Saturday, April 18, 2009
El Jalapena
According to the "Downtown Digest", the newest downtown restaurant touting the great tastes of Mexico is open. El Jalapena is located at 707 Edmond Street next to the Missouri Theatre and offers tasty Mexican food in a unique atmosphere.
54th Street Bar & Grill
5103 N Belt Hwy
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 233-5450
In the North Shoppes Center
Visit date: 4/14/09
Meal ordered: Beef Taco Platter
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 2
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 3.5
Staff (overall) - 3
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: It was nice and convenient that I didn't have to wait for a seat at this restaurant. I personally prefer sitting at a booth rather than a table so was pleased that the majority of the seating was at booths. The air filtration system works poorly so I found myself (again) choking on cigarette smoke. The entire staff (excluding the hostess) was pleasant, including the waiter, food delivery person, and manager. My glass was always full and the meal was promptly delivered. Napkins are at a premium here, so when I asked for an extra napkin, I was given several small cocktail napkins. The food was slightly overpriced, but the taste was "middle-of-the-road". Nothing exceptional to note here, but nothing to complain about either.
Overall recommendation:
I'd go back with the expectation that I would spend a little extra for a mediocre meal. The restaurant decor is unique and great for catching the attention of little eyes. The ambiance is extremely comfortable and you can't beat the service from the wait staff. Easy to find and easy parking are added bonuses. A kids menu is also available. Plan to spend about $10-$12 per person, $5-$6 for kids meals.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 233-5450
In the North Shoppes Center
Visit date: 4/14/09
Meal ordered: Beef Taco Platter
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 2
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 3.5
Staff (overall) - 3
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: It was nice and convenient that I didn't have to wait for a seat at this restaurant. I personally prefer sitting at a booth rather than a table so was pleased that the majority of the seating was at booths. The air filtration system works poorly so I found myself (again) choking on cigarette smoke. The entire staff (excluding the hostess) was pleasant, including the waiter, food delivery person, and manager. My glass was always full and the meal was promptly delivered. Napkins are at a premium here, so when I asked for an extra napkin, I was given several small cocktail napkins. The food was slightly overpriced, but the taste was "middle-of-the-road". Nothing exceptional to note here, but nothing to complain about either.
Overall recommendation:
I'd go back with the expectation that I would spend a little extra for a mediocre meal. The restaurant decor is unique and great for catching the attention of little eyes. The ambiance is extremely comfortable and you can't beat the service from the wait staff. Easy to find and easy parking are added bonuses. A kids menu is also available. Plan to spend about $10-$12 per person, $5-$6 for kids meals.
The Basics of a Restaurant Inspection, Part II
Courtesy of The City Weekly, check out this .pdf file that outlines what health inspectors look for during a restaurant inspection:
http://www.stjoemo.info/manager/pub/01-30-09.pdf
http://www.stjoemo.info/manager/pub/01-30-09.pdf
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Bob Evans
5101 N Belt Hwy
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-3880
Near the North Shoppes
Visit date: 4/7/09
Meal ordered: Cheese Blintzes
Cleanliness of restaurant - 4
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 4
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 4
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YAY!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: I love cheese blintzes and I know this is one of a few restaurants that serve them, so I was excited about breakfast here. Almost everyone I know encourages me to visit Bob Evans for the "most important meal of the day". I was happy with the service, cleanliness, and the food. It is noteworthy to mention that almost everything is a la carte, so the bill quickly adds up. Clearly popular with elderly folks and regulars, it was easy to see why this restaurant gets crowded on the weekends.... the wait staff takes time to chat and make sure you're well served.
Overall recommendation:
Great for families - great for breakfast. Good location, clean, speedy... I would recommend it to anyone. Stay away from the sausage, though :) This is very similar to Denny's.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-3880
Near the North Shoppes
Visit date: 4/7/09
Meal ordered: Cheese Blintzes
Cleanliness of restaurant - 4
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 4
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 4
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YAY!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: I love cheese blintzes and I know this is one of a few restaurants that serve them, so I was excited about breakfast here. Almost everyone I know encourages me to visit Bob Evans for the "most important meal of the day". I was happy with the service, cleanliness, and the food. It is noteworthy to mention that almost everything is a la carte, so the bill quickly adds up. Clearly popular with elderly folks and regulars, it was easy to see why this restaurant gets crowded on the weekends.... the wait staff takes time to chat and make sure you're well served.
Overall recommendation:
Great for families - great for breakfast. Good location, clean, speedy... I would recommend it to anyone. Stay away from the sausage, though :) This is very similar to Denny's.
Las Palma's Mexican Restaurant
2715 N Belt Hwy
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 279-9445
Next to K-mart, behind Pizza Hut
Visit date: 3/23/09
Meal ordered: Chicken Chimichanga
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 3
Food appearance - 2
Taste of food - 1
Staff (overall) - 4
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: The number of cars parked at this establishment lured me in. After all, I had tried other local Mexican Restaurants and was still continuing my search for authentic south-of-the-border food. A pal referred me, noting that the serve yourself salsa bar was unique and "kinda cool". But the overwhelming stench of cigarette smoke that greets you at the doorway is stifling. I didn't patronize the bar this go-around, but I certainly inhaled my fair share of second-hand smoke. The booths were quaint, and my view of the kitchen was less than appealing, especially since the wait staff couldn't keep their voices down and were jumping around like monkeys. My chimichanga was burned on the bottom and I couldn't even manage to choke down the rice. The best thing about my meal was the appetizer chips.
Overall recommendation:
If you're seriously looking for good Mexican food you won't find it here. Wait... the salsa really is pretty good. Perhaps the bar is cool to hang out at, but I wouldn't encourage anyone to come for the entrees. Here's the link so you can check out the menu before you visit: http://palmasmexicangrill.com/. Ok for kids, but not if you want them smoking. Good location, closed Mondays, expect to spend approx. $10 per person.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 279-9445
Next to K-mart, behind Pizza Hut
Visit date: 3/23/09
Meal ordered: Chicken Chimichanga
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 3
Food appearance - 2
Taste of food - 1
Staff (overall) - 4
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: The number of cars parked at this establishment lured me in. After all, I had tried other local Mexican Restaurants and was still continuing my search for authentic south-of-the-border food. A pal referred me, noting that the serve yourself salsa bar was unique and "kinda cool". But the overwhelming stench of cigarette smoke that greets you at the doorway is stifling. I didn't patronize the bar this go-around, but I certainly inhaled my fair share of second-hand smoke. The booths were quaint, and my view of the kitchen was less than appealing, especially since the wait staff couldn't keep their voices down and were jumping around like monkeys. My chimichanga was burned on the bottom and I couldn't even manage to choke down the rice. The best thing about my meal was the appetizer chips.
Overall recommendation:
If you're seriously looking for good Mexican food you won't find it here. Wait... the salsa really is pretty good. Perhaps the bar is cool to hang out at, but I wouldn't encourage anyone to come for the entrees. Here's the link so you can check out the menu before you visit: http://palmasmexicangrill.com/. Ok for kids, but not if you want them smoking. Good location, closed Mondays, expect to spend approx. $10 per person.
Country Kitchen; Breadeaux Pizza
4229 Frederick Ave
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-4700
East of I-29
Meal ordered: Pizza & Cheesesticks
Cleanliness of restaurant - 2
Value for food - 3
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 2
Staff (overall) - 2
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: I walked into this restaurant and was surprised at the wallpaper, fixtures, and menu. The patrons were almost all elderly and the decor was reflective of the clientele. The hostess was unfriendly and didn't greet me at all. The waitress had the same demeanor. My menu was sticky and the floors were dirty. The pizza took a considerable amount of time to cook and had too much yeast in the crust. The cook came from the kitchen and out a side door to chat with friends. He looked greasy and unclean, which added to the poor experience I had here.
Overall recommendation:
None. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant at all.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-4700
East of I-29
Meal ordered: Pizza & Cheesesticks
Cleanliness of restaurant - 2
Value for food - 3
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 2
Staff (overall) - 2
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: I walked into this restaurant and was surprised at the wallpaper, fixtures, and menu. The patrons were almost all elderly and the decor was reflective of the clientele. The hostess was unfriendly and didn't greet me at all. The waitress had the same demeanor. My menu was sticky and the floors were dirty. The pizza took a considerable amount of time to cook and had too much yeast in the crust. The cook came from the kitchen and out a side door to chat with friends. He looked greasy and unclean, which added to the poor experience I had here.
Overall recommendation:
None. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant at all.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Applebee's Grill & Bar
4004 Frederick Ave
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 233-0801
Near the East Hills Mall, intersection of Frederick Blvd & I-29
Visit date: 3/1/09
Meal ordered: Three Cheese Chicken Penne
Cleanliness of restaurant - 4
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 3
Staff (overall) - 4
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: What can I say, I had a delightful experience at Applebee's. The hostess seated us promptly, and told us about a special with the "entry's". I'm sure she meant to say entree, but I had a good chuckle. My waitress did not deliver my meal; however, the server named my penne pasta "penny". Another good chuckle. My waitress was rather happy to be doing her job and did keep the drinks full, but managed to disappear when it came time to pay the bill.
My meal was fair, others at my table discourage any future burger purchase because the buns are soggy and the patties are overcooked. The kids meals were good.
One of the drawbacks about this restaurant is the layout. The bar and smoking section is situated in the center of the restaurant, with non-smoking seats surrounding. Needless to say, the entire restaurant is smoky, with no "escape" from the smoke. The seats are rather close and you can definitely hear your neighbor's conversation.
Overall recommendation:
Great bar environment. Munch on snacks, watch some sports on the tv's, get a drink and chill with your friends. Although there is a kids menu, it really isn't a very child-friendly environment, mostly because of the smoke and the close dining quarters. Expect a relatively clean facility (albeit the restrooms failed to stock hand soap), and to spend approx. $12 per person. This is a good casual restaurant - good for out-of-towners who are looking for easy access on and off the interstate with a well-known name.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 233-0801
Near the East Hills Mall, intersection of Frederick Blvd & I-29
Visit date: 3/1/09
Meal ordered: Three Cheese Chicken Penne
Cleanliness of restaurant - 4
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 3
Staff (overall) - 4
SMOKING RESTAURANT - BOO!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: What can I say, I had a delightful experience at Applebee's. The hostess seated us promptly, and told us about a special with the "entry's". I'm sure she meant to say entree, but I had a good chuckle. My waitress did not deliver my meal; however, the server named my penne pasta "penny". Another good chuckle. My waitress was rather happy to be doing her job and did keep the drinks full, but managed to disappear when it came time to pay the bill.
My meal was fair, others at my table discourage any future burger purchase because the buns are soggy and the patties are overcooked. The kids meals were good.
One of the drawbacks about this restaurant is the layout. The bar and smoking section is situated in the center of the restaurant, with non-smoking seats surrounding. Needless to say, the entire restaurant is smoky, with no "escape" from the smoke. The seats are rather close and you can definitely hear your neighbor's conversation.
Overall recommendation:
Great bar environment. Munch on snacks, watch some sports on the tv's, get a drink and chill with your friends. Although there is a kids menu, it really isn't a very child-friendly environment, mostly because of the smoke and the close dining quarters. Expect a relatively clean facility (albeit the restrooms failed to stock hand soap), and to spend approx. $12 per person. This is a good casual restaurant - good for out-of-towners who are looking for easy access on and off the interstate with a well-known name.
La Dolce Vita at 36th Street Restaurant
501 N. Belt Hwy
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 364-1565
Near Hy-Vee (Belt & Faraon)
Visit date: 2/16/09
Meal ordered: KC Strip Steak
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 3
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 2
Staff (overall) - 4
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: Since I came with a larger group, I expected my waitress to be frazzled and hurried. It was certainly not so today. Our waitress was spot-on, friendly, and ensured each order was correct. Our spinach-artichoke dip was mouth watering - I would definitely encourage other patrons to try it, but I was disappointed with my steak entree - for $30, I expected better quality than a more "casual" restaurant, and mine was overly fatty. My entree was not appealing to the eye - it looked like a slab of meat with mashed potatoes hastily thrown on the plate. No garnish or attempt to make a delightful presentation. The restrooms were clean, but understocked - no paper towels.
Overall recommendation:
This restaurant is excellent for the after-work crowd. Perfect to grab a beverage, help yourself to freshly-popped popcorn or other appetizers and talk your worries away. Expect to spend approx. $15 per person. Luckily, this restaurant is one of a few who has a website with an online menu: http://www.36thstreet.com/menu.html. The restaurant accommodates everyone from large groups to intimate dates. I would define this as an adult restaurant - perfect for date night. An outdoor sign recommends reservations; however, our group did not have to wait at all, and in previous visits, I have not had to worry about being seated promptly.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 364-1565
Near Hy-Vee (Belt & Faraon)
Visit date: 2/16/09
Meal ordered: KC Strip Steak
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 3
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 2
Staff (overall) - 4
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: Since I came with a larger group, I expected my waitress to be frazzled and hurried. It was certainly not so today. Our waitress was spot-on, friendly, and ensured each order was correct. Our spinach-artichoke dip was mouth watering - I would definitely encourage other patrons to try it, but I was disappointed with my steak entree - for $30, I expected better quality than a more "casual" restaurant, and mine was overly fatty. My entree was not appealing to the eye - it looked like a slab of meat with mashed potatoes hastily thrown on the plate. No garnish or attempt to make a delightful presentation. The restrooms were clean, but understocked - no paper towels.
Overall recommendation:
This restaurant is excellent for the after-work crowd. Perfect to grab a beverage, help yourself to freshly-popped popcorn or other appetizers and talk your worries away. Expect to spend approx. $15 per person. Luckily, this restaurant is one of a few who has a website with an online menu: http://www.36thstreet.com/menu.html. The restaurant accommodates everyone from large groups to intimate dates. I would define this as an adult restaurant - perfect for date night. An outdoor sign recommends reservations; however, our group did not have to wait at all, and in previous visits, I have not had to worry about being seated promptly.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Denny's
4015 Frederick Ave
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-1369
Near the I-29 interstate on-ramp
Visit date: 2/7/09
Meal ordered: Belgian Waffle
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 5
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 5+
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: All comments aside, I can say hands down, I have never had a better waitress. Pat wanted to be there. She took pride in making sure her area was clean and well stocked, and she never waited for someone else to take the initiative. She was happy and she made sure the order was accurate before bringing it to our table. She was prompt and pleasant.
I visited this restaurant right after the "morning rush". The floor was dirty and the bathroom and kitchen both had trash on the floor. I'm hoping that this was just because of my timing in patronizing the facility. The food was fair and fair priced. It can be difficult to dress up a waffle on a plate! I just couldn't believe that the entire staff was still chipper after a morning rush!
Overall recommendation:
Bottom line - I'd go back. Yeah, it's another chain restaurant (have you checked out their dessert menu lately?), and yes Denny's does seem to have a shoddy reputation, but I was impressed with this restaurant for breakfast. The picture menus made easy ordering for kids, and I was glad to have several breakfast options, including the build-your-own combo.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-1369
Near the I-29 interstate on-ramp
Visit date: 2/7/09
Meal ordered: Belgian Waffle
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 5
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 5+
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: All comments aside, I can say hands down, I have never had a better waitress. Pat wanted to be there. She took pride in making sure her area was clean and well stocked, and she never waited for someone else to take the initiative. She was happy and she made sure the order was accurate before bringing it to our table. She was prompt and pleasant.
I visited this restaurant right after the "morning rush". The floor was dirty and the bathroom and kitchen both had trash on the floor. I'm hoping that this was just because of my timing in patronizing the facility. The food was fair and fair priced. It can be difficult to dress up a waffle on a plate! I just couldn't believe that the entire staff was still chipper after a morning rush!
Overall recommendation:
Bottom line - I'd go back. Yeah, it's another chain restaurant (have you checked out their dessert menu lately?), and yes Denny's does seem to have a shoddy reputation, but I was impressed with this restaurant for breakfast. The picture menus made easy ordering for kids, and I was glad to have several breakfast options, including the build-your-own combo.
Baskin Robbins
2301 N Belt Highway
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-3100
Woodlawn Shopping Center, corner of Belt Hwy & Beck
Visit date: 2/4/09
Meal ordered: Ice Cream
Cleanliness of restaurant - 4
Value for food - 5
Food appearance - 5
Taste of food - 5
Staff (overall) - 5
NON-SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: So I wasn't sure if an ice cream parlor constituted a restaurant, but it's an eating establishment so I thought I'd add it to the list. The eating area was fairly clean; a few tables needed wiping, but overall the counters were clean and the floor was mopped. The staff was friendly and the ice cream was what one would expect from a "31 Flavors". I have not tried any of the items on the expanded menu, but there are other items (including shakes and sundaes) beside ice cream available for purchase.
Overall recommendation:
Chain establishments are good at keeping the status quo. You'll get the same chocolate ice cream here as you would in Kansas City. The only things that set the various stores apart are the service and cleanliness, and this store hit the mark. I applaud restaurant owners who hire young adults, as I see them giving students a chance at a first job or a college job. It can be daunting to hire youths, but the rewards are hard-working employees. You will not get the creamy ice cream that you may get at a place like Cold Stone, but you get a palatable ice cream at reasonable prices. My shameless plug: another non-smoking place makes this an ace in my book!
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 232-3100
Woodlawn Shopping Center, corner of Belt Hwy & Beck
Visit date: 2/4/09
Meal ordered: Ice Cream
Cleanliness of restaurant - 4
Value for food - 5
Food appearance - 5
Taste of food - 5
Staff (overall) - 5
NON-SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: So I wasn't sure if an ice cream parlor constituted a restaurant, but it's an eating establishment so I thought I'd add it to the list. The eating area was fairly clean; a few tables needed wiping, but overall the counters were clean and the floor was mopped. The staff was friendly and the ice cream was what one would expect from a "31 Flavors". I have not tried any of the items on the expanded menu, but there are other items (including shakes and sundaes) beside ice cream available for purchase.
Overall recommendation:
Chain establishments are good at keeping the status quo. You'll get the same chocolate ice cream here as you would in Kansas City. The only things that set the various stores apart are the service and cleanliness, and this store hit the mark. I applaud restaurant owners who hire young adults, as I see them giving students a chance at a first job or a college job. It can be daunting to hire youths, but the rewards are hard-working employees. You will not get the creamy ice cream that you may get at a place like Cold Stone, but you get a palatable ice cream at reasonable prices. My shameless plug: another non-smoking place makes this an ace in my book!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
