Texas BBQ is legendary - slow smoked meats served with or without sauce, with our without sides. Although Llano, Lockhart and Taylor boast the most storied BBQ joints in the state, Austin holds its own with some incredible BBQ options. Whether holding to the bottom line of Texas BBQ, beef brisket, or expanding out to include sausage, pork ribs, or chicken, BBQ lovers can find down-home joints, high-tone restaurants, and even music venues serving up Austin's finest.
Stubb's: Probably the most famous Austin BBQ originally came from Lubbock, in the plains of West Texas, where C.B. Stubblefield's hickory-smoked meats and heavenly sauce fortified a burgeoning music scene, including Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. In Austin, Stubb's sauce was bottled informally until the restaurant and music venue bearing his name in tribute, opened on Red River. With an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor nightclub, concert goers can chow down on great 'cue before the show - without losing their parking place! (801 Red River / Austin, Texas 78701 / 512.480.8341)
Iron Works: Downtowners and out-of-towners alike flock to this unassuming corrugated metal shack, lured by the aromatic smoke curling throughout the business district. The Iron Works was formerly just that - an iron working business, but in 1978 the building got a historic designation and the family began serving up BBQ. They also offer custom smoking of any meat you bring to them . (100 Red River / Austin, TX / 78701 / 512-478-4855)
Sam's: This east side institution serves their delectable fare until late in the night, making it a favorite of the local musicians and music fans. The building might seem a little run-down, but make no mistake - this is some of the finest 'cue in Texas. Sam's is justifiably famous for its friendly service, musician-friendly hours, and an offering not found at many other Austin joints -melt-in-your-mouth mutton. (2000 E 12th St / Austin, TX 78702-1702 / (512) 478-0378)
Green Mesquite: Located just south of the river, along "Restaurant Row" on Barton Springs just adjacent to Zilker Park, this funky, charming spot is one of Austin's favorite BBQ joints. Their meat combos are popular, and they offer other temptations like some of the best fried catfish in the area. The décor is purely South Austin - with neon, music posters, cushy booths and a checkerboard floor. Cold Shiner Bock on draft, bluegrass in their biergarten - this place is hard to beat. (1400 Barton Springs Rd / Austin, TX 78704 / (512) 479-0485
Lambert's: A relative newcomer to the River City's BBQ scene, Lambert's Downtown Barbecue is one of the more upscale joints in town to dish out some well-made Texas food. Located in a renovated building in the burgeoning 2nd Street shopping and dining district, Lambert's features live music, mostly jazz and DJs, in addition to grilled steaks, seafood, inventive sides, and of course, fine smoked meats. Beef and pork ribs, the ubiquitous brisket, and "fancy" surprises such as quail and trout emerge from their oak burning smoker. (401 W 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
My Big Fat Greek Restaurant Review - Delicious and Family Friendly
My Big Fat Greek Restaurant is a small restaurant chain located in the Phoenix, Arizona area. This review is of the location at 10040 W. McDowell Road in Avondale, Arizona. As the name implies, you will find a wonderful variety of Greek food in a fun but classy environment. The seating is scattered between booths and tables, including large round tables which accommodate a larger family. Staff was friendly and attentive. Our waitress was sure to check with us often but not enough to be annoying. She seemed to pick the perfect time to refill our cups and knew when it was time to bring us "to go" boxes for our left-overs. The manager even stopped at the table to be sure we were happy with our experience.
If you have never tried Greek food, this is a wonderful place to start! They have a great variety of Greek classics. If Greek food isn't for you then try one of their traditional classics, like fish and chips, burgers or a chicken sandwich. Every item we tried was delicious. The spanakopita (a spinach pie with feta cheese) was light and full of flavor. The mousaka (layered potato, ground beef, eggplant and zucchini in a creamy sauce) was a definite favorite. Don't forget to try some baklava (pastry with honey, pistachios and walnuts). Though with the generously-sized portions, you might have to take your dessert home along with the leftovers from dinner!
Considering the size of the entrees and the variety of fresh ingredients used, we were pleased to see the moderate pricing. Most entrees range from $8 - $15 so you can find a variety of meals to fit into your budget. Are you taking children with you? If so, you will love the Avondale My Big Fat Greek Restaurant kids eat free special. This special allows one free kid's meal for each adult entrée purchase. The special runs daily, though it is subject to end at any time.
Overall, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant offers a fun family dining experience with delicious food, friendly staff and the chance to sample another culture!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhonda_Endter
If you have never tried Greek food, this is a wonderful place to start! They have a great variety of Greek classics. If Greek food isn't for you then try one of their traditional classics, like fish and chips, burgers or a chicken sandwich. Every item we tried was delicious. The spanakopita (a spinach pie with feta cheese) was light and full of flavor. The mousaka (layered potato, ground beef, eggplant and zucchini in a creamy sauce) was a definite favorite. Don't forget to try some baklava (pastry with honey, pistachios and walnuts). Though with the generously-sized portions, you might have to take your dessert home along with the leftovers from dinner!
Considering the size of the entrees and the variety of fresh ingredients used, we were pleased to see the moderate pricing. Most entrees range from $8 - $15 so you can find a variety of meals to fit into your budget. Are you taking children with you? If so, you will love the Avondale My Big Fat Greek Restaurant kids eat free special. This special allows one free kid's meal for each adult entrée purchase. The special runs daily, though it is subject to end at any time.
Overall, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant offers a fun family dining experience with delicious food, friendly staff and the chance to sample another culture!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhonda_Endter
Austin Originals - Kerby Lane Cafe
Austin is full of originals from people to music to landmarks, this town has a personality all its own. Some things are bound to come and go. With any growing city, turnover is common in business (particularly locally-owned and operated establishments), but some businesses manage not only to survive, they thrive. Kerby Lane Cafe is one of these Austin originals that has beaten the odds and firmly established itself as a culinary landmark in the Live Music Capitol of the World.
No matter what time of day you find yourself hungry in Austin, Texas, you can find a healthy, delicious meal at the Kerby Lane Cafe. Founded in 1980 by a pair of Austinites dedicated to fresh food and affordable prices, Kerby Lane Cafe has come to be a true Austin staple, catering to patrons from all walks of life. The 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week schedule and reasonable prices are sure to draw in the late-night college crowd from local Universities in Austin, but you'll find a full house most any time of day or night at any of the restaurant's four locations around Austin.
What makes Kerby Lane Cafe such a popular spot? With literally hundreds of unique, affordable dining options around Austin, what is it about Kerby Lane Cafe that keeps people coming back again and again? For one, it offers affordable fare. With entrees ranging from $7-$13, Kerby Lane Cafe makes it easy to eat well, without overspending. For another thing, the restaurant's commitment to using produce and products produced locally helps promote other local businesses which is a big plus to many Austinites. Their green approach to business and extensive community involvement are also big selling points for many local regulars.
But the most convincing reason has to be the food. From award winning pancakes (you can even buy their pancake mix online or in local grocery stores around town) and creative seasonal menus to delicious pastas and satisfying sandwiches, Kerby Lane Cafe truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or a regular old carnivore, Kerby Lane Cafe aims to please. Texas staples like queso (melted cheese dip) and chicken tortilla soup come together with homemade red pepper hummus, middle-eastern inspired salads, fresh fish dishes and many more unique offerings to create an eclectic menu full of flavor and personality. The 24-hour breakfast menu is a sure bet, with delicious Texas staples like migas and biscuits and gravy, and French toast made with thick-cut Texas toast.
Kerby Lane Cafe is well known for its originals, too sweet potato fries, gingerbread pancakes and their signature hippy burger are all local favorites. Plus, their creative seasonal menus keep things changing, bringing the freshest, best produce and products of the season directly to the table. The full bakery on-site churns out cobblers, cheesecakes and other delicious desserts daily from old fashioned gingerbread to silken mocha tofu cake further increasing the restaurant's versatility and appeal. No matter what you're craving, and no matter when you're craving it, Kerby Lane Cake is sure to satisfy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray
No matter what time of day you find yourself hungry in Austin, Texas, you can find a healthy, delicious meal at the Kerby Lane Cafe. Founded in 1980 by a pair of Austinites dedicated to fresh food and affordable prices, Kerby Lane Cafe has come to be a true Austin staple, catering to patrons from all walks of life. The 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week schedule and reasonable prices are sure to draw in the late-night college crowd from local Universities in Austin, but you'll find a full house most any time of day or night at any of the restaurant's four locations around Austin.
What makes Kerby Lane Cafe such a popular spot? With literally hundreds of unique, affordable dining options around Austin, what is it about Kerby Lane Cafe that keeps people coming back again and again? For one, it offers affordable fare. With entrees ranging from $7-$13, Kerby Lane Cafe makes it easy to eat well, without overspending. For another thing, the restaurant's commitment to using produce and products produced locally helps promote other local businesses which is a big plus to many Austinites. Their green approach to business and extensive community involvement are also big selling points for many local regulars.
But the most convincing reason has to be the food. From award winning pancakes (you can even buy their pancake mix online or in local grocery stores around town) and creative seasonal menus to delicious pastas and satisfying sandwiches, Kerby Lane Cafe truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or a regular old carnivore, Kerby Lane Cafe aims to please. Texas staples like queso (melted cheese dip) and chicken tortilla soup come together with homemade red pepper hummus, middle-eastern inspired salads, fresh fish dishes and many more unique offerings to create an eclectic menu full of flavor and personality. The 24-hour breakfast menu is a sure bet, with delicious Texas staples like migas and biscuits and gravy, and French toast made with thick-cut Texas toast.
Kerby Lane Cafe is well known for its originals, too sweet potato fries, gingerbread pancakes and their signature hippy burger are all local favorites. Plus, their creative seasonal menus keep things changing, bringing the freshest, best produce and products of the season directly to the table. The full bakery on-site churns out cobblers, cheesecakes and other delicious desserts daily from old fashioned gingerbread to silken mocha tofu cake further increasing the restaurant's versatility and appeal. No matter what you're craving, and no matter when you're craving it, Kerby Lane Cake is sure to satisfy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray
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