Cheap Eats: Fresh concept at Flats Café in York
Update: Flats Cafe has moved. Find them at 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, inside The Majestic Theater. Flats is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Contact them at 717-398-2189 or www.eatflats.com.
Eateries rarely revolve around one component of an entrée or dish.
It's most common for restaurateurs to brand their businesses by cuisine.
In this way, Flats Original Flatbread Café at the Valencia Ballroom in York is different.
Run by the Altland House Hospitality Group, Flats features pizza, sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas made with its original fresh flat bread. The menu includes a variety of cuisines, infused with American, Latin American, Italian and Asian influences. But almost everything is paired with flat bread.
Co-owner Ryan Haugh said Altland has been experimenting with flat breads in its catering and that patrons always seem to enjoy it.
"You (can) tell it's not manufactured in a big warehouse," he said. "People love that (it's) a different type of dough, flavored a little different and has a handcrafted look."
The café's menu is displayed on the wall, and drinks are written on a mirror behind the bar. Haugh said it used to be a sandwich shop in the 1930s and that Altland restored the original Brunswick bar. A few tall mahogany tables sit on an earthy blue, red and yellow tiled floor, and black spotlights hang from the ceiling, giving the space a classic, yet modern.
I ordered a roasted hummus and veggie wrap for lunch. Despite the café's name, I didn't realize at the time that everything is served on flat bread - a nice twist to an otherwise standard wrap. Each flat bread is grilled and lightly flavored with herbs. I enjoyed the red-pepper hummus topped with spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and a mozzarella blend.
I sat outside in the courtyard, enclosed by a fence and peppered with umbrellas, plants, hanging lights and a few Tiki torches. There's also some seating out front and plenty inside.
Because the café caters to the business crowd and people looking for a quick lunch, Haugh said orders should be filled in five minutes or less. My order was ready by the time I took a seat.
Haugh said companies can set up meetings at the restaurant.
The eatery also serves beer, wine and sangria geared toward the after-work crowd.
"It's a key part to the happy hour side of the business," he said.
Non-alcoholic specialties include fresh-brewed teas.
Haugh said Atland started thinking of the concept for the café - which opened in April - about a year ago. He said he noticed a trend of eateries selling flat bread in the West and that he thinks the concept will work in York.
"We thought it was a fresh idea," he said.
Cheap Eats profiles local restaurants with meals for less than $10. Suggestions are welcome. Reach Leigh Zaleski at 771-2101, lzaleski@ydr.com.
Flats Original Flatbread Café
LOCATION: 142 N. George St. in York
CUISINE: Handcrafted flat bread pizzas, sandwiches, wraps and salads
LEIGH'S PICK: Roasted hummus and veggie wrap, and a diet soda ($8.45)
PARKING: Yes and curb-side pickup
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
PRICE RANGE: 95 cents to $8.95
ALCOHOL: Yes
SMOKING: No
ACCEPTS: Cash and credit
TAKEOUT: Yes
KID'S MENU: Yes
DETAILS: Visit www.eatatflats.com or call 843-3528
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