The Lunch Bunch crew had no idea it was in for such a wonderful surprise.
We hadn't been to Zacherl's in Saxonburg since 2001, so we really couldn't recall how much we liked it, but our most recent visit thrilled us.
The ambiance isn't fancy, but the food was top notch. Booths line the walls of the dining area. Additional seating is available in an alcove with a comfy red leather round booth for 8 or 10 and a couple of tables. More seating can be found in the bar as well.
The vast menu offers a full list of lunch specials tucked into a four-page menu of appetizers, sandwiches and full dinners.
We started with a Snack Platter ($6.95) and welcomed a full platter of fried goodies: battered and puffy mushrooms, thin, french fry-like sticks of zucchini, buttons of cauliflower and onion rings of thick and sweet slices of battered onions.
The French Onion Soup AuGratin ($2.95) caught our eye on the menu and we had to have a crock. The rich broth was swimming with strips of onions and seasoned croutons, and topped with provolone cheese and crispy onion straws.
We were so satisfied with our soup we hardly needed our entree: a Steak Salad ($7.95). We picked at a few bites and packed it up so we could enjoy it later. It had all the items we enjoy: lettuce, julienne carrots, sliced radishes, red cabbage, grape tomatoes, cukes, a smattering of fries, and an honest-to-goodness steak -- no wafer steak here -- that was divided into about eight large savory chunks. Shredded mozzarella and cheddar topped the ensemble. We recommend the light and creamy homemade ranch dressing.
The Hot Sausage ($4.50) was one of the best we've had in a long time. Everything about this sandwich is to rave about -- the tender sausage, the flavorful grilled peppers and onions and the fresh hard roll.
We ordered the Whale of a Fish Sandwich ($6.95) to go. The breaded 8-ounce Icelandic haddock fillet, tartar sauce and hoagie roll were wrapped separately for the trip back. This Whale was shared by several people, all of whom were quite impressed.
Desserts are a must at Zacherl's. The chalkboard lists the day's pies and other goodies and, really, you just can't help but surrender. Plus the prices are so reasonable. The Chocolate Mousse Cake ($3.25) was outstanding. We're glad we ordered a piece to go so we could enjoy it later in the day. The soft, tender cake was layered with a light and creamy chocolate mousse. A thick, fudge ganache covered the top and sides of the cake. Additional chocolate shavings decorated the edge of the cake. We absolutely didn't offer to share this with anyone.
The Coconut Cream Pie ($2) was recommended, and we discovered why when we finally sat down to enjoy it. The coconut flavored filling was so rich and creamy that we ate it ever so slowly to enjoy every bite.
Compiled by Rebecca Killian, Sis Reola and guests.
Meals are paid for by the Valley News Dispatch and are unrelated to advertising.
Additional Information:Zacherl's Tavern and Restaurant
Address: 180 Butler St., Saxonburg
Phone: 724-352-1409
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursday; 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays; closed Sundays
Credit cards: All major cards accepted
Smoking: No
Handicapped accessible: Yes
Prices: Appetizers, $1.75-$9.95; salads, $2.25-$8.95; sandwiches, $2.95-$6.95
