Mamaw Key would be proud!

Over the last few years the Walker/Elam corner has become the home to several excellent restaurants. Close to my mom's house, I have had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local specialties and indulge my taste for something other than chain restaurants.

A new addition to this eclectic collection of eateries is Emma Key's Flat Top Grill. Named for the owner's grandmother and located at 2206 Walker Ave., Greensboro, NC 27403, "...Better Burgers, Shakes, Fries, and Snoballs..." gives you no idea of the variety this place actually offers!

On our first trip, Mike went straight old-school with a burger and a shake, but I veered down a totally different path and went for Pete's Vegan Cake, an outstanding combination of falafel and black bean patty! We were both thoroughly pleased with our selections! Both were messy and full of flavor and, for those veggie friends of mine, the vegan cake is cooked in a special pan (not on the grill with all leaky meaty juices)! The milkshake was a treat, the servers were friendly and helpful, and we knew we would be back!

Pete's Vegan Cake

Since our first trip, there have been changes to the menu and updates to the facilities at Emma Key's and they've all been positive! There is now outside seating and even more options on the menu! This time I went for the BLT and a side salad. Piled high with bacon, fresh tomatoes, and perfectly toasted, this sandwich was a sight to behold and a pleasure to eat! The salad was super fresh and the special house dressing was especially delicious!

If you are considering making the trip to Emma Key's and believe me, you should, parking is the one thing that will require you to be a little flexible. Due to the expansion that was necessary on the original building, formerly a barbershop, to make the conversion to a restaurant, there is no on-site parking. There is parking available on the street across the street and they have leased parking in the lot of the Suds and Dud's laundromat on Walker Ave. It's not too far to walk, and probably not a bad idea if you choose to indulge in the one of the fabulous shakes!