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.
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