TripAdvisor Review Archives 10 -- 2015

Hennessey’s (La Plaza, Dana Point, CA) – September 2015

We were looking for a place for lunch, and stumbled upon this located in a small shopping district.  Due to the experience I’ve had with the Seal Beach location, I knew this would be a good place for my party to have lunch at.  In comparison to the Seal Beach location, this one was more spacious, with a good-sized bar area, private room, and outdoor patio area, as well.

I ordered the grilled salmon which was very good.  The sides of potatoes and room temperature broccoli weren’t as good as they could’ve been to compliment the meal, but it was acceptable.  The rest of my group commented their dishes were good.  Service was good, although a little slow as it seemed the staff was short-handed today.  All things considered, my party enjoyed coming here as it was a nice relaxing place to get good food.  This is an establishment I’d love to experience how it feels in the evening when there’s a livelier crowd present.

Newport Landing (Newport Beach, CA) – September 2015

This place was recommended to us to have a snack while we waited for our harbor cruise to begin.  There’s a main dining area inside and a private room on the ground floor, plus seating available at the upstairs bar and patio.  The view of the harbor from the patio was nice, and it was a good place to relax and people watch.  The décor was nicely done, and the establishment was warm and inviting.

My party got appetizers and drinks while we waited.  I had a Bahama Mama, which was pretty decent.  The appetizer of chicken strips I got wasn’t what I expected for the price paid, as I thought I’d get more than two small pieces of meat.  It certainly wasn’t enough to share with the rest of the group.  It was too early in the day for us to have dinner, and considered the size of the appetizers, perhaps we should’ve.

Our server was nice, and the dinner menu appeared to have a good variety of dishes, so this would be a good place for a couples to go who want a nice evening out.

Mesa Rosa (FM 620, Austin, TX) – October 2015

We stopped by here for drinks, as it was late in the evening.  Since it was after 9 pm, the dinner crowd had thinned out, so we were able to sit out on the back patio.  The music coming from the speakers was a little loud.  Other than that, the area was comfortable, and our server was nice (as she kept checking on us to see if we were going to order food).  Scoping out the rest of the interiors, we could see if was clean and nicely designed having lots of small dining areas instead of one huge one.  The entrance to the driveway might be difficult to spot, but there’s plenty of parking available.  I’ve eaten at other Mesa Rosa locations, so I’m sure the menu quality is just as good as the others I’m familiar with, but this was a great place to stop and get a relaxing evening drink.

Cheddar’s (IH-35, Pflugerville, TX) – October 2015

My friend offered to take me out to dinner, and since it was her turn to pay, she picked the locale.  Neither of us had been here in a bit, and since it was a Saturday evening, it seemed to be the logical place to go.  There was a wait for our table, but it wasn’t unreasonable considering the time we were there.  Besides, it gave as a chance to sit outside on the patio, have a drink, and enjoy the nice weather.

I had a rum runner to start the evening, which was nicely made.  My meal consisted of the Buffalo Chicken Wrapper, as I wanted something light.  The server was nice to allow my side to be a salad, instead of the fries which normally came with it.  The meal was tasty and enjoyable, and hit the spot.

With this being clearly visible from IH-35, this is easily accessible and a good place to go.

Hurricane Wings (La Frontera, Round Rock, TX) – October 2015

I’d driven past this place a number of times, so it’d been on my list of new places to check out.  Since it’s tucked away in the LaFrontera complex, it has easy access from the highway and good parking.  The interior placement hadn’t changed much from the restaurant which used to be there, but having the covered patio area was a new addition.  And a good one.

I was attended by “Ninja Server,” also known as Alex, and she was fabulous.  Since this was my first visit, she suggested I try a couple flavors first, and I could do a different flavor for each set of boneless wings I ordered.  As the boneless wings were more of a “bite-sized” variety, I ended up ordering a set of ten with the hot BBQ sauce.  While tasty, it could’ve used a little more flavor spice.

One thing which I personally liked when looking over the menu was the rum of choice here was Cruzan (my personal favorite).  That means I plan to come back here at some point to savor the drinks.  This was a nice alternative to a different wing place in the area, so I’m glad I scoped it out.

Chili’s (Route 79, Hutto, TX) – October 2015

I arrived here to meet a new group of friends, as this was a venue they frequented.  Since it was located right off the highway, it was very easy to get too, and there was plenty of parking.  Our server enjoyed hearing us talk about various topics as he brought drinks and our entrees, and he commented here and there (which showed some genuine interest).  I ordered the mango-chili chicken, as it was light fare and primarily a protein dish.  It was very tasty, and just enough to hit the spot for dinner.  While I generally don’t go to national chains, this was a good choice for all parties involved.

Mama Fu’s (Route 183, Austin, TX) – October 2015

I gave my co-worker a ride home, as she offered to buy me dinner as payment.  Since we were in an area I used to live, it served as an opportunity to visit a place which doesn’t have a locale on my side of town.  It’s a national chain, but one which always provided good service to me in the past.  While visible from 183, it’s easily missed when driving on by, but once you know it’s there, it’s easy to get to.  Because it’s situated in a large shopping complex, there’s plenty of parking.

Our server was Kenny, who was good-natured about the friendly ribbing we gave him (and he gave some back in return).  That made the experience more fun.  I ordered the orange peel chicken, which was meat nice-sized meat chunks covered in a tangy glaze.  It came with brown rice, which nicely mopped up the remaining sauce.

The orange peel chicken was part of the “rice dish” line, which you you’re your protein and the style in which it’s prepared.  That allows a lot of flexibility for the guest to try different items on subsequent visits.  This was good food with great service, and is a place which I highly recommend.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill (Red River Street, Austin, TX) – October 2015

My friend and I came here for dinner, as we’d be leaving from this location for a ghost tour later on.  Because of where this establishment was, street parking was difficult, so the $6 for valet parking was well worth it.  We arrived there at 6 pm, and were surprised at the hour wait we were facing before being able to get a table in the dining area.  I’m sure the inclement weather keeping patrons from using the patio had something to do with this.

We were able to find a seat at the (crowded) bar, and it was a nice bonus that we were able to order menu items from there (as opposed to just getting appetizers).  Each with a drink in hand, we started off with the warm bacon dip and potato soup.

For the main course, my friend got the blackened catfish, which he rather enjoyed, but was still hungry afterwards.  I got the chicken fried steak, and was amazed at how huge the portion was.  I was only able to about two-thirds of it due to how filing it was.  I didn’t think the battered portion really complimented the taste of the steak.  The chipotle cream gravy was good.  Overall not only was the dish more than I was hungry for, and didn’t really tantalize my taste buds.  My friend ordered the fudge stout brownie, which was a plateful of rich tasty decadence that I helped finish off.

Ignoring the weather and the crowds, I rather enjoyed the atmosphere of the place.  A historic building which had been converted into a restaurant is a great idea even time I come across it.  The patrons were nice, and our bartenders were very friendly.  I recommend this for a couple looking for a special occasion place, as this would be a great location.

La Madeline (Lakeline Blvd, Austin, TX) – October 2015

My friend suggested we meet at this place, as it had a nice outdoor patio area to sit at.  Of course it was raining when we got there, so not the place to be sitting (we found a table by the fireplace instead).  This has a nice casual atmosphere of a quiet café.  There’s a wide selection of soup and sandwich options available, and I went for the chicken pesto sandwich and a side of soup, both of which were tasty.  What I really liked was the layout, as there were a lot of small sections with few tables, so it had the feel of individual rooms.  And this set-up kept the noise level very low.  Because this was located in the middle of a large shopping plaza, it can be difficult to locate a parking spot.

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

What else can you say about a place which you’ve reviewed a number of times?  By the fact I keep coming back here (and keep recommending it to people), shows how good I think the quality of this place is.  We met here for a light dinner, as the menu provided enough variety for us to each get what we wanted.  With a large selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and specialty pizzas, I’ve been able to enjoy different combinations on every visit.  My friend and I each got a chicken pesto sandwich, but with different soups; I had the chicken chili and she had the potato soup.  Everything came out quick, was at the appropriate temperature, and very tasty.

Bombay Bistro (Route 183, Austin, TX) – November 2015

There’s few places in the area for decent Indian food in the Austin area, and this is one of them.  Located in a shopping plaza anchored by an HEB, it has easy access from both 183 and Jollyville, and there’s plenty of parking.  Bombay Bistro is designed to have a bit more elegance than other places, so it’s the perfect place for couples to go.  I ordered by favorite chicken vindaloo, which was extremely tasty as it was prepared the correct way.  My friend got the tikka masala, which she found very good, as it was able to be made with no spiciness to suit her taste.

The servers were very attentive refilling our water glasses during the meal, but vanished once they removed the dished from our table.  We looked around, and didn’t see other tables being attended to either.  We ended up having to hunt down the host in order to take care of our check.  Overall, the visit was a good one, as the food was as good as it was the last time I had the opportunity to get here.

Longhorn Steakhouse (Route 1431, Cedar Park, TX) – November 2015

My friend and I went here for dinner because it was close by to where we’d been.  I’d been craving a good piece of chicken-fried chicken, and I thought this would be a good place for it.  Our server was attentive, but was a little-overwhelmed.  The salads came later than they should’ve, but were still received before the main course.

I’d asked for mashed potatoes as my main course’s side, and received fries instead.  The runners who bring the food out don’t know what was ordered, so when you tell them it was incorrect, you have to wait a period of time for your server to appear.  I had fries instead of mashed.  It wasn’t a big deal, and I mentioned it was incorrect, but not to worry about it.  (I preferred the mashed because it wasn’t fried, and generally tasted better.) Both the server and the manager (who came later) offered to bring me a side of mashed.  Since the fries would just be thrown out anyway, there was no reason to waste food.

But I wasn’t impressed with the main course.  I expected a chicken piece, but what I got were three “chicken tenders” which were heavily-breaded.  They tasted fine, but there was far less meat than I expected to have with this meal.  As far as chain restaurants go, I wasn’t overly impressed, and not high on my return list.  The food wasn’t bad, it simply just didn’t meet expectations.

Opal Divine’s Penn Field (South Congress, Austin, TX) – November 2015

My friend wanted to meet after work for a couple drinks, and since she’d never been here, this was a good choice.  She was a little late because she took the earlier driveway and turned into the strip-club next door.  I had let her know the sign for the correct driveway wasn’t as well light as it should be.

Since it was a nice evening, we were able to sit out on the patio, and shared an appetizer of queso.  Her margarita was quite good, but I wasn’t overly impressed with the cider choices available (as other Opal’s location have Woodchuck).

Since this was the middle of the week, the patio wasn’t crowded, and there were few smokers out there, so it made a nice atmosphere.  And even though the patio overlooks the road, there wasn’t much noticeable traffic noise.  For a place to relax for a drink in a leisurely atmosphere, I’ve found the other Opal’s locations to be great for this, and the Penn Field establishment met that expectation.

Rio Grande (Route 79, Hutto, TX) – November 2015

I met friends here for drinks one night, although they were having meals.  I’ve been the Pflugerville location of this establishment, so the menu was something I was familiar with.  The restaurant was tucked away in a plaza off the highway, so it could be difficult to spot if you didn’t know it was there.  It had good amount of parking, though.  The interior layout was broken up into smaller areas (as opposed to one huge dining room).  The service was good, and my drink came out without delay.  My friends reported their meal being very good.

Hea Cafe (Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX) – November 2015

When my manager wanted to take the leadership team out to lunch, our response was “wherever you wanted,” so we ended up at a place the manager liked.  Located in a small shopping plaza off of Ben White, it was pretty unassuming from the outside, but had a nice clean interior.  The staff was friendly, especially as my manager was a regular there.  Since this location served both Chinese and Viet cuisine, it was an opportunity to try something different.  I went for the bowl of stir fried noodles with chicken and veggies.  While my dish was hot (not spicy) and tasty, there wasn’t a lot of meat there.  The proportion of the veggies was double that of the meat.  So while the meal was good overall, it wasn’t as filling as I wanted.  But as the menu had a lot of other choices available, I could see returning here to try more things.

Cheesecake Factory (Arboretum, Austin, TX) – November 2015

It was my friend’s birthday, and she chose this as the place she wanted to be taken out to.  We arrived after the dinner rush, so it was only a short wait to get a table.  My date got the chicken & biscuits, which she said was very tasty.  I got the chicken enchiladas.  The dish was warm, but not very spicy.  The cilantro rice actually over-powered the taste of the enchiladas, so I couldn’t taste the meat or the cheese.  I didn’t see that wrong, as much as it was the way the dish was prepared.  Not caring for how it tasted does not equate to something being incorrectly done.  Our server was very nice, and the atmosphere here was elegant and casual at the same time.  We were dressed nice for the evening, but there were also people wearing jeans present.  This is a good place for couples to go.  Location is good, as there’s plenty of parking.

Red Horn Coffee House (Route 1431, Cedar Park, TX) – November 2015

This is a nice little coffee shop tucked away in a plaza by a busy intersection, so there’s plenty of parking space.  The interior space is open, with lots of seating areas.  That makes it a little noisy, because there were a lot of soft surfaces to muffle the noise.  There’s a small private room off to the side, which will hold about a half-dozen maximum.  So even when the band takes the stage, the sound echoes throughout the place.  In addition to a selection of coffees, there’s craft beer which is brewed here.  My friend and I had just had coffee as we chatted.  Overall, this is a good location, and it needs to be explored further just to sample the available beer.

Suvia Indian (Route 1431, Cedar Park, TX) – November 2015

My friend recommended we should go here for dinner, and since it was an Indian place I’d never been to, I was game.  While this was located in a plaza, there wasn’t a lot of parking available (as it had to share with the other businesses).  Inside was open, and small, so not a place where a large party could be accommodated.  My friend got the chicken tikka, and I had the chicken vindaloo.  She said her dish was decent.  The flavor on mine was okay, as all the elements were there, but something was lacking from the dish.  The spices perhaps weren’t as pronounced as other locales where I’d been to.  The food was okay, but it just came off as average or bland.  Since there aren’t any other Indian restaurants in the area, this does deserve another visit just to make sure it wasn’t an off night.

Monkey Nest Coffee Shop (Burnet Road, Austin, TX) – November 2015

My friend and I met here, as it was a place she knew well.  It’s a small building with limited amount of parking available, both of which fill up fast.  There were a few side rooms with small tables, but most of the patrons were packed into a central area really close to each other.  It was crowded, but the noise level wasn’t over-powering.  It was just more of a confined space than I expected.  The hot chocolate we had was okay, but not spectacular.  There’s a corner section with some comfy couches where a band would set up, which forced some patrons to move to other places (provided they could locate seats).  Location-wise, this is right along a busy street where there are a lot of residents who’d frequent this, so it’s a decent place to go if you live in the area.

Hat Creek Burgers (Burnet Road, Austin, TX) – November 2015

We were looking for a place for dinner, and my friend recommended this as she said it was a good place.  For arriving there on a Saturday night, it was strangely empty.  Both the indoor dining room and covered patio were sparse of patrons.  She ordered the Chicken Flashers with a side of fries, which she enjoyed.  I got the Big Hat cheeseburger with a chocolate milkshake.  The difference between the Big Hat and the Little Hat is deciding whether or not you want a single thin patty or two thin patties.  The burger was decent, and not too greasy as I expected.  The milkshake was thick, but could easily be drank without having to wait for it to melt a bit.  I found this a decent place to get burgers, and would recommend it to others.

Red’s Porch (South Lamar, Austin, TX) – December 2015

This place was recommended by my friend for us to go and get some late-night snacks and appetizers.  From the road you think you’re turning into a bank, but go all the way to the back to where the parking is.  The establishment is multi-level, each one being a patio.  Every level had a bar with TVs present, and covered outdoor seating to be able to enjoy the fresh air of the area.  There’s also a small side yard with picnic tables.  In addition to brew, this provides a decent menu of stuff (we looked at it, but declined on ordering).  What made this place really nice was a great atmosphere of both the employees and the patrons.  We really felt welcomed coming here, and that goes a long way.  This is a place worth checking out (especially in you live close-by, as this can be your regular hang-out location).

Cheddar’s (IH-35. Pflugerville, TX) – December 2015

I promised I’d take my friend out for a birthday drink, and this was where she chose.  Business was packed for a Friday night, so our wait for a table to get food was about 30 minutes (which was average for the time of day).  While it was nice being able to walk in get a drink at the bar, it was nicer to be able to sit at the outdoor patio area to enjoy them in a quieter environment.  The bartender didn’t know how to make a rum punch, he was able to do a good approximation by substituting the vodka for rum in the Passion Punch.  Very well done.  With our drinks we had the Triple Treat Sampler, and I thought the Wisconsin Cheese Bites were the best of the three appetizer items there.  Sure this place was crowded and noisy, but it’s not uncommon.  The layout was designed divide up the dining area so it didn’t feel like we were sitting in the middle of a sea of people.  We’ve frequented this place before, so we knew there were a lot of other good items on the menu.  While we like to go to local establishments, when we can’t this is a good substitute.

Five Guys Burgers (Arboretum, Austin, TX) – December 2015

I needed to grab a quick bite before a meeting, and the choices were limited where I was, so I came here.  The location of this establishment means there’s good parking, and the interior is spacious and clean.  I ordered a “regular” cheeseburger, as opposed to the “little” version.  The difference is solely the “little” has one thin patty, while the “regular” has two.  The patty was dry (not juicy in any way) and the flavor was bland, so while the meal was filling, the eating experience was unfulfilling.  It was a matter of convenience which had me purchase this McDonald’s quality burger (read: low) for the price for something I’d pay at better burger joints.  Next time I’m in this situation, I’ll be sure to go a little further out of my way for a better product.

Brio (Arboretum, Austin, TX) – December 2015

My friend suggested we meet her for drinks.  Sitting at the bar, we could tell how spacious and clean the establishment was.  This is geared towards more “fine dining.”  We just had wine, and the bartender was gracious to allow us to try some samples until we found ones we liked.  I was particularly fond of “19 Crimes.”  Other than the bartender, we didn’t have any interaction with the rest of the staff, but in our observation we could see a lot of courteous service.  There’s plenty of parking, and this is a place to go when some elegance is desired.

Art on 5^th (South Lamar, Austin, TX) – December 2015

Initially I was confused to where this was, due to the name, but stumbled upon its location when visiting one of the other businesses in the plaza where this could be found.  There’s plenty of parking available.  The specific Star Wars exhibit was only present for a limited time, while the Dr. Seuss and other works are permanently on display.  There’s no admission, which makes a nice place to spend an hour or so during the afternoon.  All the paintings are displayed so you can appreciate them up close, and look at the intricate brushwork.  Different styles and mediums are used, from oils to collages.  The Dr. Seuss portion has sculptures, although I was amused at their presentation of being “heads mounted on the wall.”  I thought it was in the Geisel hunting lodge for a moment.  The staff present in the gallery are very friendly and helpful to answer questions about the various pieces.

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

I recommended to go here for lunch to my friend when we were in the area.  He commented that he hadn’t been to a Kerbey Lane in about twenty years, since he’d previously been going to UT.  I knew what type of awesome quality we’d get, and my friend said the feeling hadn’t changed even though the menu had.  I enjoyed my requisite migas with queso.  He got the Boss Burger, the half-pound of Angus beef topped with all manner of goodness.  Sure it was messy, but my friend found it fabulous.  When I mentioned there was now a KL location in Round Rock near where he lived, he planned on going there on a regular basis.

Smash Burger (Lakeline Blvd, Cedar Park, TX) – December 2015

I was in the area, and stopped here to get take-out dinner before heading over to meet friends.  I’d never been here before, so it was an opportunity to try something new.  I decided to go for the Create You Own burger, and informed the server of what I wanted.  I ordered a chocolate milkshake too, which came out first and was very good.  My burger was wrapped up and in a bag, so I went out the door without even looking at it … which was my mistake.  All the veggies I’d requested (tomato, lettuce, and pickle) had been left off.  What I was left with was an okay patty with melted cheese and some BBQ sauce.  Not high marks for a first outing, and no opportunity for them to correct it (which would’ve happened had I eaten in).  It’s not high on my list to return to because the burger quality by itself wasn’t really that great to begin with, as it was dry and slightly-charred.

Pluckers (183 & Burnet Road, Austin, TX) – December 2015

My friend had never been here before, and she was concerned it was just a “sports bar.”  I assured her it was (in my opinion) the best place to get wings in Austin.  We sat at the bar, and got excellent service from Leroy.  I had my usual Boneless Basket, and my friend got five bone-in wings.  She thought those were fabulous, and found the atmosphere of the place very welcoming.  I’ve been coming to this location for a decade, and it continues to be one of best Austin establishments hands-down.  My friend enjoyed it a lot, and looked forward to coming back here with me.  I even made sure she was signed up as part of my Pluckers Club too.  This place has always been high on quality and service, and that’s why I frequent it.

BB Rovers (Jollyville Road, Austin, TX) – December 2015

This is a place I’d been many times to have a drink or watch a band, but I’d never actually eaten a meal there.  Since my friend liked the burgers here, she recommended we go.  I got a nice juicy cheeseburger which was delicious.  The fries were okay, but my friend liked the fries a lot, so she grabbed some of mine.  I already knew the drink selection was good here, as this was one of the first places in Austin that served my beloved Woodchuck Cider.  I was glad to know the food here was very good.  I fully expect we’ll come back here for some meals, as the service and atmosphere match the excellent quality of the food.

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