CANTON − I wasn’t particularly hungry but needed a good lunch so I met my new friend David Gingrich, a 56-year-old insurance agent in Jackson Township, to share some food.
We met at Loby’s on CLE at 2730 Cleveland Ave. NW. Loby’s has two other locations in Jackson Township, both on Hills and Dales Road NW.
It was later than the normal lunch hour, but the bar area and a few tables were still busy with customers enjoying the sunshine, some beverages and bites. We sat in the dining room area where bartender Amy doubled as our server and never missed a beat.
A welcoming atmosphere
Deciding to split whatever we ordered, we began with the Texas Twinkies ($9.99), jalapeños stuffed with smoked cheddar cream cheese and wrapped with bacon. We also ordered from the classics section of the menu − BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich ($11.99) and a side of Loby’s fries ($3.99).
This Loby’s location now features a second bar and seating area with garage doors that open when it’s patio season. It’s a warm, welcoming area and was being enjoyed by customers both at the bar and seated near an open door.
The restaurant offers daily specials, available dine-in only. On Mondays, there’s a selection of specialty pizzas available all day. Tuesday’s wing day is popular with guests. Wednesday is build-your-own burger for $6.99; Thursday is half off pizza; and Friday offers fish and chips for $12.99.
In addition to classics like pizza, burgers, salads, wings and flatbreads on the regular menu, there’s a special Backyard BBQ menu. Those Texas Twinkies are one of the featured starters, along with BBQ nachos and southwest eggrolls. The same patio-focused menu features a burnt ends dinner, brisket Philly handheld, a brisket mac and cheese melt and homemade strawberry shortcake.
Big flavor in every bite
Gingrich and I enjoyed the Texas Twinkies. The smoked cheddar cream cheese and saltiness of the bacon helped minimize any heat from the large jalapeños. It was easy to see why it’s a popular item.
We cut the pulled pork sandwich, served on a brioche bun, in half before adding the Hog Heaven BBQ sauce. The sandwich was piled high with flavorful pulled pork, and the sauce added some sweetness and depth. Even half of the sandwich was a handful.
Loby’s fries are uniquely next level. They’re freshly cut, tossed in chicken breading and then broasted. Crisp and flavorful, they were a standout on their own.
Loby’s might be known for wings and pizza nights, but the Backyard BBQ menu proves there’s more happening here than typical bar fare. Add attentive service and a welcoming patio space, and it’s easy to see why the restaurant continues drawing a steady crowd.
We came in looking for a late lunch and left full, satisfied and already talking about what to order next time − probably that brisket Philly.
Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink reporter for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
If you go
What: Loby’s on CLE
Where: 2730 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Phone: 330-458-0904
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Loby’s balances bar food, classics with standout BBQ
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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