Matthew U.
Yelp
Why is it when I am out and about in a new area I always revert back to food that I find simple. I could be near five star restaurants and always end up at a diner instead. Which, let's be honest, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Sometimes all you need is comfort food at a price point that doesn't break the bank.
I had had a full day of seeing the sights in the area, after a brief down period I knew it was time to fill my stomach with something gut busting. I came up to Portsmouth with that intention. After parking I pulled up the Yelp app to see what was near me. Somehow I ended up getting lost walking around this town and almost got to the point where I was frustrated and ready to give up. Somehow in that frustration I ended up right in front of Gilley's.
When I saw this place I was taken aback a bit. I thought, this couldn't be a place that serves something satisfying. At the same time I was intrigued. I waited until the group of people left until I entered. It was a good thing too. I had no idea how to get in here. It is a true diner car. Once that was figured out it was like you stepped into the past when you entered here. Odd to think that this is how people dined and dashed. I loved it. You definitely do not come here to wow people. You come here to fill your pit and get it moving.
I quickly checked the menu when I was entering the place. Be sure to do this as service is extremely quick. Without hesitation I went with two chili dogs with onion and an order of cheese fries. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have chili cheese fries, but we will get to that a bit later.
I kind of milled around while my food was prepared. Which I would do over again, food is prepared as you order it, no food in warmers here. Once my food was ready I found myself seated in the corner ready to dig in. When I finally took in what I was about to do, I realized that this was going to be difficult. I should have went with one hot dog, because these things were beasts. I had attempted to pick them up, but each time I did that I ended up with chili all over my hands. So I ended up eating those dogs with utensils. Probably a good idea to do. Those dogs were perfect. The chili had a bit of a kick to it, but those onions with their fresh coolness kind of muted that.
Those fries, oh my god, those fries. Fresh cut, hot out of the oil and with a generous amount of cheese on them. So amazing. So here's a pro tip for you. If you wanted chili cheese fries, get the two dogs with it. The amount of chili left over after devouring those dogs is just enough to mix those cheese fries in and have yourself chili cheese fries. It took me a minute to figure this out, but when I dumped my fries into the leftover chili in the dog container and mixed it all together, perfection. It may have made myself look greedy, but I enjoyed it. Don't be afraid to use utensils here folks.
Gut busting? Yes. I left there satisfied and in need of a nap.