"Hidden gem" often is used to describe the Gammon Coach House, tucked away just behind the historic Gammon House mansion off the corner of Wilson Street and Route 31 in Batavia.
The pub, known for its food and thoughtfully curated craft beers, offers a cozy interior in the 1886 former coach house that's normally a gathering spot for people in the know. You'll find the entrance driveway on Route 31.
These days, the restaurant nimbly handles carryout. In the mood for the Friday fried fish dinner, we phoned in our request. A friendly staffer efficiently ran down the side dish options that come with the meals and double-checked our order before giving us the total and asking us to pay upon pickup. Orders also can be placed at gammoncoachhouse.alohaorderonline.com/mobile/splash.
My dining companion entered the main door and was back in a flash with our piping hot order.
We started by sharing a bowl of Gammon Coach House's "famous" New England clam chowder, which more than lives up to the name. The complexly flavored cream soup base is bursting with plentiful clams in every bite, complemented by big, tender chunks of skin-on potato. Fresh and brightly flavored, this is one of the best chowders around. And while the soup used to be available on weekends only, it currently is offered daily, a perfect dish for the winter ahead.
My dining companion upgraded the side on his entree to try a cup of the chili. The menu gives fair warning that it is "homemade chili with a little kick." Interpret that as more than "a little." It's a smoky, delicious heat wave in a cup.
Gammon Coach House is noted for the never-frozen beef used in the hand-formed burgers. The large patties are made of ground chuck, cooked to order and served on a brioche bun. My companion added toppings including mushrooms, bleu cheese and what turned out to be generously sized bacon strips to amp it up even further.
My fish dinner featured Atlantic cod, battered and fried. The large portions of mild seafood were complemented by a savory tartar sauce. The entree was garnished with lemon and included a chopped, creamy coleslaw. I picked tater tots to round out the satisfying meal.
The menu extends to other comfort foods such as the signature meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. Also served are delectable sounding salads, pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, build your own mac 'n' cheese and some serious hot dogs.
Gammon Coach House offers specials like fried chicken on Sundays, and beers can be ordered to go. People can dine under the covered, partially enclosed patio out front.
• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Gammon Coach House
WHERE: 3 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia
WHEN: 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday
INFO: 630-482-3663, gammoncoachhouse.com