The Corner has all the classics covered: burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. But after the novelty of corner dining wears off, it's easy to find yourself in a corner-eating rut. Sure, your typical Roots order is tasty, but after having it ten times in two weeks it's time for a change. Here are six unique suggestions to switch it up.
1. Littlejohn's: The Ranch Hand
You probably have your go-to Littlejohn’s sandwich you’ve been eating for the past year, so maybe you’re set in your ways. But if you’re tired of the same-old, nothing will rejuvenate your sandwich life like the “Ranch Hand.”
One of the oldest and most daring Littlejohn’s sandwiches, the Ranch Hand was created by employees messing around with ingredients trying to make the weirdest combinations. The tuna salad packed in with the roast beef and bacon forms a peculiar combination that throws people even more than the Ranch Hand’s triple decker arrangement, although it’s topped of with the familiar tomato, American cheese, and lettuce.
2. Trinity Irish Pub: Chicago Steak Rolls
While Trinity has all the classics on its appetizer menu—chicken fingers, spinach dip, mozzarella sticks, etc.—the Chicago Steak Rolls are something you can’t find anywhere else on The Corner. Made fresh at the start of every day, the Chicago rolls are a fried dish made of diced sirloin steak, onions, green peppers, and melted Provolone cheese bundled in wonton wraps. One of a kind and flavorful, these are definitely worth a taste.
3. Michael's Bistro: Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
This is not your average grilled cheese. In fact, it has so many other ingredients packed in there I’m surprised it qualifies as one. A unique grilled cheese can be hard to pull off when the original is so cherished, but Michael's Bistro succeeds at crafting one both novel and delectable. Along with mozzarella and feta cheeses, this sandwich is stuffed with spinach, avocado, spinach pesto, and tomato, all between locally-baked bread.
4. The Virginian: Tater Tots
You know that crispy potato cake that tops the Virginian’s (heavenly) stumble-down mac n’ cheese? Turns out, they offer it in tater tot form! Upon discovering this, I realized The Corner is decidedly lacking in the tot department. While there’s no shortage of French fries on the corner, The Virginian is the only place you can get your tater tot fix—and there's a huge difference. Golden brown and filled with cheddar, these definitely satisfy.
5. Got Dumplings: Bubble Tea
A one-of-a-kind drink created by the Taiwanese, bubble tea jazzes up your average beverage with sweet and chewy tapioca balls. Got Dumplings offers a wide array of flavors in both the milk tea and iced tea varieties. I recommend the coconut milk tea and the peach ice tea in particular, but they have a flavor for every taste.
6. The Biltmore: Crusties
When you’re craving pizza but can’t justify eating it six days straight, switch it up and convince yourself you don’t have a problem by trying this unique variation the Biltmore is known for. Breadier than your average pizza, Crusties come in six bite-sized rolls filled with cheese and other customizable ingredients, as well as two dipping sauces for added taste.
As you can see, there is more to Corner dining than that salad you get every week, as good as that may be. However, this list is just a starting point. Most restaurants have a food item or two that's completely unique to them that you can't find anywhere else on the corner, and discovering these possibilities will lead you out of your food rut for many meals to come.