Gasoline Alley

Place:  Gasoline Alley

Web-site: Not Available

Location:  870 North Cleveland Massillon Road, Akron, OH 44333-2165

Quick Blurb:

I think, no, I know that everyone needs to try a sandwich from here. We had been meaning to try Gasoline Alley for some since we heard so much talk about their sandwiches – I don’t know why we waited so long, but I’m glad that it finally is over. The menu is extensive and I can’t wait to work my way through it. Delicious!

Review:

Appearance:

The outside doesn’t look like much and the parking lot is a bit of a free-for-all, but once you’re inside, you feel better. I think every inch of the wall is covered in some sort of memorabilia and/or decorations – even the ceiling has old-school bicycles hanging from it. A mix of tables and high-tops, seating is limited and it is slightly cramped, but it never bothered my claustrophobic side (that said, I’ve been told since that we were very lucky to not have to wait 30+ min).

Staff:

Down to earth, helpful, attentive and smiling. Service was prompted even though we sat down at the only free table in the place.

Meal:

Appetizer:

We went for the fried zucchini and onion rings. I’ll give the onion rings a thumbs up, but the zucchini was just OK, if that. I liked that they sliced the zucchini long-ways instead of small circles, but that’s about it. The breading fell off quickly and there wasn’t much flavour in the breading nor in the ranch dipping sauce.

Entrée:

I went for a sandwich with: a breast of chicken, fried mortadella, and a giant slice of Havarti cheese. Sounds fairly simple, but oh my gosh was it ever delicious. The saltiness of the fried mortadella along with the buttery, creamy, and deliciously melted Havarti cheese topped the juicy, grilled  chicken breast, which had no fat at all (don’t you want to eat that right now?). I was cautious about the chicken as usually there is always a piece of fat somewhere when you go to some restaurants – not the case here. I added a little Frank’s hot sauce for a kick and I was on cloud nine.

My wife ordered the Tenderloin sandwich – which, naturally came with beef tenderloin (cooked to her desire mind you), lettuce and tomato. She too made a point to compliment the quality of the meat.

We ordered a side of fries to munch on – our eyes were hungry when we arrived and, for some reason, a sandwich doesn’t mentally fill me up. But, I would like to point out that the sizes are perfect. They aren’t obnoxiously large, but they don’t leave you going home for something to snack on. I think they’ve got this down. Oh, and the fries, freshly cut and not laden in oil – I had to stop myself from eating the whole basket.

Desserts:

Passed on deserts, although we did notice people ordering deserts to go. They had a display of their cakes and pies when you walked in – I think a tasting is in the cards next time we go.

Drinks:

A great selection of draft beer (lots of craft choices). The bar looked fully stocked, but it is definitely a beer type of place.

Prices:

Sandwiches run you about $8-11 and the pizzas aren’t much more than a Donato’s.

Overall Experience:

I’m going to have a hard time going back – It’s going to be impossible deciding what to order next time! Reviews that I have read mention the pizzas as being amazing – well I’m a pizza guy. But, that chicken sandwich was just so good. And then I wonder what all the other combinations are like…I think this may be a multi-visit place until I try out everything!