Farewell Quaker Steak and Lube

The best thing about Ruby Tuesday was indeed the salad bar but the writing was on the wall for them when they switched away from those delicious home-made deep-fried pumpernickel croutons to plain old seasoned cubes right out of the box. I believe that marked my last visit.

^ I've never been a crouton guy, but I hear what you're saying.
If they switched from real bacon to imitation crumbles, I'd be out the door with you.

^^ I'm all-in on FDs taking over QS&L
I only mention RT for general discussion.

I guess I haven't been following the RT saga.
We occasionally stop at the one in Elyria when we visit the At Home store.
I think it's still open.

Cartwright:

of all the fast casual chains at that level, they are the only one that is somewhat decent.

While it has gone a bit downhill as of late, I’d throw O’Charleys into that mix. They have a pretty varied menu (steaks, burgers, salads, “seafood”, etc), their chicken tenders are S-tier, and their rolls are like the ones at Texas Roadhouse except with just regular butter. The one in Cuyahoga Falls is a bit inconsistent, but my dad and I have eaten at the one in Erie, PA several times over the last few years and it has been really good. I doubt it’s something that would show up in Sandusky, but it’s one I wouldn’t mind seeing. In the meantime, you can find me at Lee’s Famous Recipe on 250. Best fast-food fried chicken ever!

You know there are a few places I have driven by on 250 for years (decades) and have never stopped, but have always been curious. Lee's is one of them. Andy's China Dragon in the old Taco Bell is another. I also still need to try Sandusky Pancake House.

In all seriousness, Sandusky Bay Pancake House is highly recommended. Great breakfast place, with unique creative dishes. All food and meats were locally sourced. The cocktail list looked great, although I was only there for breakfast and didn't partake.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sa...sandusky-2

No love on here for Diana's Deli? Best Turkey Club sandwich in town. As a side-note, back in the early 80's the original Diana's was on W.117 at the RR tracks, Diana being Mrs. jimmyburke's best friends mom. I know they had several restaurants around through the years, I think there is only Sandusky & Port Clinton presently. I'd patronize them & Sandusky Bay Pancake House before any of those lousy over-priced chains any day.

Prime real estate close to the park and next to an indoor waterpark/hotel.

I would absolutely vote for no chain, and get a nice seafood/steak place. Not "upscale", but better than whatever Red Lobster passes as good seafood.

Theme it to blend in with the water it its on.

Last year we ended up staying in Huron near the lighthouse. There were a couple locally-owned really good seafood/steak/burger joints that I can't wait to get back to, specifically a place called "Harbor House". Order their walleye bites. Thank me later.

I want my perch.

That time I ate at the Dirty D my toilet had to be replaced. Not to mention I usually don't eat at places where the owners are sent to jail.

^Oh, I agree. Dianna's interest in the establishments was sold or forfeited 20 something years ago. Present owners kept the name. I just looked up the story of the crimes, wow!

Kevinj:

seafood/steak/burger joints

Did they have hand breaded chicken tenders? That is really all that matters.

Harbor House's steak quesadilla washed down with a Yeungling is a pretty good end to the day I'd agree...

Shades:

Did they have hand breaded chicken tenders?

Brace yourself; no chicken tenders.

In all seriousness, if you ever need a diversion and you're in the neighborhood, HH is a great place. Tons of live music all summer long as well.

Lived in Huron for a while and it was the perfect distance from the park with some pretty cool local eating spots. I haven’t tried Harbor House, but now I’m interested. i5’s used to be my regular hang out spot. Not sure what’s going on with that place now.

We did a last-minute trip of sorts later in the summer last year, and ended up at a hotel called "Comfort Inn Rivers Edge". Right on the water, you can watch boats come and go, and then there is a long pier that leads to a historical lighthouse. Very beautiful location.

Harbor House is essentially connected to the hotel; right out the back door and you're on their patio.

I’m very familiar with that Comfort Inn. I used to sit at the bench swings and watch the boats come in all the time. It was therapeutic for me. The lighthouse is right there too which is cool to check out while you’re there. Love Huron and miss it. The winters were more brutal than what I’m used to though.

Rivers Edge Inn is our go to when staying in the area for those exact reasons.

The concerts at the marina amphitheater are neat too. Rumours Ohio is a decent Fleetwood cover band - summertime in Huron (spring and fall are nice as well) is our perfect weekend getaway.

RCMAC:

The best thing about Ruby Tuesday was indeed the salad bar but the writing was on the wall for them when they switched away from those delicious home-made deep-fried pumpernickel croutons to plain old seasoned cubes right out of the box.

Funny you mention the croutons. When I think of Ruby Tuesday the first thing that pops in my mind is those salad bar croutons. They were both crunchy and chewy at the same time. Amazing. There was a Ruby Tuesday near my old company's headquarters that we used to visit on a regular basis for the mini-burgers and salad bar lunch special. Two sliders, fries, and the salad bar priced around $8-9 in late 2000's if I remember correctly. Hard to beat ;)