TripAdvisor Review Archives 09 -- 2015

Southern’s at PBK (Main Street, Pflugerville, TX) – August 2015

I wanted to take my friend out for her birthday dinner to someplace which was both nice and casual at the same time.  Since I’d been here previously, I knew this would be a great venue.  We sat outside on the patio, but were able to stay cool in the summer afternoon heat thanks to the strategically-placed misters.

The service was great, and the atmosphere was enhanced by a singer who was not too loud for the venue.  Perfect setting for a couple’s dinner.  I had the pot roast, and the meat was very tender without much fat.  My friend had a chicken sandwich, as her appetite was lighter, and she enjoyed the taste.  We opted for desserts, and shared the banana pudding (in a mason jar), and the root beer float (sans alcohol).

We got there right before the dinner rush, so we had most of the place to ourselves (and were able to be sat in one of the nice shady areas).  Even when the place filled up, the acoustics of the patio area still made it able to have normal conversation with each other without having to compete with nearby tables.

Again, it was another great experience here.  I highly recommend this place to anyone in the Pflugerville regions.  And it’s worth the trip from other areas too.

Tres Amigos (Route 290, Austin, TX) – August 2015

We were looking for a place lunch which was equal distances from our offices, and would be easy to get during the noon hour.  This came up as a good place to try.  As it’s located near where 290 and 183 meet, it’s easy to get to, plus has good parking.  The interior was nice and spacious, and wasn’t too crowded with a lunch rush.

Between the queso and tortilla soup we had, that was enough to have something to much on as business was discussed.  The drink menu looked good, but we passed on those as this we were on work-time.  Our appetizers were tasty, although the queso was a bit more watery than what I’m used to getting.

Service was friendly, and the atmosphere was nice.  This was a good place for lunch, and is worth coming back to so the full range of the menu could be investigated.

Mesa Rosa (IH-35, Round Rock, TX) –August 2015

My friend and I wanted a place to have a few drinks and a light dinner before heading out for evening activities, and this was pretty close to our target destination.  We sat at the bar, instead of getting a table, which made it easier for our server to refill the margaritas.  We shared some queso and cheese enchiladas, which were as good as any other time I’ve been here.  There are few places in Round Rock to go for decent Tex-Mex, and this is at the top of the list as far as I’m concern.  Every visit I’ve had here always has resulted in good food and great service, so that’s why I continue to come back here.

Turkey Creek Trail (Emma Long Park, Austin, TX) – August 2015

When you turn off FM 2222 on to City Park Road, be prepared to go over lots of hills and curves as you head towards Emma Long Park.  The park itself is a large flat area on the shores of the Colorado River with plenty of space for camping (whether via tent or tailgate).  A $10 admission fee gives you access to the park all day.

About two winding miles prior to the lake’s edge was a small parking lot with the trail head to the Turkey Creek Trail (not to be confused with the Turkey Creek Shelter, which was closer to the lake).  The trail makes a loop of about three miles following the creek bed and up hills with an elevation change which presents an easy challenge.  Garbage cans and a dog bag post are also located near the trail head so whatever is taken is can be brought out.

The trail is forested, so you don’t get a view of the hill country or the lake, but that in no way should detract from your enjoyment of the trail.  Keep in mind that most people who use the trail have their dogs off leash.  But since the entrance to Turkey Creek Trail is before the admission gate, there’s no restroom facilities or water stops, so be sure to hike within your capability.

Star Co Coffee (Main St, Round Rock, TX) – August 2015

This had been nestled in downtown Round Rock for years, but at a slightly different location.  The new address (which has been open since at least the start of the year), retains the charm of the original spot.  Chairs and tables are placed in a spacious arrangements to provide a nice meeting area, and there’s a private room in the back which can be secured for more private functions.

The coffee and the book lending library still make this a place to relax.  One addition has been the availability of Amy’s Ice Cream, which in my experience hasn’t been previously available in Round Rock.

Because Star Co is located right next to the parking garage, you don’t have to go too far away from your car.  This makes it a nice intimate place for any social gathering.

Green Mesquite (Louis Henna Blvd, Round Rock, TX) – August 2015

Tucked away in this shopping plaza can be found this location of the local Austin-based BBQ chain.  The seating area is large, and the tables are spread out, so even if you came in when it was crowded you wouldn’t feel like you were squished next to other patrons.  There’s also a side room which can be used from private gatherings or additional seating.

Menus are on the tables, so you can place your order with the wait staff.  I ordered the chopped beef sandwich, and my friend got the two meat platter (you could tell who was hungrier).  Both came with sides.  The meats were tasty, and everything was cooked well.  Service was good.

And since we were here in between the rush periods, the place was quiet.  Beer selections are available, and TV’s are mounted on the wall, so this will serve as a good place to go to watch your favorite sporting event.

Verde’s Mexican Parrilla (IH-35, Round Rock, TX) – August 2015

Located in space which used to house Homefield Grill, this is an “interior Mexican food” establishment, as opposed to a “Tex-Mex” place.  Because of the location, there’s plenty of parking available, and it’s easily accessible from the highway.  While there’s ample patio seating out front, there’s also plenty of space inside.  The interior décor is elegant and comforting, and not at all noisy.

My friend and I ordered different dishes so we could share them.  She got the Pollo Palomino, which was a roasted chicken breast topped with avocado, cheese, and a poblano cream sauce which really pulled the dish together.  I enjoyed their enchiladas, which was chicken and tortilla layers covered in the poblano cream sauce.  I rather liked the sauce, as it has a good flavor without being spicy or having any heat.  Both dishes were excellent.

Our server was very attentive, and answered the questions about the menu before we ordered.  There was also happy hour specials going on, so we were able to get a mojito to have with our food.  This place hasn’t been open very long, and it was worth coming here.  This is a recommended place to go.

Kerbey Lane (South Lamar, Austin, TX) – August 2015

This classic Austin establishment has a number of locations, and this was one which I rarely get the chance to visit.  As it’s located at the corner lot of a strip center, there’s plenty of interior space as well as parking.  Being accessible, and not having a long wait time, are important to continued patronage at restaurants.

The menus at Kerbey Lane are the same at each of locations, so that gives a sense of familiarity.  Service were was quick and friendly, and we were constantly checked on to make sure all was okay or to refill our water glasses.  I had the ever-good migas, and my friend had a salad.  Sure there were other places we could’ve gone, but we chose that one because we knew the quality of the service and food would be stellar.

Blue Corn Harvest (Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX) – September 2015

My friend and I were looking for a nice casual place to eat out, and the suggestion was made to come here.  I’d been here for drinks and appetizers previously, but never an actual dinner, so that was reason enough to come.  As it’s located in a plaza off of 1431, it’s easy to get to from the highway, and there’s plenty of parking.

As the weather was pleasant, we had the choice to sit outside on the patio or inside (we took first available, as either option was good as far as we were concerned).  Our server Emilia was very attentive to us, even though it took us some time to figure out what we wanted due to our conversations.  And even after our meals were delivered, Emilia kept checking on us to make sure all was okay, and to refill our water glasses.

My friend ordered the grilled chicken cotija pasta, and I got the chicken fried chicken.  We shared our dishes with each other, so we could comment on the taste.  The pasta has a great taste due to the herb cream sauce really brought out the taste of the main ingredients.  I had a large piece of breast meat for my chicken fried chicken which was lightly breaded, but the gravy was thickly coated.  Each bite was loaded with flavor.  Both dishes had veggies on the side, which were fresh and crisp.

We indulged in dessert, and shared a piece of the peanut butter pie.  This was a thick slice of PB filling topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.  Emilia let us know the desserts were hand-made, so she couldn’t answer our debate of how many calories it might’ve had.  But since it was so delicious and made from scratch, my friend and I decided the point was moot.

We had a great meal and excellent service, and it showed we made the right choice for dinner.  This is a highly recommended place to frequent.  And as this is a local Texas establishment, not a national chain, you know you’re spending your money locally.  The outside patio also has live music, so it makes a great destination for couples who want to have a nice night out at a reasonable price.

Panera Bread (Gateway Plaza, Austin, TX) – September 2015

This was recommended by my mentor as a place to us to meet and have a good lunch.  Located in a corner section of Gateway Plaza near REI, there’s plenty of parking and the location is easy to get to no matter which direction you come from.  While there’s many tables inside, there’s also a dozen or so table outside near some trees which provide an alternative when the weather was nice (like it was today).

I ordered the frontega chicken Panini, which came out to me hot and the cheese melting.  The amount of meat on this was far less than I gotten at similar locations.  That was my only quibble with the sandwich, and apparently that’s just the way it’s made.  The bread which made up the Panini was very good, but that was over fifty-percent of the entire meal.

This was my first experience with this chain, and it was adequate.  I wouldn’t be opposed to coming back here, but I’ll just know the protein level is far less than the carb level.  The location was really what made this a pleasant dining experience.

Hangout (Main Street, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

While on vacation in the region, I made two stops to this great establishment, as it was a place I visited regularly when I’d be out here for business purposes.  The first time was when we stopped in for lunch right after we arrived in the area.  Sure it was a little noisy due to number of people there, but there was no wait on getting a table.  Our server, Ally, made a nice return welcome for me (my companions had never been here before), and she did an excellent job keeping our water glasses filled.

I got the classic cheese burger with fries, which was thick and juicy.  The other members of my party also got burgers, which they commented they enjoyed very much.  As a lunch destination, my companions could tell why I liked the friendly atmosphere of this place and the great food server here.

For our last meal before it was time for us to depart the area.  It was a Saturday night when we stopped in for dinner, and while it was busy we were still able to get seated quickly.  The craft beer menu rotates on a regular basis, so there’s always going to be something new to drink.  For our meals one of my party got the brisket plate; the other companion and myself each got the chicken fried chicken dinner.  The seasonal vegetable was collard greens, which weren’t that impressive.  But the meat was great.  The brisket was moist and chewy, with only minimal amounts of fat.  The breading on the chicken was the appropriate thickness so it didn’t overpower the taste of the meat.  The country gravy wasn’t as thick as I remembered it, but it was still good.

The great service and good food reinforced why I frequented this place on my visits to the region.  The vast majority of the patrons were locals (whole families, or just couples of varying ages) who gave the establishment a welcoming feel.  Dining here is like eating in a roomful of close family and good friends, while being attended to by excellent staff.

Hampton Inn & Suites (Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

Since I’d stay at this property when I’d come out the area for business, it only made sense to stay here when I was coming here for vacation.  Being centrally located to the attractions I wanted to see was one of the major factors, and another was the quality of the breakfast items.  Because I was travelling with people on this trip, it made sense for us to get a single room, one which had two queen beds.  The room was on the third floor (which I liked), and on the front side of the building (so it was warmer when we’d return in the afternoon).  The room was clean and neat, just like any of the times I’d come on business.

This hotel has an outdoor hot tub and a heated pool, which can only be accessed via room card, a business center with computer and printer, and laundry facilities for guest use.  The amenity which I use the most was the fitness center, with its selection of treadmills and free weights.

A hot breakfast was provided each morning, which consisted of eggs (in various styles) coupled with another meat or potatoes.  Additional items were oatmeal, fresh fruit, a selection of breads and muffins, waffles, cereal, and yogurt.  Various juices, milk, coffee, and tea were also available, and items were constantly replenished by the staff frequently to ensure freshness.

In the afternoon fresh-baked cookies would be available at the front desk, which have always been a tasty treat for me whenever I’ve stayed here.  The staff was regularly amused by the antics of my party when we’d leave in the morning, and comment that we’d make sure we were back in time for the cookies.

Since I’d stayed here previously, the first-floor lounge area had the furnishings changed.  Previously there were more small tables and sturdy chairs, and now there were more plush lounging pieces available.  These newer pieces gave a more relaxing feel to the lounge, and a warmer look to the room, but was a little more difficult during the breakfast to have a sturdy place to sit.  That’s an observation, not a criticism.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and the staff was as friendly as I recalled.  Many of them were the same faces I saw on my previous business trips, so it added a home feel to the property.  My only suggestion would be the addition of small fridges in the rooms so guests could keep drinks cold in their rooms.  There’s a very limited fridge quantity available here, and it’s never something I’ve been able to obtain during any of my reservations.  That was my only issue with the entire stay, and it was only a minor inconvenience.

Denny’s (Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

While I prefer eating at local establishments over national chains, the people I was travelling with wanted to have some “familiar tastes” for a couple meals.  Thus while we were in the area, we made two stops to this location within the same week.  The first was a late dinner after a long day of car travel.  My appetizer was a peanut butter milkshake, which was very thick and tasty, and I nearly had finished it by the time my main meal had arrived.  For dinner I got the bourbon chicken with a side of broccoli.  The meat was tender, and the sauce was tangy, so it made for a good filling meal.

Later in the week, my party wanted a variation from the complimentary hotel breakfast, so we came here.  We each got our own Build Your Own Slams; mine was scrambled eggs with cheese, turkey sausage, home fries, and English muffin, washed down by a large glass of apple juice.  It gave me the fuel I needed to keep going all day.

Even though we went here at different times of the day, the same staff was there each time.  They were adequate, but no extra-special service which made the visit memorable.  The establishment was clean, and the location was easily accessible from the street.  Denny’s food is good, so this is a good place to go in a punch when there’s no other choices available.

Reagan Café (Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA) – September 2015

There are two places to eat within the Reagan Presidential Library, and this one can be reached without paying the admission to the museum.  This makes it a nice venue for private gatherings where a view of the hills in the region.  There are both pre-packed items available, and a grill for made-to-order things.  We got the pre-made turkey & cheese sandwiches with chips and drink, as we need a quick break for refreshments while going through the museum.  There was nothing spectacular about the food, so it was filing and tasty.  Due to conferences which were going on that day, most of the available seating was not available to the museum patrons.  There were a number of outdoor tables, but few had shady spaces.  This had a better selection of food items than the café located inside the museum, so this was the more-desired place to go when spending the day at the museum.

Hennessey’s (Main Street, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

We came here during the Sunday dinner rush, so while we didn’t have any difficulty in getting a table, the interior was a bit noisy.  I’d been here before on previous trips, but it would be the first for the rest of my party.  As parking at Seal Beach can be hard to find, it’s nice that this place has its own lot set aside for their patrons.  We had great service from Bethany, who made us feel welcome.

The shepherd’s pie was what I had on my last visit, so I made sure to get it again.  It was just as good as I recalled.  Very meaty and yummy, and it was nice to experience an old favorite.  The rest of my party had the Jameson ribs, and the prime dip sandwich, both of which were reported to be delicious.

We stopped by a couple days later for some appetizers during the dinner hour.  It was far less noisy then, but still just as welcoming.  We shared orders of chicken fingers and potato skins, and was just enough for a light meal.  This is one of my favorite locations in Seal Beach, and I highly recommend it to anyone who happens to be in the area.  It’s a great place.

Cold Stone Creamery (Main Street, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

                During our week’s stay in Seal Beach, we hit this place a couple times to get a tasty treat.  Depending on when you get there depends on how long of a line there may be, but it usually moves pretty well.  It’s nice to be able to sample flavors.  My personal favorite was the banana ice cream with the crushed up Reese’s Pieces in it.  My companions went for the chocolate with the Butterfinger particles.  This is a nice place to get a snack before or after taking a walk on the pier.

Seal Beach Pier & Beach (Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

                Whenever I came out here for business, I made sure to take a walk each night along the pier.  Now that I was here for vacation, that trend continued.  As well as enjoying the beach itself.  There’s a building at the end of the pier which may have been a restaurant at one point, but it’s now gated off, so you can’t walk all the way to the end of the pier.  You can still go out far enough to get a good view of the sun setting.

The beach itself is clean.  A lot is nearby so you can park (for a fee), and there’s bathrooms under the pier for changing into swim suits.  A shower station is available for those who need to wash the sand off.  The pier makes a good shady area to escape the sun during days hanging out at the beach.  There’s enough space available that even when it is full, it doesn’t feel crowded.  Both of these should be visited when coming to the area.

Knowlwood (La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA) – September 2015

I was actually heading for the Santa Ana location, but the GPS brought me here.  It was great, because I hadn’t been to this location previously.  Located right off the highway, there’s plenty of parking, although complex its’ located in was hard to navigate because of current construction.  The building looked like a barn which had been repurposed, although considering the location it was probably designed that way.

This regional chain was known for its quality of burgers, and it’s a well-deserved reputation.  My party (most who had never been to one of these before) wanted to try a variety of what was available on the menu.  I got the BBQ chicken sandwich.  My companions got the fish fillet, and the French beef dip sandwich.  Each item came wrapped in wax paper, to help cut down on the getting the dripping juices all over you.  Everything was tasty, but I thought the piece of chicken was a bit thin when compared to the amount of bread I had.

The place was clean, and the server was friendly and accommodating.  Even though we’d arrived during the lunch hour, this place wasn’t crowded and there were plenty of seating available.  For those who live or work in the area, this is a great destination for a meal at any time of day.

O’Malley’s on Main (Main Street, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

Since I was back in the area for a visit and showing all the places I liked to people who’d never been here before, I made sure we did dinner at this great Irish pub.  We ended up eating a fairly light dinner.  I ordered the whiskey turkey, as it was something on the menu I hadn’t previously gotten.  I was expecting an actual hunk of meat on a dinner plate, but it came as a wrap.  It was tasty, but not what I expected.  I found the veggies for the side-dish to be a little sparse, so overall the meal wasn’t filling.  The sandwiches the rest of my party got were reported to be good.  The service inside was as friendly as my previous visits, and the interior is perfect in recreating the feel of a traditional Irish pub.  This is still a place I recommend people to go when in the area.

Queen Mary & Scorpion Submarine (Long Beach, CA) – September 2015

                Docked at the Long Beach Harbor are two interesting vessels to check out, the Queen Mary and the Scorpion Submarine.  The Queen Mary was used as a luxury cruise ship for years before being retired to this area to become a floating luxury hotel and fine dining establishment.  In order to board, tickets needed to be purchased for one of the many available shows, or planning on eating.  We just wanted to take a look at the interior furnishings, but it was pointed out by one of my companions it probably looked no different than any other cruise ship she’d been on.  The Scorpion Submarine was a captured Soviet vessel which normally could be toured, but it was currently closed for maintenance.  A small nearby building was where tickets were purchased to gain entry to the submarine, as well as other souvenirs.  Both of these are interesting pieces of history which should be visited when the opportunity presents itself.

Duke’s (Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA) – September 2015

We arrived here in order to meet one of my friends who lived in the area so we could have an early dinner.  Unfortunately we didn’t realize it would be another two hours before the dining room was technically open (which would be 5 pm), so we weren’t able to sit in a place where we could get a view of the ocean.  The only place we could get a table was the Barefoot Bar.  Since we hadn’t eaten all day, we couldn’t wait until the dining area was available, so we got items off the appetizer menu.

I was different as I ordered the BBQ burger sandwich, while the rest of my table each got a fish fry.  We all took the opportunity to have an alcoholic beverage, and I did the Lava Flow.  This was a drink I’d gotten on a previous visit, and was as close as I could get to the rum punches I like so much.  All the drinks were good, and food filling and tasty (even though it wasn’t the completely filling meal we’d been looking forward to).

Duke’s a great place to go for quality food and excellent views, especially during sunsets.  This is a recommended venue to go.  Valet parking is available, as well as the pay lot next door.

Ruby’s (Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

I’d been to another location of these regional chain, so I knew what was available, and thus was able to recommend it to my group when we were looking for a place to get a late lunch.  Ruby’s is designed to give the feel of a 1950’s style dinner, and it’s pulled off well.  Everything is bright and shiny, and the red & white striped motif is a continuous theme wherever possible.

I started with a peanut butter milkshake as my appetizer.  I like how the metal container which the shake is made in is also brought to the table, as there’s enough left in there to refill the glass.  My meal consisted of the Classic Ruby Burger, and my companions had the Chicken Ruby Burger and the grilled cheese.  There were a rather large amount of fries which came with the meal, and it would be nice to have been able to substitute that for something less starchy.  The burger were juicy and tasty.

Located at the corner of a busy intersection could present a challenge when pulling in, and the parking lot is essentially on the backside of the building.  But the interior was clean and spacious, and the service was friendly.  The only thing which was missing on this visit was the servers getting up and dancing on the tables.

River’s End Café (First Street, Seal Beach, CA) – September 2015

At the far end of Ocean Ave where the beach ends at the San Gabriel River is a small establishment tucked away next to a public pay parking lot.  This is primarily an outdoor patio café, although there was very limited covered and indoor seating.  Our server informed us they didn’t have a liquor license which allowed them to make alcoholic drinks, but they could only serve what came in bottles.  The dessert menu was also pretty limited too.

As far as what was available for dinner, there were some decent choices.  I got the mango chicken, which was very good, although it needed something else besides rice as a side to complete the meal.  The rest of my party got the sirloin (which was okay), but the apple gravy pork chops was exceptional in taste so much that my companion went looking online to see the recipe so she could figure out how to make this.

The view from our table was very nice, being able to see the expanse of the beach to the east, and the sunset on the west.  That made up for not being able to have a mixed drink with dinner.  This is a good place to go in the evening to wind down the day.

XXX

TripAdvisor Review Archives 08 -- 2015

Texas Museum of Science & Technology (Cedar Park, TX) – May 2015

This opened in March 2015 in what was formerly the Cedar Park Indoor Soccer Complex.  As this is intended to be an interim facility until a more permanent structure is built, thus the floor is still Astroturf in much of the building.  The plan is to have a mix of rotating exhibits, as well as an onsite planetarium (similar to the portable Discovery Dome which has been going to area schools over the last few years).

Currently there is only one exhibit, which is the internationally-recognized Body Worlds.  This is a display of various human bodies and organs which have been preserved by a process that has turned the flesh into a plastic-like substance, in order to stop decomposition from occurring.  The bodies have been sliced open in various ways to show skeletal structure and how the muscles attach to it.  Most are in a dynamic pose to give an indication of how the body components worked in life.

While this is an informative scientific-based exhibit and there is nothing explicitly graphic, the nature of seeing human bodies in this state may be too intense for younger kids.  Parents will have to decide as to what acceptable for their children.

The onsite café has a limited selection of items, but that will grow as the museum does.  While Body Worlds is scheduled to stay at this location until September, the museum intends to remain at this location hosting rotating exhibits, so there’ll be something to keep coming back to check out.

Flix Brewhouse (IH-35, Round Rock, TX) – May 2015

This is a national chain of movie theaters which serve beer and food during the show.  While you can buy tickets “at the door,” you’re encouraged to get your tickets online so you can choose the seat you want.  Tickets purchased online can also be printed at the kiosk in the lobby.  Decorated with movies posters from various years, the lobby also contains a waiting area, complete with full bar, where you can wait for the movie to start.

An intercom is used to announce when it’s time to go to your seats, usually about 30 minutes before the start of the show.  That allows the patron to watch some short features and trailers during the time their food is prepared.  While Flix used to have ordering done electronically via tablets, they’ve gone back to the “pen-and-paper” style.  That takes a little longer to run the order back to the kitchen, but there may be a logistic issue behind why they’re doing it that way.

The seats have tables which side out to meet the patron (so it’s your choice how close you want your food), and a button in order to summon your server.  On my previous visits, your card was run when the order was placed, but now they drop the tab in front of you (and retrieve it a few minutes later) during the movie.  I prefer the original way, as it’s less-disruptive to the show.

What has improved was the service and cleanliness of this location.  I haven’t seen a situation of the trays having crumbs and other food particles behind them, and the staff has become more helpful and friendly.  Overall, the food is of so-so quality, but you’re paying for the ambiance of being able to have actual cooked food and a beer in a theater (as opposed to mass-market concessions).

While I like the local version of this type of theater which started in the area, their food quality and server friendliness has declined within the last couple years.  That means if I want a decent movie-watching experience, then I need to support the national chain over my once-better local establishment.

Maudie’s (Route 360, Austin, TX) – May 2015

While Maudie’s is my favorite Tex-Mex place in Austin, this particular location is special to me as I only visit here during the time of my birthday.  The menu here is no different than other Maudie’s locales I’ve visited, but the view is what really makes this place.  With patio seating facing west, it’s a great place in the later part of the day in order to watch the sunset over the hills.  Shades get pulled down in order to cut down on the glare.

We arrived about dinner time on Sunday, and while there were a lot of large parties waiting to be seated, we were able to get a patio table quickly.  We ended up not next to the railing of the patio’s edge, but back under the fans (which made it a little difficult to have conversation).  That was my only quibble for the entire visit.

My “guilty pleasure” when going to Maudie’s is the Josie’s Enchiladas, which are two cheese enchiladas covered in queso.  I sack the beans for extra rice, which I use to mop up the queso.  It was every bit as delicious as I expected it to be.  My friend, who had never been there before, just ordered a regular plate of chicken enchiladas.  She didn’t realize the plate was hot when the server brought it out.

Service was quick, the staff was friendly, and of course the food was excellent.  There’s a reason why Maudie’s is my favorite place, and this experience continued to reinforce why.

North Italia (Domain, Austin, TX) – May 2015

My friends recommended this place for dinner, and since I’m always game to try something new, I was more than happy to come along.  This is located in the Domain, and not too far from a parking garage (which was good, because it was down-pouring when we arrived).  While there is a bar section, there’s not much seating area to wait until a table was ready.  The interior is a large area with many hard surfaces, so the noise level was a little high.  There’s a side patio which could also be used for seating, but that was currently closed off due to weather.

My friends order the Atlantic salmon and spaghetti with meatballs, both they indicated were very good.  I had the chicken parmesan, which came with a grana padano cream sauce (instead of the traditional marinara).  That gave it a different flavor which I found to be refreshingly enjoyable.

This was a great place to go for a fine dinner, and would be a good destination for couples seeking to have something nice with a reasonable cost.

Tarka (Anderson Lane, Austin, TX) – May 2015

I’ve eaten at other Tarka locations before, so I know how good the quality is.  Since I was out running errands this day, it gave me the opportunity to visit a location I’m not normally near.  This one was easy to find, once you knew where it was.  The layout of the plaza this is in, and how this was “around a far corner” made it difficult to locate at first.

As this is an Austin-based chain, the menu here is just like the other locations I’ve been to.  I had a craving for chicken vindaloo, and this was the place to satisfy it.  It came out hot and fast, and it tasted good.  It hit the spot.  Interior décor was nice and clean, although the staff was slow on clearing tables by patrons who’d previously left.  That observation didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this.

Kerbey Lane Café (Mays St, Round Rock, TX) – May 2015

Kerbey Lane has been a favorite place of mine to go for years, with the 183 location being my primary spot.  Having lived the last few years in Round Rock, I was so glad when I learned that this Austin establishment was now coming to this side of town.  The building it’s in hadn’t been used in a while, so they had a lot of space available to them.  That was a bonus, as other locations I’ve been to always were a little crowded because of the smaller square footage they had.

The interior was clean, and individual dining areas were sectioned off, which helped cut down on the noise level of patrons having normal conversation.  It was nice having a diner-style bar there too, especially for the solo people coming in for lunch.  As this was located in the plaza near the discount movie theatre, there’s plenty of parking too.

I had to inaugurate this place by checking out my guilty pleasures to make sure they had the same quality as other locales.  We started off with a small cup of queso, which was good.  My friend, who’d hadn’t been to any Kerbey Lane’s before got to explore the menu, and tried the Cobb sandwich.  She reported it was very good.  I enjoyed my migas, which brought back a flood of good memories of when I’d gotten them at other locales.

All the menu items from the other locations are here, so all the comfort foods I’ve come to enjoy are available.  Plus, the menu has the seasonal inserts, which gives some additional varieties.

There are few good places in Round Rock to get good breakfast foods, much less at any time of the day.  Now that Kerbey Lane has arrived in town, the excitement of excellent quality, friendly service, and locally-owned businesses makes this the destination to go.

Mighty Fine (Brodie Lane, Sunset Valley, TX) – June 2014

“Because I hadn’t been to this one” was all the motivation I needed when my co-worker suggested we go to lunch there.  Since our lunch time is later than most, we were able to avoid the “rush” and get our orders placed right away.  This location of the Austin-based chain was no different than the other ones I’d been to, in both food quality and friendliness of the staff.  The meal I had of a cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake was tasty and filling, and exactly the great experience I expected from this establishment.

Pluckers (South Lamar, Austin, TX) – June 2014

When my supervisor asked where the management team should go for lunch, I was quick to chime in a place where I knew the food was good.  This wasn’t my usual location, as it’s on the other side of town from my house, so it’d make a nice change of venue for me.  With ten of us arriving during the noon-hour, there was a short wait until a couple tables could be pushed together.  That was not unexpected, given the time of day and size of our party.

I ordered my favorite boneless basket with spicy BBQ sauce.  Many of my peers also went for the boneless wings so the messiness could be kept to a minimum.  As being a Plücker’s Club member, we received appetizers of fried mac & cheese.  None of my peers had ever had that before, and they found it to be a tasty treat.

All our food came out in a timely manner, and we had great and attentive servers.  We were able to complete our lunch within the time we’d allotted for it.  For many of my peers, this was a new experience for them, and one they enjoyed.  The establishment and the quality of the food lived up to the reputation I presented.

Texican (Lakeline Mall Blvd, Austin, TX) – June 2015

When I lived near here, this was a regular place for me to go for dinner when there was the desire not to cook dinner.  Now that I live on the other side of town, this favored location is far away.  But it’s not too far, so when my travels take me here, I make it a point to stop in for great food at a great place.

As this isn’t a regular place for me, I make sure to get my favorite dish when I’m here.  The El Paso cheese enchiladas (with double rice instead of beans).  The dish originally came out wrong, but it was quickly corrected.  A sign of good customer service is how quickly a concern is resolved, and Texican gets thumbs up from me.

It was a nice afternoon to spend having good food on the patio.  For those who haven’t been here yet, there’s also a choice of dining room and bar area if indoor seating is requested.  There are so many good things on the menu, and any frequent patron should try as many as possible.

Beluga Japanese (Louis Henna Blvd, Round Rock, TX) – June 2015

Friends suggested this as a location to go for dinner.  As this is located in a strip-center, there’s a lot of available parking.  Interior décor was very nice, with a bar area separate from the main dining section.  There were also a few rooms partitioned off in the back for those who wanted the full “formal” Japanese dining experience.

The menu primarily consists of sushi, but there are other entrees available.  I ordered the teriyaki chicken, which came on a sizzling plate with some veggies and a small bowl of rice.  The food was properly cooked, there wasn’t much taste to it.  The meal was filling, and provided me the protein I needed, but not satisfying.  I didn’t see this as it being cooked bad, but just the style in which it was done.

The rest of my party, who had all gotten sushi, reported their meals were delicious.  Based on that, I’d say this would be a destination for those who desire sushi.

Mongolian Grill (La Frontera, Round Rock, TX) – June 2015

Tucked away in one of the side sections of La Frontera can be found this establishment.  I hadn’t been here in a while, and that was good enough reason to stop by.  Even though it’s on a side section, there’s still plenty of parking available.  The interior is spacious and clean.

Since my friend had never been here before, I was able to show her the technique.  There’s a buffet of dozens of vegetables available to choose from, so you can customize your meal the way you want it.  Next is a section with beef, chicken, or pork, so you can add some protein to your dish.  Then there’s a noodle selection for some starch to round it out.  Lastly is the sauce bar, is why the place is so good.

Over a dozen sauces can be made from the components available, and the directions are provided (one scoop of this, two scoops of that, etc).  All items (sauces, meats, and veggies) have individual tongs and ladles, so there’s little chance things being mixed before you decide to make it so.

Once your meal is constructed, you place it up on the counter where you can watch it cooked on the hot grill by a master using only an instrument which looks like a sword.  It only takes a few minutes for your stir-fry to be completed.  It’s a nice bit of entertainment in order to watch the skill it takes to do this.

Our table was set with sides of rice and biscuit-like items, and our drinks.  Alternately you could sit at the table and a server would bring your cooked meal over.  As you’ve picked the contents of your meal, and it’s been cooked right before your eyes, you can’t get any fresher than that.

The servers are friendly, and will refill your drinks as needed.  Since the meal is a mix of veggies, meats, and noodles, it’s a tasty and balanced treat.

Newk’s (Jollyville Road, Austin, TX) – June 2015

When looking for a place for a quick lunch or a light dinner, Newk’s is a good location.  Because it’s part of a strip center, it’s easily accessible from the road and there’s plenty of parking.  Since the menus are displayed right as you come in, it makes ordering easy.  There’s a good selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, and personal-sized pizzas available.  But the best options are the specials where a half-sandwich can be combined with either a cup of soup or small salad.

My friend had never been there before, so I was able to show her the drill.  We each got a half chicken sandwich with salad.  She topped hers off with a glass of wine.  I went for water, even though there’s a selection of fountain beverages available too.  The interior is clean and spacious.  There are both booths and tables available, so large parties can be accommodated as well as an intimate setting for a couple.

Maudie’s Too (North Lamar, Austin, TX) – July 2015

Maudie’s has always been a great place, but this location I don’t get to very often any more.  So when a friend asked where’s a good place for Tex-Mex close to downtown, this immediately came to mind as a place to go.  While the area has changed around it (with the addition of large condos next door), the ability to park here has not been affected.  Space is limited, but some street parking is also available.

As this was a house converted years ago into a business, it retains that local atmosphere and hometown feel.  Facing the street is a large covered patio section which can used for three-season dining.  Like the interior space, there are a lot of tables in this intimate setting, but it doesn’t feel crowded.

The menus at Maudie’s are the same at all the locations, so I knew my favorite dish would be available.  Normally I get the Josie’s Enchiladas, but this time I went for the chicken enchiladas with a chipotle sauce.  These were very tasty, with the right amount of spice level to give it a good kick without it overpowering the flavor.  My friend went for the chicken fajitas from the “Under 500” menu, which essentially a regular fajita dish without the tortillas.  Even our server joked that it should just be called the “chicken fajita plate.”

My friend not only enjoyed her meal, but was glad she’d been introduced to an Austin original.  For me, it was nice to revisit a place which used a frequented destination when visiting other (now-closed) merchants in the area.  For those who are close to downtown, this is an ideal place to go.

Smokey Moe’s BBQ (IH-35, Round Rock, TX) – July 2015

There are a few decent places for BBQ in the Round Rock area, and this is one of them.  Located in a strip-mall, the parking lot is spacious and provides easy access from either IH-35 or Mays Street.  Choices of different brisket types are available, as well as other meats.  While these can be ordered “by the pound,” sandwiches and dinner plates are also available.

I ordered the turkey plate, which came with two sides.  The available choices included green beans, corn on the cob, and fried okra, but I went for the buttered potatoes and potato salad.  A nearby cooler contained desserts of pie slices and banana pudding.  The signature sauce in large bottles on every table, so you can indulge in as much as you want.

The meat was tasty and juicy, and was the filing dinner I wanted it to be.  The interior space is clean, with a mix of tables and booths, and the servers were very friendly.  Economically this is a good place to go when looking for quick meals for the family.

VertsKebap (Riverside Drive, Austin, TX) – July 2015

This is located in a small plaza off the road, so it’s easy to access the locale and park here.  Started by two UT Austin students, this provides a tasty selection of meat and veggie choices.  The place is clean, the service was quick, and staff friendly, so this makes a good lunch destination.

Beef, lamb, and turkey all spin on a rotisserie to cook it during the day, and be sliced off when necessary.  One the decision of meat (or vegetarian protein) is made, then you have the choice of how you want it served, as a kebap, wrap, or salad form (known as a falafel).  Dozen veggie toppings and some sauces round out the customization available.

My friend got the beef & lamb falafel, and I did the turkey wrap.  Everything was made fresh to order.  My friend had frequented here, but this was my first visit.  She was concerned I wasn’t going to like it, but it turned out to be a wonderful meal.  Very enjoyable experience.  With nearly a dozen locations in the Austin area, it’s a good bet I’ll be back to one of them before too long.

Baby A’s (IH-35, Pflugerville, TX) – July 2015

My friend had talked about this place for a while, and after constantly driving past it on the highway, I decided it needed to be checked out.  The parking wasn’t bad, and there was a nice indoor waiting area.  There were separated dining areas with a lot of space.  Without any soft surfaces on the walls or floor, a small number of people were enough to raise the noise level to where it was difficult to hear those at my own table.

I ordered my favorite dish, cheese enchiladas (no beans, extra rice).  My friend got some tacos.  Because these weren’t complex, it didn’t take long for our dishes to come out.  My friend said the tacos were acceptable.  The cheese in my enchiladas was melted, the only sauce available was a meat-based one.  Having a non-meat option would’ve been preferred, as I couldn’t taste the cheese.  While the dish was okay, it ultimately didn’t satisfy my craving for my favorite treat.  It wasn’t a bad experience, so this is a place which deserves a return trip to investigate how the other menu items taste.

Opal Divine’s (Mopac & Parmer, Austin, TX) – July 2015

My friend had never been here, so when I suggested it as a place for dinner, she thought it was a great idea.  We were looking for some light fare after a long day of being outside, and the menu was varied enough to satisfy us both.  She went for the potato skin appetizers, as she wasn’t very hungry, and mentioned they were very good.  My appetite was a larger, so I went for the chicken fried chicken plate.  The breading was a little thicker than I’d gotten in the past, but the meat was still juicy and tasty.  With both inside and outdoor seating, easy access from the highway, and plenty of parking, this has always been a decent place to go.  My friend enjoyed it a lot, and noted that she would suggest coming back here with her co-workers.

Opal Divine’s Davenport (Route 360, Austin, TX) – July 2015

This is tucked away in a small complex partially hidden form the highway, so it can be easy to miss.  There’s a decent amount of parking available.  A covered patio is near the main entrance for those who want to be shaded from the sun.  The main dining section is broken up into a couple different areas, which will help cut down on the noise level.

The server (Wesley) was happy to accommodate a few alterations I requested.  I ordered the grilled chicken, but had it tossed in the buffalo sauce.  That gave it an enjoyable extra spicy kick.  As my meal came with two sides, I substituted one for a bowl of the chicken tortilla soup.  Now there was a small additional charge for something which wasn’t on the regular sides menu, but it was pretty reasonable.  I ended the meal with a small dish of ice cream.

My friend ordered the pork-covered potato skins, and grilled chicken plate done in the menu-style.  The food came out hot and quick, and everything was delicious.  The service was great.  When your travels take you out to the beautiful views of this area, this is a good place to stop in for food.  And you know you’re supporting a local establishment.

Pinthouse Pizza (Burnet Road, Austin, TX) – July 2015

This is located in a section of Burnet Road which has undergone some much-needed improvement over the past few years, but still retains that “old Austin” feel.  A former garage has been converted into a place which specialized in beer and pizza.  For a younger crowd which lives in the area, this is the place to be.

A few dozen different craft beers are available here, including some which are brewed on site.  If you’re having difficulty choosing which one, the handy listing on the wall will give you a little bit of information about the selections.  And if you’re wishing to take some home, you can always get a growler.

Excepting for some salad and appetizer items, the food menu is exclusively pizza.  Each pie is available in different sizes, depending on the your hunger-level or size of your party.  Each pizza is made to order.  I got the Margherita, a classic mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.  The crust is a little thinner than what I prefer, but it was still chewy and tasty.

The interior is clean and spacious.  The seating area consist of rows of picnic tables, which works for couples or small groups.  There’s no wait staff, so food and beverage need to be ordered independently at their specific counter.  A buzzer will let you know when your food is ready, so you can pick it up from the counter.  Overall, it is a nice place for a small group for go for an afternoon of hanging out.  Recommend to carpool, as the parking in the area is extremely limited.  It’s worth going over to check it out.

Pluckers (IH-35, Round Rock, TX) – August 2015

A group of my friends gathered here, as three of them were having birthdays (and two were club members).  The wait for a large table would’ve been long, but Pluckers did very well about getting two tables next to each other as a way to get us seated quicker.  We all got different things for our meals, and our server was great at keeping track of who got what.

I personally had the mozz sticks appetizer, and followed it with the Boneless Basket.  Everyone’s food came out great, and there were no issues.  And since we got in between the lunch and dinner rushes, our orders came out within a reasonable time.

One thing I noticed on this visit, and I don’t know if this was a new thing or specific to this location.  Those who were having the birthdays were given cones to put in their mouths in order to simulate beaks.  It was a fun addition to the celebration.  I’ve been a club member for years, and cycle between three different locations, and have never seen that done on any prior birthday dinner (mine included).  But it was something which added a layer of fun to the adult group I was with, and enhanced an already great experience.

Verts Kebap (Anderson Lane, Austin, TX) – August 2015

I’d never been to this location before, but I’d had a good experience at a companion location, so when my friend couldn’t figure out where to have lunch, I was able to suggest this with confidence.  One of the high marks for this was that we didn’t have to wait in line for an hour in order to be even be seated (unlike a so-so burger place nearby).  The interior here was neat, there was a nice mural on the wall to give it a “uniquely Austin” feel, and a small patio for outside.

I got the chicken salad, which was a great option for me as I try not to have bready-things in my diet.  The mix of meat and veggies in a bowl could be eaten with a fork, in order to keep my hands clean.  My friend wasn’t as hungry, and just went for the fries.  He really liked the atmosphere.  Even when the place was filled with people later on, it didn’t get that noisy.

There’s a lot of parking in the plaza, but with so many businesses sharing it, it can be tough to find a space.  The selection for dining choices are numerous on Anderson Lane, and a few here.  This is one of the ones you should go, especially if you’ve never been here before.

Game Plan (Freidrich Lane, Austin, TX) – August 2015

When the management team was looking for a place to do a team-builder function, this came up as a good suggestion.  Located in an office park, the building doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the interior was want counts here.  Dozens of arcade games (many from the classic 1980’s period) were available to play, along with a pool table, air hockey, ping pong, and shuffleboard.  A couple of additional side rooms contain various console systems each connected to their own monitor in order to provide a different style of gaming.

All the games were set for “free-play,” so there was no need to carry a pocket-full of quarters.  The entrance fee paid allows for the continuous use of the games.  The version of Gauntlet was on, but not set in playable mode.  That, and the water fountains not working, were my only quibbles.

We were there in the early afternoon, so the team had the entire place to ourselves.  I can see how this would fill up on the evenings, as the location was very accessible and there was plenty of parking.  No refreshments were available on site, but arrangements could be made for large groups for items to be brought in.  It was a good venue, and one which is worth returning to.

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