Who would have thought five years ago that there would be almost half dozen excellent places to get a bite, coffee or drink in downtown Gastonia? Prior to this week, you could grab a cup of Joe at Gaspump Coffee House, take a client to Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant for lunch, enjoy a steak and wine night out at Nick’s Steak & tap House, and listen to live music and enjoy a pint at Freeman’s Pub afterwards. Now you can add Anntony’s Carribean Cafe into the mix.
Located on Main Street in the former location of Cantalupe’s Italian Restaurant, which moved south of downtown and then Moonshiners Bar, a Coyote Ugly wannabe locale that was DOA, Anntony’s may have found a niche. Friday evening saw a crowded house of all segments of the community, from the prominent business men and women to local politicians to the guys who run the morning basketball courts at the Central YMCA.
Anntony’s has seen success in Charlotte proper for over 20 years. According to their website, “In 1968, Dr. Tony Martin, a Ph.D. in nutrition and born in British Guyana, immigrated to the United States, bringing with him secret recipes handed down to him through generations of his family. He moved to Charlotte, NC in 1986 and opened a small cafe with a menu straight from the heart of the Caribbean. It is named for his mother, Ann, and himself, Tony.”
menu from Charlotte location (pdf)
Somehow our server recognized me and asked if I was blogging about the place. I only grinned and the next thing I know, we were receiving samplers of their island chicken wings, pork chops, corn bread, curry channa, and rasta pasta. Hopefully, this service is given to all patrons. In addition, we ordered the combo platter of rotisserie chicken, callaloo greens, and shoestring fries. Their exquisite spices truly make each dish a delight. The prices are very affordable and a full bar compliments the food.
Along with Dr. Tony, Alfred Current of Alfred & Charlies BBQ and Nathan Kirby, owner of the property, have partnered to open Anntony’s. With their business sense, understanding of the community, knowledge what has and has not been successful at that location, and most importantly, their delectable and unique food, Anntony’s should serve as another feather in the hat for for Downtown G-Town.
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