By Eric McDaniel

Reams Market snack aisle. Photo credit: Eric McDaniel

When you think of the typical gas station or convenience store dining experience, items such as mediocre fried chicken, atrocious coffee, overpriced candy, and soft drinks come to mind. But Reams Market, at the corner of Cary and South Meadow Streets in Carytown, has quite the variety. Its menu is home to a wide collection of food items, ranging from pancakes and funnel cake to chicken gizzards and shrimp.

Going into this fine dining establishment was an incredible experience. Accompanied by a few Collegiate juniors, I ventured there on a recent spring weeknight. We were welcomed by neon lights and a massive sign overhead that read: “We now take food stamps.” 

Photo credit: Eric McDaniel.

Once inside, the plethora of different hot food options left Will Edwards (‘22) mesmerized. In addition, the organization of the snack shelves was flawless. Reams Market carried items that none of us have ever seen before, with many exotic snacks and an impeccable collection of Body Armor flavors that Body Armor fanatics such as Hank Shield (‘22) and myself have never seen before. 

After browsing through the building, we decided to place our order. The gentlemen behind the counter made the food in front of us. Shield and Edwards ordered the Chop Cheese, which Shield described as “a combo of a Philly Cheesesteak and a cheeseburger. The meat has a similar texture to the meat of a cheesesteak but is served on a burger bun with American cheese.” Shield stated that it was “made with love and satisfied my taste buds.” Edwards said, “the chopped cheese melts in your mouth,” and he suggests you get the added peppers, as they add flavor. 

Philly cheesesteak. Photo credit: Eric McDaniel.

As I placed my order, I asked the gentleman behind the counter if he had any recommendations, and a customer in the store overheard my request and told me to get the fish sandwich, one of Reams’s most popular foods. I did not get the fish sandwich, due to my general dislike of food from the world’s oceans. Will Pace (‘22) and I decided to go with another recommendation, the Philly cheesesteak. 

Photo credit: Eric McDaniel.

The Philly cheesesteak featured a rich steak, along with cheese and grilled peppers to compliment the flavor of the meat. In addition, there was a cheese-like sauce, which provided a fiery taste that really completed the dish. Pace said, “When I first bit into my Philly cheesesteak, I was expecting a subpar taste, but I was proven wrong when the exquisite combination of steak, pepper, onions, and hot sauce graced my taste buds.” 

The cleanliness and organization of the place really impressed all of us. Shield was astonished by the “extraordinary service.” Reams Market fascinated all of us and would certainly be a place we will regularly visit.

Featured image credit: Reams Market.