Over the years, there have been a lot of meals served and quite a few name changes on the sign at 20905 East Main Street.
Not long ago, it was called the Burger Cabin. Before that it was the Mustang Grill, Amo’s, Tipps, and it was probably named something else even before that.
What has remained constant is a tradition of good food and a hometown atmosphere.
Now, AP’s Dairy Bar is continuing and adding new life to that tradition under the ownership of Austin and Autumn Prater.
AP’s opened for business on November 17, and, according to the Praters, business is going well at the newly renovated site, and their patronage is growing as word about their delicious and various menu options, friendly service, and eye-catching décor spreads throughout the community.
As far as their menu, it of course features the expected staples of burgers and fries, though the Praters are offering some fresh spins on those classic standards.
What’s unique about their burgers is the extent to which customers can customize them to their own tastes with a big variety of toppings to choose from. Burger-lovers can pick from five cheese options, including American, pepper jack, Swiss, mozzarella, and cheese sauce. Other available toppings include: lettuce, tomato, pickles, raw onions, crispy onions, mushrooms, jalapenos, hot sauce, A1 steak sauce, chili, ketchup, mustard, Miracle Whip, mayo, BBQ sauce, and bacon.
And if you’re not in the mood for a conventional burger, AP’s also offers pizza burgers, crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, hotdogs, chili cheese dogs, mini corndogs, and chicken strips.
When it comes to sides, AP’s has got plenty of variety in that department, as well, with crinkly fries, sweet potato waffle fries, crispy waffle chips, jumbo cheese tots (with bacon or jalapeno), cheese curds, and chili all on the menu.
And what would a dairy bar be without ice cream? AP’s offers plenty of cool, sweet treats, including cones, sundaes, shakes, and concrete mixers in a variety of flavors. For those who like their desserts a little warmer, they also serve hot fudge brownies.
Mr. Prater pointed out that AP’s is the only location within an hour’s drive of Huntingdon that serves custard-based ice cream, which is thicker and creamier than the mostly whipped air fare served at most fast food places.
AP’s provides both drive-thru and dine-in options, and those who choose to dine in are sure to be impressed with the restaurant’s classic 50’s pop culture décor.
There are also outside, picnic-style dining tables for nice days, and when the weather warms back up, servers may again start providing window-side service in the parking lot for those who prefer to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their own vehicle.
Formerly a store manager for Prater’s Taters, Mr. Prater said that he got the idea to open his own restaurant from his brother.
“He called me at 11:00 one night, basically woke me up, and said he had an idea for me,” he said.
At his brother’s urging, Mr. Prater met him that next day at the former Burger Cabin building.
“We looked it over, all the right doors opened, and now here we are,” said Mr. Prater, who added that this has been the easiest and smoothest business opening he has ever been involved with, and he credited his excellent staff of 12 employees for much of that.
“We have the best crew,” he said.
AP’s is open to serve customers from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.
The Praters said they are strongly considering staying open later than 9 p.m. on the nights of Huntingdon High School home sporting events to give players, parents, and fans a chance to grab some late night eats before heading to the house.
