-- Tamales, Chili, Spaghetti, Chili-Mac, spaghetti red, soups etc.... Greasy Spoon

[Simply Red]

Some of the best greasy spoon, plated food I've had was this Fred and Red's spaghetti red.

I really enjoyed the raw nostalgia of this place. Who can top the plate of spaghetti red, WHOLE white onion slices, and standard no frills pickle pile?

Then these yellow, orange and white cheese powder toppings.

I remember the first time I went I could hardly wait to eat/try this stuff and It really delivered - I think in my life I only made it there 3 total times, but I'm pretty sure those three plates took about 11 days off of life span.

But yeah,

The plates were perfect for that colder weather in Joplin in Winter months.
I am pretty sure I never tried their tamales - did any of you all ever go w/ the tamale plate? If so how were they? Did Fred & Red's offer any desserts? Seems they had some cream pies and maybe ice-cream - though I can't say for sure.

How about other spots offering something similar - great Chili, spaghetti red, or the sort - even tamales?? Love to hear of other places.

I never tried Skyline Chili out in Ohio.

I'd be interested in any place that hit you in a nostalgic way and created a memory of delicious, greasy food? Especially interested in other places, I've never heard of.

I'm even okay with hearing of spots that offer Raviolis or Sloppy Joe's...

There are no real rules here, also, If you can provide links or pics of spots that are similar to F&R's that'd certainly be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

[Discuss Thrower]

Some of the best greasy spoon, plated food I've had was this Fred and Red's spaghetti red.

I really enjoyed the raw nostalgia of this place. Who can top the plate of spaghetti red, WHOLE white onion slices, and standard no frills pickle pile?

Then these yellow, orange and white cheese powder toppings.

I remember the first time I went I could hardly wait to eat/try this stuff and It really delivered - I think in my life I only made it there 3 total times, but I'm pretty sure those three plates took about 11 days off of life span.

But yeah,

The plates were perfect for that colder weather in Joplin in Winter months.
I am pretty sure I never tried their tamales - did any of you all ever go w/ the tamale plate? If so how were they? Did Fred & Red's offer any desserts? Seems they had some cream pies and maybe ice-cream - though I can't say for sure.

How about other spots offering something similar - great Chili, spaghetti red, or the sort - even tamales?? Love to hear of other places.

I never tried Skyline Chili out in Ohio.

I'd be interested in any place that hit you in a nostalgic way and created a memory of delicious, greasy food? Especially interested in other places, I've never heard of.

I'm even okay with hearing of spots that offer Raviolis or Sloppy Joe's...

There are no real rules here, also, If you can provide links or pics of spots that are similar to F&R's that'd certainly be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

1) Find "We Love Fred and Reds" on Facebook. In their documents section there's a knock off recipe that people swear by. I've failed twice making it.

2) In Joplin, Stogey's has a spaghetti red plate that is close to F&Rs but not quite there taste wise. It's less spicy and almost a bit sweet but that can be overridden by some pepper or hot sauce.

3) Springfieldians love Casper's but their chili has beans by default. Fuck that shit.

4) Skyline / Cincinnati chili has chocolate and/or cinnamon in it. Fuck that noise.

[Simply Red]

http://i.imgur.com/p0aMxBc.jpg

[Simply Red]

So F&R's is gone huh Jtown, seem to recall you telling me that.

So is Whisler still in Carthage at least?

Anyone ever used to go to Ford's cafe is Lee's Scummit?

[Discuss Thrower]

So F&R's is gone huh Jtown, seem to recall you telling me that.

So is Whisler still in Carthage at least?

Anyone ever used to go to Ford's cafe is Lee's Scummit?

Yep, F&R's has been toast going on two years now.

Never heard of either of those two places.

[Simply Red]

Yep, F&R's has been toast going on two years now.

Never heard of either of those two places.

Whisler's Hamburgers?

here it is (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/293/1454984/restaurant/Whislers-Old-Fashioned-Hamburgers-Springfield)

[Simply Red]

The original is in Carthage.

[Frosty]

Loved me some Chili-Mac when I was in the army. It was one of the few things that was consistently palatable.

I would never actually buy it in a restaurant, though.

[Bugeater]

I was all pumped up for Fred & Red's when I was in Carthage last fall and was disappointed to learn they were closed. However, the drive-in theater is apparently still open.

http://oi57.tinypic.com/30xa0bc.jpg

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Take notes deberg

[Fire Me Boy!]

Skyline is truly disgusting.

Memphis has a local favorite: BBQ spaghetti. It's surprisingly tasty, as well as BBQ bologna sandwich (tastes nothing like bologna and is now one of my regional favorites).

[gblowfish]

I was all pumped up for Fred & Red's when I was in Carthage last fall and was disappointed to learn they were closed. However, the drive-in theater is apparently still open.

http://oi57.tinypic.com/30xa0bc.jpg

Nice Jeep, I've got one just like it, but it's blue. Fred & Red (it's in Joplin, not Carthage) escaped the tornado by about three or four blocks, but the owners wanted to retire and wanted a SHIT TON of money for the chili recipe. Nobody was willing to pay it, so they just closed up. Shame, it was one of America's classic greasy spoons.

Here in KC, I'd recommend Town Topic, Dixon's Chili, Dagwoods, Cascone Grill.

[srvy]

http://www.dixonschili.com/menu/

Love me Dixons Chilli with beans but haven't had in while. This needs to end.

They have a Chilli over spaghetti I have not had but looks good.

[Simply Red]

Skyline is truly disgusting.

Memphis has a local favorite: BBQ spaghetti. It's surprisingly tasty, as well as BBQ bologna sandwich (tastes nothing like bologna and is now one of my regional favorites).

I agree on Skyline.

[Simply Red]

http://www.dixonschili.com/menu/

Love me Dixons Chilli with beans but haven't had in while. This needs to end.

They have a Chilli over spaghetti I have not had but looks good.

:clap:

This is what I was looking for - I remember Dixon's slightly. Yes - Ty for that link - looks good. How long have they been there?

[eDave]

In Maryville, back in 84-89, there were two places:

A breakfast place that was open when the bars closed. Hole in the wall place with the owner as cook. You could challenge him to a coin toss. If you won, your meal was free. Lose and you payed double. Great greasy, post party grub.

Just outside of town, on the way to KC, there was a small truckstop/shop/diner. Best B&G's I have ever had.

More recently, at the LA flower market, latino's would set up outside with fresh, homemade tomales for like $2. Nostaligic because I loved going down and spending all night buying inventory, buying a homeless guy McDonalds, or a couple of tomales, to load my truck. Enjoyed the downtown LA vibe.

[gblowfish]

:clap:

This is what I was looking for - I remember Dixon's slightly. Yes - Ty for that link - looks good. How long have they been there?

Dixon's has been in business in KC since 1919. There's one just north of Arrowhead at US 40 Highway and Blue Ridge Cutoff.

[HonestChieffan]

I buy tamales in Ft worth. A years supply at a time. I have yet to find a decent tamale north of ft worth.

[Simply Red]

Dixon's has been in business in KC since 1919. There's one just north of Arrowhead at US 40 Highway and Blue Ridge Cutoff.

Yes.

You know I've never been there, that I recall.

[Simply Red]

I buy tamales in Ft worth. A years supply at a time. I have yet to find a decent tamale north of ft worth.

do you just stew them? how do you bring them back to life? Crock-pot or just simmer them or what? Also - I assume they're frozen in a sauce, do you have a link that shows the offerings from this place? I'm curious.

[gblowfish]

Well, if you like chili and tamales, you must make a pilgrimage. It was Harry Truman's favorite place.

[Simply Red]

I was all pumped up for Fred & Red's when I was in Carthage last fall and was disappointed to learn they were closed. However, the drive-in theater is apparently still open.

http://oi57.tinypic.com/30xa0bc.jpg

yeah it sucks - did you ever try Whisler's hamburgers in Carthage by chance?

also - how long has that drive-in been there? Do they serve food there? if so how is it? - I don't remember ever seeing it - and I went to Carthage often as a child. TICKLE HILL!!

[Simply Red]

Well, if you like chili and tamales, you must make a pilgrimage. It was Harry Truman's favorite place.

You can bet your ass next time I'm in KC I'm going! Thanks for the info.

I'll be surprised if it's as good as Fred and Red's was.

[srvy]

You know im not sure in this location 40 highway has been long time. Dixons started in the early 1900's. My Dad worked for TWA and Mom for lawyers in the Commerce Tower Downtown KC. Dad would pick us up after school and head Downtown and pick mom up and we would eat at Dixons Chilli. I remember we would see Walt Bodine. Bill Grigsby and numerous old Chiefs in that place.

[Simply Red]

You know im not sure in this location 40 highway has been long time. Dixons started in the early 1900's. My Dad worked for TWA and Mom for lawyers in the Commerce Tower Downtown KC. Dad would pick us up after school and head Downtown and pick mom up and we would eat at Dixons Chilli. I remember we would see Walt Bodine. Bill Grigsby and numerous old Chiefs in that place.

actually my dad was buddies w/ Grigsby. ha ha

[eDave]

You know im not sure in this location 40 highway has been long time. Dixons started in the early 1900's. My Dad worked for TWA and Mom for lawyers in the Commerce Tower Downtown KC. Dad would pick us up after school and head Downtown and pick mom up and we would eat at Dixons Chilli. I remember we would see Walt Bodine. Bill Grigsby and numerous old Chiefs in that place.

Fellow TWA brat here. Did the whole Saudi Arabia thing. There was some grub. Cut the beef right off the spit, flies and all, into a bun. $5 Riyals.

Dad was a Mechanic, then Inspector, then an Instructor. Miss the free flights.

[cdcox]

Trader Joe's has passable tamales.

[Simply Red]

FMB!

Please explain BBQ spaghetti.

[Simply Red]

Trader Joe's has passable tamales.

this is good information - now are these frozen or canned?

[cdcox]

this is good information - now are these frozen or canned?

Frozen. Come with husks.

[Bugeater]

Nice Jeep, I've got one just like it, but it's blue. Fred & Red (it's in Joplin, not Carthage) escaped the tornado by about three or four blocks, but the owners wanted to retire and wanted a SHIT TON of money for the chili recipe. Nobody was willing to pay it, so they just closed up. Shame, it was one of America's classic greasy spoons.

Here in KC, I'd recommend Town Topic, Dixon's Chili, Dagwoods, Cascone Grill.
Ah, got the towns confused. :doh!:

yeah it sucks - did you ever try Whisler's hamburgers in Carthage by chance?

also - how long has that drive-in been there? Do they serve food there? if so how is it? - I don't remember ever seeing it - and I went to Carthage often as a child. TICKLE HILL!!
Nah, I knew there was someplace in Carthage you had raved about, I was thinking it was Fred & Reds. As far as the drive-in, hell I'm not from the area so I have no idea but I'm assuming it's pretty old. Looked to be well maintained though from what I could see of the outside. Very cool drive along Route 66 down that way.

[Simply Red]

Ah, got the towns confused. :doh!:


Nah, I knew there was someplace in Carthage you had raved about, I was thinking it was Fred & Reds. As far as the drive-in, hell I'm not from the area so I have no idea but I'm assuming it's pretty old. Looked to be well maintained though from what I could see of the outside. Very cool drive along Route 66 down that way.

It was both Fred & Red's and Whisler's - both of the chicken houses in Pittsburg KS - Honestly I'm surprised Whisler's never gets much airplay from CP. Surprised more people don't know about it. It's really decent little burgers - they're small but tasty.

[srvy]

Fellow TWA brat here. Did the whole Saudi Arabia thing. There was some grub. Cut the beef right off the spit, flies and all, into a bun. $5 Riyals.

Dad was a Mechanic, then Inspector, then an Instructor. Miss the free flights.

They probably knew each other. Dad was a Mechanic then Inspector. He Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award recipient.

After he retired he was one of the original group to go to Mesa, Az to rescue the Constellation and restore it.

[Bugeater]

It was both Fred & Red's and Whisler's - both of the chicken houses in Pittsburg KS - Honestly I'm surprised Whisler's never gets much airplay from CP. Surprised more people don't know about it. It's really decent little burgers - they're small but tasty.
I'll look that one up when I'm back down this fall. :thumb:

[Simply Red]

I'll look that one up when I'm back down this fall. :thumb:

I didn't even realize it was you until just now - ok. sorry Bug.

But yeah - Whisler's is good.

[HonestChieffan]

do you just stew them? how do you bring them back to life? Crock-pot or just simmer them or what? Also - I assume they're frozen in a sauce, do you have a link that shows the offerings from this place? I'm curious.

Ill getvthe info. They come from a tiny mexican bakery across thexstreet from a great mexican resturaunt called Joes. We have them package in dozens. We thaw them then steam them and usually have them with chilli. Awesome good. Pm me if I forget

Got it. esperanzas. Its across street from Joe T's. Best tamales Ive ever had.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

You created a monster

[Simply Red]

You created a monster

I will end it at my real time Shoney's visit thread - and then we'll cool it.

[Simply Red]

can any of you please explain what exactly bbq spaghetti is?

[Pasta Little Brioni]

I will end it at my real time Shoney's visit thread - and then we'll cool it.

It's the imitators man. Horrible ideas and bad thread presentation. They can't even fire off a silver standard topic.

[Simply Red]

It's the imitators man. Horrible ideas and bad thread presentation. They can't even fire off a silver standard topic.

Deberg is just having fun, let him play - we'll get serious tomorrow - it'll take a gem though, my mojo has been somewhat disturbed.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Deberg is just having fun, let him play - we'll get serious tomorrow - it'll take a gem though, my mojo has been somewhat disturbed.

Limiting pizza thread to the sauce hurt and a wall o text. These barbarians like simple discussion of staples...Also skip is watching. :)

[Simply Red]

Limiting pizza thread to the sauce hurt and a wall o text. These barbarians like simple discussion of staples...Also skip is watching. :)

it had to be a specific component of the pizza pie - we simply have had too many generic pizza threads.

[eDave]

They probably knew each other. Dad was a Mechanic then Inspector. He Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award recipient.

After he retired he was one of the original group to go to Mesa, Az to rescue the Constellation and restore it.

Yup. My dad knew all those guys.

[Randallflagg]

Allright...here we go...

Steak and Shake chili 5 ways. I realize that this is crazy, but I love it.

[Fire Me Boy!]

FMB!

Please explain BBQ spaghetti.

It's cooked spaghetti (the pasta, not the dish), topped with diced smoked pork and barbecue sauce. It's all over the Memphis area, and surprisingly tasty.

[DMAC]

Springfield used to have Bill & Ruth's. I miss that place.

[Simply Red]

Allright...here we go...

Steak and Shake chili 5 ways. I realize that this is crazy, but I love it.

nope it's good - although I've only had their standard chili mac.

[BigChiefFan]

We call 'em "three ways" or "four ways" here. Spaghetti, chili, and cheese. Add onion for a 4 way. I like to put Sour Cream on top of mine. Good stuff.

[Simply Red]

We call 'em "three ways" or "four ways" here. Spaghetti, chili, and cheese. Add onion for a 4 way. I like to put Sour Cream on top of mine. Good stuff.

would you mind dropping some links? I'm interested in this theme - are there any spots aside from shitty Skyline that you'd recommend? & I apologize in advance if you like Skyline - but to me it's not that appealing.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

You should totally change name to Spaghetti Red!

[Simply Red]

You should totally change name to Spaghetti Red!

they did that already.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

they did that already.

Don't remember that

[Hammock Parties]

There are so many more good things to eat. Don't know why anyone would waste calories on this gutbomb. Disgusting.

[Simply Red]

There are so many more good things to eat. Don't know why anyone would waste calories on this gutbomb. Disgusting.

shut up and eat your God damned Chili mac.

[Great Expectations]

Fat Mama's Tamalez in Natchez, MS are outstanding. They also have a good selction of beer, and their world famous knock you naked margaritas. They also help out a local hunting guide whose slogan is "Your land, your coons, my dogs."

https://www.fatmamastamales.com/

I have a decent knock off Fred-n-Reds recipie. SR, if I can find it I'll PM it to you, it is surprisingly simple.

[Simply Red]

Fat Mama's Tamalez in Natchez, MS are outstanding. They also have a good selction of beer, and their world famous knock you naked margaritas. They also help out a local hunting guide whose slogan is "Your land, your coons, my dogs."

https://www.fatmamastamales.com/

I have a decent knock off Fred-n-Reds recipie. SR, if I can find it I'll PM it to you, it is surprisingly simple.

The one I made myself REALLY came close.

[Hammock Parties]

shut up and eat your God damned Chili mac.

http://i.imgur.com/damgwF7.gif

[Simply Red]

http://i.imgur.com/damgwF7.gif

http://i.imgur.com/vm79EHb.gif

[Hammock Parties]

http://i.imgur.com/vm79EHb.gif

http://i.imgur.com/d1BKRAF.gif

[Simply Red]

http://i.imgur.com/d1BKRAF.gif




http://i.imgur.com/6fZNk0s.gif

[Hammock Parties]

http://i.imgur.com/6fZNk0s.gif

http://i.imgur.com/ZvgZF6G.gif

[ptlyon]

WTF IS GOING ON IN HERE?!?

I didn't think so.

Later.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Fitting

[loochy]

I buy tamales in Ft worth. A years supply at a time. I have yet to find a decent tamale north of ft worth.

Where do you buy them at? If you name somewhere close, I might have to swing by after work tonight. :thumb:

[Randallflagg]

nope it's good - although I've only had their standard chili mac.


I started on their Chili 5 ways back in the 70s. Been chowing down on it ever since. Hell, I was overseas for 3 years (early 80s) and had friends send me cans of the chili, cooked up some spaghetti, poured the chili over that, added cheese and onions and a dollop of chili sauce and BINGO!

Steak and Shake Chili 5 ways.


Doesn't take much to make me happy!