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Reviews

Recent reviews by Jim M. - Page 1 of 2
Restaurant Name City
Rating
Carlos O'Kelly's Iowa City, IA
The service is generally good. It used to be all non smoking, but they changed back to 1/2 & 1/2 around May of 2003. The only complaint I have about that is that for part of their non-smoking area you have to go smack dab through the bar (smoking area). But if you say something they'll take you the other way and you won't have to fool with it. As for the food I think it's quite good. Much better than fast food dining.
Village Inn Iowa City, IA
In general it's good sit-down eating. Typical menu including ranges of American entres, and plenty of breakfast items. Late night service can be hit and miss, but doesn't take away from the overall eating experience.
Airliner Pizza & Restaurant Iowa City, IA
I've gotten delivery frequently from Airliner (thanks to my wife) and personally I think it's hit and miss. When we get pizza I usually think it's quite good. However, when we get entres it is typically cold by the time it gets to us, and we only live about 1.5 miles from the restaurant. I don't suggest it as a first choice delivery, but their eat in would be right around average.
Pancheros Iowa City, IA
Their burritos are inded huge, and they make their tortillas fresh. Their overall menu is limited, but they are very good at what they do - Burritos, Burritos, Burritos.
La Casa Ltd Iowa City, IA
Quality of food is a step above Carlos O'Kelly's but it's location makes it less of an impulse choice. Their service has always been professional and prompt.
Mondo's Sports Cafe Iowa City, IA
Very good pasta. In fact, top notch. Their bread is always incredibly fresh, and makes for a unique (free) appetizer when used with oil, pepper, and parmesan.
Highlander Prime Grille Iowa City, IA
We found this restaurant to be surprisingly poor. I had always heard very good reviews among friends, and we chose to eat there after an inlaw's wake (not close family, so grief wasn't a factor with this review). Just to set one thing straight before I rant, our waitress was VERY professional, and very appologetic about our experience. However, we had a part of approximately 12 people. The restaurant was relatively empty with only 2 other people there when we arrived. Our initial drink order was taken immediately by the pleasant waitress. However, after our drink order a group of approximately 8 people arrived. Subsequently our service response time took a nose dive. Now remember, there are at this point approximately 22 to 24 people in the entire restaurant at 7:30pm on a Wednesday. Service calls to our table now stretched to 20 to 25 minutes between each one, and by the time our food arrived it was VERY cold - much of it undercooked. I spoke with the assistant manager, as a full manager was not on site, and he was entirely clueless as to what to do. He continually walked back to the bar to call someone (presumably the full manager) to confir about each segment of our conversation. Needless to say the entire meal ended up being comped. But considering that the best thing about the meal was the water, that doesn't say much. I would be very cautious about patroning this Hotel Restaurant.
Sams Pizza Iowa City, IA
Above average - off the beaten path pizza place. But considering this is a college town that isn't surprizing. Their prices are good for what you get, and I've never had a bad pizza.
Charlie's Bar & Grill Coralville, IA
Very average food for a bar & grill. I agree that as a bar the atmosphere is actually very fun. Good music and plenty of games to play with a group of friends. But their food beyond appetizers is hit and miss at best.
Chili's Bar & Grill Coralville, IA
It's location is great - next to the mall. Their sandwiches are very good in both taste and size - combining with very reasonable cost to make for a good value. Their appetizers range from the economical, but very tasty, bottomless bowl of tortilla chips (salsa is free, but I recommend spending the 2 bucks to get the queso dip MMMMMMM good), to quesadias and egg rolls. They also have boneless buffalo chicken, which is superb.
Hunan Restaurant Coralville, IA
I'm not typically a Chinese food eater, but I have to admit that the range of choices (and their preparation / flavor) is very good. Their spices typically do not hit the top of the fire scale (which I personally would change) but they have very good flavor throughout. Their service is always very friendly, and professional, although if you have specific requests (or are just looking for your party that has arrived already) please be patient as they are indeed "authentic" Chinese servers. (Kudos to that!)
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Coralville, IA
I'll start with my one and only complaint about it - their idea of a barrier between smoking and non is a 4 foot high partition. And all I'll say about that is DUH (well maybe also if you get a non smoking booth next to it ask politely to be moved). Now as for the food, I think it's about 2 steps above average. I'm a farmer who is very familiar with home grown beef, and for a chain location theirs is well above average. It is also prepared to your specifications almost flawlessly. I tend to like the decor (wood floors and Western theme), but I was very glad when they did away with the line-dancing for their servers. Way too corny. Their appetisers are good, but if you don't like greasy, I'd stay away from them. Personally I gobble them up. Usually a line to get in at the typical times of week, but it always moves relatively fast.
Mondo's Coralville, IA
Their pasta dishes rival anything in town (even Olive Garden), and their bread is to die for. Their service is typically above average, and they are 100% non smoking (at least they were as of July 2003 - my last visit). My only regret is that I don't think of eating there as often as I'd like.
Panera Bread Coralville, IA
You won't expect such good bread / bagels in a mall restaurant. Their bagels are outstanding, if not typically overpriced. But after a day of fighting idiot shoppers it provides a welcome respit.
Perkins Restaurant Coralville, IA
Overall a C- or even a D+ for a Perkins. I usually love to eat at this chain, but this particular one does indeed have it's problems. The portions are typically smaller than the average Perkins, and their food preparation can be hit and miss. It is OK if you aren't expecting too much, but don't be prepared to be blown away.
Iowa River Power Co Coralville, IA
The food can range from Outstanding to Average. The service has always been above average, and their prices are in line with a slightly above scale restaurant. My parents tend to choose it as their first choice when in town, and we have a special occasion. It has a nice atmosphere, with a good view of the river. I've never walked away dissapointed (although frequently over-full).
Sluggers Neighborhood Grill Coralville, IA
Good to great sandwiches, and their onion ring appetiser plate is always very hot (which is surprising considering it is out to you almost as fast as you can order it). If you want their food during a sporting event, however, I'd recommend ordering takeout - it is packed. Otherwise it has average attendance, with zero to average wait during peak times.
Pines Steak House Atlantic, IA
This restaurant used to be an awesome small town (moderate scale) steak house with a wait on weekends that could be upwards of 2 hours. HOWEVER, since a change of ownership in the late 80's or early 90's it has become average at best. It is still a good place to get a decent steak, seafood, or chicken - and is above average for the location - but it won't blow your mind. If you want a similar menu, but much better preparation, atmosphere, and overall experience travel the 20 miles east to The Redwood in Anita.
La Casa Grande Atlantic, IA
A surprisingly good Mexican themed restaurant for this size town (7 to 8 thousand residents). Their food is always fresh, and very reasonably priced.
Subway Atlantic, IA
Typical Subway chain fair. They have limited eat-in space however, so plan on getting it to go. Their service is friendly an above average amount of the time.