Published: June 28, 2007 12:06 pm         

Wooden Nickel Pub still serving up neighborhood favorites

When the Wooden Nickel Pub closed its doors at 3104 North Oak Street Extension in 2004, men and women of all ages and from all walks of life mourned the loss of the Camel Rider. They did not know how they would go on without a mid-week taste of the pita pocket stuffed with ham, salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard and Buffalo Brady’s special dressing.

On September 28, 2006, a newly constructed and improved Wooden Nickel Pub opened its doors at 3269 Inner Perimeter Road to a waiting crowd of longtime fans. Standing in the parking lot, each one secretly hoped the new restaurant would be as much like the one they had loved since 1978 as possible. And they were not disappointed.

Owners Michael Woodruff and Walt Gill had not only purchased the Wooden Nickel Pub franchise and recipes but brought longtime cooks Richard Tomlinson and Ryan Tolbert and general manager Kae Sinkule back along for the ride. Sure, the building was new and boasted a larger capacity, and the service was faster. However, other than that, everything else pretty much remained unchanged.

“We offer the same menu that people have known and loved for years,” said Sinkule, who managed the old restaurant, which was owned by Carmike Cinemas Inc., for more than 20 years. “People are constantly telling me that the food tastes exactly like it used to. They just get it a little faster.”

Besides the beloved Camel Rider, Wooden Nickel Pub favorites include the Gyro (seasoned beef and lamb, lettuce, tomatoes and Taziki sauce served in pita bread), the Philly (roast beef, sautéed onions and mushrooms, Swiss cheese and mayonnaise served on toasted French bread) and the Veggie Rider (bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, diced eggs, tomatoes, spinach, mayonnaise, mustard and Buffalo Brady’s special dressing in pita bread). The menu also boasts pizzas, like the Tex Mex (grilled chicken, tomatoes, jalapenos, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce), soups and salads, as well as nachos. The special recipe version takes corn chips and piles them high with chili, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, and jalapenos, with Taziki sauce on the side.

Named the restaurant with the best appetizers by readers of The Valdosta Daily Times, The Wooden Nickel Pub serves up everything from poppers and fried mushrooms to cheese sticks and chicken strips to onion rings and fries. In late January, wings in four tasty flavors — spicy teriyaki, flamin’, ragin’ ranch and original — were added to the lineup. Kid-friendly and dessert selections round things out.

“So far, business has been really great,” Sinkule added. “For two months after we opened, we had people waiting outside to get in the door every single day. We expected to see that for two weeks, not two months. We really enjoyed that.”

Described by Sinkule as super casual, affordable, and lively, the Wooden Nickel Pub has been a home away from home for generations of Valdostans. Its family-friendly atmosphere attracts everyone from bankers to bikers, students to professors, singles to couples with children.

“There’s always someone walking through the door that we look forward to seeing around here,” Sinkule said. “While the menu and staff remains unchanged, each day unfolds a little differently. We like that.”

Like the old Wooden Nickel Pub, the new one offers a pool table, jukebox and games for those who want to have a little fun before and/or after their meal. Unlike its predecessor, the new Wooden Nickel Pub offers outdoor dining — when the weather cooperates — on a covered patio and a private room for parties.

From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday, the Wooden Nickel Pub hosts Kids Fun Monday, where kids eat for 99 cents and play games for free. From 8 p.m. to close every Tuesday and Friday, patrons can enjoy live entertainment as well as $1 drafts, $5 pitchers, bucket beer promotions, $2 wine and $2 sangria.

Pubside to-go orders are accepted. Gift cards are sold.