I first tried to set an reservation online, with no success. I then just looked up their number, called the restaurant and asked for a reservation.  A man answered the phone and informed me that he was a cook, “hold on for just a second” ten minutes later he came back and said “the only time he had was 8:45″. I just showed up at 7:00 waited 20 minutes and they seated us. First thing I asked the waitress, ” why aren’t you guys on Open Table or have the ability to set a reservation online”, she told me, “it’s part of the Bandera appeal, we don’t believe in all that internet stuff”. Sheeees

The food was great if you have the perseverance and are willing to go thought the pain of getting it.  I ate a rotisserie chicken and ribs plate.  They have some secret way of cooking the chicken and ribs there that’s fantastic. They have this corn bread and this grilled artichoke plate that you have to get if you go there.

The service was fine, besides the stupid answer she gave me.  Kind-of a bar atmosphere, trying to be a little “Scottsdale Cool” for some normal people “like me”.  If you have the whole night  and go here, it’ll probably be spent, it may be worth it.

First Impressions

When Web-Op moved into its first offices, the Falcon’s Roost was right across the road, having been there for about 200 years.  A death in the owners closed it for several months, and it re-opened with a decidedly less dank and bar-like atmosphere.

Much of the small dividers, and all the booze bottles went, and now there’s a few small posters of aviation fairs, and an endless movie of small aircraft being projected on the wall.  It’s a more welcoming place than the original Roost, but it seemed to be as short-staffed as ever.  Only 4 in our party, a fairly empty room, and we still had to wait for a menu.

The Menu

The Roost has also scaled back their menu– many of the Mexican dishes and breakfast items are away, leaving a few American standards and a custom burger or two.  It still seems like a very old menu, where nobody wants to offend anyone, so they make two cuisines.

Food

I chose the patty melt.  It was my favorite at the old Roost, and it seemed largely the same– big patty, onions, sort-of rye bread.  While I had to get it re-cooked (it was initially a bit raw, for hamburger– scary!)  the finished meal was fresh and crunchy, with very home-style french fries.  It was reasonably priced– about 7.50– for an American style diner.

Service

While the service was slow, they were attentive and polite when we sent back stuff.  It’s all we can hope for, realistically.   They also did better after the order was made.  Our orders were correct, and came together.

Conclusion

The Falcon’s Roost fills in a local niche:  reasonably-priced food not even an 85-year-old would fear, but still more vital than the Iowa Cafe.  I hope they can thrive with their new layout and target market.

First Impressions

I had the sense this place was trying for the wholesome-meets-sports-bar vibe with the chalkboard wall of specials and the cutesy casino theme.  The overall space is fairly cramped, with a sit-down bar and many small corners packed with tables.

While our party of ten was seated quickly, it seemed like no real accomodations were made for parties over six or so.

The Menu

While much of Lucky Lou’s selections seemed conventional American, there seemed to be a lot of gaps on the menu.  All the sandwiches seemed to follow a basic theme, and there were few entrees.  A large focus was on burgers, and much of the lunch menu was soup-and-small-entree offers.  However, the narrowness in some sections was compromised with exotic appetizers, suggesting sports bar again:  meat skewers and fried zucchini were tried by the others eating today.

Food

I chose the fish special.  It was three large, freshly-fried filets, served with a red-cabbage coleslaw and a vegetable selection.  I asked for the steamed vegetables, as a fat balancer, and was saddened to see broccoli only.  It was topped, for no aim save to make it fatty, with shaved cheese, but was otherwise fine.

Another diner ordered a salad, which was the size of a satellite dish; the main aim of the restaurant seems to be to overwhelm with size, not inexpensive offers.  The lunch special (walleye) was over $12.  It might work in Lou’s fancy Chandler area, but I’m a Mesa hick.

Service

Our orders came out erratically, but the service was fairly fast.  Drinks didn’t seem to be intensely monitored, but on a cold, rainy day, who wants more Coke?

Conclusion

While Lucky Lou’s doesn’t offer much to email home for now, it could improve easily– a little wider menu, a little healthier menu, and it would draw more easily.

First Impressions

They spent a lot of money furnishing Flancer’s.  Framed vintage posters and large plasma televisions dominate the walls, and nicely finished wooden tables and fresh booths fill the room.  However, it was still difficult to find a seat for eight; we were wedged into a booth really best meant for six.

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Today for lunch we ventured out to Tempe to Ted’s Hotdogs. Upon entering we had to go to the back of a very long line. Although the line was long it moved pretty fast. While waiting on line I was able check out some things they had hanging on the walls. Being a born and raised New Yorker, I quickly noticed the origins of Ted’s; Buffalo, NY.

Finally it was my turn to order. I got a regular hot dog with cheese, french fries and a large root beer. The dog was pretty good. Nothing that I would write home about but good. The fries came served in a large folder paper container, sliced thin and crunchy. Although the place was packed and the line never died down, I still didn’t see what the big deal was. The hot dog was adequate but a little burnt.

The atmosphere of the place is similar to a McDonald’s, except they specialize in hot dogs. The walls are covered in Buffalo, NY posters and also offers a newspaper to read from Buffalo. If I was to go back I would certainly try one of their burgers and maybe get a hot dog on the side.

First Impressions

Nielsen’s used to be across the street, in a building now housing a vet.  Instead, they’ve moved into the former Iceburg Drive-in.  The interior is spacious and uncrampled, but the spotless tile and racks of vending machines in the corner make it clear it’s a non-edgy and family-safe encounter.

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For Friday lunch we ended up at Crackers and Co. Although we were seated quickly, the location of our table was in the middle of a lot of traffic made up of waiters, waitresses and customers. Initially for a table of 10, the table was just big enough for the 8 of us that made it.  But besides the location, the service was fast considering the restaurant was crowded.

I ordered a Cracker Club with a side of fries and a pickle. Everyone else ordered specialty sandwiches. They were well proportioned and very fresh. The fries were crunchy and not over cooked. Besides sandwiches they also offer salads and soups as well as other dishes. In the end I left feeling full. I would suggest anyone who hasn’t tried Crackers & CO. to give it a try.

Just a brief review, since I made a longer review of this establishment recently.
The decor and general degree of service remained unchanged.  It meets the percieved needs well, judging by how busy it was.

For an entree, I tried the ‘Steve’s Bacon Cheeseburger.’  Now, Steve, obviously does not know that ‘medium well’ is not particularly pink.  The bacon was crisp and savory and the bun had a nicely crisped edge.  However, the overall experience, with greasy cheese on top, was a little short.  The portion, admittedly, was more than ample– I left about a third of the burger.

The standard side for the burger was french fries.  Sadly, these are the ultra-crisp, double-fried kind.  They don’t taste homemade or even good– just crisp.  Who likes these?  It seems everyone dishes ‘em up now.

The server was at least cooperative, taking our payment as we finished eating, since we were in a rush.  Still, the experience is merely acceptable.

My roommate and I decided to get lunch at Paradise Bakery around the corner from the apartment. I ordered the ham and brie grilled panini and he had the turkey and cranberry sandwich. We both had a side of their pasta salad and a cookie, that comes with every sandwich. Both sandwiches were ready just as we found a table. The service is excellent and prompt. The decor on the inside is what you would expect at any paradise bakery cafe. They offer seating outside as well as in. Although it was lunch time and the place was packed, the staff seemed to be on top of everything.

Not only do they serve great specialty sandwiches and baked goods for lunch and dinner, they also have a breakfast menu which they serve until 10am. Also in their bakery section they have  several cookies and cookie cakes they can customize to your order.

In the past I have also had their chicken salad sandwich. The only thing I have against it is the walnuts. I don’t like when restaurants add either nuts or berries to their chicken salad. To me, it takes away some of the chicken flavor and adds unnecessary ingredients. Besides that I don’t have anything negative to say about their food. It is fresh and cooked as ordered.

After you order your sandwich you can add either pasta salad, salad, soup or additional cookies to your order. The set up is quite unique and seems to be efficient. I would recommend trying them if you haven’t already. The sit down Paradise Bakery setup is pleasant and comfortable with bar style tables, regular tables or even lounge type leather seats with built in mini tables. Give them a try!

Upon the suggestion of a co-worker, we found ourselves at the buffet at Casino Arizona. Although we were seated quite quickly and the service was very “energetic,” I don’t have much to say. The food was mediocre at best, and lacked any sense of originality. The food was over cooked and really didn’t offer anything memorable. If I had to pick the best part of the meal it would have to be the dessert. I had 1 creme brulee, 1 piece of lemon meringue pie and a couple sugar cookies.

After about 2 to 3 dishes per person, we finally declined coffee and decided to hit the road.  I doubt anyone present at the table for lunch, including me, would recommend this buffet to anyone. At about $10 a dish, you definitely get your moneys worth, but sacrifice quality.