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375 Useful, 107 Funny, and 153 Cool
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Location
Charlotte, NC
Yelping SinceDecember 2004
Find Me InYour worst nightmares.
My Blog Or Websitehttp://cxliv.org, http://everitz.com
When I'm Not Yelping...I probably will be again soon.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsBecause I tell it like it is.
My Second Favorite Websitehttp://google.com, baby!
The Last Great Book I ReadWho reads books?
My First ConcertSlayer and Death Angel. Really.
My Favorite MovieThe Shawshank Redemption
My Last Meal On EarthNew York-Style Pizza
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I see London, I see France...
Most Recent DiscoveryCompetitive Eating Contests
Current CrushOrange. There are others?
Date
1055 Metropolitan Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 347-5858
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 347-5858
Grand Opening Reception @ Zoe's Kitchen
Category: Local Flavor
Neighborhood: Downtown
4400 Sharon Rd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 770-0076
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 770-0076
The Cheesecake Factory
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: South Park
Walking into The Cheesecake Factory (at night) reminds me of a Las Vegas Casino. Not the downtown casinos that are all closed in and almost claustrophobic, mind you, but the expansive Steve Wynn casinos on the strip. It's huge. It borders on gaudy, but in a nice way. You also can't really tell what time of day it is - probably so you don't mind how long you wait for your server to come back to you (though we did).
I'd imagine that during the day, the monstrous windows in the front of the place give it a ton of light, and it would be a completely different feel, but at night, it just gave that vibe. The noise is pretty incredible too - like the old noise of casinos (they don't have noise any more, sad to say).
As to the food - pretty impressive overall. I just wish that they didn't have 300 items on the menu. And I didn't count, the server gave that number when I asked for a suggestion since I didn't feel like opening the tome of selections. I eventually settled on one of the items from the specials list (Caramel Chicken).
We also had some crab cake appetizers, a massive double BBQ burger, a chicken sandwich and an order of popcorn shrimp. The fried food overall was the worst. The burger was good, but huge. The crab cakes were surprisingly good. It was really the service that did them in, but to their credit the manager (or someone doing an imitation of a manger) came out to tell us that the food would be out some time. Then we had to also wait on the bill, and to pay the bill, and so on...
If I had any suggestions, it would be for them to go on "Kitchen Nightmares" with Gordon Ramsay. Not because the place isn't clean - it's immaculate. But the size of the menu, coupled with the portion size, is insane. Cut the menu in half (or quarters), and do the same with the portions. They could even shave something off the price at the same time.
That way every person wouldn't be walking out with leftovers and they wouldn't have to spend so much time at every table trying to help diners navigate the menu. Not to mention, there would be room for dessert. You know, the cheesecake?
I'd imagine that during the day, the monstrous windows in the front of the place give it a ton of light, and it would be a completely different feel, but at night, it just gave that vibe. The noise is pretty incredible too - like the old noise of casinos (they don't have noise any more, sad to say).
As to the food - pretty impressive overall. I just wish that they didn't have 300 items on the menu. And I didn't count, the server gave that number when I asked for a suggestion since I didn't feel like opening the tome of selections. I eventually settled on one of the items from the specials list (Caramel Chicken).
We also had some crab cake appetizers, a massive double BBQ burger, a chicken sandwich and an order of popcorn shrimp. The fried food overall was the worst. The burger was good, but huge. The crab cakes were surprisingly good. It was really the service that did them in, but to their credit the manager (or someone doing an imitation of a manger) came out to tell us that the food would be out some time. Then we had to also wait on the bill, and to pay the bill, and so on...
If I had any suggestions, it would be for them to go on "Kitchen Nightmares" with Gordon Ramsay. Not because the place isn't clean - it's immaculate. But the size of the menu, coupled with the portion size, is insane. Cut the menu in half (or quarters), and do the same with the portions. They could even shave something off the price at the same time.
That way every person wouldn't be walking out with leftovers and they wouldn't have to spend so much time at every table trying to help diners navigate the menu. Not to mention, there would be room for dessert. You know, the cheesecake?
Lazy Saturday morning, out looking for a greasy meal and stumbled on the Wayside. We figured that the parking lot was packed, and that had to mean something, right? It actually did.
Since it was Halloween, the entire staff was dressed in costume - there was a quarterback (Chad Pennington in Jets getup), a doctor and a nurse, a hot dog, probably a couple of others - they were all incredibly friendly.
The menu wasn't anything surprising, but it was all served with a smile, and it was served quickly (and cheaply) to boot.
We had an omelet and a burger, both were quite satisfying. Make sure you order a Cherry-Lemon Sun Drop. Sometimes tough to find outside of the Concord/Salisbury area, but definitely worth it.
Since it was Halloween, the entire staff was dressed in costume - there was a quarterback (Chad Pennington in Jets getup), a doctor and a nurse, a hot dog, probably a couple of others - they were all incredibly friendly.
The menu wasn't anything surprising, but it was all served with a smile, and it was served quickly (and cheaply) to boot.
We had an omelet and a burger, both were quite satisfying. Make sure you order a Cherry-Lemon Sun Drop. Sometimes tough to find outside of the Concord/Salisbury area, but definitely worth it.
Ru San's has to be one of the most-reviewed places in Charlotte (not that really tells you much), and I'm not a big eater of sushi, so I probably won't be adding a lot here.
The restaurant itself is tucked into a nondescript strip mall off Park Road - and not likely the Park Road that you're likely to have seen towards the South side of Charlotte, but up near the center city instead.
If you happen to find it, you might be surprised by how large it is once you're inside, and apparently the menu is pretty good-sized as well. I've actually never looked at it, as I've only been once, and that was for their lunch when I met friends there.
The lunch is a decently-priced $10 for all-you-care-to-eat sushi, but not being an expert on the cuisine, I can't say if it's particular good. I actually ate a decent sampling of what was on the buffet, meaning it probably isn't that great. I didn't really care for most of it, just because it didn't seem that fresh or tasty, and the fact that I took it at all means to me that it doesn't seem that great. Take that to mean what you will!
During lunch there is also a small Chinese section to the buffet where you can get fairly standard Chinese fare too, but again, it's not that great.
Also, be warned that the place is simply packed. Go early or late!
The restaurant itself is tucked into a nondescript strip mall off Park Road - and not likely the Park Road that you're likely to have seen towards the South side of Charlotte, but up near the center city instead.
If you happen to find it, you might be surprised by how large it is once you're inside, and apparently the menu is pretty good-sized as well. I've actually never looked at it, as I've only been once, and that was for their lunch when I met friends there.
The lunch is a decently-priced $10 for all-you-care-to-eat sushi, but not being an expert on the cuisine, I can't say if it's particular good. I actually ate a decent sampling of what was on the buffet, meaning it probably isn't that great. I didn't really care for most of it, just because it didn't seem that fresh or tasty, and the fact that I took it at all means to me that it doesn't seem that great. Take that to mean what you will!
During lunch there is also a small Chinese section to the buffet where you can get fairly standard Chinese fare too, but again, it's not that great.
Also, be warned that the place is simply packed. Go early or late!
It turns out that we spent another Saturday afternoon eating at Sticky Fingers, and without even looking to see what I had written last time, I came up with almost the same exact review. My opinion was almost identical as well!
This time around, I did decide to try out their sweet tea, and let me say that if you actually get the tea, it's awfully sweet. Some of the sweetest I've ever had at a restaurant. Almost like syrup. Tasty! Unfortunately the first glass I had was unsweetened. The second tasted like a mix of sweet and unsweetened. I'm not sure if the third glass was actual sweet tea, or if I just had a glass at the bottom of the batch, but it was awesome.
I'll also have to say that while the service was friendly, they aren't very good at clearing plates. As glasses and plates stacked up on the table, they didn't do a thing to clear them. Very annoying.
Unfortunately I didn't take my earlier advice, and I ordered a pork sandwich, which meant that I was a bit disappointed with the meal, as the Sticky Fingers barbecue just isn't that great. I also had a side of their broccoli and cheese casserole, which was pretty well just mush.
We also tried some of the hickory-smoked wings, which were really good. Wish that we had more of them, in fact.
Luckily I also scored some ribs from some of the others at the table (have to love eating with family), which made everything else okay. Once again, I tried each of the various sauces and once again I decided that I'm a fan of the habanero sauce. It starts off tasting like the Memphis Sweet, but gives you a little tingle at the end. Very nice. Now I just wish I had more of the ribs to eat. Someone remind me next time I go to Sticky Fingers?
This time around, I did decide to try out their sweet tea, and let me say that if you actually get the tea, it's awfully sweet. Some of the sweetest I've ever had at a restaurant. Almost like syrup. Tasty! Unfortunately the first glass I had was unsweetened. The second tasted like a mix of sweet and unsweetened. I'm not sure if the third glass was actual sweet tea, or if I just had a glass at the bottom of the batch, but it was awesome.
I'll also have to say that while the service was friendly, they aren't very good at clearing plates. As glasses and plates stacked up on the table, they didn't do a thing to clear them. Very annoying.
Unfortunately I didn't take my earlier advice, and I ordered a pork sandwich, which meant that I was a bit disappointed with the meal, as the Sticky Fingers barbecue just isn't that great. I also had a side of their broccoli and cheese casserole, which was pretty well just mush.
We also tried some of the hickory-smoked wings, which were really good. Wish that we had more of them, in fact.
Luckily I also scored some ribs from some of the others at the table (have to love eating with family), which made everything else okay. Once again, I tried each of the various sauces and once again I decided that I'm a fan of the habanero sauce. It starts off tasting like the Memphis Sweet, but gives you a little tingle at the end. Very nice. Now I just wish I had more of the ribs to eat. Someone remind me next time I go to Sticky Fingers?
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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1/8/2009
I'd have to start this by saying that my experience with Sticky Fingers goes way back - I helped set up the point of sale system (fancy cash registers) with the second or third location in the Charleston area a whole lot of years ago. That doesn't really influence anything about this location, I just thought I'd mention it.
We stopped in for a lazy Saturday afternoon - or maybe it was a holiday afternoon. They were about the same, in that the place wasn't too crowded, which was nice. Seated quickly without having to wait. Staff attention was nice as well.
The menu had a decent selection on it, but face it - you're here for the ribs. I ended up going with a barbecue and rib combo, because I didn't really feel like being disappointed by a small portion of ribs that didn't fill me up, and I didn't want to get a portion that was too big (not usually an issue, but I was trying to think ahead).
In the end, I probably would have been better off going for a rib-only selection. The sandwich was okay, but nothing special, and there's plenty of that around town. The ribs were definitely the reason to go to Sticky Fingers. While they have a good selection of sauces (as has been mentioned), I can't say I like all of them.
I'm typically a fan of mustard-based sauce, but not on ribs. The Memphis dry isn't a sauce, and ribs need sauce. The whiskey isn't bad. That leaves the Memphis wet and the habanero. I actually preferred the habanero, as it left a nice tingle in your mouth after you ate - but for some, it might be too much - if that's the case, go with the Memphis sweet and you probably won't be sorry that you did.
On the sides - that's up to you. I wasn't impressed with anything. Maybe it's a matter of when you go, but the mac & cheese that we had just wasn't good. Neither were any of the other sides. Go for ribs and enjoy them.
I also would have loved to have had one of the towels mentioned here, because we had to use paper napkins. Lots of them. They did bring out some nice heated wet naps at the end, but the towels would have been even better.
The last of the mini reviews from the Blues, Brews and BBQ festival.
We had decided to give everyone a fair shake and order a pork sandwich to see how they fared. That way the competition was even down the line. It did mean that no one had an advantage with their location, the environment of their restaurant or really even their staff, because there is only so much they can do at the festival. It was all about the 'cue.
Unfortunately, those items can't really figure in too much.
In the end, Outlaw won out in that regard - they easily had the best sandwich we tasted. I'd be likely to give them a fifth star, except that is reserved for the best of the best and I'm hesitant to give it when I haven't been to the place of business.
I wouldn't have a second thought about suggesting you try them for their pork sandwich, however. Quite possibly the best in town (McKoy's is still pretty darn good - might have to go with a blind taste-test to determine a winner).
We had decided to give everyone a fair shake and order a pork sandwich to see how they fared. That way the competition was even down the line. It did mean that no one had an advantage with their location, the environment of their restaurant or really even their staff, because there is only so much they can do at the festival. It was all about the 'cue.
Unfortunately, those items can't really figure in too much.
In the end, Outlaw won out in that regard - they easily had the best sandwich we tasted. I'd be likely to give them a fifth star, except that is reserved for the best of the best and I'm hesitant to give it when I haven't been to the place of business.
I wouldn't have a second thought about suggesting you try them for their pork sandwich, however. Quite possibly the best in town (McKoy's is still pretty darn good - might have to go with a blind taste-test to determine a winner).
The Rock Store gets a mini review and a personal review.
We visited them when we were at the Blues, Brews and BBQ festival and we also stopped by recently when in the area. That doesn't happen often, and I had wanted to check out the small rock building for a while, so figured this would be one of the few chances I'd get.
At the festival, the staff was fairly friendly, and the pork sandwich was decent. Not the best, but I had no complaints.
The problem really came up with the restaurant. Or rather, getting into the restaurant. Their hours are listed as 10am-7:30pm. So when we pull up at something like 7pm on a Saturday night and the owners (presumably) are locking the doors and shooing everyone out, it's a bit of a put-off.
This isn't Price's Chicken Coop where they run out of food and close up for the night. At least, I don't think it is. In fifty years maybe. But not now. So we were just a little miffed.
After trying the food at the festival, I'm actually glad we weren't allowed to sit. Nothing wrong with the food, I had just built it up to be a lot more, and now I don't need to worry about it.
We visited them when we were at the Blues, Brews and BBQ festival and we also stopped by recently when in the area. That doesn't happen often, and I had wanted to check out the small rock building for a while, so figured this would be one of the few chances I'd get.
At the festival, the staff was fairly friendly, and the pork sandwich was decent. Not the best, but I had no complaints.
The problem really came up with the restaurant. Or rather, getting into the restaurant. Their hours are listed as 10am-7:30pm. So when we pull up at something like 7pm on a Saturday night and the owners (presumably) are locking the doors and shooing everyone out, it's a bit of a put-off.
This isn't Price's Chicken Coop where they run out of food and close up for the night. At least, I don't think it is. In fifty years maybe. But not now. So we were just a little miffed.
After trying the food at the festival, I'm actually glad we weren't allowed to sit. Nothing wrong with the food, I had just built it up to be a lot more, and now I don't need to worry about it.
737 Stockbridge Dr
Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 548-7400
Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 548-7400
Fort Mill BBQ Company
Categories: Barbeque, Gluten-Free
Another mini-review from the Blues, Brews and BBQ festival.
We still can't speak to the restaurant itself, and the staff was nice enough.
The pork sandwich was quite good - not our favorite, but definitely not middle-of-the-road, either. I don't know that we'd go all the way to Fort Mill to get one, but if we're in the area, we'd certainly stop to pick one up from them. Nicely done.
We still can't speak to the restaurant itself, and the staff was nice enough.
The pork sandwich was quite good - not our favorite, but definitely not middle-of-the-road, either. I don't know that we'd go all the way to Fort Mill to get one, but if we're in the area, we'd certainly stop to pick one up from them. Nicely done.
This is actually a mini-review, and it's not really of the place, but the food.
We tried a sandwich at the Blues, Brews and BBQ festival this year, and it was so-so. I can't complain, because it wasn't bad. It just wasn't that great, so they land smack in the middle.
People at the table were friendly enough, and there wasn't any atmosphere to speak of (it was a festival). Can't speak to the actual restaurant though.
We tried a sandwich at the Blues, Brews and BBQ festival this year, and it was so-so. I can't complain, because it wasn't bad. It just wasn't that great, so they land smack in the middle.
People at the table were friendly enough, and there wasn't any atmosphere to speak of (it was a festival). Can't speak to the actual restaurant though.
1524 East Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 370-1177
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 370-1177
Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill
Categories: Pubs, Sports Bars, American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Lebowski's isn't really the type of place that I'd normally stop at, for a couple of reasons.
First and foremost, because I don't get down East Boulevard very often (though I should - more and more places are cropping up that make it interesting). Secondly, because it's a smallish place that looks a bit more like a pub than a grill, and in my advancing years it's just not where I'd stop for a bite to eat, which is what I'm more after these days than a drink.
That out of the way, when we had an unofficial Yelp gathering the other evening, I'm glad that it was chosen to be at Lebowski's, or we might have missed this hidden gem.
The night started off right with the service. Amy greeted us right away (well, after Dave S. and Joseph L, but they don't really count, as they aren't employees), introducing herself, asking our names and perhaps most impressively, using our names throughout the time we were there. Not often that you see that happen these days. Nicely done!
That was followed up by a creative menu, serving the aforementioned sliders so that you aren't cornered into a single choice that you might not like. I chose the beef on weck, burger and pulled pork. They arrived with an impressive array of condiments, but those were scarcely needed - the sliders stood well on their own. The weck roll doesn't seem to be quite an authentic weck roll, but I'm not an expert, and it serves the purpose well enough.
I probably could have done with another order of sliders, but I saved the extra room for one of the several varieties of White Russians (hey - a place called Lebowski's, and you aren't going to order a White Russian?).
Altogether a pleasant experience, and I'm glad we made the choice. Parking was also ample, which can be an issue in this area of town. The only downside is that it's not a larger space (that, and for some I could see it being more bar-like may be an issue).
For our group neither was a problem, but I could see where one might be for others. I also wish that I had ordered the garlic fries instead of the mac and cheese as a side. Very tasty (I sampled someone else's)...
First and foremost, because I don't get down East Boulevard very often (though I should - more and more places are cropping up that make it interesting). Secondly, because it's a smallish place that looks a bit more like a pub than a grill, and in my advancing years it's just not where I'd stop for a bite to eat, which is what I'm more after these days than a drink.
That out of the way, when we had an unofficial Yelp gathering the other evening, I'm glad that it was chosen to be at Lebowski's, or we might have missed this hidden gem.
The night started off right with the service. Amy greeted us right away (well, after Dave S. and Joseph L, but they don't really count, as they aren't employees), introducing herself, asking our names and perhaps most impressively, using our names throughout the time we were there. Not often that you see that happen these days. Nicely done!
That was followed up by a creative menu, serving the aforementioned sliders so that you aren't cornered into a single choice that you might not like. I chose the beef on weck, burger and pulled pork. They arrived with an impressive array of condiments, but those were scarcely needed - the sliders stood well on their own. The weck roll doesn't seem to be quite an authentic weck roll, but I'm not an expert, and it serves the purpose well enough.
I probably could have done with another order of sliders, but I saved the extra room for one of the several varieties of White Russians (hey - a place called Lebowski's, and you aren't going to order a White Russian?).
Altogether a pleasant experience, and I'm glad we made the choice. Parking was also ample, which can be an issue in this area of town. The only downside is that it's not a larger space (that, and for some I could see it being more bar-like may be an issue).
For our group neither was a problem, but I could see where one might be for others. I also wish that I had ordered the garlic fries instead of the mac and cheese as a side. Very tasty (I sampled someone else's)...
13 Lists
1. Shiki Japanese Restaurant
Stopped into Shiki one…
2. Hibachi Grill
Housed in an old Pizza…
3. Ichiban Japanese Seafood &…
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There isn't always a lot…
1. Chen's Bistro
The earlier reviews are…
2. Dragon House Chinese Buffet
Sure, you can find places…
3. Fontanella Italiano Ristorante
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Showing my age - at least…
My wife and I arrived a bit early - perhaps too early, as the staff was still milling about and getting ready - and came in the side entrance, rather than the front. This wasn't on purpose, but actually allowed us to check the place out from a different vantage. In retrospect, we probably should have come in the front, because we didn't get to see it from the "right" side until we were leaving, and that's a shame.
After making our way to the (complimentary!) bar, the sampler menu started flowing, and we promptly enjoyed the roll-ups (chicken, spinach and steak), pita sandwiches (chicken salad and pimento cheese), grilled shrimp and zucchini on skewers, hummus on cucumber and chocolate cake.
Everything was really tasty - the most surprising of all was the spinach roll-up. Not that I don't like spinach (far from it), but I probably wouldn't order a spinach roll-up, instead opting for chicken or steak. But it was really good all on its own. Adding chicken (a small extra charge) would make it even better. The pimento cheese came in a close second, but it was just a little light - would have been better with something extra (like chicken or something to make it heartier).
As if the food wasn't good enough, the staff was excellent. Of course it was a controlled environment, but they were really friendly - Lauren met us at the door, and though they didn't have the list out, she welcomed us right from the start. There were plenty of others, and I'm sorry for not mentioning them here.
We'll definitely be back for a regular meal soon.