Fat Man Eateth: Later Alligator

Sometimes you just want to sit down, enjoy a delicious, comforting meal, and not have to shell out half a C-Note in return to enjoy.

To this fat guy, when such a situation arises, there’s only one place that will do.

That’s because, for me, there’s no more fabulous comfort food than a nice, piping-hot bowl of tomato soup, some crackers, and some bread to dunk in it.

It takes me back to when my mom would signal from the window that lunch was ready whilst my friends and I were taking full advantage of a snow day, chucking snowballs, building forts, and sledding up and down the hills of North Park in Wheeling.

There was no better feeling than cooling down that first sip of soup by “blowing” away the heat from the spoon and tasting that tomato-y goodness. But where can you find such edible comfort in the Ohio Valley? That would be the Later Alligator at 2145 Market Street in Center Wheeling.

Opened in 2006, the “Gator” is one of the foundational pieces of the resurgence and rebranding of the Center Market area of Wheeling. True, Coleman’s has always been there, and there are other businesses and shops with a longer tenure in that area.

But when Later Alligator first opened, it had a new, trendy feel. It coupled it with outstanding service, a varied selection of food you’re hard-pressed to find elsewhere, and the quality and taste to match.

That’s why it will be open 17 years later when this August rolls around.

Our Food Choices

I’ve gone to the Later Gator numerous times during the years, with both family and friends. I’ve tried multiple items on the menu, from wraps and sandwiches to both sweet and savory crepes.

And as an aside, you find a nearly exhaustive crepe menu anywhere in the valley. It’s just not possible.

But we recently ventured to the Gator not once, but twice, in the last couple of weeks because my girlfriend had never eaten there.

So to Wheeling, we ventured. It was such a big hit, that she requested to return a few days later when we found ourselves back on that side of the Ohio River.

I opted to get what I seemingly always get when I go to the Gator–tomato & basil soup. It may seem like a basic option, given the number of choices on the menu, but it’s just that good.

I like to branch out and experience new things, but I just can’t bring myself to order anything else. This time, I did add to my order, however, with my first taste of focaccia, a flat Italian-style bread.

My girlfriend decided to go the soup route as well, choosing the butternut squash soup, along with an order of Mac & Cheese.

I can’t speak for her food, as not a fan of butternut squash soup, though I’ll say it smelled amazing. She happily enjoyed both her dishes.

But the tomato soup never misses, and that day was no different. It comes with a little packet of oyster crackers to provide that crunch. And the focaccia was the perfect complement, with a great taste both on its own, and when dunked into the soup.

I can honestly say that if I still lived in Wheeling, I’d be here for lunch at least once a week. It’s that good. Try it, and I think you’ll agree.