In the wake of Opa's demise, we've gotten an equally good restaurant to replace it in Hanni's.
Hanni's menu is literally all over the place. There's traditional American fare on the menu along with Greek, Italian, Lebanese, and...hot dogs?
After almost ordering the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, the affable and talkative owner, clad in a red hooded sweatshirt with the WYEP FM radio logo emblazoned on it, persuaded us into trying their special: Sabrett's Hot Dogs with unlimited toppings and a side for just $5!
How could we decline that offer!
I had mine with cole slaw, mustard, and their remoulade and was instantly optimistic about the future of Hanni's. The slaw was creamy and crisp; the hot dog, brought from New York, had a natural casing pop and deep all-beef flavor, both of which were augmented through the process of deep frying (!); the remoulade was simply a bodacious mother sauce I'm glad I added to the mix; and the ample, squishy, fresh bun fit for grinders came from none other than Cibrone's Bakery across the street.
"How fortunate am I to have a bakery so close?" our host exclaimed.
The fries approached the quality of the O's legendary spud twigs with properties (Outside: Potato Chip. Inside: Mashed Potatoes) achieved only through double-frying in peanut oil.
Unfortunately, this new eatery loses a star from me for serving stale cheesecake from Restaurant Depot for dessert. However, we were promised that Hanni's will soon be bringing in sweet treats from Signature Desserts, another excellent nearby bakery.
"I'm gonna try to keep it as local as possible with the exception of those hot dogs. I grew up with 'em!"
Get off yer fanny, ride over to Hanni's, and be sure to take your granny...
if ya still got one.
P.S. They have a bar next door.
P.P.S. Our total before tip was just $19! Cheap! And none of the other entrees were above $16.