ADVERTISEMENT

    Restaurant Review: Cravings Carryout Cafe

    Cravings Carryout Cafe isn’t necessarily a carryout establishment. There’s a little table out front, and another one inside. If you get there at exactly the right moment, you might have a seating option – but it’s close quarters indoors. The bulk of its real estate is an expansive kitchen and prep area with an order counter right up front at the door. Heck, it’s close quarters just standing in the order line between the counter and entrance.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Still, you can’t really argue with an eatery’s decision to make space for a big kitchen. Cravings Carryout is committed to some excellent food. What started as a cookie shop in 2012 has evolved into a great stop for real meals.

    Sandwiches are prominent on the lunch time menu, but this is no assembly line sandwich shop. Each sandwich is made to order on a grill in the back. Those who expect the speed of a Subway franchise are in the wrong place. It’s more diner speed.

    Cravings-Carryout-Club-Sandwich-(4)

    The menu says that the Club ($8) is built on roasted chicken, and by gum, it is. It’s not deli chicken, it’s not a grilled breast, it’s chunks of moist, roasted chicken, clotted together with a thick slice of dark golden Amish cheddar cheese, two lush strips of bacon and a slaw to add a little savory textural accent. The combo stands tall on a round top, toothsome, brioche bun.

    Cravings-Carryout-Pork-Torta-(2)

    The Pork Torta ($8) is shorter (on ciabatta), but it’s no slouch. Soft chunks and shreds of pork shoulder are teamed with slivers of radishes, avocado, and the clever addition of queso fresco.

    During the visit, there was a Cuban Sandwich ($9) on the menu too. It teams the house roasted pork with savory shavings of ham and the crisp punch of fresh pickles. It’d be hard to find a better Cuban in Columbus.

    Cravings-Carryout-Potato-Arugula-(2)

    The day’s soup, Potato Arugula ($3.50), tastes healthy. That is to say, it’s smooth, but not so much creamy-rich as it seems thickened by its potato element. If the green bits of veggies give it some sort of vitamins, it seems like a decent way to get the veggies over with.

    Cravings-Carryout-White-Chocolate-Pistachio-Cookies

    And you can get still get cookies at Cravings. It’s not shocking to learn that the White Chocolate Pistachio ($2.50) cookies are indeed delicious. It is somewhat shocking to find that the Goat Cheese Blueberry ($2.50) cookies are delicious too. In fact, it might be worth fighting over leftover crumbs. Those tender crumbs are soft like moist muffin crumbs, and the sweet cookie itself is loaded with blueberries and a curious richness from goat cheese- but none of the barnyard accents. Perfect.

    Cravings Carryout Cafe is open for breakfast too. It serves its full menu all day, and guests will find lots of savory options including lox and brioche or a bacon and egg sandwich.

    You can find Cravings at 227 East Third Avenue – just up the street from the newish The Market Italian Village. It’s open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10am until 5pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s open from 9am until 3pm.

    For more information, visit www.cravingscarryoutcafe.com.

    Photos by Mollie Lyman of www.fornixphotography.com. Photos are taken at a different time than review, so discrepancies between photos and review may occur.

    Cravings-Carryout-inside-(1)

    Cravings-Carryout-inside-(2)

    Cravings-Carryout-inside-(4)

    Cravings-Carryout-front

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    6 New & Recent Restaurant Openings in Central Ohio

    Breakfasts from classic to biscuit focused, desserts to satisfy...

    The Thurman Cafe: Truly the Tastiest Burgers in Columbus?

    The Thurman Cafe is a Columbus staple. It’s hard...

    The “Liz Lessner” Restaurant Era Has Officially Come to An End

    There's no denying the impact that Elizabeth Lessner has...

    Flavortown Fest Has Been Canceled

    Guy Fieri won't be partying it up in Columbus this summer after all. The Flavortown Fest, originally slated for June 1 and 2 at the CAS lawn, has been cancelled.

    New Owner of Ho-Toy Building Plans for 3 Restaurants, Office Space

    Four new businesses will find their homes inside a...
    Miriam Bowers Abbott
    Miriam Bowers Abbotthttps://columbusunderground.com
    Miriam Bowers Abbott is a freelancer contributor to Columbus Underground who reviews restaurants, writes food-centric featurettes and occasionally pens other community journalism pieces.
    ADVERTISEMENT