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.

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!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Rib Crib

3704 Faraon St
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 279-7422
Near Hy-Vee shopping center

Visit date: 1/31/09
Meal ordered: Chicken Nachos

Cleanliness of restaurant - 4
Value for food - 5
Food appearance - 4
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 5
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!

*Rated on a scale of 1-5

Remarks: No wait on a Saturday night? Yup, I found it here! I was seated promptly, and my waitress kept my glass full and was excellent on delivery. The quaint decor of the restaurant definitely fits the western theme; cowboy boots and photos on the wall along with stuffed animals and skulls, and an "open" kitchen sure entertains. I love being able to "wash" my hands and face with the moist toilette that follows every meal. And best of all, I wasn't stuck waiting for anything. Waitress came promptly, drinks, food, refills, and bill all appeared in a timely manner.

Overall recommendation:
I had never seen a RIb Crib restaurant prior to moving to the Midwest, and was glad to try it when a friend recommended it. The entire staff was friendly and accommodating, the food was "on" that night. I "spice" up my nachos by adding bbq sauce on top. Kids menus are available, and desserts are offered to accompany kids' meals. A no-smoking restaurant sure makes this one a winner.