As anybody who regularly walks or drives by the Gorham-Broom Street corridor knows, Quinton's Bar and Deli spent a lot of time in the construction phase.

Before it finally opened its doors in February 2006, Quinton's teased passers-by with an "Opening Soon" sign for nearly a whole year, which led me to believe the establishment was really a front for the mob. My suspicions were further aroused when reading a review of the Quinton's in Lawrence, Kansas (it has a few other locations in college towns), in which the restaurant is noted for its "bomb-ass waitresses." This naturally made me very nervous as to what the consequences might be — assuming it ever opened — for not leaving enough tip.

Nonetheless, I ventured into the restaurant upon its long overdue opening. I noted the large portraits of John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia on the wall before realizing something — those people are all dead! I was a goner for sure.

Luckily, I emerged unscathed from my first visit to Quinton's and every visit thereafter. Quinton's specializes in sandwiches, which come in far more varieties than your typical bar fare. Not only are they diverse, but they're big. I'm talking thick bread. The soup also stands out. Opt for the creamy potato bacon — it's got potatoes, bacon and cheese in a bread bowl. Or go for a half-sandwich and soup. The amount of food you'll get is a bargain.

In keeping with its name, Quinton's Bar and Deli also has a bar. I think the owners are a little confused as to the meaning of the word "deli," but hey, one out of two ain't bad.

I'd be remiss not to mention Quinton's spuds, which are ginormous and loaded with toppings. Former Badger Herald Managing Editor Mike Robinson heartily approves of them. You should, too.