Above Average Pub Grub: Gallagher's

Steak Sandwich, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I have passed by Gallagher's Pub (8937 82 Avenue) countless times when on the east side of Whyte Avenue, but never bothered to step in. The place seemed like a dive. I went there for supper yesterday evening. I was right, but it wasn't a dive in a bad way.

I was impressed with the menu and ordered a steak sandwich with fries. Although my steak was not done perfectly to my order (there was some pink and I had asked for well done), the cut was excellent - soft, with little waste. The fries were hand cut and excellent. I did not need the gravy I ordered on the side, but it was quite thick and beefy tasting. I tried a few onion rings from my dining companion's plate and they were crispy and thick.

Gallagher's certainly does not win points on atmosphere, but the drink and food prices are excellent and the culinary offerings here are way above expectations.

Steak Sandwich at Rosie's

Steak sandwich at Rosie's #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Rosie's (10475 80 Avenue) is a Whyte Avenue dive. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It's as close as you are going to come to find greasy spoon diner food near the main drag of Whyte. Prices are also very reasonable.

I had the steak sandwich, which at $12 was one of the most expensive items on the menu. It was cooked almost perfectly to order and was served alongside very crispy fries, a couple of onion rings, and a vegetable medley (frozen veggies, but at least not overcooked). Just plain, basic food, adequate service, and no frills ambiance.

Beer Battered Onion Rings

Beer Battered Onion Rings, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I went to ABC Country Restaurant (108 Avenue and 170 Street) over the weekend for supper. Before readers cry "Oh no - another chain restaurant" - take a few deep breaths. This one is Canadian, at least, based in B.C. and Alberta.

As my appetizer, I opted for the beer battered onion rings. Our server mentioned he had tried them, and did not like them. I had onion rings as a side order with a recent burger, and remembered them as thick and flavourful, the batter bursting with beer flavour. He insisted these were different.

He was right. The coating was crunchy and grainy, and tasted mostly from the oil in which it was cooked. The onion part was nice and sweet, but I would definitely not order these again. Fortunately, the onion rings served as a side dish are still the previous kind.