The Food and Drink Guy

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  • Say Cheese Mac & Melt (West Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    After seeing a Facebook post of a morning TV live cooking event from my 1st cousin which featured her son cooking for the hosts, I had to try this place.  Anything that combines bbq meat and cheese has got to be good…

    The building and atmosphere were great…modern, clean, vibrant – with a little country music playing in the background.  You order at the counter, then take a number and they deliver it to your table.  I loved the presentation – a heavy cast iron skillet preloaded with a real metal fork…ready to be enjoyed.

    Per Parker’s recommendation, I ordered the BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese with Carolina Reaper cheese added – the ‘Parker Special’.  Boy was it delicious – moist, flavorful pulled pork, tangy bbq sauce, creamy cheese…and a little bite from the Carolina Reaper cheese!  I highly recommend this restaurant and this dish and can’t wait to return to try some other options.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • The Operating Room (Ankeny, IA) Review

    Rating: 3 out of 5.

    3.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 3*

    We stopped here with my sister-in-law, hey boyfriend and get daughters before they left town and enjoyed the stop.  

    Not being a huge arcade fan myself, the highlight of the stop for me was the Peanut Butter Cup Slushie.  It was delicious and I highly recommended it.  They also had a reasonable selection of tap beers, of which we sampled several.

    If you are into arcade games or want to entertain some teenagers for a few hours, this is a good stop.  There were a few 20-something couples there, but other than the alcohol, it seemed tailored to the teenagers and younger.  It would likely be a different atmosphere later in the day when only 21 and over are allowed.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano (Maple Grove, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 5*

    We met our son here for his Birthday dinner (his venue choice) and like every visit at several different Biaggi’s…we really enjoyed our stop.  The service is always excellent and the cloth napkins are appreciated.

    Being a Friday during Lent, I ordered the Dijon Salmon (see picture) and my wife ordered the Seared Scallop Risotto.  The salmon was a little overcooked, as it was not very juicy but the scallops and risotto were fantastic – they are highly recommended.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Porter Creek Hardwood Grill (Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    One of the best restaurants in Fargo.  This place is top-notch, with great food, service, place settings and cloth napkins.  Tonight I enjoyed Salmon along with Cream Caramel Cheesecake.

    Update following another visit…still great food and service.  There was a mixup on assigning a waitress to our table, initially causing a delay.  However, after they discovered the system error, they apologized and comped our appetizer.  I ordered the chicken and brie sandwich and my wife ordered the hanger steak.  I thought the chicken sandwich was very good…but the hanger steak was fantastic – extremely tender and full of flavor, as were the potatoes with horseradish sauce.  I highly recommend both meals.

    Update from March 2022:
    Once again, we left impressed after another great visit.  This time we enjoyed the great value of the late night 1/2 price drinks and apps Happy Hour.  We ordered Walleye Fingers and Seared Ahi and both were absolutely delicious and highly recommended.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Clear Sky on Cleveland (Clearwater, FL) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Our son picked this place for a late lunch on the way to the aquarium and boy, did we enjoy our meal!

    The exterior was beautiful (see front and back entrance pictures) and the Corazón Buffalo Trace Barrel Aged Reposado tequila drinks sign immediately captured my attention.  The bar was will stocked, the atmosphere was festive and the decor was modern and well lit.

    We first shared Pork Dumplings, then my wife ordered the Fort Harrison Steak and I opted for the Half Buffalo Chicken Salad.  All of the food was every bit as good as it looks in the pictures and then some…I highly recommend all of them.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Yeoman’s Cask & Lion (Tampa, FL) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    5.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 5*

    Our son picked this place to meet for dinner when we were visiting and boy was ita great choice!  It was very lively, modern, open and chic as we walked up (see pictures) and it only got better from there.

    We initially ordered the Scotch Eggs and all thought they were great.  We had a hard time deciding on the main course (so many great looking dishes to choose from), but I eventually settled on the UK Meatloaf.  I’m not a huge meatloaf fan, but this was fabulous – so light, crumbly and delicious that I was sad when it was gone.

    If you do only one thing while here, do NOT leave without having The Yeoman Dessert.  That sticky toffee pudding just might be the best dessert I’ve had ever and the rest were also delicious.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk (Naples, FL) Review

    Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk (Naples, FL) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: n/a

    2/26/2022

    Worth a stop for a fully shaded stroll on the boardwalk.  The water was low when we stopped, so we didn’t see as much wildlife as the locals saw a few weeks earlier, but still plenty to see and learn.  The pond at the end (see picture) did have an alligator out sunning when we got there.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

  • Bahama Breeze (Lutz, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped here on the way to visit friends and enjoyed the casual and open atmosphere as well as the Ultimate Margarita and food.  I ordered the 1/2 Jerk Chicken Sandwich and my wife ordered the Blackened Fish Tacos with Seafood Chowder.

    I enjoyed the Jerk sandwich, but found it a little dry – as it apparently used a dry rub for seasoning and I expected the more traditional red sauce.  My wife’s Ultimate Margarita was fantastic (I tried a few sips), as were the Blackened Fish Tacos and Seafood Chowder.  The chowder was light and flavorful without coming across as salty.  The waiter recommended both (for good reason) and so would I.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Winchester Public House (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 3*

    Very impressive stop on a night out with friends.  Excellent selection of alcohol behind the bar and a reasonable tap beer selection.  The drinks aren’t cheap, but the modern, chic atmosphere is worth the stop to experience.  The service was slow, but likely due to how busy they were at the time.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Yucatan Beach Stand Bar (Fort Myers Beach, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped here for brunch before the beach and loved the atmosphere and food.  On the way in, we saw a friendly artist touching up the store sign (see picture) – who was more than happy to be a part of my review.

    We started with drinks and chips, guacamole and salsa (see picture).  The guacamole was great, but the chips seemed a little over cooked.  For lunch, I had the Shrimp Ceviche and my wife had the Blackened Shrimp Quesadillas (see pictures).  We really enjoyed both dishes – the ceviche was served with what seemed like a balsamic vinaigrette that tasted great as an add on, even though I hadn’t ever had it before.

    With the good selection of tap beers, tasty food and reasonable prices, I recommend it for a stop to eat.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Agave Grill (Clive, IA) Review

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    3.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 2*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    We stopped here based on the recommendation of a friend and while the food was very good, I really like a tequila drink with my meal and this place doesn’t serve any alcohol.

    Secondly, this will sound odd, but both my wife and I agreed that it was probably the most uncomfortable table that we’ve ever sat at in a restaurant.  The bench seats were way too wide and there was barely any room between the table and the bench or between the two benches – our feet were constantly on top of each other’s.  We both commented about how much our butts hurt from sitting there, although it didn’t help that we waited over 30 minutes for our food.

    We started with the complimentary chips and salsa (see picture) – the salsa was average and the chips were below average…powdery-looking and lacking flavor.  I had individual Mexican style tacos that reminded me of Street tacos…small, moist and delicious corn tortillas that were the highlight of my visit.  My wife had the Shrimp Quesadillas and they were also very tasty.

    My bottom line…the cooked food was good, so if you plan to take it home and make your own paloma / margarita, you will enjoy – I just can’t recommend it for dining in given the items cited above.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • The Hall (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    3.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 3*

    We have been wanting to stop here for months following several recommendations and finally got our chance last night.  First off, you have to be ok with the open table seating common in many German bier halls and restaurants (long tables with benches that multiple parties share).  Secondly you order food from the QR code that is stamped on your table and then go up to the counter to pick it up once it’s ready.  Lastly and even though the bartender didn’t suggest this, rather than wait for all the beers to scroll through on the monitors above the bar you can log into Untappd and locate The Hall under venues to see the full list.

    We started with several beers (great selection, but pricey given that many come in 10oz glasses) and an order of Fried Brussel Sprouts.  The Brussel Sprouts and the aeoli we’re delicious and I highly recommend them when you go.

    For my meal, I ordered the Red Lager Brat with pretzel bun and a separate side order of sauer kraut.  As my last name would indicate I have a lot of German heritage and I loved both the sausage and the sauerkraut.  My wife ordered the Chicken Schnitzel with Curry Fries and we both really enjoyed them also.  The chicken was very moist and the curry ketchup on the fries wasn’t overpowering.

    The only real negative that we experienced was when we ordered a mixed drink before leaving.  My wife wanted a Paloma and while they couldn’t make that they said they could make a margarita.  The margarita came in a standard 16 oz beer glass, had a mushy brown and yellow lime wedge on the edge and my wife really disliked the flavor…thinking that something was missing.  Needless to say I would not recommend ordering a margarita here – go for the beer selection and German food.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East (Madison, WI) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    My wife found this place while we were in Madison for a wedding and boy are we glad that we went!  In addition to the good beer selection, the food was fantastic and the service was good, albeit slow due to how busy it was.

    My wife ordered the Pulled Pork Burrito (see picture) and I ordered the Rip Rip Cheesy Mac (see pictures).  Both were delicious – juicy, rich and flavorful.  I really liked the Rip Rip Chicken on top of the macaroni and cheese, so if I went back I would probably try that by itself.

    This place is definitely worth a stop when you are downtown in Madison.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • F&Os – Felix & Oscars (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    We stopped here based on a recommendation from new friends who tried it over 20 years ago and loved it.

    We started with the Oscar Fries, as we were hungry and ready to start eating.  They were delicious!  We weren’t sure about the red onion toppings, but ended up really liking the combination.

    Our friends recommended the deep dish pizza, so based on our server’s suggestion, we went with the Combo and really enjoyed it.  I would describe the crust as more along the lines of Bisquick pizza crusts I’ve made in the past (as opposed to more like bread), but it was really good.

    As a bonus they had a pretty good selection of tap beers – and we sampled several.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Wahlburgers @ HyVee (Waukee) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped for a beer before picking up my groceries.  Service was good and the beer was delicious.

    Update: Stopped for Happy Hour beer and appetizers tonight and were impressed with the quality of the food and the value.

    We ordered traditional Buffalo Wings and Our Burger Nachos and thought they were both very good.  The chips were thin and light with just enough toppings and the wings were meaty, moist and delicious.  Given the half price values it is definitely worth a stop during Happy Hour!

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  • Ford’s Garage (Orlando, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 3*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Stopped here with our adult children while on vacation and staying nearby.  Although we admittedly aren’t big Ford fans, the restaurant was very unique and the food was delicious.

    From the unique urinals, sink and door handles in the men’s roomto the hose clamps around your napkins / silverware to the oil funnel holding the onion rings (see pictures), everything about this place was very unique and fitting for a garage setting.

    The food took plenty long to be delivered and we had a quality issue with one of the burgers, but they were good about replacing it and the replacement was great.

    You will definitely enjoy the atmosphere here (and Tyler provided great service)!

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • The Boathouse (Lake Buena Vista, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped for drinks and snacks during our visit and enjoyed the experience.  Of special note was the Lucky Dux drink with a floating duck (see picture) and the Oysters on the half shell.  Both were very good and the view was fantastic.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Amorette’s Patisserie (Lake Buena Vista, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 5*

    Everything about this place oozes premium / quality.  We were already full when we got here, so I just ordered a salted caramel eclaire.  There packaging and presentation were amazing and the taste was great!  Of you like your sweets…you’ll want to make sure you stop here before you leave the area.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Coca Cola Store (Orlando, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    Stopped here on our way out to try the ice cream floats that we had heard so much about.  We wanted to stick with an ice cream option, so went with the Cold Brew Caramel Float and loved it.  You won’t go wrong with a stop here…

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Outskirtz Bar (Cumming, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 3*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    We stopped here for a diaper party this weekend and were impressed with the modern building and friendly service.  We enjoyed our stay and the nachos from The Chicken across the street were also good.  We would definitely go back again.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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