Tornado Anniversary/The Vault Cafe

Today is the fifth anniversary of the massive tornado outbreak that changed all of us in Alabama. A few weeks ago, we drove to Hackleburg, one of the hardest hit areas on that long April day. The tornado's path is still clear; the hillsides are still covered with tin and twisted trees. Very few buildings in the old downtown area survived. One of those left standing was the Bank of Hackleburg, although it was damaged and the roof was gone.

Hackleburg is rebuilding, and a restaurant is now in the renovated bank building. It is named The Vault Bakery Cafe, after the bank's vault that survived the storm and is now part of the restaurant.

Pictures of the tornado damage are displayed on the original brick walls.

The food is fantastic. According to Hub, it has the best pork chops in the world.

They have a Facebook page here, where you can find their hours and menu. We highly recommend this place.

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