Allison’s Pub & Grub

Allison’s Pub & Grub is not the most beautiful restaurant you’ll walk into.
A hundred million years ago, this place called «Damon’s» opened, and the draw of Damon’s was that you could watch a plethora of tvs at once in a dark and smoky room while eating your way through a loaf of fried onions and a rack of pig.
Allison’s has repurposed the old Newark Damon’s, with tvs that show trivia, Food Network, News, and yes, occasional sports. It is not pretty. It is not terribly welcoming. It is dark and semi-​sterile.
But I don’t go to Allison’s because I’m a great judge of environment. I go to Allison’s because the food is so good, I’m importing people from Columbus to try it.
The first time I went to Allison’s, I had the kettle chip appetizer and the meatloaf stack. The chips are apparently house made, gorged in alfredo sauce and bleu cheese. Generous, generous portions. My friend had a pasta dish, and we both enjoyed the garlic rolls that are brought to the table. Service was about a B-​, but we were there to catch up and stuff our faces. At the end of the night, the server brought the bill, and I stared at it for a long, long time trying to comprehend that it was only $ 30.
The next time, I splurged on a Hot Brown. If you haven’t had a Hot Brown, and you like things that are delicious, go for it. I don’t want to spoil it, because it’s very trendy right now, but suffice to say that your mouth will be congratulating you… though your arteries might cringe a bit. It’s worth it. Allison’s serves their Hot Brown with a salad, and the house dressing was the perfect flavour to accompany this monstrosity!
Lately, though, it’s been the BOGO burger night that has my fancy. Yes– Buy One, Get One FREE burgers. And not just any burgers– these are hand-​formed patties cooked to order. They crumble off the bun like your mom’s would… all tasty and grilled and just greasy enough. You have a choice of a fluffy regular white bun, or a dense and flavour-​sealing pretzel bun. Toppings? Oh yeah– there are toppings. Mac n’ cheese and jalapeño relish is my favourite, but there’s a BBQ bacon, a Garbage, and a Chili cheese fry burger. And on one special night a week — which I’m not going to divulge because you just need to go there — these amazing, mouth-​watering meals are BOGO.
And let’s give credit where due to the bar staff. Each day, there’s a $ 2 drink. A full size, boozy drink for just $ 2. In a world where one drink can run you $ 8, it’s nice to think that’s 4 drinks at Allison’s. The beer list isn’t half-​bad, either. It has your bar standards, as well as a few crafts on draft for the beer snob in you.
Further investigation shows me that Allison’s menu is created by a caterer– a person with an obvious passion for food. It shows. There are no short cuts. There’s nothing pre-​fab or tastes like it’s been sitting about the food at Allison’s. Now, I’ve never had the buffet, and I can’t say that I go there to make new friends, but I’ll certainly be back time and time again for food that far exceeds its value!

I usually like this place, so I called in carry out on my way home and was told 10 – 15 minutes. I have them 15 and came into the bar to pick up my order. The order was never entered and so I’m standing waiting another 15 so they could prepare my food. I think that defeats the purpose of carry out. It was not busy at all, just lack of effort somewhere.

First visit today and the food was amazing! Taking my husband again Tuesday for his birthday! Great service and great atmosphere!

Great place. Great owners. Nice play to watch sports on mega tv’s. Keno is in the house. BOGO on Burgers on Mondays.

I came here for Easter with my family for the buffet they had before. I was a bit skeptical about this place since some of the reviews aren’t that great. But I always keep an open mind and form my own opinion.
The food on the buffet was just okay. There were some pastas, chicken parm, ribs, mac & cheese, a small salad area and a dinky little dessert bar. To me, it tasted more like a church pot-​luck. Nothing was really too great and the food a bit bland.
I’m not sure what the menu food is like… but if it’s anything like what it was as Damon’s…then it’s still just «okay» at best.
The service was a bit on the slow side. But I will say it was packed and the servers were working their tails off… so I can’t really complain too much about that.
I may or may not be back. Certainly isn’t on the top of my list though.

We went to try it cause a friend said the one in Mt. Vernon was good. I got potato crusted salmon. Ack! There wasn’t any seasoning on it. Not even salt and pepper! Way over cooked. Very dry! The potato crust was a layer of mushy hash browns. Nothing what you think of as a crust! Not even brown let alone crispy! Even my husbands burger was dry and flavorless.

This location is the former home of Damon’s, which from the franchise website and incorrect Unilocal listing that still shows it open, was a somewhat of a decent looking place that appeared as if it would be fun and lively.
Sadly this place falls drastically short of my expectations.
To start, the place is cold looking, not sure if its the dated awkwardly bright lighting or open floor plan. It reminded me of a really fun club or party at the end of the night when the lights come on for cleaning… yeah like that! The bar area is separated from the dining area by glass, but the booths and floor are exactly the same, why separate it with this awkward glass?
Secondly, at a quick glance, I realized that for anyone under the age of lets say 50ish, they would feel like a youngster… meaning its more like a gathering spot for bar-​stool perching seniors. (This explains the lack of reviews)
About the clientele, when you drive up, there is a large parking lot that leads to a really decent looking building that sort of reminds you of a lodge or fireside inn type of place, man was that misleading, after walking inside it felt more like a VFW hall bar area… meaning its more of a regulars place to spend their last few bucks and get loud.
All in all there is not a lot here that is/​was appealing or welcoming.
I am sure the owner is trying hard to make a go of it, but they need to make some serious changes here.
As far as the food I had, meh
As far as the drinks (by drinks I mean DRINK meaning they sort of forgot about me and only served me one), since I was left with an empty glass for at least half my meal, when I was finally asked if I wanted another, my meal was nearly done, so I declined.
By the way, alcohol is the biggest profit for a bar… seems they missed an opportunity!
To sum up, as the name says, this nice restaurant looking establishment is nothing more than a regulars dive-​ish (pub and grub) bar in a fancy wrapper.
I did not feel welcome and would not return!