Sports bar surprise! Loby's Grille has more than wings, burgers, beer at new Canton eatery

CANTON − Trying out a new sports bar-style restaurant didn't excite me or my wife.

Loby's Grille on CLE was the destination, but neither of us were particularly in the mood for burgers, wings, pizza and the usual appetizers often crowding the menus of sports bars.

Aesthetics weren't a problem. When driving past the former Hog Heaven at 2730 Cleveland Ave. NW, it appeared to be nicely remodeled and inviting.

But our skepticism on the grub was quickly proven wrong.

Craving more of a date night dish, my eyes immediately were drawn to the Mediterranean platter ($17.99), which stood out on a menu that includes pizza, broasted chicken, wings, an Italian sub, buffalo chicken wrap, strip steak, alfredo pasta, quesadillas, Philly steak sandwich, and other items we had anticipated.

Traci settled on the grilled pork chop dinner featuring two six-ounce chops.

A platter with quality protein and delicious dirty rice

The Mediterranean platter checked all the boxes. Expecting a sirloin steak or lower-end cut, what I tasted was juicy and flavorful, similar to a good strip. I later learned it was a vein steak.

Turns out I was on the right path. From a carnivore-centric website: "Vein steak is from the same primal cut as the striploin steak. However, it comes from the hip end of the loin."

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Chicken was also an option for the platter ($14.99).

The protein was served on a bed of dirty rice. Enjoying the rice as much as the steak, I tried to figure out what ingredient was so pleasing. It had to be allspice. My wife suggested cinnamon.

But after checking with the restaurant owner (more from him later), he said I was spot on.

More about the platter. The Greek salad was a fine sidekick, with lots of feta.

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Turns out the Mediterranean platter is a top seller. The new Loby's has been cooking about five pounds of rice daily for the dish.

Traci said the pork chop was moist. Seasoning was good; it was boneless and center cut. Large portion. Tasting a bite, I concurred. And $11.99 seems like a bargain given the quality.

Sauerkraut balls with a spin

Our lone criticism of Loby's Grille on CLE was the selection of side dishes to go with the pork chop dinner. No side salad, baked potato or soup options, as I recall. Traci went with the Brew City fries, not a natural pairing with chops. Even so, they were crispy in a deep-fried style, certainly superior to crinkle-cut fries. Asparagus, often a risky proposition for us when dining out, was cooked appropriately.

So eager to rave about our main dishes that I neglected to mention the appetizer − sauerkraut balls. This version was a bit different, made from a mixture of corned beef, bacon and cream cheese tossed in panko bread crumbs and served with horseradish mayo dipping sauce.

First off, the coating was a plus, and the sauerkraut balls came out fresh and hot. The positive: I liked the twist on an appetizer staple. But we both agreed they were a little too heavy on the cream cheese. And the corned beef and bacon weren't as prominent as we had hoped. Still, above average and unique.

Costing $9.49, five hefty sauerkraut balls were included, providing leftovers.

Overall, Loby's Grille on CLE was clearly a positive dining experience. And there's reason to return, including a host of specials. Monday is $5 appetizers; Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday feature 79 cent wings; Wednesday is $5.99 burgers; half-off pizza on Thursdays; and $11.99 beer-battered fish on Friday.

Barbecue will be added featuring Hog Heaven sauce

And there's more to look forward to at Loby's on CLE because barbecue fare − ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken breast − will be added to the menu by October or so, using the barbecue sauce served at the former Hog Heaven, which used to occupy the same location as the new Loby's, said JB Abraham, co-owner of the three Loby's locations with Randy Thorns.

"We'll have our own spin on it," he said of the barbecue items. "The main thing is the sauce will be the same.

"I think the Hog Heaven sauce is really sweet," Abraham said, noting Loby's sells it by the bottle. "It's got some sugar to it ... and you just want to put it on everything."

Barbecue side dishes will include macaroni and cheese, collard greens and baked beans.

Loby's on CLE is the third eatery in the restaurant group, which also includes Loby’s on Hills and Dales in Jackson Township and Lobys Irish Pub & Grill in Massillon. The new location is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 8 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Abraham doesn't shy away from Loby's on CLE being sports bar-oriented. Lots of televisions. Every NFL game and Ohio State and many other college football games should be available. The spacious patio, which is enclosed with garage-style doors, can be used year round.

But the focus is more on being a restaurant than simply a drinking spot, he said.

Here we go Brownies, here we go ... woof, woof!

On a Friday night, the restaurant and bar's vibe was upbeat and lively.

Abraham expects business to get even better once a grand opening is announced and Loby's Grille on CLE is more heavily promoted.

Winning football also could boost business.

"The Browns' record truly affects business on Sunday," he said. "If they come out and start losing and we're 0-6, people won't come out and watch them. If the Browns come out and go 6-0, you won't be able to find a seat on Sundays."

EDITOR'S NOTE: On Monday, Loby's Grille on CLE posted to Facebook some changes to its breakfast hours. "Due to staffing issues we will be discontinuing breakfast Monday to Friday. Breakfast will be available Saturday and Sunday from 8A to 11A." The post did not specify whether the weekday breakfast hours would return.

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Loby's Grille has more than sports bar grub at new Canton restaurant