Coach's Corner

                Nestled amid the trees and house of Newport’s east side sits a true neighborhood joint. Joint is the perfect word for it, too. It’s the small neighborhood place where everyone seems to know everyone by name. Mark was there solo and while he was there, he met not only the bartender/server but also the cook in back and was carrying on a friendly conversation with them by the time he cashed out.

                Coach’s Corner is at 317 E. 6^th St. in Newport. While they don’t have a dedicated web site they are on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coaches-Corner/184645406462 where they seem to have a regular running dialog with their customers. Friendly, just like the joint itself.

                The first thing I noticed when I walked up to the place was that there was a hole in the sign. I didn’t ask how that happened but I can guess that it wasn’t brand new. Inside the place is the perfect, small neighborhood bar. In the front, by the bar, are just a couple of tables but there is a larger dining room in the rear. The place is cozy and the employees are honestly happy to be there.

The Burger

                While The Coach’s Choice is the signature burger, in keeping with the “rules” of this blog, I had what they fittingly call a Cheeseburger. I had cheddar cheese and a garden (except onion). Everything was fresh and the lean beef that is ground fresh for the restaurant by a neighborhood butcher was hand patted after I ordered. Likewise, the buns are baked by a local baker on a daily basis.

                All of this makes for a delicious combination and a burger that is well above average. It is juicy and filled with flavors that explode with every bite. In fact, it could very well rank up among the top burgers in the region.

                Helping push this place over the top were the thick cut, skin on steak fries that are made after they are ordered. That’s right, these folks know how to put together a meal and at only $3.75 (plus drink) it is insanely cheap.

                About the only downside is that the kitchen is open for lunch Monday through Friday and only serves dinner on Friday night. There is no food service on the weekend. Still, it is worth driving over to Newport during the week and enjoying the food and the atmosphere of this brilliant neighborhood joint.