Does anyone know of any hole in the wall places around the downtown area, not necessarily in downtown, but within 10 or so minutes from downtown? Or does anyone have any favorite places that aren't well known? I am trying to find some new places to go for our Thursday lunches that we do every week. If you know of any, just leave them in a comment below.
Thanks!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sugar 'N Spice
We headed out on another road trip to try a new place for lunch. One of my co-workers said that we had to try a new place that he stumbled upon called Sugar 'N Spice. It is only about 10 minutes from downtown on Reading Road. From the outside it looked like a nice hole in the wall diner, and when we walked in, sure enough it was a hole in the wall diner. The first thing that hit me was the amazing smell of fresh cooked breakfast. It reminded me a lot of the smell of Frisches or Price Hill Chili.
those mints were 3 for 5 cents, I thought that was awesome.
I loved all the artwork on the walls.
I knew going in, since my co-worker told me, that their Whispy Thin Pancakes were their signature item. So of course I had to get them. I got those and a side of hash browns, which I thought were going to be diced potatoes, but found out those were the home fries and the hash browns were the thin straws of potatoes. None the less, they were still good. The pancakes were very good, but nothing too special. I think I would have enjoyed a fluffier pancake, maybe the banana pancake which I have never had, or even their belgian waffle.
Obviously there is a lot to try and I bet it is all good. BUT when I go back, I will definitely be trying one of their insanely, huge omelettes. It looked like the size of a Chipotle burrito! I may not be able to eat breakfast that morning if I am going to attempt to finish it by myself. I saw the waitress bringing it out for someone else and I thought it might have been rude to go up to him and ask him if I could take a picture of the masterpiece. I guess you'll just have to go there to see it for yourself, or wait until I go back and take a picture of the one I order.
This type of a place is a place that I wish I lived within walking distance to. They just really make you feel like you aren't an outsider and that it isn't your first time being there. It would be a perfect hangover spot to go to after a long night of drinking and you just want some delicious home cooked breakfast food to heal the wound.
This was their register, it only goes up to $49 hahaha
All in all it was a great experience and if it was closer, I would go there all the time. We will hopefully go back somewhere down the road so I can try one of those omelettes.
those mints were 3 for 5 cents, I thought that was awesome.
I loved all the artwork on the walls.
I knew going in, since my co-worker told me, that their Whispy Thin Pancakes were their signature item. So of course I had to get them. I got those and a side of hash browns, which I thought were going to be diced potatoes, but found out those were the home fries and the hash browns were the thin straws of potatoes. None the less, they were still good. The pancakes were very good, but nothing too special. I think I would have enjoyed a fluffier pancake, maybe the banana pancake which I have never had, or even their belgian waffle.
Obviously there is a lot to try and I bet it is all good. BUT when I go back, I will definitely be trying one of their insanely, huge omelettes. It looked like the size of a Chipotle burrito! I may not be able to eat breakfast that morning if I am going to attempt to finish it by myself. I saw the waitress bringing it out for someone else and I thought it might have been rude to go up to him and ask him if I could take a picture of the masterpiece. I guess you'll just have to go there to see it for yourself, or wait until I go back and take a picture of the one I order.
This type of a place is a place that I wish I lived within walking distance to. They just really make you feel like you aren't an outsider and that it isn't your first time being there. It would be a perfect hangover spot to go to after a long night of drinking and you just want some delicious home cooked breakfast food to heal the wound.
This was their register, it only goes up to $49 hahaha
All in all it was a great experience and if it was closer, I would go there all the time. We will hopefully go back somewhere down the road so I can try one of those omelettes.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sports Page
The best way to describe Sports Page is an old school diner or greasy spoon. I don't think a single guy works there (unless as a cook of course) and I doubt anyone is under the age of 30. I have been going there since I have been working downtown, so about 7 or so years. Waitresses have come and gone, but you will still see some of the life-timers still working there and still remembering your name. Getting one that is good is pretty hit or miss. Sometimes you will get one that wants to tell you everything about their life and their family and never leave your side and other times you will be dying of thirst trying to get a refill. I usually have good luck and try and sit in certain sections of those that I know will do a good job.
I usually go there now about once a month with my business partner. We have made it our go to place for when he comes downtown to talk some business. I think I introduced him to the place and now he won't let us go anywhere else when he comes and meets me. I think a big part of that is their buffalo chicken tenders and fries. He also gets a large tub of ranch on the side. I tried some of the fries that had the sauce on them, and I know I'd be sweating if I ever got that for my meal. It is very good, but my body thinks I am on fire whenever I eat somewhat spicy things. (Dang you body!)
I usually get their page boy, which is pretty much a big boy from frisches, minus the "special sauce". I think you can get the page boy, fries and a drink for around $5. But I have been looking at their specials lately, I think they had about 10 specials today. I was split between the Quarter Pounder, Fries and a Drink for $4.95 or the Chicken Quesadilla's and a drink for $6.95. Since this meal was on the company, I went with the Quesadillas. They were very good, there was chicken, cheese and onions inside and then salsa, tomatoes and lettuce on the side. I also got some BBQ sauce to dip it in (I love me some BBQ!). I was unable to eat it all since it was about 4 slices, and I had brownie sundae on my mind.
I saw when I was walking in that they had a Brownie Sundae for only $2, so I couldn't pass that up. So I got a box for my left over quesadilla and some of my friends fries and ordered me some dessert! It was HUGE! For $2, I was expecting some tiny little brownie with a little ice cream on the side. But I got a whole bowl full of ice cream, whipped cream and a large chocolate chip brownie on the bottom. I knew I wouldn't be able to eat it all by myself, so I swallowed my masculinity and offered to share with my GUY friend out of the same bowl. He looked at me funny, declined, and then couldn't resist the temptation that was glaring back at him. So he dug in and was very glad he did. We didn't put our utensils down until it was completely gone. I definitely found my new spot if I ever want a late afternoon treat.
All in all the meal was great and I was glad I swayed from my normal selections. They have had me hooked on their well priced, homemade food for quite sometime now and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. If you are ever downtown during lunch, let me know and I would be more than happy to go here with you.
I usually go there now about once a month with my business partner. We have made it our go to place for when he comes downtown to talk some business. I think I introduced him to the place and now he won't let us go anywhere else when he comes and meets me. I think a big part of that is their buffalo chicken tenders and fries. He also gets a large tub of ranch on the side. I tried some of the fries that had the sauce on them, and I know I'd be sweating if I ever got that for my meal. It is very good, but my body thinks I am on fire whenever I eat somewhat spicy things. (Dang you body!)
I usually get their page boy, which is pretty much a big boy from frisches, minus the "special sauce". I think you can get the page boy, fries and a drink for around $5. But I have been looking at their specials lately, I think they had about 10 specials today. I was split between the Quarter Pounder, Fries and a Drink for $4.95 or the Chicken Quesadilla's and a drink for $6.95. Since this meal was on the company, I went with the Quesadillas. They were very good, there was chicken, cheese and onions inside and then salsa, tomatoes and lettuce on the side. I also got some BBQ sauce to dip it in (I love me some BBQ!). I was unable to eat it all since it was about 4 slices, and I had brownie sundae on my mind.
I saw when I was walking in that they had a Brownie Sundae for only $2, so I couldn't pass that up. So I got a box for my left over quesadilla and some of my friends fries and ordered me some dessert! It was HUGE! For $2, I was expecting some tiny little brownie with a little ice cream on the side. But I got a whole bowl full of ice cream, whipped cream and a large chocolate chip brownie on the bottom. I knew I wouldn't be able to eat it all by myself, so I swallowed my masculinity and offered to share with my GUY friend out of the same bowl. He looked at me funny, declined, and then couldn't resist the temptation that was glaring back at him. So he dug in and was very glad he did. We didn't put our utensils down until it was completely gone. I definitely found my new spot if I ever want a late afternoon treat.
All in all the meal was great and I was glad I swayed from my normal selections. They have had me hooked on their well priced, homemade food for quite sometime now and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. If you are ever downtown during lunch, let me know and I would be more than happy to go here with you.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Mayberry
So I have been sitting on this review for quite sometime now. I went to Mayberry about 2 or 3 months ago with the normal group I do lunches with on Thursdays. We went because we heard great things about it and had high hopes for their burger. Well I am sad to report, that I did not like their burger at all. Granted, I did not get it with the pouched egg on top, which might have put me over the top to possibly liking it, BUT the reason I didn't like it is because I am not a huge fan of meatloaf. That is the best way I can describe the taste of their burger, way too meatloafy. But if you do enjoy yourself a nice meatloaf, then I bet you will absolutely love their burger.
Since then I have heard of other good items on their menu (like their sloppy joe or as they call it the sloppy josh) and have not had a chance to go back. To me, if you can't make a good burger, you probably can't make anything I would like. Don't get me wrong, half of the group seemed to enjoy the burger (since we all got one), but it just wasn't for me.
I felt like I had to do a review because so many people were singing their praises and I felt like people needed to hear the other side. So there, I said it and you can't make me take it back!
Since then I have heard of other good items on their menu (like their sloppy joe or as they call it the sloppy josh) and have not had a chance to go back. To me, if you can't make a good burger, you probably can't make anything I would like. Don't get me wrong, half of the group seemed to enjoy the burger (since we all got one), but it just wasn't for me.
I felt like I had to do a review because so many people were singing their praises and I felt like people needed to hear the other side. So there, I said it and you can't make me take it back!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Cafe De Wheels
Today at lunch me and two co-workers embarked on a journey to try a new place to eat downtown called Senor Roy's, but after not being able to find it because it was not where it said it would be, we settled for Cafe de Wheels. Both of these places are just trucks that move from place to place downtown and they post on their sites or on twitter or facebook, where they will be at any given time of day. We were very disappointed that Senor Roy decided to not show up today, we were all craving some tacos.
So we got to Cafe de Wheels and the first thing I notice is that it is slim pickings. They obviously can't have much to choose from since it is a pretty small truck. I just got the typical cheeseburger and fries. I was shocked that the side of fries cost $2 and the burger was $5. I think it would have been better priced for both for a total of $5. The burger was OK, it came on a bun that was a bit different and not so much in a good way. The fries came in a small cup, which is why I don't think they should have been so expensive even though they were good. It took them over 20 minutes to make our food, mine of course being the last one done, they blamed it on the fries.
All in all it was a decent meal and I am definitely full, but I won't be going back there because I could spend $7 on a much better meal downtown. I would not recommend it to anyone, especially for the burger. If I wanted to pay that much for a burger, I'd go to Paula's Cafe for there 7 minute burger and then grab slice of their homemade carrot cake to bring home to Joanna.
So we got to Cafe de Wheels and the first thing I notice is that it is slim pickings. They obviously can't have much to choose from since it is a pretty small truck. I just got the typical cheeseburger and fries. I was shocked that the side of fries cost $2 and the burger was $5. I think it would have been better priced for both for a total of $5. The burger was OK, it came on a bun that was a bit different and not so much in a good way. The fries came in a small cup, which is why I don't think they should have been so expensive even though they were good. It took them over 20 minutes to make our food, mine of course being the last one done, they blamed it on the fries.
All in all it was a decent meal and I am definitely full, but I won't be going back there because I could spend $7 on a much better meal downtown. I would not recommend it to anyone, especially for the burger. If I wanted to pay that much for a burger, I'd go to Paula's Cafe for there 7 minute burger and then grab slice of their homemade carrot cake to bring home to Joanna.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Keystone Bar and Grill
Today I went to Keystone Bar and Grill for lunch. It is located in Covington right across the river in a nice little area with a bunch of bar/restaurants around. It has a nice bar feel to it and I could tell it would be a fun place to be at night. They had drink specials all over the place, so I could tell it was my kind of place : D ... We got seated in a back room with a small TV in the corner of one of the rooms with the Big East tournament on in HD even.
I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wrap while my dad got the BBQ, Bacon Burger and the other two who were with us got their Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. My meal was VERY good, but VERY spicy. If you know me, I love spicy food, but my body think that I am on fire while eating, so it decides to drench me. I was definitely dripping and drinking a whole pitcher of water. The best part of my meal, I would have to say, was the Saratoga chips and BBQ sauce. I love that combination and will go anywhere who has them. The Boat House has some awesome ones as well as Rock Bottom. I need to learn how to make Saratoga chips and maybe even my own BBQ sauce, but the BBQ sauce sounds much more challenging.
Tonight they have a beer special of 5 domestic bottles for $5. Supposedly all the bars in the area have that same special on Thursday nights from 9PM - Close. I think Joanna would like this place too, so when the kids get better, I might have to bring her down.
I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wrap while my dad got the BBQ, Bacon Burger and the other two who were with us got their Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. My meal was VERY good, but VERY spicy. If you know me, I love spicy food, but my body think that I am on fire while eating, so it decides to drench me. I was definitely dripping and drinking a whole pitcher of water. The best part of my meal, I would have to say, was the Saratoga chips and BBQ sauce. I love that combination and will go anywhere who has them. The Boat House has some awesome ones as well as Rock Bottom. I need to learn how to make Saratoga chips and maybe even my own BBQ sauce, but the BBQ sauce sounds much more challenging.
Tonight they have a beer special of 5 domestic bottles for $5. Supposedly all the bars in the area have that same special on Thursday nights from 9PM - Close. I think Joanna would like this place too, so when the kids get better, I might have to bring her down.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Hamburger Mary's
Some of my co-workers and myself went to Hamburger Mary's for lunch today. I had never been there but had seen it many times while walking downtown. I had heard that it "reopened" not too long ago with new ownership. I had never heard of it before a few months ago so I can't compare it to how it use to be.
They use a lot of bright colors and have a lot of girlie features around the restaurant. Such as the movies that were playing (Hairspray and something about a Ghost of girlfriends past or something), the pictures on the wall (mainly of women) and then of course the Mary statue up front and the high heeled shoe that you get your check in.
They are obviously known for there burgers, and that is just what my two co-workers got. They both enjoyed theirs and were ready for naps once we got back to the office because of how full they were. I, being the great Catholic that I am, got a cod sandwich. It was very large and quite good. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was also served with Mary's seasoned fries, which had a pretty good kick to them, but were very good fries. I am not sure if they were doing a Lenten special, but I got my fish sandwich and fries for only $7, when I could have sworn the menu said $10. If so, that is definitely a good reason to go there to try their fish.
I hope to be back soon to try their Bacon, BBQ Burger topped with onion rings. It just sounds like my type of burger. All in all it was a great experience, friendly service, good atmosphere and good food.
Urbanspoon rocks
They use a lot of bright colors and have a lot of girlie features around the restaurant. Such as the movies that were playing (Hairspray and something about a Ghost of girlfriends past or something), the pictures on the wall (mainly of women) and then of course the Mary statue up front and the high heeled shoe that you get your check in.
They are obviously known for there burgers, and that is just what my two co-workers got. They both enjoyed theirs and were ready for naps once we got back to the office because of how full they were. I, being the great Catholic that I am, got a cod sandwich. It was very large and quite good. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was also served with Mary's seasoned fries, which had a pretty good kick to them, but were very good fries. I am not sure if they were doing a Lenten special, but I got my fish sandwich and fries for only $7, when I could have sworn the menu said $10. If so, that is definitely a good reason to go there to try their fish.
I hope to be back soon to try their Bacon, BBQ Burger topped with onion rings. It just sounds like my type of burger. All in all it was a great experience, friendly service, good atmosphere and good food.
Urbanspoon rocks
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Murray's Wings Pub and Grill / Louisiana Fish Bar
It wasn't my first time at Murray's Wings Pub and Grill, but it has been quite awhile. Most people I know that are my age have been there at least once in their life. It isn't in the nicest neighborhood, but they do serve some great bar food. I thought it was funny reading a review on Urbanspoon about this place. The guy said the food was too greasy. It's a bar! Bar food is suppose to be greasy hahaha. The greasier the better, I say.
Today I had the burger and saratoga chips. It was very good. The burgers are very large and juicy. I added some of their wing sauce that they kept on the table to my chips and I couldn't have asked for more. If it wasn't a work lunch, I would have loved to include a nice tall beer with the meal. I would have enjoyed the wing sauce even more.
Not sure how long ago they combined, but the Louisiana Fish Bar is apart of Murray's now. They have one of the best fish sandwiches I have ever had and one of the few fish sandwiches I would recommend to someone.
They have a nice little bar and a good amount of TVs. I was disappointed to not see any in HD though, not a place I would really go to watch a sporting event. Although they do have a nice sand volleyball court out back which I have played on during some volleyball leagues.
All in all it is a nice little place with affordable food and drinks.
Today I had the burger and saratoga chips. It was very good. The burgers are very large and juicy. I added some of their wing sauce that they kept on the table to my chips and I couldn't have asked for more. If it wasn't a work lunch, I would have loved to include a nice tall beer with the meal. I would have enjoyed the wing sauce even more.
Not sure how long ago they combined, but the Louisiana Fish Bar is apart of Murray's now. They have one of the best fish sandwiches I have ever had and one of the few fish sandwiches I would recommend to someone.
They have a nice little bar and a good amount of TVs. I was disappointed to not see any in HD though, not a place I would really go to watch a sporting event. Although they do have a nice sand volleyball court out back which I have played on during some volleyball leagues.
All in all it is a nice little place with affordable food and drinks.
Arnold's Bar & Grill
Arnold's Bar & Grill is one of my favorite places downtown. It is always links to OTR and Christian Moerlein (one of my favorite breweries). It has old time pub feel and theme and you can sit out back where the walls are very old brick that seem to go up for days and they can open up the roof so you are outside. They have a small stage in the back of that room for bands to play some good ol' folk music.
About a month ago we tried going down for an event they were having which entailed a full menu of Christian Moerlein inspired foods. They also were giving away pint glasses and serving beer specials all night. Sadly we got there "late" at around 7 or 8 and it was PACKED! So We had to settle for Nicholson's.
Yesterday I had lunch there. They just rolled out their $4.99 lunch menu, where everything on the menu is only $4.99! For Downtown, that is an amazing deal. With tax and tip it comes to about $6.31 which still isn't too bad for a full meal. I got a Cheddar, Bacon and BBQ Burger. Sounds delicious right? It was OK, nothing special. The burger was a little on the burnt side and the BBQ sauce had a STRONG hint of mustard. I HATE mustard! Mustard can ruin any burger for me. I can taste it from a mile away. The fries were too potatoey, they just weren't cooked enough for my liking.
It still was a great experience, I would love to go back and try more of their large $4.99 menu. The person I was with got the tilapia and really enjoyed it. He also got their Irish stew earlier in the week and really enjoyed that as well. I will hopefully be back down there this weekend for Bock Fest.
About a month ago we tried going down for an event they were having which entailed a full menu of Christian Moerlein inspired foods. They also were giving away pint glasses and serving beer specials all night. Sadly we got there "late" at around 7 or 8 and it was PACKED! So We had to settle for Nicholson's.
Yesterday I had lunch there. They just rolled out their $4.99 lunch menu, where everything on the menu is only $4.99! For Downtown, that is an amazing deal. With tax and tip it comes to about $6.31 which still isn't too bad for a full meal. I got a Cheddar, Bacon and BBQ Burger. Sounds delicious right? It was OK, nothing special. The burger was a little on the burnt side and the BBQ sauce had a STRONG hint of mustard. I HATE mustard! Mustard can ruin any burger for me. I can taste it from a mile away. The fries were too potatoey, they just weren't cooked enough for my liking.
It still was a great experience, I would love to go back and try more of their large $4.99 menu. The person I was with got the tilapia and really enjoyed it. He also got their Irish stew earlier in the week and really enjoyed that as well. I will hopefully be back down there this weekend for Bock Fest.
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