SNOHOMISH – It took two years to renovate The Hub. Unfortunately, I was as slow as the construction in getting to this expanded restaurant, which has been the place for hamburgers since 1949.
The original Hub was a hamburger stand straight out of the television show “Happy Days.” It was a very small building with a drive-through and three tables. It was torn down along with the house next door to make way for the two spacious dining rooms, a counter, ample kitchen and espresso bar inside the new building.
Owners Steve and Noreen Dana, who bought the restaurant in 1960, expanded the menu along with the building. The Hub’s always been known for it’s Panther Burger, named after the Snohomish High School mascot. The menu now includes breakfast, sandwiches, soups and desserts.
According to the expanded menu, some things didn’t change. The same company has supplied the meat for 40 years, and the same bakery has made the buns for 30 years, while Darigold has supplied the ice cream for more than 20 years. It’s this consistency that had customers grumbling when the renovation took so long and then had them sighing in relief when the doors opened again.
On my recent Sunday visit, I had hoped for breakfast, but the folks at the table next to me, who were lingering over the last of their coffee, had ordered the last breakfast of the day. Breakfast choices include the traditional two-egg breakfast ($4.50 to $7.95) pancakes and French toast ($3.95 to $7.95) and omelets ($5.95 to $7.50).
My server recommended any of the burgers, the Philly steak or French dip sandwiches. I considered a Panther Burger ($6.50). It’s made with two quarter-pound patties, two slices of American cheese on a grilled bun with Hub Sauce, and the standard toppings. Before I consulted my friendly server, I spotted the daily desserts listed on a whiteboard behind the counter. A Panther Burger wouldn’t leave room for dessert.
There are 12 burgers on the menu ($1.75 to $6.50), 16 sandwiches with the unusual choice of grilled Spam and cheese ($4.50 to $6.50) and four salads ($5.95 to $7.95). The soups ($3.50 to $3.75 for a bowl) are made daily in the restaurant and there’s baskets of fish, prawns and chicken strips with fries ($6.50 to $9.50).
But The Hub started as a hamburger stand and it was going to be hamburger for my visit. I chose the deluxe cheeseburger ($2.50), which comes with Hub Sauce, pickle, chopped onion, shredded lettuce and sliced tomato. I asked for everything on the side. I added an order of fries ($1.95). Now, don’t be disappointed if you order this burger. It’s small. But mine was delicious because the lettuce, onions and sauce were fresh and the grilled bun added extra spark to the patty.
When the last bites of my burger slipped sideways from too much Hub Sauce, my server brought me the dessert menu. Strawberry shortcake, apple delight, chocolate decadence, banana fudge royal plus sundaes, cheesecake, cake and pie fill the bill and range from $2.50 to $4.95. I selected the blackberry pie from the whiteboard and added one scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was as fresh and delicious as anticipated. The filling wasn’t overly sweet and the crust was flaky and perfectly browned.
Although it took me longer to get to The Hub and enjoy my meal, I sighed just like all Panther Burger fans.
Herald restaurant reviewers accept no invitations to review, but readers’ suggestions are always welcome. Reviewers arrive unannounced, and The Herald pays their tabs.
Contact Anna Poole at features@heraldnet.com.
The Hub
10th Street and Avenue B, Snohomish; 360-568-5944
Specialty: hamburgers and American favorites
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Price range: inexpensive
Liquor: none
Smoking: nonsmoking
Reservations: recommended for large parties
Disabled accessibility: easy access
Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa
The Hub
10th Street and Avenue B, Snohomish; 360-568-5944
Specialty: hamburgers and American favorites
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Price range: inexpensive
Liquor: none
Smoking: nonsmoking
Reservations: recommended for large parties
Disabled accessibility: easy access
Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa
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