Me-N-Ed's Victory Grill - A Real Winner or Pizza Pretender?

As a product of the Central Valley, there's no surpriseor the Raiders (depending on who you like).
that I've eaten more Me-N-Ed's slices than I can count.And for those nights when you don't want to trek all
In fact, it's one of the few things I missed about Fresnothe way to North Fresno to fight traffic at River Park,
while I was living in the Bay Area.Victory Grill is a smart choice to meet up with friends
So, when I had the chance to chow down at thefor drinks or even a night out with the family.
somewhat new Me-N-Ed's Victory Grill, myGetting there was easy. Since I live in Clovis near
expectations were definitely high. So, did Victory GrillBullard, I took the 168 to Ashlan, took a right, then a left
beat my expectations? You'll have to continue readingon Cedar ... and half a mile down... there it was. From
to find out.door to door ... five minutes. Not bad.
Located in Fresno's Granite Park Sports ComplexYes, it's a good place to take your kids because you
near Ashlan and Cedar, Victory Grill is supposed to becan give them a load of quarters and send them off
central Fresno's version of World Sports Caféto the totally impressive game room. I counted more
or something close to that.than a dozen video games, air hockey and other
From the outside, it looked pretty unimpressive. Sure,arcade-type games. Trust me, this room isn't just for
it's got a swanky-looking sign, but the exterior lookskids. I wasted four bucks in quarters during my stop in
pretty boring. I mean, how much 'granite' can you havethe Game Room (those quarters were for my laundry,
at Granite Park without overdoing it?too).
Anyway, my opinion quickly changed as I walkedThe menu offers a lot more than just pizza, including
through Victory Grill's double doors ... talk aboutwings, hearty pasta dishes and full-meal sized salads.
contrast. The place looked great with its Italian-muralYour food and drinks come served via nice plates and
painted walls, painted columns, and it's fully loadedreal glasses. I kinda missed the paper plates and
gourmet kitchen.brown plastic cups, though!
Definitely, a step up from the corner Me-N-Ed'sOh well, I guess everything changes ... and in this case,
Pizzeria I grew up with (anyone remember the oldit changes for the better. But heck, as long as the
style Me-N-Ed's with the barrels on the wall with funnypizza didn't really change, I have no reason to complain.
sayings like "Good food takes time...yours will be readySo, Victory Grill .. expect to see me again ... soon!
in seconds!"?!) And this one comes with a full serviceLarge Peperoni, Sausage and Mushroom, please. And
bar and plenty of TV's perfect for watching the Ninersdon't forget my side order of jalapeños. Later!