was friendly, and the store was pretty clean and only moderately busy. But with so many options in town I just find it something of a mystery that Sue’s has become such a Tyler fav. It may be that their easy in, easy out access, and their significant senior discount has made it a favorite of Tyler’s aging population. They also offer catering and a banquet room for area church groups, clubs and civic organizations.

            Despite what I considered to be the take it or leave it, quality of the food my Sunday morning breakfast was a positive experience as much for the company I was keeping as the morning out. I wouldn’t suggest Sweet Sue’s as my first choice, but readers who disagree are invited to tell me why. Personally I give it a two, out of five stars. For more information see the restaurant’s website at www.sweetsues.net. They are located at 3350 South Southwest Loop, in

Tyler.