People Postpone Their Obligations To Enjoy Delicious Food At This Old-Fashioned Restaurant In Ohio
Have you ever been so drawn to a restaurant that you found yourself rearranging your entire schedule just to eat there? That’s exactly what happens at Gasoline Alley, a retro American eatery that has locals and visitors alike clearing their calendars for a taste of their famous sandwiches and comfort food.
Located at 870 N Cleveland Massillon Rd in Akron, Ohio, this place packs crowds from the moment the doors open at 11 AM.
The restaurant’s old-school atmosphere, complete with vintage gas station memorabilia and nostalgic touches, creates an experience that feels like stepping back in time. People don’t just come here for a quick meal.
They come to settle in, savor every bite, and forget about whatever else they had planned for the day.
A Retro Paradise That Takes You Back in Time
Walking into Gasoline Alley feels like entering a time capsule decorated with every cool piece of Americana you can imagine. The walls showcase vintage gas station signs, old advertisements, and even bicycles hanging from the ceiling that transport you straight back to simpler times.
This isn’t some chain restaurant trying to fake a vintage vibe with mass-produced decorations.
Everything about the space feels authentic and carefully curated. The small dining area features just 11 tables and a long counter bar, which means the atmosphere stays cozy and intimate even when packed with hungry customers.
During busy lunch hours or weekend game days, every seat fills up fast.
Regulars love the character this place offers. The compact size actually adds to the charm rather than taking away from it.
You might wait a bit for a table, but most people agree the nostalgic setting makes those 30 minutes fly by as you admire all the unique pieces decorating every available wall space.
The Legendary Reuben That Keeps People Coming Back
Ask anyone who visits Gasoline Alley regularly what they order, and chances are high they’ll mention the Reuben. This sandwich has earned legendary status in the Akron area, with 36 customer reviews specifically calling it out by name.
Stacked high with tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and just the right amount of dressing on perfectly grilled rye bread, this isn’t your average deli sandwich.
The portions here don’t mess around either. When you order the “Bully” size, you get a sandwich so generous that finishing it in one sitting becomes a personal challenge.
Some customers split theirs in half and save room for other menu items or save the second half for later.
Most reviewers praise the quality and flavor combination. The corned beef stays juicy and flavorful, though a few visitors have mentioned occasional texture variations depending on the day.
Still, the overwhelming majority consider this Reuben one of the best they’ve ever tasted.
Comfort Soups That Warm You From the Inside Out
Nothing pairs better with a hearty sandwich than a cup of homemade soup, and Gasoline Alley delivers on this front with several standout options. The corn chowder appears in multiple customer reviews as a must-try item, described as rich, flavorful, and loaded with actual corn kernels and potato chunks.
On chilly Ohio days, this soup hits the spot perfectly.
Another popular choice is their clam chowder, which one regular customer specifically recommended to a first-time visitor. Packed with clams and potatoes, it offers that creamy, satisfying texture you want from a quality chowder.
The chicken noodle soup also earns praise for tasting genuinely homemade rather than coming from a can.
These soups work great as starters before your main course arrives, or you can order them as a lighter meal option if you’re not feeling up for one of their massive sandwiches. Either way, the care put into these recipes shows through in every spoonful you taste.
Burgers and Sandwiches That Require Both Hands
Beyond the famous Reuben, Gasoline Alley serves up an impressive array of other sandwiches and burgers that demand your attention. The Bath 3-Alarmer comes highly recommended by servers and features a sweet, salty, and savory combination that provides a solid alternative for those who want something different.
The meat portions stay generous across the board.
Their bacon fat boy burgers live up to the name with thick patties and plenty of toppings. Tuna melts arrive hot and packed with flavor, though some customers note they can be a bit greasy depending on preparation.
The Philly cheese steak earns consistent praise for its quality ingredients and proper execution.
The Traffic Jam represents another popular pick that combines multiple meats and toppings into one massive creation. Most sandwiches come served with fries, and while the fries receive mixed reviews, the sandwiches themselves rarely disappoint.
You’ll definitely want to come hungry because finishing one of these creations takes serious dedication and appetite.
Pizza Options That Surprise First-Time Visitors
Most people arrive at Gasoline Alley expecting sandwiches and burgers, so discovering they also serve pizza catches many visitors pleasantly off guard. The menu includes several specialty pizzas, with the Reuben pizza standing out as a creative twist that combines two customer favorites into one unique dish.
Corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut top this unconventional pie.
Traditional pizza options exist too for those who prefer classic flavors. Customer reviews mention enjoying their pizza alongside other appetizers during visits, and the quality holds up well against the rest of the menu.
The kitchen clearly knows how to handle multiple food styles without sacrificing quality on any front.
Sharing a pizza with your group makes sense here since the sandwiches run so large. You can sample different parts of the menu without overcommitting to one massive entree.
The variety means even picky eaters in your party will find something appealing, whether they want pizza, sandwiches, burgers, or salads from the extensive menu offerings.
Service That Makes You Feel Like a Regular
Great food only goes so far without quality service to back it up, and Gasoline Alley generally delivers on both fronts. Multiple reviewers specifically name their servers and bartenders, praising them for being attentive, friendly, and efficient even during the busiest rushes.
Gio and Megan both receive shout-outs for making customers feel welcome and taken care of throughout their meals.
The staff here seems to genuinely remember regular customers and make newcomers feel just as valued. Servers offer helpful recommendations when asked and know the menu inside and out, including the kids’ options that aren’t written down anywhere.
That kind of knowledge only comes from experience and caring about what you’re serving.
During peak times like Saturday afternoons during football games, service naturally slows down a bit as the small staff handles a packed house. Most customers understand this reality and appreciate that their server still checks in and keeps things moving as smoothly as possible given the circumstances.
Strategic Location Near Blossom Music Center
Geography matters when choosing where to eat, and Gasoline Alley benefits from its convenient Bath Township location in Ohio. Situated not far from Blossom Music Center, the restaurant serves as an ideal stop before or after concerts and events.
The address at 870 N Cleveland Massillon Rd puts it right along a major road with plenty of parking available.
Visitors to Crystal Clinic often discover this place while waiting for appointments or procedures to finish. The reasonable prices and quick service make it perfect for a satisfying meal without straying too far from where you need to be.
Locals from Akron and surrounding areas consider it worth the drive even when they don’t have other business nearby.
The location does mean it sits a bit out of the way for some potential customers, but those who make the trip rarely regret it. Easy highway access helps, and once you’ve been here once, you’ll likely find yourself planning future routes that happen to pass right by this spot.
Reasonable Prices That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
Eating out regularly gets expensive fast, but Gasoline Alley keeps its pricing fair and accessible with that comfortable double dollar sign rating. You’re not paying premium prices for basic bar food here.
The portions justify what you spend, with sandwiches often so large you can split them or take half home for another meal.
Daily specials sweeten the deal even further. One customer mentioned getting drink for just two dollars on a Monday afternoon, which represents exceptional value for anyone watching their budget.
The combination of reasonable food prices and drink specials means you can enjoy a complete meal without worrying about the final bill.
Families appreciate being able to feed everyone without breaking the bank. The kids’ menu offers good options at appropriate prices, though you’ll need to ask your server about it since they don’t print separate menus for children.
Overall, the value proposition here beats most chain restaurants while delivering significantly better food quality and a more memorable dining experience worth every penny spent.