The Universal Joint Cafe

It's April the 2nd and I'm still trying to get over the hour of sleep I was cheated out of last night. About 9 a.m. I decided I really should get up if I'm going to ride today. I looked up at the sky and the rain clouds were coming closer to the ground. Told myself I would not be a woos today and I will go for a ride.

Went down to Dave's Waffle Shop on Yadkin Road for breakfast (Fayetteville, NC) and filled up my belly before I headed out. Southern Pines, NC. is about 35 miles West of Fayetteville. I dodged the pot holes through Ft. Bragg. Wish they'd fix those things. Some of them could eat a front tire. No rain but it looks like it could poor down anytime now.

My friend Bob from near Southern Pines was meeting me for a ride. I got to Southern Pines about an hour early so I could tool around for a bit and check out a cool restaurant I had heard about, "The Universal Joint Cafe". I called Bob to let him know I was in town and asked him to meet me at the Cafe. While I waited for Bob, I talked to the folks at the Cafe. In September of 1999 The Universal Joint Cafe opened its doors to the public. You have to see the place to appreciate what has been done to an old 1920's Gas Station converted to a NASCAR theme. There is NASCAR stuff everywhere. Old Gas pumps have TV's in them where the fuel meters used to be. Tire rims are converted into great bar stools. Yes, you can order a cool one here too. The outside area offers a great place to eat too. One of the few places around that offers outside seating. You'll find pictures of cars, banners and other neat things everywhere. I ordered a ham club sandwich with fries. It was the best I've had in a very long time. Bob got chicken wings. He swears they are the best wings. The way he put them away, I believe him.

Look at some of the interior of the Cafe. Is this cool or what? There are boths and tables. This is a first class family place. They offer secured parking if you ride your bike. Sunday afternoon you can enjoy great food and watch the NASCAR race at the same time. They are open Sundays between noon and 5 p.m. During the rest of the week, the Cafe is open M-Th 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. til 2 a.m. with music to boot. Give them a call at (910) 695-1830

If you are looking for great food and an interesting place to stop in the Southern Pines area, give The Universal Joint Cafe a look. You'll like it. The Cafe is across the street from the train station in downtown Southern Pines at 280 NW Broad St. at the corner of NW Broad St. and W. Connecticut Ave. Rumor has it that they may expand the Cafe to include a room just for bikers.

Look for Poker Runs sponsored by the Cafe. The local CBA meets there. Ray Price may be bringing his racing bike down in the future. When you visit, let the owners know you heard about them on Carolina Motorcycle Events.