Smack dab in the middle of downtown Inlet is a unique sight that you can't miss - it's big and bright and red and serves delicious paninis! If you guessed The Caboose, you are right! If you are looking for a quick, tasty meal to eat on the spot or take with you, I suggest you try The Caboose this upcoming season.
The menu is simple - paninis - but the kinds of paninis are anything but. For those that don't know - I didn't at first - Paninis are a kind of sandwich which are usually grilled or warmed. They are all served on ciabatta which is an Italian white bread. One of the amazing things about The Caboose is, they have a gluten-free option for those that need it! Yay!
On a normal day, they offer at least 12 different kinds of paninis, but sometimes more. I will start by saying that they have several vegetarian options - the "Three Cheese" panini and the "Portobello Mushroom" panini. The "Portobello Mushroom" panini has grilled portobello mushroom caps marinated in balsamic vinaigrette, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella. Yum!
For the meat lovers, don't worry - they have you covered! There are the "Proscuitto Caprese", the "Reuben", the "Roast Beef", the "Ham and Cheese" options. For chicken lovers, you can choose between the "Chicken Saltimbocca" which has pesto, chicken, prosciutto, provolone, and sage, as well as the "Chicken Pesto". For you turkey (lovers) they offer a "Turkey Bacon Ranch" option as well as a "Turkey Pesto". They even have a "Tuna Melt" panini - they have covered all the meat bases here. Brunch fans, check out the "Breakfast" panini. As a special, they sometimes offer the "Mountainside Caboose" - fresh Mountainside Smoke House pulled pork with cheddar. If you have ever eaten at the Mountainside Smoke House, you know this is a winner!!
To go with your panini, The Caboose has homemade Tomato Soup and Chili, as well as a variety of chips and drinks. They have ample table space for you to eat your panini there as you people watch in downtown Inlet OR you can take it to go on your hike, kayak ride or to eat by the lake! Throughout the season, The Caboose will occasionally have live music or have a fun theme day like "Hawaiian Day" complete with Hawaiian outfits, music, and food specials.
