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| - Far, far, far, FAR out on seemingly endless Library Road, you'll find within a converted trolley a no-frills, suburban family restaurant. A bar and a diner in one quaint package, Trolley Stop Inn is currently being remodeled and augmented as I write this.
Why did we ever make such a long drive to try Trolley Stop Inn? Hell, I'm surprised the T runs all the way out here. We were only 3 miles from Finleyville!
Recently, I did a search on Castle Shannon's Trolley Barn Eatery (which we eventually went to and reviewed), and Trolley Stop Inn came up. Thus, I had discovered another hidden boondocks establishment to review.
When we walked through the doors, we were greeted by the lovely Savannah, our effectual waitress/part-time wildlife rescuer and noticed a mixture of young and old, some gossiping, chortling about last night's misadventures, others fixated on tight, thriller-diller football games.
TSI is supposedly known for their meatballs and pizza, so I went with a meatball starter and a small, plain pizza for the entree.
Moist, plump globes of beef, bread powder, and spice were topped with a mozzarella/provolone blend and slathered in a pungent, decadent marinara that challenges that which Pasta Too makes. The reputation is deserved.
My pizza contained that same cheese and deadly red gravy and had a crust with edges that were akin to a pretzel/sourdough breadstick hybrid in taste and texture. My only fault with the pie itself was that the bottom was a bit sodden and droopy, perhaps from oversaucing (it was a bit much). Nevertheless, this was a more than edible pie that required utensils.
A trio of 99 cent tacos were shared by Kay and I and reminded me of the kind made by my dear mother: soft tortillas, seasoned, crumbly beef, shredded cheese, fresh vegetables, sour cream, and salsa.
No desserts were on the menu, unfortunately.
TSI may not be worth driving as far as we did (we didn't realize HOW far out it is!), but y'know...the local residents are lucky to have a homey, affordable place such as this, one where you can stay as long as you like, strike up friendly conversations, and gobble on some very good pub grub while you're at it.
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