In downtown Guntersville sits a quaint, historic building that is home to Old Town Stock House. The warm wood tones, art lined walls, and dim, moody lighting set the stage for a luxurious experience that will delight the senses, especially if you're fortunate enough to be seated with a view of Lake Guntersville at sunset. It is undeniable that chef and owner, Crystal Mckone, has an eye for hospitality, which has guided her in creating a space that brings people from all over North Alabama to indulge in her culinary masterpieces.
Crystal didn't always know she would walk the path of hospitality, let alone own such a beautiful restaurant in her hometown. After graduating from The University of Alabama, she followed her curiosity to New York City, where a long-standing love for food became a passion. "When I was in my teens, my Dad mentioned that he could see me owning a restaurant one day. I found it somewhat odd at the time, but it was always something that would replay in my mind. From childhood games of “restaurant” to asking for caviar on grocery runs, the signs were always there," Crystal recalls.
In Manhattan, she left a successful career in the Wall Street area after the 2008 crash to take a leap into the world of food, and earned her Culinary Arts degree from The French Culinary Institute while working in some of the city’s bustling restaurants. "I was interested in focusing on a career that allowed me to be creative and also incorporate my interests in culinary," says Crystal. "Culinary school was the first time that school had ever come easily to me. I was a little sponge," she explains. Crystal recalls that while her training was trying at times, she created lifelong bonds and gained knowledge from her instructors that would prepare her for her future as a chef and restaurant owner.
Upon completing culinary school, her journey then led to Atlanta, where she refined her skills at acclaimed spots like Craft Atlanta, The St. Regis Hotel, and Buttermilk Kitchen. With experience in every corner of the industry, Crystal returned home to Marshall County to bring her vision to life. Old Town Stock House was born—a place where her love for hospitality and thoughtfully crafted cuisine comes full circle.
if you've visited Old Town Stock House you cant help but notice the positive, welcoming energy from staff all throughout the restaurant. It isn't just about the food for Crystal. "In most restaurants, it is common for there to be a divide between the front and the back of the house. I have made it my goal to bridge the gap between the two teams and try to get them to have mutual respect for one another, she explains. This purposeful, team oriented mindset is part of what makes Old Town so memorable. It is apparent that the staff love their jobs and genuinely care about the guest experience as a whole.
From drinks, to appetizers, to entrees and desserts, no detail is spared in the Old Town Stock House kitchen and dining room. Crystal and her staff have experimented and carefully curated seasonal menus to keep the palate wanting more. Visually stunning cocktails dress your table as you wait on your appetizer, and course after course it just keeps getting better.
For an appetizer, the oysters with house made mignonette are a true delight, and the brussels sprout salad with apple cider reduction is perfectly plated to entice the senses before your entree. Crystal says "I always like to build a good salad, although I love cooking just about anything I suppose." It is evident that she has a passion for salad, as every season brings new and colorful salads to the Old Town Stock House menu.
Sourcing food from local farmers is something that Old Town prides its self on. "Working with locally grown produce makes a big difference in the overall quality of the dish," says Crystal. "We currenly work with Short Creek Homestead, 4G & Swimming Buck Farms. The organic methods that they use and heirloom varietals that they focus on add so much flavor to our dishes."
There is really no wrong choice when it comes to choosing an entree crafted by Crystal and her team, but it could be argued that no fine dining is complete without a filet. Accompanied by a gorgeous, rich side of potato gratin, seasonal vegetables and drizzled with red wine reduction, this is a steak dish to indulge in. For the final course, the revolving list of desserts are true works of art perfectly executed to complete the experience.
Chef Crystal Mckone has masterfully elevated the culinary experience in the quaint town of Guntersville, Alabama. Her thoughtful take on the family-like atmosphere and eye for decadent dishes to please any palate have set Old Town Stock House apart in the fine dining arena. Crystal says, "It has been fululling to bring a Chef driven restaurant to a small community. I’ve grown a lot in so many ways and I am still learning every day. The relationships that I have made with so many of our guests has to be the favorite part of what I do. Their kind feedback and support keep me going."