A CUT ABOVE THE REST
1836 Steakhouse offers fine dining experience at an affordable price
STORY & PHOTOS BY MIKAH BOYD
When The Junction closed in 2015 , Huntsville native , John Mathews felt that there was no longer a place for members of the community to gather together and enjoy a fine meal . He decided to fill the void by opening a Texas Revolution-themed steakhouse on 11th Street in Huntsville .
Originally , Mathews was looking to open a different type of restaurant , but members of the community encouraged him to provide them with a place to enjoy the steakhouse experience locally .
“ The community just needed to have a restaurant like that , so you didn ’ t have to go out of town to have this kind of dining experience ,” Mathews said .
While 1836 provides this experience , the business tries to avoid being labeled as a fine dining establishment , and delivers a welcoming atmosphere to all patrons . They accomplish with their modest environment and by offering items that accommodate different kinds of budgets .
“ We really wanted to be open to anybody that feels comfortable coming in ,” Mathews said . “ Sure , we ’ ve got some high-dollar steaks on the menu , but then we ’ ve got very affordable and value-oriented items on there that anybody of any financial means could enjoy a dinner there . It was important to me that it not be exclusive .”
The affordable pricing and mellow atmosphere draw in not only locals , but those from larger areas who are looking for a change in scenery . This is found in the rustic house that 1836 operates out of , which features grand rooms lined with windows that allow those inside to enjoy natural lighting and feel the embrace of small-town ambiance . Upstairs , there is the ‘ Attic ’, a full-service bar with a skylight centerpiece that fills the room with perfect mood lighting .
As Huntsville has many restaurants for locals to enjoy , Mathews hopes the uniqueness of 1836 draws people in and encourages them to invite others to visit the one-of-a-kind steakhouse . He understands that oftentimes a town ’ s dining options can change people ’ s perception of the area , making it important to offer a place that residents can be proud of .
“ That ’ s the most rewarding part and the reason I did it , was to give Huntsville a kind of restaurant that they wanted to take their friends and family to because it was unique enough ,” Mathews said .
He finds that he is in good company , as he knows many local restaurant owners hold themselves to the same standard and work diligently to help give residents and visitors of Huntsville the best dining experience around .
“ We ’ re glad to be a part of the restaurant community in Huntsville ,” Mathews said . “ There are a lot of other great restaurants and great restaurant owners , and I don ’ t think that it ’ s ever been better for Huntsville than it is right now .”
12 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | JULY-AUGUST 2021