COACHES BURGER BAR

Almost before the entrance door has smacked my husband Jack and me in the backside, the bartender at Coaches Burger Bar in Austintown has poured our beers (Labbatt's Blue, for the record). By the time we get to our booth of choice, they're on the table. That's a testament to two things: a) the number of times we've been here and b) the attentiveness of said bartender. Either one means we're always glad we came. Cheers!

In fact, we've been coming here regularly since it opened - in 2015, I believe. It's located in the space that held another of our favorite-but-gone restaurants, Jeremiah Bullfrog's (and subsequently a couple of other restaurants that never, IMHO, stood the ghost of a chance of succeeding at this shopping mall near the corner of State Route 46 and Mahoning Avenue). Typically, we time our visits on the outskirts of the prime lunch hour - meaning somewhere around 1 p.m. - and getting a booth in our favorite bar area toward the back has never been a problem. There are also two relatively spacious dining areas with many more tables and booths - all within easy watching of the goodly number of wall-hung TV sets. The decor isn't fancy-schmancy, but it's clean, comfortable and doesn't make diners feel as if they're sardines (although it can get a little loud on a Sunday afternoon when the Browns or Steelers are playing).

Oddly, given the focus at this place, it's rare for either of us to order a burger. That's not because they're no good; rather, it's just that neither of us is a big fan of the iconic sandwich. When I succumb, I have a tough time choosing between the Peppercorn Burger (seared in a blend of black and white pepper and topped with sauteed mushrooms, onion and Swiss cheese with a sweet peppercorn aioli at $9.99), the Sideline Fire Burger (topped with pepper jack cheese, house-made hot peppers and "fire" sauce at $10.99) and the Bleu Burger (topped with bleu cheese crumbles, onion tanglers and Southwest ranch dressing at $11.99). Put my feet to the fire (so to speak) and I'll probably deem the second one my favorite, but honestly, it depends on the mood that strikes me when the server shows up to take my order. All, I hasten to add, have been exceptionally delicious.

More often, as at our most recent visit, we'll opt for one of the 10-inch specialty pizzas; our favorite is the Original

Veggie, with cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and sliced tomatoes (to which we add pepperoni) at $8.99. A basic cheese version is just $6.99, and there are a few varieties that don't tempt us in the slightest (potato & greens, for instance) that are priced at $10.99. The crust is tasty and on the thinner (but not too thin), somewhat crispy side; if we get another item to share - like an appetizer or wings - there's plenty to satisfy both of us and provide a couple of slices to take home.

Amid the 14 specialty burgers (plus a build-your-own option) are a number of other sandwiches, all of which come with "Coaches signature" fries. We've sampled a few, including the Gyro ($9.99) and Crabby Patty (a homemade crab cake topped with house remoulade, lettuce, tomato and onion at $10.99) and all were delicious. When we're in sandwich mode, one of us is likely to substitute a small order of onion tanglers for the fries for an extra $2.50. The fries are very good, but how many can two people eat, for gosh sakes? I'm also a fan of the Pepper & Egg sandwich; at $6.99, it's just what it claims to be plus provolone cheese. The Gyro is quite good as well ($9.99 with fries).

One early evening visit was especially memorable, but for a rather somber reason. Our booth of choice is one of those at the back of the restaurant in the bar area, but on this visit the hostess - who of course knew of our preference - suggested that we might prefer a different location. On this day, it seems, the last Chevrolet Cruze had rolled off the assembly line at the General Motors plant in nearby Lordstown; and the bar was packed with workers who had just finished what for many would be their last-ever day at work there. Looking around at the faces - most not smiling - our first thought was regret that we hadn't brought more cash with us so we could have bought a round for the bar. 

This past summer was marked with seasonal specials like "Boom-Boom" shrimp with tasty siracha sauce (for which Jack developed a craving that brought us back here at least once a week) and a spicy crabcake. They're gone now, alas, but we're hoping both will make a comeback next summer. That aforementioned Crabby Patty is pretty good, but Jack says it doesn't quite compare to that wonderful summer version.

Often, we'll get an order of wings to share (five for $5.99 and 10 for

$11.99); our favorite is the buttery garlic parmesan. If I'm honest, I must say that the wings here are excellent but not our all-time favorites;  Gasoline Alley in Niles tops my pecking order of bird appendages (with Niki'z, also in Niles, and Little Wing Cafe in Warren rounding out my Top 3 list). But now that we've moved from our long-time home in Niles to Mineral Ridge, Coaches is much more convenient for spur-of-the-moment eating out. 

There are other tempting items on the menu, like salads, appetizers, a couple of desserts and milkshakes (several flavors at $3.99 each that you can "spike" for an additional $3.50). One of these days, I'm determined to try one - unspiked, thank you very much. Hmmm, think I'll shoot for this coming summer when I dig into those Boom-Boom shrimp once again. Pretty please?

If you go:

Coaches Burger Bar
5529 Mahoning Avenue
Austintown, Ohio 44515
(330) 330-8686

Coachesburgers.com

Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other locations in Boardman, Poland, Salem and Lisbon.

PETER ALLEN INN & EVENT CENTER

It's been a while since I've posted a new review to my Dining Out blog. Truth is, we don't stray very far from home these days. Besides that, living on a relatively fixed income not only means that splurging on anything beyond a very casual restaurant doesn't happen often, but that it's rare to find us eating out anywhere unless we have a (gasp!) discount coupon. 

That doesn't mean we don't get out, though, so if I'm honest, I must chalk up most of the lack of blog additions solely to my own laziness. In fact, now that I've given it some thought, I can name at least five places we've been and enjoyed that I should have written about long before this. So now I'm psyched - and looking forward to getting back to some writing about a subject I love.

One of the places I've been wanting to go is the historic

Peter Allen Inn in Kinsman; but we simply haven't gone there for several reasons, first and foremost that not straying far from home thing - and in the middle of winter that's even more of an issue. So what got us up and out? That other thing I mentioned earlier: A BOGO lunch coupon. Our Niles friends and frequent dining-out companions Jerry and Barb spotted it in the newspaper, called to make sure we clipped it as well, and the rest is history. Barb called for a reservation (recommended here, by the way, and you can do it online if you prefer). Despite the iffy weather this time of year, when the day arrived neither rain nor snow was falling, and off we went.

I will say winter probably isn't the ideal time to see the entire place; clearly, the grounds are lovely, but everything brown and dusted with snow plus temperatures in the 30s doesn't exactly make strolling around outside a walk in the park. The inside, however, is another story - and a beautiful one at that. The whole place, including the dining areas, are somewhat reminiscent of Tara-A Country Inn in Clark, Pa., and the Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton. Restored by the Richard and Rhonda Thompson Foundation, the intent is to honor the architectural importance of the house as well as the contributions of the Allen family to the field of medicine. Allen, a physician, who moved to Kinsman in 1808, helped found what would become the Ohio State Medical Society, among other accomplishments, according to online reports and the Inn's website (where I snitched the gorgeous exterior photo above as well).

No doubt the overnight rooms are gorgeous, but while we looked up the beautiful staircase, our focus on this outing was on eating. We were seated in a lovely "formal" dining area that featured butcher-block style tables, plenty of sunlight, a very intriguing chandelier and a working fireplace (quite welcome on a chilly day). Classical music playing softly in the background added an

elegant touch. Later, we peeked in at other, more intimate dining areas, including one in which guests are treated to a formal tea service (Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.). Downstairs, we fell in love with the Tavern; it's got a more modern touch yet doesn't lose the period "feel." 

While I'm on that subject, I must note that just about anything anyone could possibly want in the alcohol department can be found here; an almost endless list of wine, beer and mixed drinks is at the ready and, at the time of our visit, featured winter drink specials with such enticing names as "Kiss from a Rose," "The Irish Maid" and "Green Fairy" (the latter made with Absinthe and egg whites and yes, we all passed on that one). Better still, prices are quite reasonable; my glass of Lindeman's Moscato cost just $6 - that's less than I've seen at some chain restaurants. Water is delivered automatically - always a plus (although I do appreciate being asked first - conservation of natural resources is important to me as well).

Our BOGO coupon applied only to entrees on the lunch menu - fine with us, since there were a number of enticing options. In the end, husband Jack decided on the knife-and-fork meatloaf sandwich, "signature" meatloaf topped with tomato sauce and fontina cheese on a toasted baguette ($10). I waffled a

bit, drooling over the candied bacon BLT ($11), but in the end I couldn't resist trying the sausage and hot pepper flatbread ($10). That's partly because instead of the regular fries, Jack substituted sweet potato fries (bless him - he knows how much I love them and I knew he'd share). Barb went for the grilled chicken salad ($11), grilled chicken breast, French fries, mixed greens with grape tomatoes, onions and cheddar cheese with her choice of bleu cheese dressing. Jerry opted for the knife-and-fork pot roast sandwich ($11), Heritage Hill chuck roast on a toasted ciabatta with melted fontina cheese and

fries. At our server's suggestion, Jack, Jerry and Barb added special soups of the day - Jack's tomato-based and theirs a cream base with funky mushrooms (yes, they really were -I peeked).

I tasted both soups and they were quite good, as were the waffle-style sweet potato fries. To be sure, they could have used some kind of dipping sauce - preferably something sweet, like maple syrup - but they stood well on their own. Ditto the seasoned "regular" fries; ketchup and/or vinegar don't come automatically, but our friends liked theirs just the way they were and commented favorably on the flavor.

Jack's sandwich was delicious, but impossible to eat in the long crusty roll without getting more of it on him than in him, so he just picked out the meatloaf, sauce, onions and peppers and left the roll. Jerry wasn't thrilled with his pot roast sandwich, saying it didn't taste like any pot roast he'd ever had. After taking a taste, I know what he meant; it had a unique flavor that was quite good, actually, but I'd never have been able to eat more than a bite or two.

Speaking of the flatbread, it was tasty but could have used a bit more sausage (the peppers weren't very hot, either, but then it's rare for me to meet a hot pepper that knocked my socks off in the heat department). But it was filling - I ate the whole thing - and I was happy to learn that the Inn gets at least some of its meats from Badurik's Butcher Block in Mineral Ridge (a shop just a few blocks from our home that I highly recommend, by the way).

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the wire basket of soft, fresh-baked rolls with honey-garlic butter; we loved those so much we ordered a second round. Truth be told, those - and the wonderful, relaxing atmosphere - were the highlight of our meal. We'll be back for sure, although next time our outing will be when the weather is nicer so we can enjoy the outdoors (and maybe take a closer look at the overnight rooms - they look beautiful in the website photos - and for sure have a drink or two in the Tavern).

If you go:

Peter Allen Inn & Event Center
8581 State St.
Kinsman, Ohio 44428
(330) 355-2100
Peteralleninn.com

Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.