Slo D.'s Profile

After driving by this place on HWY 26 for years, and even hearing of it's greatness, I had still never made a conscience decision to ever go. And I think it's for a of couple reasons...

1) It's of the north side of Sylvan exit. If you don't live in the area, you probably rarely take it, let alone hit the north side.

2) It's only visible from a bustling, usually frustrating highway, and you're probably not paying much attention to restaurants on a hillside. And if you saw it from an Eastbound lane it's already far too late to hit the exit.

Road related troubles aside, at some point along the way, you will remember it, and at that point you should forget what you're doing and go there immediately.

Let's start with the joint itself. Western style motif all the way. Landscape paintings on the walls, lantern style lighting, and lots of good ole wood. Although not too rugged, there are peanut filled buckets in the bar area, which probably seats roughly 25 throughout. The restaurant side has almost all booths, which I think most people prefer. However if tables are your thing there are some available as well as a decent sized outdoor patio featuring many umbrella topped seats.

The menu offers a decent number of choices, but some would say it could be thicker. I feel that they are trying to stick to the classics and that they have everything needed at hand.

I ordered a burger with cheddar cheese, pepper-bacon, and guacamole, fries (included with burger), and a Dr. Pepper. Total of about $11.50.

I usually start in on the fries first to clear some room on my plate for the burger, and boy oh boy were they done right! The perfect amount of salt and seasoning left them just begging to dunked in the cup of ranch. After clearing some room I moved over to the burger. First evenly distributing the guacamole then topping it off with some ketchup and I was good to go. The bacon 'X' definitely marked the spot. Delicious through and through. Not the greatest burger of all time by any means, but a great blend of flavors that left me happy as a clam, err, I mean cowboy. Full sized burger and fries deep and I was stuffed just about right. A nice full belly, but not too much as to put me in a food coma.

I'm sure burger snobs (yes, they're out there) will scoff at Big Red's, but for someone that can enjoy a tasty burger and fries at a decent price, in a comfy atmosphere, you won't be disappointed.

There were a few things of note I found i found interesting as well...

1) The soda's came in small handled glass drinking jars, and were refilled often without having to ask.

2) The cocktail list was actually pretty impressive and fairly unique for a western style restaurant. There were definitely a drink or two that had a limit of 2 per customer. And from what I am told, they are severed in huge glasses making the $7.95 prices well worth it. You will surely need a designated driver if decide to wet your whistle.

3) Sadly, I was surprised not to see a painted saw blade. Western/cabin style restaurants and homes always seem to have some on the walls. However I didn't get a good look at the entire interior so hopefully there is one and I just missed it.

Overall a great experience, and they've made a repeat customer out of me for sure. The next time you're cruising over Sylvan Hill, stop by and give'r a whirl, I think you'll like it.

Donnnn, I told you I'd do it!  You have officially coerced me into joining Yelp.  Someday I won't have be Andrew or the Hoot's +1, haha.  And with that, let's roll...

So I've been tagging along to these events when I can for a few months now. Many of you have probably seen me lurking around with Andrew C or the Hooten sisters. I've met more than a handful of you, and haven't disliked anyone yet, so I figured (to quote Doc Brown in BTTF) 'what the hell.'

Anywho, last night was more than a great time. Big ups to Don, Yelp, SakeOne, and biwa. The food was all incredible, and for someone is a semi-picky eater, to just snag and snack without having to look at what anything is means it's delicious!

The sake was flowing and I dabbled in all the offerings. Having a grandma who is 100% Japanese means I've had my share of sake, and it was nice to chat with their marketing guy Dewey about the differences between new and old, hot and cold, and different brewing techniques.

The mixed drinks were a little too tasty for their own good! Real blackberries made the Blood Bath a favorite, and the Ringo went down like whisky flavored water. Too good!

5 stars to all parties involved.

I'll see you all at the open party.