Gahanna Grill

The Gahanna Grill has been catering to local families and sports fans since 1939, and its Beanie Burger has gained a following among hamburger fanatics nationwide. Though there is much to like, including a wood-paneled denlike interior and a menu catering to all ages and tastes, our two visits to the Grill resulted in very different opinions of the food, suggesting that it's not a slam-dunk. Our Beanie Burger ($8.99 including fries) came topped with American cheese, one small strip of bacon, a nice piece of green leaf lettuce, sauteed onions, a wan tomato and creamy homemade coleslaw between a fresh egg bun. One of our reviewers loved it, the other was disappointed, saying the hamburger had a slightly gray hue and tasted a bit grainy. We sampled a side of (coated) french fries and large onion rings, neither of which was a standout. The club sandwich ($7.95) on generic toasted white bread was equally nondescript. The large tuna melt ($6.95) arrived on thick slices of buttered, toasted rye bread, bursting with nicely seasoned creamy tuna and topped with melted Swiss cheese, fresh green lettuce and ripe tomato. Menu variety includes a little something for everyone, from soups and salads to ribeye and broiled walleye (prices range from $6 sandwiches to the $16.95 ribeye). The usual domestic beers and a couple of imports are offered; we were lucky to have the Sam Adams bottled seasonal served during our visit. The Ohio State memorabilia adorning the walls and flat-screen TVs scattered about identify the Gahanna Grill as a sports lovers haven, but for foodies, it's unremarkable.