Category Archives: American (Traditional)

J.T’s Bar & Grill

Posted on by

*** (3 stars)

This place has a pleasant outside eating area. Inside the atmosphere is more sportsbar-ish. The menu is weighted towards burgers, and there didn’t seem to be any salads. The veggie burger I had on a pretzel bun was delicious. The Greek fries were soggy. So, one for two.

Although it’s called a bar and grill, half the menu is breakfast, so I’d return to try that.

Service was friendly.

J.T’s Bar & Grill
1639 Orrington Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-6200
http://www.yelp.com/biz/j-ts-bar-and-grill-evanston

Greek Fire Grill

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

This is a good place for a Chicago Dog, which is pretty much indistinguishable from all the other Chicago Dogs in town. One day I made the several mile round trip walk to the highly rated Mustard’s Last Stand, and couldn’t tell the difference, so now I just stick with (what is now called) Greek Fire Grill.

They have a fairly wide variety of foods, and burgers and greek specialties are also popular, although they are rarely busy.

Greek Fire Grill
1625 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-9453
http://www.yelp.com/biz/greek-fire-grill-evanston-2

Smoke House Restaurant

Posted on by

garlicbread

**** (4 stars)

I’ve been going to the Smoke House since I was a little kid. In fact the one that used to be in Encino was my parents’ regular Saturday night pilgrimage back in the 60s. The Burbank original carries on, pretty much unchanged since 1946. In fact, I’m not sure it’s had a refurbishment since then.

But it’s not new and trendy that one goes seeking at The Smoke House. It’s garlic cheese bread. This recipe has been keeping the place in business for close to 70 years. The bread is super fresh sourdough, coated with butter, garlic and a pungent, crumbly bright orange cheese coating that I’m pretty sure is a mixture of dehydrated cheddar (the stuff that comes in the packet of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese) and parmesan. The reason I can state this with some confidence is that I’ve been trying to duplicate it for 30 years, and I’m getting close!

There’s lots of other stuff at the Smoke House that’s edible: fish and chips, prime rib, crab louis salad, and some tasty cappuccino ice cream. But you wouldn’t go there just for any of that stuff. It’s that addictive orange powder that brings us back, year after year. Never change it!

Smoke House Restaurant
4420 W Lakeside Dr
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 845-3731
http://www.yelp.com/biz/smoke-house-restaurant-burbank

The Lucky Platter

Posted on by

***** (5 stars)

Wow, this place was a double surprise. From the name I thought it would be Chinese, and from the decor I thought it was a greasy spoon. And in fact there is plenty of diner food on offer here, but there are also some amazing dishes.

I opted for the portobello sandwich, which was fabulous. The bun was perfectly grilled, the mushroom had a delightful texture, and the crispy thin onion rings added just the right amount of crunch. The sauce gave it a nice kick, and lettuce and cucumbers added a refreshing layer of cool. Wow, after writing that I’m ready to eat another one.

My sandwich came with a choice of fries, and I selected the gingered fruit. Double wow! The cantaloupe, strawberries, plums and pineapple had been coated with a ginger sauce, and then perked up with cilantro and green onion bits. Creative and delicious.

I’m definitely headed back here to check out breakfast.

The Lucky Platter
514 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 869-4064
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lucky-platter-evanston

Fuddruckers

Posted on by

**** (4 stars)

This Fudrucker’s is much cozier than the one next to the abandoned shopping mall on I-Drive. The burgers and condiment bar are essentially the same.

For the record, my perfect burger is: A bun with some substance, grilled or toasted so it doesn’t get soggy; a char-grilled patty with a slight crust, and not red in the center; melted cheddar cheese; bacon; a flavorful slice of tomato and onion; a leaf of lettuce; pickles or relish; mayo, mustard and ketchup.

I can accomplish all of that here.

Fries are just OK. Shakes are really good, and generous (as they should be, since prices for everything are pretty high).

Fuddruckers
12535 Apopka-Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32808
(407) 778-1934
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fuddruckers-orlando-2

Fuddruckers

Posted on by

artegon fudruckersentrance**** (4 stars)

For the record, my perfect burger is: A bun with some substance, grilled or toasted so it doesn’t get soggy; a char-grilled patty with a slight crust, and not red in the center; melted cheddar cheese; bacon; a flavorful slice of tomato and onion; a leaf of lettuce; pickles or relish; mayo, mustard and ketchup.

By selecting the right condiments from the bar, you can accomplish nearly all of this here.

Fries are just OK, but the onion rings are pretty good. They also have some surprisingly good salads, and the salmon burger is good, too. The elk burger was nothing special. Note that burgers are expensive here, and you will be eating next to an abandoned shopping mall.

Fuddruckers
5250 International Dr., Ste E1
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-6464
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fuddruckers-orlando

Sardi’s

Posted on by

*** (3 stars)

You go to Sardi’s for the history, not the food. It’s probably the same as it’s always been, but standards have changed. However its location right in the theatre district, and the drawings of ancient theatre stars that paper the walls are what it’s all about. My wife loves the spinach cannelloni, but warns that the appetizer portion is plenty.

Sardi’s
234 W 44th St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 221-8440
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sardis-new-york

Bloodhound Brew Pub & Eatery

Posted on by

*** (3 stars)

This place has one of the better outside eating areas in Orlando. It’s expansive, far enough from the street to not have a lot of traffic noise, and open enough that even the slightest breeze wafts through. The menu is a fairly broad array of sports bar food, plus a good selection of beers. Prices aren’t low, but the lunch specials are a good deal, and can include a salad instead of fries. We tried the kielbasa and the sloppy joe with chicken, and both were good. The accompanying salad was actually really good. If you’re in the mood for sports bar food, but want to sit outside, I’d check it out.

Bloodhound Brew Pub & Eatery
5801 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 578-5711
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bloodhound-brew-pub-and-eatery-orlando

J. Alexander’s

Posted on by

*** (3 stars)

A disappointing and not particularly successful copy of Houston’s (now Hilstone’s). Table service is uneven, and the food is just okay. Sandwich pricing is for tourists, so it’s impossible to get lunch for less than about $20 with tip and drink. Happy hour is a good deal, but no better than Morton’s or Flemings, where the steaks and burgers are better.

J. Alexander’s
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-1039
http://www.yelp.com/biz/j-alexanders-orlando

Stonewood Grill & Tavern

Posted on by

***** (5 stars)

I positively love the ambiance at Stonewood. Tables are far appart, it’s fairly quite even when full (as long as you avoid the bar) and it’s… dark! Remember when restaurants used to be intimate? This one still is. Excellent steaks and fish, friendly service, good wines by the glass. I just wish they were still open for lunch.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern
5078 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 297-8682
http://www.yelp.com/biz/stonewood-grill-and-tavern-orlando