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Dan "Fat Tony" E.'s Profile

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"And the horse you rode in on!"

Elite 2009

profile votes icon Review votes:
54 Useful, 18 Funny, and 32 Cool

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Yelping Since

November 2005

Things I Love

a nice scotch, laughter from good friends, smelling rain-drenched desert, good (warm) sake

My Hometown

Tucson, AZ

My Blog Or Website

http://www.danesparza.us

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm going out on a date with my wife to find more stuff to yelp about

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I know good food.

My Second Favorite Website

http://del.icio.us

The Last Great Book I Read

Watership Down.

My First Concert

Rob Base

My Favorite Movie

Real Genius.  I want to be Val Kilmer some day.

My Last Meal On Earth

Jade Red Chicken at Chino Bandido

Recent Reviews

37 Reviews

Filter by: Location   Category
4508 N. 7th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 476-2475

180 Degrees Automotive, Inc.  

Categories: Auto Repair, Specialty Schools

5 star rating
 10/30/2009  
Pleasantly surprised by Bogi, Louie and her shop today.  

I was having some problems getting my car started and not only did Bogi ask me if I wanted to come out into the shop to see what she had found, but she was friendly and informative.  

Normally I have to ask to be shown things in other shops, and I feel like I'm really asking for a lot when I do this.

Turned out it was a loose battery connector and no charge to me.  (I'm a dork)

I dig honest, prompt, and courteous service -- so I'll definitely be back with more automotive service requests in the future.

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8660 E Frank Lloyd Wright B
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 922-6300

Sun Devil Auto  

Category: Auto Repair

1 star rating
 Update - 10/26/2009 1 photo  
Yep.  I think they have changed management in the last year.  I have had 2 awful experiences with them in the last month.  More updates to come shortly.

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1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 4 star rating
    3/28/2008 First to Review

    I was driving with my wife about 2 weeks ago when the front end of my Suburban began to squeak as I drove.  A sense of dread overcame me as I realized that the squeak didn't go away, and as the week progressed -- the squeak got worse.  It eventually turned into the dreaded 'brake grind noise' when I would apply the brakes.  (It's kinda like that sound of screeching nails on a chalkboard but worse -- it involves you not being able to stop a large object quickly, too).

    I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but I was pretty sure at least one side of my front braking system was hosed to the point of needing a new brake rotor.

    I discussed the situation with my significant other and I decided I would try doing something that I was totally uncomfortable with (because I had never done it before):  I was going to actually try getting estimates from at least 3 different shops and see which was the best shop to do the repair.  In the end, I got estimates from 4 shops.

    After getting the first shop to let me come join in the initial inspection of the brakes, I knew exactly what repairs needed to be done, and what the first shop was going to charge me for them.  I then thanked them, and let them know I'd be pricing this around -- "so put the wheels back on and I'll be on my way."   It was uncomfortable, but in addition to giving me excellent 'Yelp fodder', it turned out to be a great decision financially.  

    The shop that I finally decided to go with was 'Sun Devil Auto', on Frank Lloyd Wright.  

    Here's why.

    Friendliness / honesty:
    One of the things that struck me about this shop was how friendly they were right off the bat.  I explained that I'd like an estimate, and they were totally OK with spending a little time putting together a nice quote.   Not only that -- they were proactive in discounting the labor costs for me.  Each visit was very friendly, and they recognized me after the first visit.  

    They were also proactive in saving the parts they removed and discussing them with me after the repairs.  As a guy who sometimes does his own repairs on my truck, I can't tell you how much street cred they got from me with this kind of honesty and willingness to share information.  

    Update 4/3/2008:  I actually got a follow-up call from Sun Devil Auto to a.) See how my brakes were doing, and check on the quality of the work and b.) Thank me for my business.    The call came roughly a  week after the work was done.

    Attention to detail:
    Not only did they completely inspect the brake system (which is originally why I brought in the Suburban in the first place) but they also pointed out specific issues with my steering and an issue with my rear axle that I was not aware of.  

    I want to make it clear that these were not high pressure 'upsells'.  The mechanic that I worked with pointed out that these weren't safety issues -- and also pointed out that he didn't think I needed to repair these issues yet, but that it would be wise to save up for them.

    Price:
    Considering the cleanliness of the shop, the amount of repair work done, how quickly the repairs were done, and how thorough they seemed to be in their work, it continues to amaze me that they were so inexpensive.  They turned out to be the 2nd lowest bid (but were almost the lowest).  

    Here is a breakdown of parts / labor and my costs:
    Front disk brakes shoes / pads
    Rear drum brakes shoes / pads
    2 new rear drums
    2 new rotors for the front
    2 new front calipers for the front
    All labor and taxes
    Total cost: $789

    Every other shop I talked to wanted to charge me more money for equivalent (or sometimes less!) parts and labor.

    Quality of workmanship:
    So far, I can say that my truck brakes MUCH better now that the repairs have been completed.  No squeaks, no rattles, no unusual braking patterns.  

    Waiting room experience:
    Their waiting room is everything that you'd like in a waiting room:  Roomy, clean, quiet, cool (it's Arizona, after all) and with a TV, restroom and drinking water.  Why is this formula so hard to reproduce in other car shops?  It's rare to find a shop that has all of these items.

    Summary:
    I would highly recommend this auto shop for basic repairs.  They seem inexpensive, efficient, and friendly.

    The ways they could possibly improve their service?   Provide more free alternatives for food and drink (half a star) and provide an inexpensive or free shuttle for customers dropping off their vehicles (half a star).  

    On the basics of what an auto shop should be (and even a bit more) -- these guys are hitting on all six cylinders.

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85013 Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Summer in Phoenix  

Category: Local Flavor

1 star rating
 8/4/2009 1 photo  
Dear Phoenix,

It's over.  

You make me want to cry, but the tears just won't come... just like any other source of water in this place.  It used to be that your tacos and your hip ice-cream places and your summer rainstorms made up for your sweltering summer oppression.  But this year is different.  This year, you're unrelenting.  

This year, I quit.  

Oh, and you can have your Scottsdale back, too.  I really don't care anymore.

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560 W Brown Road
Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 344-1550

Davis Miles  

Categories: Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law, General Litigation

1 star rating
 3/23/2009   First to Review
One of the worst experiences I've ever had in my life directly involved this law firm.  

To be fair, my wife and I were filing for Bankruptcy, but these folks didn't make the experience any more pleasant.  I actually met with a partner (who we paid for up front!) and she was rude, arrogant, and actually attempted to set my wife and I at each other.

I'll never, EVER, consider them again for any type of service, and I highly recommend that you consult with friends -- hell even your enemies -- before considering setting foot inside this place.

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15111 N Hayden Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 609-1116

Saigon Nites Vietnamese Cuisine  

Category: Vietnamese

4 star rating
 3/12/2009  
Excellent fresh food.  If you're a fan of both meat AND veggies, you'll probably like this place.  Exquisite veggie spring rolls (they're not fried).  Excellent main dishes.  Legendary Pho.  (Pho is a Vietnamese soup, it's not like 'Funky mo-pho')

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2026 N 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 258-3821

Coco's Restaurant  

Category: Restaurants

1 star rating
 3/10/2009  
Um.  No.  

I can't bring myself to give any more than one star.  

Wait staff was absolutely horrible (made us wait very long time before we even got menus, then got distracted when it came time to pay the check).  

I swear this kitchen belongs on kitchen nightmares.  The salad was downright scary (I didn't eat it because I didn't want to get sick), the water glasses had COFFEE STAINS ON THEM (how does that even happen?!), and what edible food there was was simply average.

Manager solicited our feedback then CUT US OFF after we got 3 words out.  (Us: "Well, we kinda ... " Him (interrupting): "Thank you for your business")

Yeah.  If you see this place, don't walk -- RUN to a different restaurant.

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690 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 968-1300

Uno's  

Category: Pizza

2 star rating
 3/10/2009  
Sorely disappointed.  

I used to be a fan, but this barely half-full(at high noon on a Monday!) restaurant just doesn't cut it anymore.

Wait staff was sub-par, food was average, and the prices still conveyed the idea that the management thought they were awesome.

Parking is a royal pain in the butt -- and has clearly had an effect on other nearby businesses.  (This part is no fault of Uno's as far as I know).

If given a choice for a tasty business lunch, look elsewhere.

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7366 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 922-7482

Pita Jungle  

Categories: Vegetarian, Greek, Mediterranean

5 star rating
 3/10/2009  
Simply fabulous.  

Showed up on a Monday night (of all times) and this place was hopping.  As in packed.  As in - the only seats were outside.  

I was pleasantly surprised with attentive wait staff, inexpensive prices, and absolutely amazing food.  

Had the hummus, the Falafel Pita, and some Baklava.  I highly recommend it all.

You definitely have a new fan.

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9635 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 395-0591

US Post Office  

Category: Post Offices

1 star rating
 12/20/2008   First to Review
Absolutely horrendous.  This post office will lose your mail (repeatedly), laugh about it to your face, lie about it, blow it off, make it seem like it's your fault and make you wish you had sent it UPS.

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801 N Beeline Hwy
Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 474-3241

Best Western Payson Inn  

Category: Hotels

4 star rating
 2/25/2008 5 photos   First to Review
My wife, 2 kids and I stayed here on two separate day trips.  Once was to see the area around Payson (in November 2007), and once was to see the area around Pine and Strawberry (in February 2008).

Both times were very pleasant, with some nice surprises along the way.  If you're planning on staying in this area, I recommend this hotel, and there are some things you might want to know...

Money:
I stayed here 2 times in what I assume is the off season.  We got a great rate through AAA.   This hotel is reasonably priced compared to other hotels in the area, and is probably the cleanest hotel in the area.  We stayed here for roughly $80 a night both times.

Parking:  
Lots of parking all around the hotel.  If you stay in a room near Forest drive, be aware that there is a fair amount of traffic on that road, even in the late evening.  Parking is not gated / secured, but you can park fairly close to your room.  Parking is not assigned.

The room:
Both times, I stayed in the room with the 2 queen beds.  The rooms were identical.  I think the aspects that impressed me the most were how large and how clean the rooms were.  The first time we stayed here, we did have a problem with the clock (it flashed continuously and didn't display the correct time -- and trust me when I say we couldn't get it to stop flashing).  Both times were quiet during both the day and night.  In the bathroom, the hot water was always hot (even in the winter), the cold water was always cold.   I would have liked a larger tub (I'm a big guy) but I used the shower, and it worked well.

The grounds:
Very quiet, both times I've been here.  Not at all like my horror story from Flagstaff (with train horns every half hour through the whole evening).  I have stayed on both the upper floor and the lower floor.  I would recommend the upper floor if you don't mind lugging your bags upstairs - it's going to be even quieter.  This place is located close to a residential area, so the surrounding area is pretty quiet, too.

Gear / Internet / Miscellaneous :
Wow.  There is a (large) walk-in closet in your room for your ski gear, with hangers etc.  There is apparently free wireless internet access included with your stay (I haven't used it).  There is a hotel gym on-site with a stationary bike, a treadmill and a basic 'machine'.  There are free newspapers available in the front office area

Pets:
This is actually a pet-friendly hotel, but apparently there is a surcharge when you bring a pet.  My family and I have a small dog, but we have not brought it with us here yet (so I can't report how much the fee is).  Both times I stayed here, I didn't hear any noisy pets.  

Food at the hotel:
The continental breakfast at this hotel was simply impressive.  They have doughnuts, fresh toast, yogurts, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, and fresh waffles along with a standard selection of breakfast cereals.
You can eat this in what looks like a quiet german diner.  (Seriously -- it's very german themed).  Considering this is included with your stay, and most hotels consider "throwing mini bagels and water at you" to be "a continental breakfast", I was impressed.  I would have been more impressed to see a selection of fresh fruit, but meh -- you can't have everything.  It's free, and good.

Food near the hotel:
There are some shops within walking distance (across the street) from the hotel -- including a very nice candy shop, but no restaurants as far as I know.  The closest restaurants are about a mile away -- so you need to pile in the car to get something to eat (unless you find a place that delivers).

What I liked best:
I really liked how centrally located this place is -- you can use this as a jumping off point to Strawberry, Pine, Christopher Creek and other areas and come back here in the afternoons.  It's also incredibly quiet and clean for a budget hotel.

When it comes down to it, Payson is a pine-country escape within about an hour and a half from Phoenix.  This hotel is makes your travel into the Arizona north country a very affordable and pleasant one.

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17 Compliments

  • You're Cool

    Bogi is the BEST!

  • Good Writer

    Hey Dan,  Thanks for your review of Bogi & 180 Degrees Automotive.  I use… More »

  • Just a Note

    Got any reviews since your "Summer in Phoenix"?!

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4 Lists

Photo of Mesa Community College Theater Outback

The Places I Go Out

When the sun goes down, you'll find me here.
1.  Mesa Community College Theater…
Outstanding performances…
2.  Rock Bottom Restaurant &…
I admit that I don't…
3.  AMC Theatres: AMC Desert Ridge…
This is our regular movie…
See Full List »

My Neighborhood

My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
1.  Desert Canyon Elementary…
Unless you're paying out…
2.  Starbucks Coffee
In the shade in the…
3.  Barro's Pizza
For those evenings when…
See Full List »

See all lists