While the Four State Food Critic’s relatives were in town
for the holidays, they wanted to go out to a good place for a mid-day meal. Mrs. FSFC and I were quick to recommend Café Del Sol, one of our favorite
lunchtime spots in Hagerstown.
(Image Credit
– plus.google.com)
When doing some research for this review, I was surprised to
learn that there are several locations for Café Del Sol in the four-state
area. I’ve only ever been to the
Hagerstown location, which is situated in a small strip mall right off of I-81
and Salem Avenue. Although typically “strip-mallish”
(read “plain”) from the outside, the inside is warm and inviting, with natural
tones, pendant lighting, and wood floors.
Lunch time is generally busy with local business folks and
shoppers taking a much needed break. Our
party of seven was quickly seated and promptly greeted and served by a friendly
waitress dressed smartly in black from head-to-toe (as was all of the dining
room wait staff).
Café Del Sol advertises itself as a “California pizzeria”,
but they also have signature paninis, fresh soups, wonderful salads, Italian
favorites (like Stromboli), and West Coast-inspired dishes (such as tilapia
fajitas).
The FSFC chose off of the “pick three” special lunch menu on
this visit, which included half of a Panini, a small cup of soup, and a side
(such as the house-made potato chips or a small side salad). I chose the Ham & Turkey Club Panini,
which was layered with ham, smoked turkey, applewood bacon, provolone, lettuce,
tomato, and mayo - all on ciabatta bread.
The texture of the warm meats and crunchy bread were flavorful and satisfying. For my soup I sampled the tomato bisque,
which was creamy and delicious – I was licking the spoon for the last drop. Homemade potato chips rounded out my
trifecta, which were thick cut and tasty (but could have used a trifle of
salt).
Others in our party sampled the Cuban Panini (made with ham,
pulled pork, swiss cheese, dill pickle, and mustard) and the Chicken Pesto
Panini (made with grilled chicken, tomato, fresh basil, and provolone). The kids had potato skins and mozzarella sticks. Not a sound was heard for those first few minutes
as we all greedily tucked into our meals (always a good sign).
Café Del Sol also offers beer, wine, and cocktails as well
as a moderate dessert selection.
There are local restaurants that are consistently good and
always a solid recommendation for friends and family. Café Del
Sol is one of those few gems that always hits the spot. The FSFC recommends you pay them a visit.
The Four Star Food Critic Review
(Each category has a possible “best out of 5” rating)
Atmosphere: 3.75
Food: 3.75
Price: $$-$$$
Service: 3.75
Overall: 3.75
Cafe Del Sol (Hagerstown) is open daily
at 11:00 AM.
Café Del Sol
also has 4 locations in the four-state area:
1481 Salem
Ave 11119
Buchanan Trail East
Hagerstown,
MD 21740 Waynesboro, PA 17268
(301) 739-3072 (717)
762-1477
50
Featherbed Lane 504
North Antrim Way
Winchester,
VA 22601 Greencastle,
PA 17225
(540)
535-2275 (717)
597-8700
Check them
out at www.delsolcafes.com
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