Imagine a place where the breaded tenderloin is so big, it makes the bun look like a postage stamp.
Welcome to Babe’s Blue Room, where flavor trumps frills and the sandwich reigns supreme.
In the sun-soaked streets of Ormond Beach, Florida, there’s a little blue building that’s been serving up big flavors for nearly three decades.
Babe’s Blue Room isn’t trying to win any beauty contests, but it might just take home the crown for the most mouthwatering tenderloin sandwich this side of the Mason-Dixon line.
As you approach this unassuming establishment, you might wonder if your GPS has led you astray.
The exterior is a cheerful shade of blue that seems to wink at you under the Florida sun, as if to say, “Trust me, you’re in for a treat.”
Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, providing a tropical backdrop to this decidedly un-tropical looking joint.
A few picnic tables out front offer al fresco dining for those who prefer their tenderloin with a side of vitamin D.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a cozy, no-nonsense interior that screams “local hangout.”
The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of memorabilia, each piece telling a story of the bar’s 27-year history.
Neon signs cast a warm glow over the room, their buzzing a constant reminder that you’re in a place where good times are always on tap.
The tables and chairs might not be the latest in ergonomic design, but they’ve supported countless elbows as patrons have leaned in to take that first, glorious bite of tenderloin.
Speaking of that tenderloin, let’s talk about the star of the show, shall we?
The “Giant Breaded Tenderloin” isn’t just a name – it’s a promise.
This behemoth of a sandwich is so large, it makes you wonder if they’ve somehow managed to bread an entire pig.
The tenderloin is pounded thin, breaded to perfection, and fried until it achieves that golden-brown hue that makes your mouth water on sight.
It’s served on a bun that seems comically small in comparison, like a sombrero on a chihuahua.
But don’t let the size intimidate you – this is a sandwich meant to be conquered.
Some folks tackle it with knife and fork, others attempt to fold it into submission, while the brave (or foolhardy) try to pick it up whole.
Whichever method you choose, prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for lesser sandwiches.
The breading is crispy and seasoned just right, providing the perfect textural contrast to the tender, juicy pork within.
Each bite is a harmonious blend of crunch and succulence, a culinary symphony that plays out on your taste buds.
But Babe’s Blue Room isn’t a one-hit wonder.
Their menu, while not extensive, offers a variety of options for those who might not be in the mood for a tenderloin the size of a hubcap.
The Babe’s Jumbo Burger is a formidable contender in its own right, a hefty patty that’ll satisfy even the most voracious appetite.
For those looking to add some heat to their meal, the wings come in various flavors from mild to “why did I do this to myself” hot.
The Patty Melt is another crowd-pleaser, a gooey, cheesy affair that’ll have you questioning your loyalty to the tenderloin (but only briefly).
And let’s not forget the sides.
The onion rings are a crispy, golden delight, perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge).
The french fries are exactly what you want them to be – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the ideal vehicle for ketchup delivery.
For the health-conscious (who have somehow found themselves in a bar famous for its giant fried pork sandwich), there are salads on offer.
But let’s be honest, you don’t come to Babe’s Blue Room for the salads.
You come for the tenderloin, you stay for the atmosphere, and you leave with a full belly and a story to tell.
One of the charms of Babe’s Blue Room is its unpretentious approach to dining.
This isn’t a place where you’ll find artisanal cocktails garnished with locally-sourced herbs.
The beer is cold, the drinks are strong, and the food is hearty.
It’s the kind of place where you can come as you are, whether that’s straight from the beach or fresh off a long day at work.
The staff at Babe’s are as much a part of the experience as the food.
They’ve been serving up smiles (and giant tenderloins) for years, and their friendly banter adds to the homey feel of the place.
Don’t be surprised if you walk in a stranger and leave feeling like a regular.
It’s the kind of place where everybody might not know your name when you arrive, but they probably will by the time you leave.
One of the quirks of Babe’s Blue Room is their “when available” caveat on the menu for the Giant Breaded Tenderloin.
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It’s like they’re saying, “We can’t always guarantee this miracle of pork engineering, but when we have it, boy do we have it.”
This air of mystery only adds to the allure.
Will today be the day you get to experience the tenderloin in all its glory?
There’s only one way to find out.
For those looking to take a piece of Babe’s home with them (besides the leftovers from that massive tenderloin), they offer “one of a kind Babes T-shirts.”
It’s the perfect souvenir to commemorate your culinary adventure, and a great conversation starter for when people ask, “Where on earth did you get that shirt?”
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the pig on the plate.
Yes, the Giant Breaded Tenderloin is not exactly health food.
It’s not going to win any awards from the American Heart Association.
But sometimes, you need to throw caution to the wind, ignore the calorie count, and just enjoy a really good sandwich.
And make no mistake, this is a really good sandwich.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite, the outside world fading away as you focus on the perfect harmony of crispy breading and tender pork.
It’s the kind of sandwich that ruins other sandwiches for you.
After experiencing the Giant Breaded Tenderloin at Babe’s Blue Room, your regular deli sandwich is going to seem sadly inadequate.
But Babe’s Blue Room is more than just a place to get a great sandwich.
It’s a slice of local life, a glimpse into the heart of Ormond Beach.
It’s where locals come to unwind after a long day, where tourists stumble upon a hidden gem, and where everyone is united in their appreciation for good food and good company.
In a world of trendy gastropubs and upscale eateries, Babe’s Blue Room is refreshingly authentic.
It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not.
It’s not chasing the latest food trends or trying to reinvent the wheel.
It’s just serving up damn good food in a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s been doing that successfully for nearly three decades.
That’s not to say Babe’s is stuck in the past.
They’ve adapted with the times, offering things like a chicken wrap for those looking for a lighter option.
But at its core, Babe’s Blue Room knows what it does well, and it sticks to it.
And what it does well is that tenderloin sandwich.
It’s the kind of sandwich that becomes legendary, the subject of late-night cravings and road trip detours.
It’s the kind of sandwich that people tell their friends about, insisting, “You have to try it to believe it.”
And when those friends do try it, they understand.
They get why you couldn’t stop talking about a sandwich.
Because it’s not just a sandwich – it’s an experience.
As you sit in Babe’s Blue Room, tenderloin in hand, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the glow of neon, you might find yourself thinking, “This is what eating out should be.”
No pretension, no gimmicks, just good food and good people.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences come in the most unassuming packages.
Or in this case, in a package that’s anything but unassuming – have I mentioned how big that tenderloin is?
So the next time you find yourself in Ormond Beach, do yourself a favor.
Skip the fancy beachfront restaurants and the chain eateries.
Instead, make your way to that little blue building with the picnic tables out front.
Step inside Babe’s Blue Room, order yourself a Giant Breaded Tenderloin (if it’s available – remember, part of the fun is the mystery), and prepare for a culinary adventure.
Just make sure you come hungry – very, very hungry.
Because at Babe’s Blue Room, they don’t just serve sandwiches.
They serve challenges, they serve experiences, and most importantly, they serve memories.
And isn’t that what great food is all about?
For more information about Babe’s Blue Room, including their latest specials and events, check out their Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your tenderloin adventure, use this map to find your way to pork paradise.
Where: 206 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Remember, the best things in life often come in unexpected packages – or in this case, in a package so large it barely fits on the plate.
Happy eating, and may your tenderloin always be crispy, your beer always cold, and your memories always warm.