Reviews for Avalon Restaurant

04/12/2010 - Loreleifey
What a wonderful and dramatic difference! I had only dined there once two years ago.My previous experience with it's dry food, dreary wood paneling and Formica counters, left me feeling I had dined at a really sad and decrepit nursing home. Recently however,bad weather and a shortage of time forced me to give it another go. I was in for a very pleasant surprise.
As I walked in I noticed the decor had undergone a radical change. Gone was the tiny Formica bar and wood paneling. In it's place a beautiful U-shaped bar with pin spot lighting and three flat screens, which separates two dining areas. Three high tops with intimate seating for two on the right and an open family style area on the left. I later discovered the impressive wainscoting surrounding the restaurant and the bar itself were handmade by a local craftsman. Dated flooring had been replaced by crisp tile. White paint completed the clean, fresh look.
My partner and I took a seat to the left. We were welcomed warmly and waited on promptly. We ordered two sodas and at crab dip for starters. Very tasty and served with an ample supply of perfectly toasted bread rounds. I ordered the fried clams while he ordered a half cheeseburger sub. Given the extremely reasonable prices,I wasn't expecting much in way of quality or portion size. Once again I was pleasantly surprised. My plate arrived with a healthy order of clams and french fries. The clams were perfect crispy yet tender golden strips, many of which were quite large. The fries were hot,tasty and crispy on the outside; flaky and moist on the inside. Best of all,being fried foods, there was no puddle of grease on the plate when I was done.
The sub looked equally appetizing, so I eagerly traded some fries for a sample of my friends bounty. It was also amazingly delectable. Fresh ground beef topped with real cheese, crisp lettuce and thick tomato slices that actually tasted like vine ripe tomato. We left full and happy for around $25
Writing this has made me so hungry that I called and asked for a sub for carryout,but with bacon. The sub was as good as I remembered
and the bacon was nicely crisp with a thickness you usually don't find anymore.
They offer karaoke entertainment on Friday nights and a prime rib night, both which I can't wait to try. Also noticed a number of splurge worthy seafood entrees, rounding out a menu designed to satisfy those looking for a quick bite as well as those wanting to live it up a little.
I'm excited to have discovered such a great place so close to home. I'm may have to start burning dinner at home once a week to make sure I get to try everything they have to offer
I'm giving it five stars because it's good comfort food done right, served in a pleasing environment, at a price that doesn't make you break open the piggy bank.