by Michael Allen McCormick

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: June 05, 2010

Two restaurants in Albany, Oregon stand out head and shoulders above the rest for family dining. One of them is a fast food joint, in a shabby looking building in a quiet residential section of town. The other is a sit down and dine in experience.

King Kone, located at 1515 Salem Avenue SE, is the best value in Oregon for a soft serve ice cream cone. They are aptly named King Kone. If you go to the drive thru on a hot summer day and order a cone, you better be a fast licker and have a lot of napkins handy. There is going to be more ice cream there than the average licker can handle. You can get vanilla, chocolate or swirl. The prices are great, and the texture is smooth and creamy. The hot food there is excellent  too, but  don't order it with the ice cream. You have to dedicate your entire attention to your King Kone when you order one. They have fantastic corn dogs, great burgers and yummy fries. They totally put other fast food places to shame.

If you aren't looking for fast food, and would like something a little more upscale, then try Novak's Hungarian Restaurant. This is fine dining at it's best.

Novak's Hungarian Restaurant, located at 2306 Heritage Way SE, is a fantastic dining experience. Your table will often be visited by the owner Joseph Novak. He is friendly and talkative. He came to the United States in 1957 from Hungary. He has been delighting patrons in Albany for decades now.

Joseph gives his guests the kind of personal attention that makes them feel like they are special friends of the family. It becomes immediately obvious that is the way he feels about his customers. He often shares some samples of things he wants you to try. Everything tried will likely become your new favorite.The traditional goulash there is Hungarian perfection.Over the years, they have moved locations and expanded both the menu and the restaurant, but the same love goes into everything they prepare with the finest quality ingredients fresh every day. Whether this is your first visit, or you're a long time "member of the family", they always make you feel welcome at Novak's.They also offer separate banquet facilities and a wonderful new catering menu, along with fresh baked specialty breads and pastries.You will never leave this restaurant hungry, and you will never leave without being personally thanked for coming, and you will never leave without being delighted.

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