Escape the Turkey: Gino’s Stop n Buy a Delicious Convenience
SHARI BIEDIGER NOVEMBER 20, 2018
TED NOVEMBER 22, 2018
Editor’s note: Even the most devoted Thanksgiving turkey enthusiast eventually needs a change of protein. To that end, Rivard Report staff roamed the city to find hidden gems and longtime local favorites, and other independent eateries that serve slices of San Antonio’s manifold cultures. For more stories in our Escape the Turkey series, click here.
It’s midday, and the line is nearly to the door. Cooks clang their spatulas on a sizzling grill and call out orders by name.
With their footlong, butcher paper-wrapped sandwiches in hand, students, couples, and coworkers on lunch break seat themselves at tall wooden tables and benches that stretch from one end of the room to the other beneath vintage beer pool-table light fixtures.
That’s how it goes seven days a week at this Northside convenience store where – though you can no longer fill up your tank – you can buy bagged chips, snacks, and Slim Jim’s, pick up a fountain drink, six-pack, or bag of ice, play the lottery, and, of course, order a double-meat Philly cheesesteak.
SCOTT BALL / RIVARD REPORT
The Philly cheesesteak at Gino’s Deli.Gino’s Deli Stop n Buy
13210 Huebner Rd.
Sun-Wed: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thu-Sat : 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
“By far, one of my favorite quick-trip stops and Philly sandwiches in San Antonio!” said Amanda Spencer, who blogs about food and travel.
Gino’s Deli Stop n Buy is considered a quirky, well-kept secret among locals who appreciate good food at a fair price in a neighborly atmosphere. Owner Aleem Chaudhry purchased the store in 2004 – a gas station at the time – after coming to San Antonio by way of New York City and Michigan a dozen years earlier.
