Dixie Crossroads

     I have been seeing the signs for this place for years, and as I normally don't drive 45 minutes to lunch, this place was only going to get tried when on the road.  After driving way out of our way home to try Middle Eastern Aromas and finding that it is closed on Sundays, we looked further down the road towards home for another place to eat and decided on Dixie Crossroads.

     The place is HUGE! It also had a walk up window for to go orders and a bus lane.  This place must be really popular and busy.  That is always a good sign.  We were seated quickly and our server was really helpful in navigating the menu.  When we asked about what to order, she said that unfortunately they were out of the rock shrimp they were famous for, but the red (I think they were called red) shrimp were very good and she actually preferred them because they were sweeter.  We were like deer in headlight trying to decide being travel weary, and she was very patient and helpful in getting us something we would like.

Sugary Hush Puppies

     I decided to start with the Krabby patties. I got a combination plate so I could try several things with a salad and veggies.  My husband got the shrimp special, my son got the snow crab clusters and my daughter got the fried clam strips.  We are getting pretty excited now because service was good, the menu looked great and they set these awesome baskets of hush puppies dusted in powdered sugar for us when they came to the table with our drinks.  They were pretty tasty and they kept the kids happy while waiting for the meal. Also they provided us with lots of laughs; like my daughter licking off the powdered sugar and feeding the ABL (already been licked) hush puppies to her dad.

     The krabby patties arrive.  They are basically crab (or krab?) cake poppers.  I liked them.  The tartar sauce with them was really good and while I think I preferred it with the patties, the cocktail sauce was the best I have ever tasted.  I loved that it was really chuck full of horseradish.  Not long after here comes my salad and my husband's soup.  The soup was alright.  It got a lot better with a dash or two of their house hot sauce.  The soup was spicy already but it needed some seasoning.  My salad was nice if a bit ordinary.  The tomatoes were very good quality and the egg and bacon on it was nice.  The vinaigrette was very good, but the greens, while crisp and fresh, very one note.  I think it was romaine and iceberg but I forgot to put in my notes so I could be off. The portions have been ample and I am starting to worry I wouldn't have room for my entree.

Krabby Patties

     My Indian River combo arrives.  My only beef with the service occurs.  While I got everything broiled, I didn't realize that they wouldn't be seasoned.  There were several choices for seasonings, but I wasn't asked if or which one I might want when I ordered.  The dish needed it.  Our server happily and quickly obliged me with a souffle cup of seasoning, but it would have been much better cooked in it.  The combo had the shrimp, scallops and fish (pompano today) all broiled with some butter and clarified butter to dunk in.  Everything was over cooked.  Not to the point of inedibility but enough that the texture really interfered with the flavor.  Same deal with my husband's shrimp which did have seasoning.  My son's crab clusters were perfect.  The fried clams were great too.  The french fries were very good.

     Bottom line:  the product seemed to be fresh and good quality.  The sauces that went with the dishes were amazing, including the two house hot sauces on the table. The sides were mediocre to good depending on which one you got.  The seafood seemed best when fried; only then was it not over cooked.  Not a problem if that is what you prefer, but I don't.  The portions are large for the price. I would eat again there, but only if in the area.  I can't see myself going out of my way for it.




Dixie Crossroads
1475 Garden Street
Titusville FL 32796
Ph: 321-268-5000
http://dixiecrossroads.com/
http://dixiecrossroads.com/menu-2/