Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sandwiches by Connal

We were hungry, and as is often the case we couldn't bring ourselves to cook. All we wanted was a sandwich.

What we got was neighborhood regulars regaling us with recommendations ("Ask for well-done fries, they do 'em a little light--you'll learn...") and stories ("Did you see that youtube video...") and ideas for next time ("You hafta try the burger, put that on your list.").

Cash only, but if you don't have enough there's an ATM inside. The BLTs were fresh--not fancy, but they didn't scrimp on bacon. The avocado fries were spicy and they give you a lot. But what's really great about Connal's is the small-town, neighborhood feel.

18 comments:

dive said...

That sign is fabulous, Petrea. Baby-boomer Americana at its best. I love it. We don't get anything like that over here, which is probably a good thing, but it's nice to see it in its native habitat.

USelaine said...

Sounds like my kind of place. The best diner up here is cash-only too, but they take checks. What they save in fees to credit card companies makes a difference in their pricing.

Also, I love the sound of avocado fries!

Bellis said...

It's only 7 am, but now my mouth's watering for one of those BLTs with avocado fries. I've never noticed this place, where is it?

Karen said...

Everytime I shop at the Armenian market next door, I can't resist a sandwich from Connal's. It's a classic!

Michael Coppess said...

Lived in the area for a long time, but never made to Connals. Couldn't get past Burrito Express. Oh, the sign is designated by the city as a historic landmark.

taio said...

genial

Petrea Burchard said...

Native habitat is key, Dive. You can't imagine how disappointed I was when I got off the train at Oxford and the first thing I heard was American hip-hop music.

Yeah, Elaine, I thought maybe they'd take ATM cards but I guess there's a fee involved there, too. Seems unfair to small businesses when the credit card companies make enough money off of outrageous interest rates.

About a half block east of Hill on Washington, Bellis. North side of the street. They have their own parking lot. (By the way, I overslept. Just got up.)

Okay, Karen, now I have to try the market next door. There's another down the street (south side) that I also like.

I like hearing that the sign is designated as historical, Michael. There are several good ones along that stretch of Washington. A guy we met at Connal's told us to try Burrito Express next. I'll report back.

Gracias, Taio, welcome to the blog.

ben wideman said...

I've been wondering about Connels and Burrito Express. Glad to hear you are on the case!

What are avocado fries??? That sounds pretty amazing.

Susan Campisi said...

Connal's is in my (soon to be former) neighborhood. I don't go often but when I do I get the turkey burger with crispy fries. It's perfect for take-out when I'm walking Tommy: I can bring him right up to the window when I order. Too bad we didn't run into you.

Petrea Burchard said...

Ben: French fries covered with spicy avocado sauce. Very good. John loved 'em, but a little too spicy for me. I think Connal's is your kind of place.

Susan, I don't know what you're going to find to replace it!

Margaret said...

Now I'm hungry. I blame you.

pasadenapio said...

That's my neighborhood, too! I've been going to Connall's on and off for the 20 years I've lived in Pasadena. The chef's salad is better than any restaurant's and my favorite item on the menu.

Sometimes when we have productions at KPAS that span lunchtime, I'll go to Connall's and get a variety of sandwiches, burgers and salads for the crew. They love me!

Susan and I are neighbors (three doors down from each other), so let me put your mind at ease, Petrea: She won't be moving far away! Your respective pooches may meet up at Connall's sometime in the future.

Katie said...

I'll take a burger extra pickles, chocolate shake and some of those avocado fries please.

Petrea Burchard said...

Margaret, I accept the blame.

PIO, thanks for the suggestion--I'll try the chef's salad next time, it sounds great. As for Tommy and Boz, I think Tommy could eat Boz's lunch.

Yes, Katie, I do believe you will.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

This looks place looks familiar. I'll have to try it sometime. It would be nice to have a burger alternative to In and Out.

Fries..shoe string or steak?

Anonymous said...

I'd eat here, if only for the very cool sign.

TheChieftess said...

Looks like my kind of place!!! Never knew about it!!! Will have to go next time I'm down south!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Closer to steak than shoestring, PA.

Yeah, Hiker, the sign is worth it. And the interior is like an old-fashioned malt shop.

Chieftess, one more exclamation point and you're going to run out!