Diego S.'s Profile

Since my newly re-introduced (again) commitment to avoid getting a texASS, I have begun venturing more to asian joints for my grub.

Immediately upon entering I was greeted very warmly.  Good start...I hate aloof or rude host/waitstaff.

Yet again, I order pad kee mow.  What is it with me and this dish?

Tofu and no egg.  (egg in food grosses me out)  I also ordered a cup of Tom Yum soup.  Everything medium spicy.

In other Thai restaurant reviews, I have groaned about the lack of kick in the dishes.  Well, this time I got what I deserved.  

My soup was filled to the rim with all the goodies one would hope to find in Tom Yum.  It was also very spicy that I actually coughed.  

I coughed, people.  LOL Once I got used to the heat, everything was OK again.  The pad kee mow came out pretty quickly.  Both dishes were good. Although, the cook od'ed on the broccoli.  Not their fault, I think they were trying to give me something extra since I had said No to the egg.

All through my meal, I was tended to by the host/waitress/server/cashier.  She was great.  

Wow, two good thai places off N. MacArthur...who woulda thought?

Nice decor...small dining area caters more to a party of 2 or solo diners.

I ordered my staple Thai dish: pad kee mow. To change things up, I also got chicken dumplings.

The dumplings were quite yummy.  Not sure what seasoning they used but it had a wee bit of a kick to it.

The pad kee mow was nothing to write on and on about.  It was good but could have used more zing.  I assume they have to make things as neutral as possible when starting out (for those who are not used to Thai flavor).

It would be nice if they can ask how spicy the food should be.  I've been back a couple of times now even though it's out of my way.  I like it.  Although, each time they have been out of soy chicken.  If it's on the menu, be prepared to serve it.

Price is not bad for the quality and portion you get.  It's a fair ticket for appetizer and entree.

Where was this place when I lived in Cityville?

Obviously, the lure here is all the dog N pony show of sports, tv games, and music.

Because the food and, more importantly, the waitstaff ain't all that.

Each and every time I come here, the waiter is bordering on slipping into a coma.  Tweaked out and coming down?  Not really good at table service?  Just stupid?  Your call.

The wings are ok at best.  Nothing I could not do myself by buying something at the grocery.

I know this location thrives because A. it's BWW, OMG! B. People in this neighborhood are generally lazy and will go to the local grub regardless C. Drunk people spend coin.

My suggestion?  If you're desperate and within two block radius, go to BWW.  If your stomach can wait two mins, drive down Lemmon to Wing Stop.  Better and cheaper wings.

I'll try to keep it short and simple since most other reviewers have covered my points.

What caught my attention was their Body by Pluckers billboard.  Hysterical.

So, I took a chance and checked things out.  

Ordered traditional wings, boneless "wings", fries...buffalo medium sauce.

Friendly staff even with some obnoxious people giving them a hard time.

When my order came, I was surprised at the amount of food it was.  While the prices here are not cheap, I guess you get what you pay for.  

Everything was freshly prepared.  The all important sauce was just the right blend of tasty and burning :)

I appreciate Pluckers tries to be more than just your standard wings joint.

In this time, a business has to do something extra to get & keep clientele.  Oh, and a note to other businesses with shitty staff...treating people rudely is not the way to do it.

Luckily, during my initial and followup visits to Pluckers, they have figured this out.

Finally made it to Toy's today after experiencing major Thai food jonesin' earlier in the day.

Yes, it's in a dump of a location and yes it is not pretty inside.  That much is true.

What I learned from Mai's is don't judge a book by its cover.

I was the only person in there and was greeted promptly and with courtesy.  This service continued throughout my entire meal.  

I stuck to the easy stuff: Tom Yum soup and Pad Kee Mow.

Soup was hot, had some flavor, could have done without so much vegetables...but all in all a tasty beginning.

Pad Kee Mow, for being a simple dish, can be a trainwreck in most Thai places I've been.  

It came in a pretty bowl but I immediately thought....for $9.95, all I get is this?  Well, looks can be deceiving because I had a hard time finishing it.  Serves me right for complaining about portion without fact.  

Served piping hot, I was satisfied with the dish.  The tofu was a bit tough...a sign of sitting around for a while after being prepped earlier.  Had just the right amount of sauce but I wish it had a bit more flavor.  I have to notch it up to the location.  It's not exactly a hotbed for Asian food.  All other Asian-ish restaurants in the neighborhood are just as watered down in taste to suit all palates.

Would I go back to Toy's? Sure, it's nearby and a few hours later I'm not ill.
Sad that I judge restaurants like that but it's true...you know it!

Toy's provided a solid meal.  For an area starved for good Thai food, it will do the trick.

Hands down, best lunch place if you are in the immediate area.

For $5.40 two chicken fajita tacos, rice and beans with great salsa on the side.

I've been a couple of times now and the food is really good.  I am a snob when it comes to mexican joints...and I have yet to be disappointed here.

Been a few times now and food is consistently good.  Prices are fair for the amount of food you end up getting.

Many many many choices on the menu.  I wish they had a cup option for their soups though.  

Service has always been attentive and friendly.

If you are in the area and in the mood for $1.07 damn good tacos...stop by Cesar's at this location.

Don't be scared when you walk in.  Sure, the staff is barricaded in for a reason.  But, if you stick to the daylight hours, I am sure nothing will happen during your meal.

I ordered the picadillo and the bistec tacos.  YUM  

Made fresh with the standard side of lime, cilantro, and onions.  

Unless you live nearby, I can't suggest you make the trek.  But, if you live near Davis and Polk, make this a frequent pitstop.

Curiousity is what got me into this place.  It sure wasn't the number of cars in the parking lot.  I can't recall ever seeing more than 2 at any given time.

Normally, that is a sign but I was feeling adventurous.

The place is a blast to the past...I would pin the tail on the donkey from 1972.

Everything on the menu is separate....damn, no combos.  I ordered a burger, fries, and drink.

Yes, the burger is greazzzzy.  But, it was good.  Better than you would get at the nearby fast food places.  Fries were freshly cooked so no complaints.

I can't say GO HERE but hey if you are in the mood for a burger, why not support KCJ?  It ain't bad at all.

I am desperate to find good vietnamese food near where I work.  So, decided to check out this joint.

I walked in and no frills decor + unattentive staff = the food better bring it.

Unfortunately, it didn't.

I ordered an easy entree:  tofu bun bowl.  Once I started eating, I became just as bored as the waitress watching TV.  The tofu was barely cooked and I had a hard time chewing the vermicelli.  Normally, the fish sauce can save the day but it was way too salty.

And, apparently, you only get 1 glass of water because I sat there for 45 minutes without a refill or even a glance from the bored waitress.  And, the place was dead.  I cannot imagine when there is actually a crowd.

The price was OK for what you get.  The food was edible but I won't be coming back.  

Sometimes, customer service can help bring a person back to try again.  

At Pho Que Huong, they are placing all bets on the food...and I'd rather roll the dice elsewhere.