I chose Alley Cats to do first because I do go there ALOT!  I work close enough to walk there and living in the Abilene area, I like to walk downtown frequently because the urban sprawl just gets to me sometimes.  So here it goes…

Alley Cats is one of those downtown sandwich shops with a twist.  A lunch hot buffet!  But I am getting ahead of myself.

Alley Cats is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Breakfast is served until 10:30.  I have never tried breakfast because I really like to sleep and I have to drop my kids off before I need to be at work by 8:00 am.  However, looking at the menu, the highest dollar items there are the Santa Fe and Denver Egg Skillets at $3.75.  Coffee is $0.95 for a large so you can easily do breakfast at Alley Cats for under $5!

The menu is small but I like small menus.  It means the cooks can learn all the items easier and do them well.  For those who want a bit more, Alley Cats compensates for its small menu by having rotating daily specials and a hot buffet (which usually has dessert!).  The specials include things like BBQ chicken quesadillas, gourmet burgers, quiche, meatloaf and pancakes with fruit topping.  The pancakes are mostly offered on Fridays, which is when they try to have a meatless special.  During Lent, they also offer Fish Fridays for people who are interested.

Man, I could keep going on and on about the food.  They have wraps and sandwiches on the standard menu named the Aristocat (chicken salad on a croissant) and the O’Malley (pastrami, sauerkraut & provolone on rye) and delicious desserts like chocolate obsession cake!  Also, the hot buffet usually has a chef’s choice for dessert. 

I usually choose the El Gato.  It’s roasted chicken, black beans, mozzarella, lettuce, pico de gallo, and garlic mayo on a herbed wrap.  It is filling, but tastes light at the same time.  I like the black beans, mozzarella, and pico de gallo combination.  It is also $4.25.  If you add chips – either deli or baggged – and a drink it’s $1.79 more.  So you can get lunch for about $6.50.  Not bad.

I like Alley Cats because it has good food, good atmosphere, and a pleasant staff.  If the line gets too long, the staff will come out and take your order so you just pay when you get to the register.  Also, you can call their number – 437-0192 – press 1, and get the daily specials and what is on the hot buffet.  They also cater.  Their “Mexican” food has a Southwest flair so be prepared for the green chile and herbed wraps, but it’s still good.  Just open your pallet to things other than Tex-Mex and you will be fine.

There it is!  The first review!  Alley Cats, 216 Pine Street.  A local shop definitely worth trying out!

Advertisement