Tag: Burgers

  • Fleetwood at Saylorville (Polk City, IA) Review

    Fleetwood at Saylorville (Polk City, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    06/11/2023 Fleetwood at Saylorville

    Had coupons since hearing about someone going to a live band here and following on Facebook – and were in the area after Mass one evening, so gave it a try.

    The first challenge was finding the place. While our phone map took us to the entrance…it isn’t super clear how to get to the restaurant and we had a couple of false starts. First at the marina office near the road and then we turned around on the winding path before getting to the restaurant thinking it was leading nowhere. Just keep driving – you will eventually get there…

    Once we finally found the restaurant, the view was great and probably the largest draw – hard to top relaxing at a table with food and drink while watching the lake and boaters. The facilities are what you might expect for a seasonal dock business with public access…functional, simplistic and a little crude – not what you would find in even an average place on land.

    With that said, we found the drink selection and the food to be above average. We each ordered burgers (see pictures) to use our coupon. We both shared samples with each other and found them both to be solid – soft, moist buns, fresh toppings, crispy fries and good flavor.

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  • Exile Brewing Company Review (Des Moines, IA)

    Exile Brewing Company Review (Des Moines, IA)

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.5* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    04/29/2023 Exile Brewing Company

    This is my wife’s favorite brewery in town and we’ve been here a number of times, but finally getting around to writing a review. On this trip, it was a stop at the end of the Lemon Trail Ride, as the cold, wind and rain caused us to cut the ride a little short.

    We started with an order of Exile Fries (see picture) as we have always enjoyed them on previous visits – and today was no exception, crispy and so flavorful! We also shared a Spinach & Artichoke Dip (see picture) and it to, was delicious and highly recommended!

    For our meals, we ordered the Exile Burger w/ Truffle Fries (see picture) and Sweet Chili Shrimp Tacos w/Brussels Sprouts (see picture). As we always do, we shared tastes of each dish and both thought that everything was delicious. They have very good Brussels Sprouts here that we often order as an appetizer, but given the other appetizers today, we enjoyed them as a side instead – definitely try these if you haven’t already.

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  • Merlins Rest Pub (Minneapolis, MN) Review

    Merlins Rest Pub (Minneapolis, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    04/07/2023 Merlins Rest Pub

    Our son recommended this place for a Good Friday dinner of fish. He made reservations online for us, only to find out upon our arrival that they ignore the online reservations on the weekend. They were quite busy and we ended up waiting 20 minutes for a table. The good news is that they have a good selection of Irish / British tap beers, so sipping on them helped pass the time while we waited. The neighborhood was average – some boarded up businesses but generally clean and we felt safe during the dinner hour.

    Once seated, we first ordered appetizers to share – a Basket of Crisps (see picture) and a Cauliflower Bites (see picture). The Basket of Crisps were tasty – light and quite crispy, with a delicious accompanying sauce. The Cauliflower Bites were also quite tasty – crispy outside and a little crunch left on the cauliflower inside, with just the right amount of buffalo sauce.

    For our main courses, most of us ordered the British Fish & Chips (see picture), which had the fish pieces tossed in vinegar and wrapped in paper. I found the 2 piece to be more than enough to eat, especially after sharing a couple of appetizers – but also enjoyed the added cole slaw on the side. My wife stuck with the Yankee Fish & Chips (see picture), unwrapped, crispy and not tossed in vinegar. We thought that both versions of the fish tasted very good – so it depends on whether you like vinegar or not when you make your selection.

    Service was average, as we found ourselves looking for our waitress a few times for water, silverware and condiments, but will admit that it was also packed for dinner – so she was quite busy.

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  • Wahlburger’s @ HyVee (Grimes, IA) Review

    Wahlburger’s @ HyVee (Grimes, IA) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    03/27/2023 Wahlburger’s @ HyVee (Grimes, IA)

    I’ve stopped here a few times for Happy Hour on the way home from work and finally took the time for pictures to document the trip tonight. My wife joined me and we each enjoyed a half priced tap while waiting for our food.

    We ordered the Boneless Chicken Wings in sweet chili sauce (see picture), Bone-In Wings in Buffalo sauce (see picture) and Cheese & Bacon Tots (see picture). While the chicken wings had a little more breading than I would prefer, I liked both the boneless and bone-in – with the flavor of both being great. As to the Cheese & Bacon Tots, while there weren’t that many of them – they tasted fantastic (creamy, cheesy and delicious) and were cooked perfectly.

    This place is definitely worth a stop for good food and value pricing – especially during Happy Hour!

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  • Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    03/15/2023 Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers

    Since finding this place in the Pub Pass last year and hearing a good recommendation on their burgers from our neighbor, I’ve been anxious to give it a try. We had the chance this week while my brother and sister-in-law were visiting, so stopped by to try out their Happy Hour.

    While admittedly it doesn’t look like much from the exterior (see pictures), the decor of the interior was unique (see pictures). They have a very good selection of tap beers (see picture) and their most unique drink was their Old Fashioned Slushy (see picture), which I ordered at the suggestion of our server and thoroughly enjoyed.

    We already had plans to eat dinner elsewhere, so we just ordered Buffalo Cauliflower (see picture). The initial smell made us think that it was going to be extremely spicy but after tasting it, we found it to be a good balance and quite tasty. I look forward to the opportunity to stop by another time for a burger.

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  • Lachele’s Fine Foods (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Lachele’s Fine Foods (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    02/16/2023 Lachele’s Fine Foods

    Saw that this place won best Burger in town (specifically recommending the Smashburger) in Cityview, so asked our neighbors to join us and ventured downtown for dinner after the big snowstorm. Given the name, I was expecting a fairly high-end and expensive place – so was a little surprised when we walked in to see a colorful retro-diner decor.

    While one of the servers shared that a previous reviewer had made disparaging remarks about the workers appearance, I’ve shared in my online profiles that I enjoy servers with some character, opinions on the food and a story to tell. I found the atmosphere to be quite inviting with friendly and professional workers looking for ways to be of service to their customers.

    Given the award and recommendation for smashburgers, I ordered the Uncle Denny (see picture). I loved the soft, moist bun and found the Duke’s mayo & pepper jelly to be the perfect level of spice to complement the smashburger and bun. The included fries were also very good – great combination of crispiness on the outside, yet soft inside.

    My wife ordered The Big Gym with Tots (see picture) and also enjoyed it – commenting especially on how good the tots were. She liked the fact that the tots were nice and crispy on the outside and not soft / soggy. Our neighbor ordered the The Chili Charles (see picture) open-faced chili burger on Texas Toast and also enjoyed it. Admittedly, it looked so good that I think that is what I will try on our next visit.

    The pricing, including $5 tap beers, seemed reasonable and the burgers were top-notch. A great retro-diner experience that you will want to try!

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  • Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (Clearwater Beach, FL) Review

    Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (Clearwater Beach, FL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    01/14/2023 Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

    This was my 3rd visit to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – all with my son while visiting him in Tampa. This time, we have a VRBO and stayed on Clearwater Beach within a mile of the restaurant.

    We started with an order of General Antonio bacon wrapped Scallops (see picture) – have enjoyed them before and once again, they did not disappoint. My wife ordered a bowl of the She Crab Soup (see picture) that we shared and both found to be delicious (very thick and rich).

    For the main meal, my wife and I shared The Three Kings pan sauteed grouper (see picture) and found it every bit as good as the description. My Mom ordered the Seafood Pot Pie (see picture) and loved it, while my Dad had to be talked into the Old School grouper sandwich instead of the hamburger he wanted…but really liked it.

    For dessert, we shared a piece of Keylime Pie – and I’d highly recommend you have a piece before you leave on your next visit. As you can tell from our multiple visits, we really enjoy this place and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for dinner on the beach.

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  • Waveland Cafe West Booneville Bar (Booneville, IA) Review

    Waveland Cafe West Booneville Bar (Booneville, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    01/04/2023 Waveland Cafe West Booneville Bar

    A great little ‘dive bar’ just southwest of the Des Moines metro. We rode here with friends who have eaten here before and were impressed with the food. They specialize in breakfast, advertise 1/2 pound hamburgers and have adjoined cafe and bar areas so you can enjoy a burger in the bar or a drink in the cafe.

    We were there for dinner and decided to go with their 1/2 pound burgers. Our neighbors said that was the only way to go, as they had ordered the smaller one once and were disappointed. Specifically, I ordered the big Hot Pepper Cheeseburger (see picture) and my wife ordered the big Wavelands Breakfast Burger (see picture). We shared and both enjoyed both burgers…so would highly recommend both of them based on your tastes. The buns were lightly toasted on the grill, the fries were crispy and there was plenty to eat.

    If you’d like to get out of the hustle of the big city and enjoy a tasty burger in a relaxed environment, give this place a try.

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  • The Walrus Restaurant (Bismarck, ND) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    Had lunch here while visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Bismarck and enjoyed the stop…good food and a good beer selection.  While we found the atmosphere a little dark to our liking (low light levels made reading the menu difficult) the quality and taste of the food was great!

    The complimentary table bread and butter (see picture) was basic but good.  For my lunch, I kept it simple and light…going for the Turkey Sandwich with Pepper Jack cheese (see picture).  While the bread was basic bakery loaf style, the sandwich was fresh and tasted great!

    Other than bringing your own light to read the menu (if you are over the age of 50 like us), you will enjoy a stop here – great food and service.

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

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  • Taps Fish House & Brewery (Brea, CA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    We enjoyed dinner here with a business group on a recent visit.  It was near our hotel, had a good selection of tap beer and everyone at the table enjoyed the food.

    For dinner, I kept it light and ordered the Beet and Goat Cheese salad (see picture) and would highly recommend it!  For dessert, several of us shared a creme brulee…and it is also highly recommended!

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

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  • Galena Brewing Company (Galena, IL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    Really enjoyed our stop here during our stay.  The beer selection was good (see Flight picture), the buffalo chicken wings tasted very good and the value was good.

    You’ll enjoy your stop here… great food, service and value.

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

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  • Zora Bar & Rooftop (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    5.0* (out of 5)

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 5*

    Wow…what a great place!  We had guests in town, so we were bouncing around downtown looking for some unique experiences for them and boy did this place hit the mark!

    They just opened in August of 2021 so the building is almost new and we got there for the first day that the rooftop was open this Spring.  The whole place was so open and modern…lots of open garage doors, plenty of black metal works for railings, etc. (see pictures) and a great sound system.  It was mid-afternoon on a weekday, so we had the VIP level all to ourselves.  We had to go down a level to refresh our drinks, but what a view from the top.

    The best part of all (and make sure you do this while you are there) was when Angie showed up with the ice shot glasses.  The shot glasses are literally made of ice filled with your favorite shot.  They are delivered to a platform by the stairs with black bells about 15′ away.  The object is to drink the shot (be careful, the ice shot glasses are very slippery in your warm hand ), then throw the empty shot glass at one of the bells, trying to ring them.  I have videos, but can’t post them to the review…believe me, it is fun!

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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)

    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.

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    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)

    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.

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    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)

    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)

    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)!

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

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  • Saints Pub & Patio (Waukee, IA) Review

    Saints Pub & Patio (Waukee, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    09/04/2021

    We stopped here for an early dinner after golfing and both enjoyed our meals (see pictures).  The Saturday college football games were on the multiple TVs and we enjoyed sitting at an outside table.

    I ordered the Blackened Salmon and my wife ordered the Shrimp Tacos – the salmon was moist and tasty and the shrimp tacos were spicy and delicious.  Although the salmon was cooked to near perfection, I especially enjoyed the rice…not sure if it was a special variety or just cooked to the shorter end of the range, but it was plump and also firm.

    This place is definitely worth a stop to give it a try.

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

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  • The Boiler Room (Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.5* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    8/14/2021

    Shout out to Megan and crew!  We were celebrating my friends Birthday and came into Boiler Room, not knowing they were closing in 15 minutes; Megan was so gracious and made us feel so welcome!  Service and hospitality was stellar!!  We highly recommend making the Boiler Room a must do when you are in Downtown Fargo!

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

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  • Rock Elm at the Grove (Maple Grove, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    8/8/2021

    Stopped to take advantage of the CraftApp special and enjoyed the atmosphere and tap beer selection (see pictures).  The service was good and the beer was cold.  They have $5 beers for Happy Hour every day from 3-6 and after 9.

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

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  • Lava Burgers and Wings (Owatonna, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    8/6/2021

    Stopped here while driving through to Minneapolis and we’re impressed with the Volcano Burger.  The burger was large as was the helping of french fries.  I didn’t plan to eat but ended up eating half of it to help my wife.  Both the burger and the fries (crispy, seasoned crust and soft inside) were delicious.

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

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