Ashy's Has "One Tasty Burger"

Some people may think that reviewing restaurants is a glamorous gig. The lonely truth of this tale is that there isn’t always someone around to dine with you and when a deadline is calling, sometimes you have to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and dine solo, as I did this past Saturday afternoon when I visited Ashy’s Burger & Fries in Paoli.

Its inconspicuous Paoli Plaza storefront isn’t even visible from Lancaster Avenue; only inside the parking lot is its large lettered neon sign apparent. Once through the door, I was met with a clean interior and seating for around 50. Lacquer tables were paired, set together in larger rows, or situated alone next to the far wall. It’s a perfect setup for any size party – even just for one.

I approached the register and a friendly man behind the counter smiled and handed me a takeout menu. I took a few minutes to decide, scoping out the salads, fruit and desserts displayed in the cold box.

The menu included specialty sandwiches, hot dogs, kids meals, burgers, fries, chili, sides, specialty burgers, salads, apps, shakes, beverages and desserts; none of which topped $7.50.

I decided on the Ashy’s Bacon Cheeseburger ($5.99), choosing my free toppings; lettuce, pickles, fried onions and mayo. I also ordered the Ashy’s Chili Dog ($3.99). Whenever there’s a chili-cheese option, I‘ll always opt in. With my main items chosen, I figured that a single order of French Fries ($2.49), and a Side Cesar Salad ($2.99) would be enough to give a fair review.

“And a Coke,” I added, “for here.”

I had debated a bottle of water, but when one is alone, ordering for two, there’s no need to go with the healthy option. Knowing it was a tall order for little old me, I waited for a reaction. But without hesitation or even a snide look, the gentleman at the register shook his head and gave me my total - $17.97.

I settled into a lonely table against the wall partially hidden by the soda refrigerator. Ashy’s was empty except for a take out order that had left just a moment before. While I waited for my food, I hit the condiment area for some ketchup, salt and pepper.

In addition to the bottled drinks, there were fountain sodas and three or four varieties of iced tea. There were even bottles of Malt Vinegar – a very nice touch. And then it hit me. Ashy’s seemed to be Paoli’s answer to . With my interest now piqued, I awaited my food.

Just about five minutes later, out came a tray, full to its edges, carried by the friendly gentleman, who I’m sure was in the back taking bets as to whether or not I’d be able to finish it all.

I tore open a packet of salt for my fries and in just a few seconds, my clean little corner table was covered in crystals. My heaping single order of fries was delicious; hot, crispy and definitely the deal of the day. I made it about half way through before beginning to inspect the three other items I had chosen.

I made my way to my side salad. For a take out joint, this Caesar looked surprisingly well done. Large shreds of cheese highlighted the romaine lettuce, which was fresh and crispy, showing no outward signs of age or discoloration. The croutons were crispy inside, but beginning to get a tad soggy on the outside. This says to me that the salads were set up earlier in the day and began to absorb the moisture of the lettuce while awaiting its fate in the cold box. Not bad now, but for the recipient of yesterday’s leftovers, a soggy crouton can ruin a salad.

After a few bites, I moved onto my Chili Dog. Opening its Styrofoam container, I winced, wondering who, in fact, still used Styrofoam.

The dog, wrapped again in foil, was split, grilled, generously filled with Ashy’s Home-Made Chili and topped off with cheddar cheese. The “slow cooked” chili was made up of ground meat and red beans. The flecks of tomato and green peppers gave it a really nice flavor and spice without being overpowering. It was delicious, but being as I still had a burger to try, I left half and moved on.

Finally I made it to my burger. Again, wrapped in foil and placed in Styrofoam. The burger was served in a sesame seed bun. It only took me a bite or two to realize that my customized burger toppings were a solid choice and Ashy’s burger drippings mixed with the mayo was juicy and sloppy in the most delicious way possible.

The fried onions had passed the point of translucent and had entered the auburn colored stage, bringing with them all of the flavors I had hoped. The pickles were thickly cut and the bacon, perfectly crispy. The burger could have benefited from a less industrial orange cheese, but in all honesty, it was pretty close to perfect.

I absolutely enjoyed my lunch at Ashy’s. It's not your run-of-the-mill take out spot. I feel like it’s competing directly with popular, big name burger joints. And while 5Guys is a smaller operation, its chainlike tendencies are exposed when compared to Ashy’s. This Mom & Pop burger shop is a win, with only one fatal flaw.

Styrofoam. To be perfectly fair, I was served most of my items already wrapped to-go, as I asked. But even in the to-go world, there is no need for Styrofoam. Bag it Ashy’s! Double wrap it in the foil or go with the really nice to-go containers that become my Tupperware. But don’t ruin a great thing with a 1980’s evil.

Overall, Ashy’s is a great burger joint for lunch, dinner, takeout or eating in. THey even do catering. Keep up the good work!

Name of Restaurant: Ashy’s Burger & Fries
Location: 82 E. Lancaster Ave. Paoli, PA 19301
Phone Number: 610-640-1800
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11am – 9pm
Basic menu pricing: Under $8.
Do they take credit cards? Yes.
Additional Information: Eat In, Take Out & Catering
Website: www.ashysburger.com