Home-cooked by Mama

Tammy Layman / News Virginian
Published: June 27, 2007

"We have a family style menu, banquet rooms and live entertainment," said Michael. "The restaurant and lounge have been open for about a year now, located in the building that used to hold the Bismark Restaurant."

The dining area still boasts formal wear with tablecloths and napkins and a running fountain, which provides a calming and soothing atmosphere for diners, but Michael said the emphasis is on good down-home cooking.

"We have two really good cooks here," he said.

Mama Bea is named after Michael's mother, Beatrice Anna, who is a host at the restaurant.

"My son used to drive a truck most of his life and then decided to buy this business," said Mama Bea. "He's always wanted to have a lounge with entertainment."

Popular items on the menu include barbecued ribs, steaks, prime rib, pork chops, cornish game hens, herb red bliss potatoes, catfish, beef tips and burgers. The appetizers include bruschetta crab dip and chicken wings.

"We really do good business at lunch on the weekends," Michael said. "We usually have a pretty good crowd here for dinner as well. People like our food. My chocolate lover's cake costs me $2 a slice. I want to serve the best."

Fresh hot baked bread and butter accompanies dinner and generous portions, said Mama Bea.

"Our food is delicious," she added.

Upcoming bands scheduled at Floyd's lounge at Mama Bea's this month are the Goodson Band on June 29 and Keith Bryant on June 30. The lounge is already booked with live entertainment through December.

The lounge has a dance floor, which is well used.

"Our bands tend to draw a dancing crowd of all ages," said Michael. "Our bands are known to bring out a lot of their family and friends when they play. I do the karaoke from 9-12 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday nights."

Food and drink are available in the lounge as well as in the more formal dining area.

"We serve a lighter menu after 9 p.m. in the lounge," said Michael.

Entertainment is scheduled from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Dining room hours at Mama Bea's are Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; lunch is served daily from 11:30 to 2 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

For more information, call Mama Bea's Restaurant and Floyd's Lounge at 885-7070.

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