Jay "I found it first" T.'s Profile

I've been taking my car to Automax ever since my '06 MINI got out of warranty so this review is not based on one visit. I've had an oil change, my rear brakes replaced and most recently brought it in because my car had stalled as soon as I turned on the A/C. Just prior to it stalling, I smelled a burning smell inside my car. Surely it couldn't be good. So I brought it into Automax.

I've been dealing with Greg ever since I started bringing my car in and he's very personable and is up front with everything. He told me that the AC compressor crapped out and it would cost me X-amount dollars. I wanted to see if his price was comparable to others so I shopped around. This is where they get knocked down multiple stars. They misdiagnosed the problem. It wasn't air conditioning related at all. It ended up being the vibration damper crank pulley, which drives the AC, supercharger and water pump, and had I kept driving, it would've ruined my engine. After the 2nd shop replaced the AC compressor (which they don't think was the problem in the first place) and replaced the vibration damper pulley, they still came in less than Automax's quote.

Don't get me wrong , they are a higher end shop, they have a nice customer lounge with WiFi, they have drop off service and some people appreciate that but after my experience, they've lost my business for failing to find a potentially catastrophic problem.

In a world inundated with Subway and Quizno's franchises, it's always refreshing to find a hole in the wall, independent sandwich shop.

I got the large Italian and I was handed the styrofoam package, I was surprised to feel how heavy it was.  I was blown away by how much you get for $7 and some change.  You get two approximately 7" long half sandwiches which easily blows away anything you get at a franchise sandwich shop.

I never knew how flavorful a sandwich could be given that all it is is meat, bread, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar.  Too bad its all the way in PDR but whenever I'm on the Westside during lunch, this place will be on the top of my list.

I'm sorry to spoil this but this place has nothing on Boiling Crab here in Orange County.  I'm tired of people hyping this place up and I can understand, but having tried this after BC, no contest.

The sauce here is too thin, not very flavorful.  The only thing this place has going for it is the variety of seafood you can get here.

If you guys know anyone in OC, have them bring you to Boiling Crab and you will understand where I'm coming from.

Oh and after reading some of the reviews, if your restaurant is constantly being compared to another similar, more superior restaurant, try harder.

I've heard many things about the Blu LA burger and one afternoon after a job site visit, I found myself close enough to walk here.  I only had one thing in mind, to get the Blu LA burger and compare it to the Office Burger from FO it's so often compared to.

Long story short, in my opinion, the Office Burger still holds the title for "Best Burger in LA".  Now if I've never had the Office Burger, this would probably take the top spot; it's that close.  The cheese and the bacon are definitely very tasty and the bun is super spongy and not too greasy.  The thing that knocks it a notch down from the Office Burger is the meat.  I don't know what they use for the Office Burger, but it's just so damn flavorful, nothing can come close.  I chose to get the salad instead of fries since it was during the week and I was trying to be "relatively" healthy.  The salad was pretty good and the dressing was good as well.  It wasn't doused in the dressing, just enough to accent the greens.

I'd like to try some of the other items on the menu since it's unfair to judge this place solely on its burger.

*DISCLAIMER, this review is only applicable after a night of drinking*

Oh Full House, I've spent so many late nights trying to sober up here.  Since it's on the way home from Hollywood to Orange County and it's open until 3am, it's a convenient place to sober up and fulfill your late night munchies.

Things to try: Westlake tofu soup, salt and pepper calamari, salt and pepper shrimp, mongolian beef, and honey walnut shrimp.  If you try not to think about all the MSG or get a peek of the kitchen on your way to the bathroom, this place is good.

I don't think I'd ever eat here sober or during the day, but if it's after 1:30am on a weekend, you might run into me here.

Whenever I take a trip, I make it a point to only eat at places you can't find anywhere else.  On my recent DC trip, I asked my Twitter friends for a good spot to eat.  More than one person recommended this place so I had to try it.

As I walk in, I'm greeted to hip hop moderately playing in the background.  That was a first for a burger joint.  I ordred an Obama burger, fries and a soda.  I was kind of taken aback when my bill was $13.  The place had the feel of an In n Out, but the prices of The Counter.

The place looks tiny but there's a seating area upstairs.  They hand out pagers like you get at Cheesecake Factory to let you know when your order is ready.  After what seemed like a really long time I got my order.  My first thought, $6+ for this tiny burger?!  But after I had a couple bites, I had to admit it was pretty good.  The roquefort cheese and bacon almost made it worth the $6.  Wished it was a little bigger though.  The fries were good and sprinkled with sea salt.  The place was pretty full but not crowded with everyone watching college football on the 3 flatscreens upstairs.

While the burger was good and the fries were better, I still have to limit it to 3 stars, 3.5 at best.  I felt that it was slightly overpriced, waited a bit too long and while I went downstairs to pick up my food, someone tried stealing my table, even though I purposely left my drink and receipt on my table.  Regardless, the place is good enough for a repeat visit next time I'm in DC.

I recently discovered Which Wich about a month ago when a fellow Yelper recommended it.  It's a 5 minute drive from my apt so I had no reason to not check it out.  If you've never been, ordering a sandwich might be confusing but after staring at it for 5 minutes I think I got the gist of it.  I'll leave it to you to actually go and order but I think it's pretty genius especially if you're particular over what goes into your sandwich.

I've only tried two sandwich there (roast beef and the monte cristo) and I will have to say these are the best sandwiches you can get from a "chain".  The Subways and Quiznos have a reason to be afraid.  Add to this free WiFi and power outlets at every table (most places never get this right), this place gets very close to a 5 star rating.  The only reason why I hold back is because Pot Belly sandwiches on the East Coast holdsthat 5 star place in my heart.

If you love options galore and a great, cheap sandwich, Which Wich is def the place to go.

I can't believe the ratings on this place.  Why so low?  The pizza here is actually pretty damn good.  I'll admit, it's a little pricey but they have daily specials so depending on the day, you can get a good deal.  For you garlic lovers, you can add garlic to your pizza.  And when they bring it out, be sure to ask for a side of garlic butter sauce.  So unhealthy but SO good.  The wings are pretty decent if you're either watching what your eat or aren't in the mood for pizza.

What I REALLY love this place for is their brewery.  They brew their own beer.  They have their usual line up of a red, lager, stout, etc. but I usually try their specialty brews.  The Dopplebock is good from what I remember.  You can have samples to make sure you'll like what you get.  I especially love the really strong beers (9%+).  They limit you to two pints and you can't order pitchers, but the buzz you get from those two beers is nice and not too strong.

When I think back to my days living in Irvine, I will always remember watching football games, Laker games or just having a beer at Lamppost after a day at the pool during the summer.

Not sure why the reviews are a little on the low side.  Then again I've only been here a handful of times.  People say it's too loud to have a conversation.  I've actually come here because The Brig is waaayyyy too loud, so I have no clue what these people are talking about.  Maybe it's the "old" people who consider the music here loud.

I definitely like the feel of this bar.  I love the selection of beers.  This place is definitely not for a novice beer drinker as you won't find anything familiar on tap or in stock.  Prices are very reasonable.  I will keep coming to this place for the beer and atmosphere.

I've been meaning to update this review and I finally found a reason to.  As of 3 or 4 weeks ago, The Crosby now serves hard alcohol.  This might not be a big deal to most but every once in awhile, I'd prefer a cocktail over a beer.  And with the arrival of 80 proof options, they also added a few more taps to their existing Stella and Chimay handles.

I've lived in Santa Ana for about 6 months now and I can easily say that The Crosby has become my version of McClaren's.  It's always the default spot when I decide where in the neighborhood should I drink tonight.  They've also added a few more items to their menu.  The chili cheese sweet potato fries are ridiculously good.

They ALSO have added a happy hour.  Every weekday 5pm-7pm they have a special happy hour menu and drink specials: $2 off wells, $3 sangrias and $1(!) Pabst.

With the addition of the full bar, new menu items and happy hour, I absolutely feel The Crosby deserves a perfect score.  Five stars.