Quaker Steak & Lube

I thought the location was a bit out of the way for the Quaker Steak and Lube, but when I found out its to be the center of the upcoming “destination location” - which already features a paint ball facility, and will include a water theme park and other attractions - this location makes perfect sense.
Quaker Steak & Lube sports a diner-style exterior with bright yellow and green accents on a white tile building. A neon “EAT” and an arrow urge you inside. There are antique gas pumps at the door enhancing the “filling station” style. From the first glimpse, you know you are in for a fun dining experience.
There’s fun to be had without even going inside - next to the building is an outdoor bar in the shape of a Bud Light beer can. Garage bay doors can be opened onto this outdoor bar area, so that in summer, there are three active bars on the property. A big, big, clean, clear parking lot is ready to handle the crowds of up to 700 bikers on a Wednesday Bike Night, or for the large crowds that come for the Tuesday all-you-can-eat wing night.
Open the door (the handle is a gas pump handle) and inside you’re greeted by a Nascar driving game area and gift shop, and a friendly face who sees you to your table. (You can purchase your favorite hot sauce on your way out.) There are four main dining rooms, the center area dominated by a huge oval wooden bar, which is surrounded by tables and over-sized booths. The bar has the brand names of motorcycles etched into the wood, and that’s just a hint of the attention to theme detail that characterizes Quaker Steak & Lube. Two smaller, quieter dining rooms area flank the main room, and the “summer” dining room (with the overhead doors and another large bar) is completely apart from the rest of the place.
 

The walls - and ceiling - are covered with car- and bike-related memorabilia. Some is standard Steak & Lube fare (like the U.S. map made completely out of state license plates), and about half is donated/loaned/for sale items that reflect the local clientele. Among those items is a photo of CNYer Benny Mardones (a huge fan of the onion rings). Motor cycles and cars hang from the ceiling. All the motorcycles that are hanging from the main dining room ceiling area are for sale. Bright green walls, a dark green carpet, Jetson-style bar stools (which are upholstered, have backs, and look really comfy), and heavy natural wood make for a cheerful, masculine environment.
 The sound level is a little high - too high for “intimate” dining, but perfect for a group out for a relaxing, invigorating lunch or dinner. It is a great atmosphere for family dining, a date, or a guys / girls night out. There are 27 flat screens throughout the restaurant, providing a perfect view of the game, race or Car Guys show.
 There were 30-40 people in the restaurant when we arrived and we were seated in a comfortable oversized both in the main dining room. The booth was large enough to comfortably seat eight. Dawn - our server - was very nice, friendly, and helpful – another hallmark of the restaurant. A perfectly serviceable selection of wines, beers (Sam Adams, Miller, Labatts, Bud, Blue Moon, Coors Light and Yuengling on tap), and specialty drinks is available, including a “Lube n Aid”, (lemonade, leaded or unleaded). All Daiquiris are served with a rose in the glass.
We ordered our drinks (unleaded) and they arrived with curly straws - in characteristic green or yellow.
Reviewing the menu and the many different selections of appetizers and main courses we found everything to be tempting. The selections appear typical for a bar/chain operation, but a closer look revealed some unusual specialties as well as twists on old favorites.

 We decided to share a 4-Wheeler appetizer ($13.99), included onion rings, soft pretzels, mozzarella sticks and deep fried pickles with dipping sauces - pizza, cheese and ranch) We loved the onion rings (onion rings, whether alone or part of this appetizer, are served on an antenna - “O-Ring Ontenna” ($5.99 - 8.99). and while I’ve never had a deep fried pickle before I’ll be having another! All the fried foods were crisp, perfectly done, and not a bit greasy. Heaven. The pretzels were soft and warm, with cheese sauce as a perfect accompaniment. The serving was generous, and would have easily been shared with 4 people.
 The menu includes burgers, wings (the specialty and the thing they’re famous for), baby back ribs, steaks, salads, a children’s menu that features a smoothie and sundae. We indulged in the V8 wing combo ($11.49) and the

Southwest Mahi Mahi ($9.99).
There are 19 different wing sauces to pick from for your wings, ranging from mild to Atomic. If you do chose to go with the Atomic you will need to sign a release form. If you are tough enough to eat 5 wings and the jalapenos you will get your name on the Atomic wall of fame. Not ready to be famous for eating something Atomic so we went for just hot (Buffalo style).

All the details have been thought through. Quaker Steak & Lubes are franchises, but the restaurant was originally a one-of-a-kind, started by Gary & George in Sharon, PA in 1974 in an old filling station/garage. It was originally a “cook your own” steak place, but soon also became known for its wings. As the website tells us: “The Lube®” serves over 70 million wings annually, has bottled sauces for retail sale, has won the title of “Best Wings USA,” and has over 100 local, national and international awards for their sauce recipes. Over 30 locations in multiple states across the US, “The Lube®” is still rescuing muscle cars, vintage cars, trucks and a vast collection of custom and antique motorcycles, giving them good homes hanging from the walls and ceilings of each restaurant.)”
This place is not only fun and amusing; the food is really GOOD, which means there’s something for everyone! The kids (and motorhead dads and moms) will enjoy the ambiance, and everybody will love the food.
Our food came out hot and the aroma of the wings made your mouth water. They were the best wings I’ve ever had! They were moist and not over-fried with the perfect amount of hot sauce (there’s nothing worse than looking at the person across from you with wing sauce all over your face!) The Magna fries were hot and covered with melted cheddar jack cheese and chunks of smoked Applewood bacon. If you’ve got a hankering for wings, do yourself a favor and try these. You will not be disappointed.

The Southwest Mahi Mahi was grilled, moist, flaky and a little spicy. I don’t think I’ve often had fish cooked this perfectly. I’m often reluctant to order fish, especially in an untested restaurant, as it’s frequently over-cooked and dry. This whitefish had a spicy southwestern sauce with a corn salsa served over a bed of Lube rice with fresh steamed broccoli. This was a perfect dinner - a little on the lighter side.
Quaker Steak & Lube has special weekly events that appeal to its broad range of customers.
Monday is Family Night from 5pm to 8pm. (1 child free with one adult meal.) The idea, we were told, was to recreate the old Ground Round atmosphere, with popcorn and movies to entertain the kids, and good food for the whole family.

Tuesday is All-you-can-eat Wings (what a great way to try all 19 flavors!) 5pm to 10pm.
Wednesday - Bike Night with a live band during the warm weather 5:30 pm to 9pm.
Saturdays feature an acoustic band in the evenings to accompany dinner.
Quaker Steak & Lube is more than a typical franchise, and is settling into the community by sponsoring events like a March of Dimes Bike Ride for Babies and helping to raise money for the breast cancer.
Before we could go, the owner insisted we try the most amazing cheesecake with a raspberry sauce. The cheesecake was moist and creamy topped with a sweet-tart raspberry sauce. I know the people sitting next to us were going to order the same dessert once they saw ours. Next time I think I will start with dessert first!
To finish the experience in Quaker Steak & Lube style, Dawn brought us a warm wing wag (a warm moist paper towel to clean your hands with) and red Twizzler. The Twizzler touch is a perfect indication of the kind of attention to detail that guarantees Quaker Steak & Lube is here for the duration!

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