Once upon a time there was a joint in Syracuse that was known for a roast beef sandwich with meat so tender, rollss so fresh, cheddar so sharp and horseradish so hot.
Clark’s Ale House was its name, and it sat on a street flanking the Landmark Theatre. Oh, yeah, it had a an ample selection of beverages, too.
The story in Ray’s words.
The poster above recounts its history. My part in the story? I’d walk over from the big daily during breaks in the action and savor that sandwich.
But then the Landmark scored the funds to renovate its backstage and dressing rooms, and Clark’s gave up its spot.
Owner Ray promised it would reappear elsewhere downtown to feed the masses. More than a year ago, Wise Guys Comedy Club and Bistro gave up its chase when the new wing of Destiny USA opened and happened to include Funny Bone for stand up as well as a selection of new dining choices. Ray told folks that corner spot a few blocks from his former location would be the place, and rumbling began inside.
And stopped.
Searching for life inside.
Folks would walk past the corner and peer inside the window. It was obvious they were hoping for signs of life.
A dead corner in the middle of downtown? Not good. Clark’s still gone? Really not good.
Pretty like this deserves company.
Besides, the potential location is practically on the same block where I now work.
Sure, it faces South Salina Street, like the Landmark Theatre. But its side is on East Washington.
Dawning for an awning.
This week signaled new action.
Signs of a rebirth for the reopening of Clark’s started to shoot up around that spot.
The reconstruction of Clark’s Ale House is back on track.
Soon can’t be soon enough for some. Yes, me.
I walked slowly around the spot after lunch on Thursday, pressing my face against the glass.
I saw Ray sitting at the bar, talking in earnest with a man who may or may not have been a construction crew honcho.
I tried to take a photo with my iPhone 4, but the lighting was such that all that I got was my own reflection.
An explanation for the delay and appeal for patience.
Taped to a window is a handwritten note. It explains the circumstances behind the delay. Yes, it’s an expensive process. Yes, there has been trouble with permits.
It also asks for a bit more patience.
Yessir.
I can taste that roast beef with cheddar and horseradish chased with an unsweetened iced tea for lunch already.
Have you had a favorite local lunchtime place close up and then come back, and if so, what were the reasons for the going and coming? Would you ask the carver to cut your slices from the rare or more well end of the roast? Lots of horseradish or a little, mustard instead, or ketchup?
Mark Bialczak 
My favorite lunch time eatery is rather close to where I live — maybe 2 blocks. It is a Mexican Food Restaurant and my fav to order is “Stuffed Sopapilla” with green chiles, ground beef, and refried beans.
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That sounds very delicious, PJ!
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Ulrich’s tavern , Buffalo, NY… Closed it’s door about a year ago and has been reincarnated!
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Yay! I am glad to hear of the good ones that return, and just down the Thruway, yet!
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Quality beef, quality beverages. It’s worth the wait.(Although, we all would have liked the wait to be more timely and “as promised.”)
However, that handwritten sign with the poor grammar and shorthand. I know it’s supposed to be a quick message to get a point across, but pray that this “quality” is not foreshadowing.
Can’t wait for Clark’s. In the meantime, Lake House Pub in Skaneateles has a roast beef sandwich that will have to do. It’s reliable competition.
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For some reason, Skaneateles isn’t on my regular list. I have to get out there and try that sandwich, Chris. Let’s see if Ray can make his own new deadline …
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I feel hungry now – off to the kitchen..
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Make a good holiday sandwich, Rachel!
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Hmmm, that looks like a fun place for sure! Yes, I had a favorite pizza place which was in business for years, then closed when it caught on fire, then reopened a couple of years later, then closed again for good. 😦 If I still ate meat, I’d definitely pick off the well done side and I’d bring my own Canadian ketchup. 🙂
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Rare please with a smidge of salad dressing.
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By that do you mean Russian dressing, I presume, Apple Pie?
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My mother calls it salad dressing. Like mayo without the sharpness. But a smidge of thousand island would be tasty instead.
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That sandwich sounds SO good!
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I can’t wait for the comeback, Austin!
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Send some to Maine!
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I’ll freeze it, pack it and ship it!
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🙂
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It is so tragic when a favorite place closes or a restaurant stops serving a favorite dish! We take it so personally, almost like an attack on our choices and preferences. I am so happy to hear that it will be opening soon and closer to you! SCORE! Nom..nom..nom! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Mr. B. 🙂
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Yes, yum yum yum revisited. You have a great one, Mrs. B!
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What a terrific post. I love the way you built up expectations and nostalgia both. I know there is still a ways to go before you sit down to roast beef, cheddar, and horseradish, but fingers crossed it will happen. We’ll be needing a full report and pictures at the grand opening!
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I will give a full report of the bites and exclaims of joy, Barb. Thanks for your support of the beef anticipation.
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We don’t have a good roast beef sandwich in Delaware, Ohio. Nor have I found Arby’s to come close, either! (But they are moving in soon. I will have to say their corned beef is good, not the best though!) The last time I had a great tasting roast beef, with the horseradish and cheddar slice melted over it, was in New York City, 20 years ago! I have now a need to find a prime rib place, which may be a substitute… I think it will be worth the wait, so glad it is coming soon! That was thoughtful of them, to keep you posted, too!
I like an open faced roast beef sandwich with gravy over it, also a Reuben, which Cracker Barrel does fairly well at this!
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Yes, you need your fix of good meat, Robin, the prime rib and the Reuben. Cracker Barrel does pretty well on the open faced beef with gravy, too, but it’s more like pot roast, less of a favorite, but it will do in a pinch!
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Horseradish, definitely. I’ve never been in a place where they slice your meat and then make you a sandwich. Only a deli at the grocery store. And that building sure was pretty. Makes me feel patriotic. I know Prince is from Minneapolis, but I think he is writing those delay notes 4 U.
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It’s pretty cool to have them slice it and pile it right on. A patriotic building, huh, Kerbey? I will salute Prince’s notes, too.
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I can’t wait for Clark’s but I would love the return of The Bagel Shop that used to be on Warren St. Lunch has never been the same since they closed! I heard they wanted to find another location but I never heard of anything…..
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I remember that place, but didn’t stop there much, Carrie. I hope they pop again for your sake. Thanks for stopping by!
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I’ve never had that, but ketchup sounds…wrong. I’m a creature of habit, Chum. If a place of mine goes under I get very sad about it.
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Funny, I will ruin a steak with ketchup, but not roast beef. I am a creature of habit, too, Aud.
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There’s no better combination than roast beef and cheddar on a fresh roll Mark. OMG, now I want one. It’s been years since I’ve had such a treat. You’re making my mouth water this morning..
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Right now I am eating a BLT and a cup on minestrone for lunch, Paul. It’s quite good, but I still want that RB with cheddar and horseradish.
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Mark, that sandwich sounds heavenly! I love beef and horseradish and sharp cheddar! Here’s hoping they open soon so you can tease us with a picture and describe the sandwich to us in a future post. 😀
Diana xo
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Oh yeah… sounds delish! I can almost taste it… wish I could! Have one for me when they finally re-open!
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I will gaze across the pond at raise one toward you, Ali, figuratively, of course!
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Oh, that sounds SO good – even at 8AM..
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It sounds good at any time, tastes best at lunch for some reason, Mimi!
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yay for the comeback, mark! you have made me crave this delicious sounding sandwich for breakfast. i’ve been waiting for blimpy burger, (old location bought by the u), an ann arbor oldie, to make a comeback and looks like it will be reincarnated in it’s new space in a month or so. it’s like seeing an old, familiar friend when these places return. sounds like ray is on board and ready to roll. i’m a rare roast beef person, but also love the crusty ends, and i’ll take mine with dollop of mustard, please. so jealous and happy that ray didn’t give up –
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Blimpy Burger would get me through the doors, Beth, no doubt about that. Yes, Ray would not give up. He was not thrilled about moving in the first place, and used that as a motivator, I am sure. Mustard on roast beef is not a direction for me. For you, enjoy!
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yeh, same with jim from blimpy, he really had no choice in the matter, but he’s actually moved to an even better location, in walking distance from my house! as for the mustard, i like just a bit of the spicy, grainy stuff, has the same sinus clearing capability and just enough bite)
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OK, I know and love that mustard stuff and am totally on board. And how great that you can walk to get it from a man who fought to put his business in a better place.
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Well now, guess what I want for lunch???????? 😉 Sounds like it’s worth waiting for!
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My nose misses it, too, Colleen. The horseradish got up there and did its job.
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As good horseradish should!
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