I have the hungry horrors this afternoon, and if I didn't have dinner plans already I'd drive straight up to Zandy's Steak Shop in Allentown PA for a cheese steak sandwich and a step back into time. Though the building has been stucco'd and blandified, the great brushed stainless steel and neon sign in front give a glimpse of what vintage decor you will find when you walk in.
Owned and operated since 1940 by the Zandarski family (current owners are brothers Ed and Jeff), here's a photo of what Zandy's looked like "back in the day". I love the curtains!
And here's what Zandy's looked like just a few weeks ago! Pretty cool huh? Different curtains, but the same wonderful pink interior, pink formica tables, vintage chairs and fun mosaic tile floor! Sit yourself down at one of these tables - I'm partial to the ones at the window, and someone will come over and get your order. Or if you want to be closer to the action, you can sit at the counter.
The menu at Zandy's your standard Hoagie / Sub Shop fare. Except for "Creamed Cabbage" being as side order you don't see every day!
Displayed next to the counter is a wonderful collection of dolls from around the world. Current owner Ed says that his grandfather would bring them home from trips, and it's nice to see such a personal touch.
I got my standard cheesesteak (no onions, no peppers, I know- boring!) and when I was asked if I wanted sauce, my knee-jerk reaction was, "No Thank You". Unfortunately I later learned that Zandy's is famous not only for their steak sandwiches, but their cheesesteaks with sauce! I'll have to bring Retro Roadhusband with me next time, as he's a fan of saucey steaks.
(I have to admit that my sandwich was tasty but I feel like I was missing something without trying the sauce!)
The Zandy's sauce is tomato based and a secret recipe handed down from generation to generation. We've got to get up there again soon to check it out!
When I was in college, the record shop Double Decker used to be right near Zandy’s and we’d always park in front of it. This was before you hepped me to notice vintage food places and back when I was veg, so we never stopped in. Good think I live near Allentown now. (Never thought I’d be saying that sentence. haha.)
You know, Double Decker Records is still next door, but I didn’t get a chance to check it out last time I was up there. Reason #2 to bring along Retro Roadhusband on my next visit to A-Town!
Wendyvee we’re of a same mind – I was just over at Cinematreasures looking (was there last night too looking for the Village Cinema that I put a photo up on Flickr for, but I digress…) – I’ve sent an email to Nancy- if she knows something I’ll be sure to share it!
Aubs
November 17, 2010 at 12:35 pmWhen I was in college, the record shop Double Decker used to be right near Zandy’s and we’d always park in front of it. This was before you hepped me to notice vintage food places and back when I was veg, so we never stopped in. Good think I live near Allentown now. (Never thought I’d be saying that sentence. haha.)
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
November 17, 2010 at 12:38 pmYou know, Double Decker Records is still next door, but I didn’t get a chance to check it out last time I was up there. Reason #2 to bring along Retro Roadhusband on my next visit to A-Town!
Henry
January 24, 2015 at 8:57 pmDouble Decker Records is now across the street from Zandy’s.
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
February 1, 2015 at 2:43 pmGood to know! We haven’t been in that neck of the woods in a while – thanks for the tip!