If you’re heading down the highway looking for some grub, pull on into GAS Full Service Restaurant for a classic meal. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a delightful host. Settle in and grab a local brew; you’ll have plenty to choose from. The cute interior sports lots of signs and 1950s-esque paraphernalia.
The menu features salads, apps and a large selection of to-die-for burgers. They don’t just do burgers beautifully; they’ve also got imagination.
For example, the Reuben egg rolls ($9) are a creation full of flavor. I’ve had other Reuben egg rolls and all pale in comparison to these golden-brown beauties. While some Negative Nancys might call them Jewish Deli Abominations, I call them travel-sized versions of a classic sandwich. The traditionally crispy eggroll creates a nice shell for a filling of minced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut and melty cheese. An order is accompanied by a housemade Russian dressing that you may find yourself pouring on more than just the Reuben rolls.
After you’ve had your Reuben fix, get back to the menu. If you’re into food that pushes back, check out the Jalapeño burger ($14.50). This is a monster of a burger with two patties in one, and it’s only cooked to medium, to give you the perfect cheesey, jalapeño center. User experience warning here! It’s gonna be hot, and the molten jalapeño cheese center may explode on overzealous eaters. The jalapeño is definitely a heat that builds, but spice lovers will revel in it. In fact, it may be one of the most exciting burgers you’ve ever had!
It was hard to choose a second dish, because everything looked so good, like the Hot Rod Chicken Sandwich ($10.50), which features a large piece of fried chicken dressed in buffalo sauce. However, I tend to never turn down the daily special. On this day, it was a fresh cobia fish sandwich ($12). Cobia is comparable to black kingfish, and at GAS you can get it grilled, blackened or sautéed. I’ve decided that the naturally fishy taste of cobia needs lemon, and GAS was way ahead of me, including several wedges. The fish was sandwiched between the excellent housemade rolls GAS is known for.
Each entrée includes with your choice of chips, coleslaw or fries. We decided on fries and chips, both winners. I was more partial to the fries, while my dining partner was a fan of the chips’ waffle shape.
Ahhh, dessert time! It’s nearly perfect bread pudding weather, the time of year you crave a warm, gooey, rich dessert — and the Turtle Bread Pudding ($7) at GAS doesn’t disappoint. In fact, the huge portion is almost too rich. This version of bread pudding has whiskey cream drizzled over the top. You may wish you had a glass of scotch to accompany it.
Even if the food wasn’t excellent at GAS and, make no mistake, it is terrific, it wouldn’t matter. The décor and folks who serve make the dining experience worthwhile. But, for the record, the fare is excellent and they have the cred to prove it. With a Slow Food Certification for sourcing as locally as possible, and plenty of awards for taste, GAS really lives up to the hype.
FOLIO
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