Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 23rd 2007, 9:04am By Adam Fix

The list of Philly cheesesteak joints in Buffalo now includes an unlikely addition: the Corner Store, located at the corner of Grant and Forest. The store purports to have “the best subs in town and much more”, and surprisingly, the menu is relatively extensive.

Acting on a tip from Chef Jenn Stainrook of Amaryllis, who is a big fan of the cheesesteaks, Christa and I made the trip to check it out for ourselves. It’s almost hidden, this “Corner Store Grill”- there is little on the outside of the building that would indicate any cooking was going on inside. A sign on the far left of the storefront advertising “Fish Fry Dinners” was really the only clue I had that I was in the right place.

Inside, though, the grill was bustling, with a constant stream of customers. The employees were friendly and informed us of a special deal- a free can of pop was included with a full-size hot sub. Our order consisted of a couple of the aforementioned Philly Cheesesteaks. They took about 10 minutes to prepare and we were on our way.

Despite my skepticism, the sub was good- comparable with any cheesesteak joint in town. They are made with grilled rib eye steak and seasoned with steak sauce, chopped and served with lettuce, tomato, and of course cheese, on a toasted roll. It was big and tasty, and definitely a good option for the hurried and hungry masses.

In addition to the cheesesteaks (of which there are four different varieties), there are hot sandwiches and wraps (ranging in price from the $1.79 Grilled Cheese to the $3.49 Steak Supreme), chicken wings and fingers, (10 wings for $6.49, 5 fingers for $6.99), a fried haddock fish dinner ($6.99), cold cut subs ($2.99 or $4.99 depending on size), and hot subs (Chicken Finger, Veggie Deluxe, even Fried Bologna! $3.49-$6.99 depending on type and size).

A variety of sides are also offered to go along with your sandwich, including fries, onion rings, pizza logs, mozzarella sticks, and garlic bread (ranging from a dollar to $2.99).

I am interested in checking out their breakfast offerings, as well. A bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on a bagel goes for $2.59. One of a number of omelet offerings will set you back only $3.99.

The Corner Store Grill is take-out only, and you can call your order in ahead of time. As a nearby resident (and lover of Chicken Finger Subs and their ilk) I know that I will be back soon to try some more of their options. The Corner Store Grill, 257 Forest Avenue, 14213 (corner of Forest & Grant), 881.3612, call for hours