Local Restaurants

[nosefornews]

Over the past years we have seen restaurants (eating places) come and go. In fact, I think one thread on the old site must have had several hundred posts on it...

Russo's, Houston Depot, Super Taco, Peete Mesquite, Atwoods seem to be the ones that I find most of the 'locals' frequenting on a regular basis.

Chili's, River City Grille, Blue Bonnet seem to be the tourist favorites...

Now some of those that didn't make it were really high priced and some were moderately priced and I was wondering what it is that makes some places work and others not so much?

What do you look for when you go out to eat?

[KINGCHIP]

I want quality. The price may be steep, but I typically go out for a fantastic steak, and expect that. If I can do better at home, I won't be back. That goes for any steak. Wildhorse had a mean Yellowfin Tuna steak to die for, in the beginning. After a poor cut on my last trip, I went back to my BBQ pit to do it myself.

[Editor]

Cleanliness - there is 1 restaurant in town where we were served a live cockroach in a salad (I won't mention the name). We used to go there all the time, like once a week. Since the cockroach, we haven't been back in months.:smack:

Price vs. Service - another restaurant that we used to go to almost weekly started automatically charging 20% gratuity for parties of 5. The % is higher than most and for only 5, we had to pay every time. Most places do it at 15% for parties of 6. And, the service wasn't worth anywhere near 20%. So, we don't go back there very often. :pound:

[Primadonna]

Cleanliness goes without saying but I noticed kitchen help in one restaurant this weekend not using gloves. I guess MF doesn't have a health department that has codes and regulations like large cities; I just don't know. I wasn't used to workers not using gloves. With swine flu on the rise, it's getting a little worrisome.

Service is important. There are a couple of restaurants here that you better know going in what you want to order unless you want to spend the day there. Francesco's has good food and service and we drive all the way to Kingsland a lot for the good food and service at Tamale King.

[Reapp]

I've always been impressed with the service at Houston's, though I haven't been there in a while. DQ has always had consistently good food, and reasonably priced (of the fast food joints).

There is only one restaraunt here in town that I boycott due to poor service (even though the food was good), but I'd hesitate to call them out here as it may just have just been a couple of bad experiences for me.

[KINGCHIP]

Cleanliness goes without saying but I noticed kitchen help in one restaurant this weekend not using gloves. I guess MF doesn't have a health department that has codes and regulations like large cities; I just don't know. I wasn't used to workers not using gloves. With swine flu on the rise, it's getting a little worrisome.

Service is important. There are a couple of restaurants here that you better know going in what you want to order unless you want to spend the day there. Francesco's has good food and service and we drive all the way to Kingsland a lot for the good food and service at Tamale King.

I do not want my cooks using gloves. Gloves are supposed to be for keeping the food sanitary, but that only works if the gloves are sanitary. I promote a serious sanitizing program and feel that gloves can hamper the system.

Police and Emergency people don't wear gloves to keep the patient clean, they do it to keep themselves clean. Too often that is the mindset of food handling employees, and that is no good.

I also don't like employees washing hands after leaving the restroom. You can wash as long and hard as you want, and when you touch the door, your hands are only as clean as the dirtiest hand that touched the handle. I promote to get your hands to a known clean environment, and then wash and sanitize them. This has been discussed at length with Health Department and agreed with. There is NO law that gloves should or must be worn. A glove is only as clean as you keep it.

[Milly]

I had a wonerful thing happen to me on saturday at dairy queen...after leaving emergency room on way home, alot upset, decided we should have a chili dog...took out ten dollars and waited for the amount to pay and then added three more dollars (i am old) to make almost correct amount. The young lady at window said "mam you gave me to much money" and gave it back...honesty is wonderful....then we waited for our order and a very polite young lady brought food to car and apologized for us having to wait which wans't long at all...she also said mam.....i appreciate those kind of employees kingchip......

[ohcuriousone]

Michelle,

Regarding the added gratuity. I have always been told that in Texas the restaurants could only "ask" for the added gratuity. They have no legal leg to stand on. You can refuse and I have successfully demanded that it be removed. I don't know if it's because my face is a familiar one in restaurants locally or the fit I threw. I usually point out that they are writing off my business and shorting themself on the tip. Have Chris research the legality and just try calling for the manager.

[tarheel]

It seems to me that if a restaurant prominently posts that a 20% gratuity will be added, or whatever it is, then that is just as valid as them posting that a chicken fried steak is $9.95. If it is clearly posted, then seems like the choice is to either pay it, or walk out.

[KINGCHIP]

I had a wonerful thing happen to me on saturday at dairy queen...after leaving emergency room on way home, alot upset, decided we should have a chili dog...took out ten dollars and waited for the amount to pay and then added three more dollars (i am old) to make almost correct amount. The young lady at window said "mam you gave me to much money" and gave it back...honesty is wonderful....then we waited for our order and a very polite young lady brought food to car and apologized for us having to wait which wans't long at all...she also said mam.....i appreciate those kind of employees kingchip......


Thank you so much for the attaboy. We don't get many of those, deserved or not. I only wish that every transaction went that well. (Note to self, I'll have to talk to employee about giving money back) Just kidding.

What time did you come through? I'd love to be able to recognize the employee, but need a time frame to narrow the search.

[Ann101]

Atmosphere is a big one for me. I Looooove Noon Spoon. It is a wonderful place to sit and have lunch. The food is always freshly made and is absolutely wonderful! I don't eat out often but when I do I look for somewhere with food that I wouldn't ordinarily prepare at home, reasonably priced, and with a nice, calm atmosphere. Oh, and of course as everyone has already stated cleanliness is nice too!!!!!

[Milly]

The time was between five and six...I should have taken names...thanks

[JWebb]

We tried the new Main Street Ice House after church on Sunday. There were 5 in our party and the food was wonderful and the prices very reasonable. However, we will wait a bit to return because the service was slooooooow. It took almost an hour and a half to get our sandwiches. In their defense, their cook walked out on them shortly before we arrived when they said they had 30 people in the restaurant. By the time our orders arrived there were only about 6 other people there. These are very nice folks and we hope they make a go of this restaurant which is located in the building where House of Blue Lights was across from the library.

[Primadonna]

JWebb, thanks for the review as I have never heard about this new restaurant, Main St. Ice House. I will have to try it. I'm sure it takes a new restaurant awhile to get organized, and I'm hoping service improves. An hour and a half is a long time to get your food.

[ohcuriousone]

We tried the Main Street Ice House last week. Slow was the word along with disorganized. Food was so so but was truly hard to judge fairly because you were so irritated by the wait. They also need to post signs if the refills are self service. We suffered thru our wait with empty tea glasses and had no idea the tea was right around the corner-- and self service.

[GolfSeller]

Should probably start a new thread for this? We tried the Ice House last night. The food and service were great! We were the only people in there, so that may have had something to do with the quick service. The wife had the BLT which she liked and my hamburger was great.

I only have one comment... the "fries" were kind of like shoestring potatoes. I was expecting and would have preferred regular french fries. They should warn you that the fries are different and have the option of regular fries or at least chips.

All in all it was a great meal and we will be back!

[Belle]

Pepper's is back in Granite Shoals and the food is goood! The place is remodeled and clean. Regina is a delightful waitress. Maida's kitchen is spotless !
I had stopped going when they were in Marble Falls because the food was frequently cold and parking was lousy.
They have a great salad bar and a good variety of mexican/american. Sat./Sun breakfast buffet is really good also. They are closed on Monday

Price is $6.99 plus drink, everyday, including Sun. Senior's is $5.99 , all you can eat.
I think it is a great value in these tough economic times. Just wish they were open at night.:rockon:

[JWebb]

GolfSeller, we lliked the "skinny" fries but they would have brought you chips if you had asked.

[GolfSeller]

The skinny fries were good! They just said that all of the sandwiches came with fries when we ordered and it was not what we were expecting. Complaint was probably not the best word to use there. I have edited.

[Primadonna]

I love the food at Texas Nation. I can't figure out why they don't have much of a crowd - at least when I've eaten there. The food is good although they could add some things to the menu. Maybe it's the prices or the location of the restaurant, I just don't know. Maybe people forget about it because it's on Main Street. I even sometimes forget about the M Bar. They have wonderful pulled pork sandwiches.

Nosefornews, I'm just wondering if location has anything to do with light crowds at some restaurants. Chilis and RC Grill are so visible and always have cars out front.

[NightScenes]

Food, service and atmosphere are all important to me. I don't mind paying a little more when the food and service are very good. My family has always enjoyed Russo's because the food is consistently good and the service has always been great. The staff is always quite friendly as well. For fast food I'll go almost anywhere but the Kingsland DQ. I don't think they've ever gotten an order right and it once took me over 40 minutes to get a couple of Blizzards (I can't believe I didn't just leave)!

[tonigking]

I agree Nightscenes, but I have never,ever had a bad experience at Kingchip's DQ in Marble falls !
In fact I could eat the hot , fresh, crispy Jalitos Burger everyday. I try to stay away from the blizzards because they like to live forever around my non-existent waistline.

As far as Pepper's is concerned,I agree with Belle wholeheartedly and Regina is definitely a hoot!:rockon:

[nosefornews]

Primadonna,
I do think that location has a lot to do with it. I never think of going to Texas Nation (even though I've read some of the reviews here and thye've been generally good) because it's never in my mind. I don't drive down main street that often and when I do, I'm usually watching for cars backing out of parking spots and hoping I don't get hit. Until JWebb mentioned Main Street Ice House, I never even knew it was there.

I like Ginger and Spice and I've eaten at Noon Spoon once and thought it was great but if I'm out and about near lunchtime I don't think about going there because they're not places that I see on a regular basis. I see Russo's, Peete, Houston Depot, Super Taco, Chili's, El Rancho etc...When friends come into town and say let's go eat, well we usually to the same old places, because I usually don't remember most of the other spots.

I wish more of the local places would advertise because I do listen to our local radio station (I'm a fan of country music) when I'm driving around and I read both papers, I go to China Kitchen because I've been reading their banner ad on the old site for years and I see it when I drive over the bridge, I go to Atwoods because I see it whenever I drive through town and there's more locals than tourists (sorry Blue Bonnet fans...)...

It does seem that if you're going to open a business that need customers, you've got to let them know you're there and you've got to keep reminding them of that fact. Even the Blue Bonnet has a billboard on the Hwy coming into town, word of mouth is great but only if more than 3 people are talking about you....

JMHO....

[Primadonna]

I think the only restaurant in town that I haven't tried is Doc's Seafood. There are always cars out there and it's in a great location.

One of my favorite lunch spots is the tiny restaurant in the Hill Country Health Food store. They have the best salads, sandwiches and wraps, and my favorite is the creamy chicken avocado.

[nosefornews]

I used to eat at Doc's fairly frequently but it doesn't seem to have the same quality it used to. The last time I was there (about 4 months ago) everything was tough and chewy and overcooked. There were four of us and everyone had the same reaction, the service was good, the food wasn't...

[sunnye]

Good service
Management/ownership are visible
no employees standing around when I may need something
clean atmosphere
good parking
good area to wait in-if necessary

If the service is great and you have a large party, I do not mind the 20% especially if I ask for seperate checks, if the 20% is added and the service was horrible, I would contest itas some waitpersons act like and give you the "service" as though they know they are getting "paid" anyway.

[Ann101]

My family and I have been to Doc's twice. I didn't like that we were served off plastic platters (like Long John Silver's). If I paid Long John Silver's prices then I wouldn't have minded. I've lived in Marble Falls for about a year and a half and it's taken me awhile to discover the things that are not on the beaten path.
Flor De Bleu is a French Bakery, owned and operated by a very sweet couple. Everything is made from scratch and the atmosphere there is wonderful. They have fresh made pastries, breads, soups, sandwiches, etc... My mother-in-law ordered pastries for the Red Hat Ladies one time and I picked them up for her otherwise I'd never have known they were there.

I saw the Ice House when the kids and I were going to the Library the other day. We will have to check it out sometime.

[pawpawbob]

Where is Flor De Bleu bakery?
I've lived here for 3 years and never heard of it!

[Ann101]

LOL, I started to put where it was and then realized I just know how to get there! Kind of embarrassing! I'm going to give it my best shot. It is the same road that the Big Baptist Church is on (1st Baptist, maybe??) If you go from the Church toward 281 you will pass an automotive shop with cars everywhere (always) and it will be on your right hand side. It's sanctioned between that shop and a liquor store. Flor de Bleu is in a pink colored building. If anyone else knows where I'm talking about help me out. I will look at the name of the road next time I'm in town. I believe there is an Itialian Restraunt right there on the left hand side of the street too.

[AllyMay]

Googled it and came up with this address

Fleur de Ble, 809 12th Street, Marble Falls (a touch of France) 830.265.7638

[mayflowers]

Sure is good to come in here and read about the restaurants in town. I had never heard of Fleur de Ble,either. And a few other places mentioned.
I was wondering if anyone here can tell me if the Gumbo at the new cajan restaurant is worth 6.99 a bowl. I saw the price and decided not to stay. That would have to be a very hardy tasty bowl of soup for me to pay that much.

[KINGCHIP]

Sure is good to come in here and read about the restaurants in town. I had never heard of Fleur de Ble,either. And a few other places mentioned.
I was wondering if anyone here can tell me if the Gumbo at the new cajan restaurant is worth 6.99 a bowl. I saw the price and decided not to stay. That would have to be a very hardy tasty bowl of soup for me to pay that much.


I can't tell you about the gumbo, but the etoufee is the real deal, as has been everything I've tried there. I'm trying the fried oysters next. I've been dying for some and there are none to be had anywhere else in town that I'll eat again.

[pawpawbob]

Thanks Ann101, your description allowed me to place it.
Now I have to go try it.

[Karenw66]

Googled it and came up with this address

Fleur de Ble, 809 12th Street, Marble Falls (a touch of France) 830.265.7638

I was able to stop in and check out this "new" bakery ... come to find out, they've been open for a little over a year! Maybe the locals (those that live and work in MF proper) have known about this place, but it was a find for me.

Jean Claude was very nice, extremely helpful, and very accommodating. We were there only for breakfast snacks but looks like a great place to eat for lunch. A little more than the usual -- I think it's $8.50 for his "full-meal deal", and some of the pastries are more than you'd find elsewhere - tarts are around $5

I guess all in all, it's certainly authentic - food :yum:, atmosphere, and proprietor -- and worth the extra $$ to enjoy.

my .02

[JCSO179]

I have to look at service, cleanliness, and then the price. However, price doesn't concern me whether I go to a place or not. I depend on word of mouth for that.

The restaurant has to have good service in order for me to return. The main thing I look for in service is if my drink goes empty. I drink alot of tea or water when I eat and I can't stand for my drink to be empty. The waiter/server/waitress also needs to listen and get the order right.

I have to say I also look at health inspection certificates when I walk into a place. I have been known to ask to see them if they are not posted in plain view.

[nosefornews]

A clean restroom.

If you go into a restaurant and stop in the restroom, if it's a mess and not clean why would you expect the kitchen or entire operation be any different? I hadn't thought about it until someone mentioned it a couple of days ago, and you know, I think it's accurate....

[Sabrered]

Having just returned to Texas from North Carolina, I was surprised to find that Texas restaurants are not mandated to post a health rating certificate certifying their compliance with state health standards. All restaurants in the South have to post their health ratings, A,B, or C.

[katysmom]

As of three days ago, Texas Nation has closed it's doors! Very sad to see a nice resturant have to close simply because they don't have enough customers. I realize that the location was not the best but the food and service always seemed good. Just sad to see another good resturant closing!

[Webmaster]

As of three days ago, Texas Nation has closed it's doors! Very sad to see a nice resturant have to close simply because they don't have enough customers. I realize that the location was not the best but the food and service always seemed good. Just sad to see another good resturant closing!
I agree. That location seems like it can't keep a restaurant. I guess it's just not visible enough?

[katysmom]

I have eaten at most of the resturants in our town and love Darci's Deli for lunches. They are quick and I can get in and out in a flash. The food is always fresh and I love the fact that they make the bread daily. The girls behind the counter are always fun to visit with and can even remember what I oredered the last time I was in. If you haven't been there check them out.

[pawpawbob]

I finally got to try the Fleur De Ble bakery/restaurant at lunch time today.
The food was excellent, and the service (by propietor) very good. I see that they also serve breakfast and there pastries are prepared fresh every day. So if the opportunity arises give it a try. I had the lunch special which was a bowl of soup prepared in a loaf of bread (the bread was the bowl). Cost for the lunch special is $8.50 plus tax.
Location in MF is 12th street just East of 281 in a new strip center.:)

[Ann101]

You are welcome pawpaw, give me landmarks and I can find anything! I'm oblivious to everything else (sad but true). I'm glad to see people have tried it. The owners really are great people which helps me justify when it comes to the prices!

[Sabrered]

I have some venture capital that I was wanting to invest in the local economy. I heard about the demise of Texas Nation, so I had my agent contact the Realtor handling the location. I was advised that the asking lease price was $5500 per/month which most certainly explains why the previous tenants failed. They're trying to extract Trump Towers rates in small town America. If you do a little digging, you'll also find similar stories on the reasoning behind the other Main Street closures.

[KINGCHIP]

Sabrered, You hit the nail on the head. I pay about twice the norm for lease space of a normal DQ. I will probably NEVER have the opportunity to own the property, but my lease jumps on a set time frame. in 5 years it will be more advantageous to pay a mortgage, and time to decide to buy or sell. I'll bet that the same story can be written about many of the closures in town.

[TexasStar]

We are currently building a new home in Marble Falls, and recently stopped at the Main Street Ice House to give it a try. It had only been open for two weeks, and it was our waitresses first day. The service was slow, but chalked it up to being new. The food was awesome. The red pepper soup..so good, and the sandwich , very good!

[Primadonna]

Oh how I hate that Texas Nation is closed. I loved the food and atmosphere.

I wanted to mention that just down from Fleur de Bleu is a Babycakes Truffles that makes beautiful and delicious truffles. Great for parties and gifts, they will let you sample.

Main Street Ice House is the only place I haven't tried, maybe we'll give it a try tomorrow.

Love the French baguettes at Fleur de Bleu, too.

[spicegirl]

I like Brothers Bakery in Marble Falls. The soups are divine, and I think their Reuben is scrumptious! This little place is a jewel.

[Karenw66]

I have some venture capital that I was wanting to invest in the local economy. I heard about the demise of Texas Nation, so I had my agent contact the Realtor handling the location. I was advised that the asking lease price was $5500 per/month which most certainly explains why the previous tenants failed. They're trying to extract Trump Towers rates in small town America. If you do a little digging, you'll also find similar stories on the reasoning behind the other Main Street closures.

This absolutely floors me! Is this greed or are rent/lease prices in this range throughout the town? (obviously a tangent on this topic, just curious ....)

Sure has an impact on our local businesses when they can't afford to stay open because their overhead is so outrageous. I've never understood why owners would prefer to let their buildings stand vacant rather than just adjusting the lease to secure a long-term tenant. Isn't a bird in the hand worth two in the bush?

[KINGCHIP]

This absolutely floors me! Is this greed or are rent/lease prices in this range throughout the town? (obviously a tangent on this topic, just curious ....)

Sure has an impact on our local businesses when they can't afford to stay open because their overhead is so outrageous. I've never understood why owners would prefer to let their buildings stand vacant rather than just adjusting the lease to secure a long-term tenant. Isn't a bird in the hand worth two in the bush?

I'm not quite there, but will be if I renew in a few more years. I will be attempting to re-negotiate and buy, but the owner has never been enclined in the past. My alternative is to build, because 5K/month is mortgage pricing, but difficult to try and survive with in this economy as a lease.

[nosefornews]

Well it looks like we're going to have a new restaurant in the shopping center where Brandi's and Smokey Jo's were. They've put in a deck with some outside tables, good luck....

Also, exactly when did Lucky Buffet close? I knew they were losing business and the selection had dwindled down to almost nothing, but I just noticed they're shut down.

Also heard that Doc's is under new management, is that correct?

[ohcuriousone]

I first noticed Lucky's "not open" on Oct 5th. I believe the management/ownership change at Dock's now Doc's took place several months ago. They still have a lot of the same help.

[tarheel]

It is going to be tough for a restaurant to survive there unless they really do a great job. I wanted Brandi's to succeed, but the food was no better than average, and the location has had one failure after another. Whoever opens up, I'll give them a try, but I'll be surprised if they last.

[countryboy]

Man I pass by the LuckyB all the time and did not notice that they were close.. Wheres the new place that was Brandis. Whats it called?

[nosefornews]

Not sure what the new place is going to be named, it's on 2147 in Cottonwood, there's a fitness place in the strip center. I did see an ad in the paper where they were hiring for all positions, so I guess it's not going to be a 'vanity' restaurant staffed by friends and family. They're putting some cash into the external remodel, hope they're not a six months and you're gone place...

[KINGCHIP]

In the business they say that some locations just don't work. Be wary of a vacant food location.

[Primadonna]

Hate to be picky but I'm southern and I'm attracted to restaurants who have outstanding iced tea. If it's a toss up, the restaurant with the tasty medium flavored orange, not strong bitter dark brown, tea wins!

In my opinion the best tea in town is Chilis and Russos. No plastic cups, please! Ruins the taste. (Sorry I couldn't help myself). Texas Nation had good tea, too.

[Love78657]

I hope the new restaurant in Cottonwood does make it.. I know the people who had it when it was Smokey Joes and they had to close because of the cost of leasing the place.. It has been Great to read over these posts and find out of new places in town to try out.. I like to take my kids out for lunch or dinner once a month just one on one for "Our Time" and now I know new place to try out.. Thanks Everyone.. And KingChip I am gathering you run the DQ in town and I have to honestly say it is the BEST run one around ( jus stopped in for a blizzard yesterday lol ).. I myself will NEVER go to the one in Burnet or Kingsland again.. The service is HORRIBLE..

[KINGCHIP]

I hope the new restaurant in Cottonwood does make it.. I know the people who had it when it was Smokey Joes and they had to close because of the cost of leasing the place.. It has been Great to read over these posts and find out of new places in town to try out.. I like to take my kids out for lunch or dinner once a month just one on one for "Our Time" and now I know new place to try out.. Thanks Everyone.. And KingChip I am gathering you run the DQ in town and I have to honestly say it is the BEST run one around ( jus stopped in for a blizzard yesterday lol ).. I myself will NEVER go to the one in Burnet or Kingsland again.. The service is HORRIBLE..


Actually it owns me, but yea it's mine. Thanks for the Kudos. I wish everyone's experience was like that every single time and hope yours are always positive.

AAHHH what if??????

[JWebb]

Have any of you tried the new BBQ place on 281 across the street from the Seton Hospital? It is located just this side of Burnet. We have been twice and it has been very good both times.

[nosefornews]

Went by the new place on 2147 in Cottonwood and it now has a sign saying 'Julie's Cocina' so I'm guessing it's either Tex-Mex or Puro Mexicano....If it's open for breakfast I'll probably give it a try sometime this week or next....

JWebb, that new BBQ place, how are their prices?

[mdarling]

Can anyone tell me what is going on with Houston Depot? We noticed it was closed; but someone told me they are just renovating. Any comments?

[mayflowers]

I can't believe Lucky's Buffet is closed. This is really bad news. My family prefers buffets because everyone gets what they want and the amount they choose.
I can't think of any other restaurant we'd want to go eat at in Marble Falls.
There's lots of sandwich shops. I do go pick up sandwiches to go many times.
But for a sit down meal,my family likes buffets.
Thanks for the heads up on that. So now we won't all pile into the car and be disappointed to find it closed.
I do appreciate this site!

[Belle]

Pepper's in Granite Shoals is open and has a really good buffet. They are open 7 days a week for lunch. They have a breakfast buffet on Sat. and Sun. from 8 til 11:00, when they put out their lunch. They also have a senior discount.:yum:

[JWebb]

Nose, they are very reasonable. We ate there again with our Sunday School class this morning and they accommodated us with a family style meal for just $13/couple which included tax and a soft drink. During the week they have a great lunch special.

[nosefornews]

family style meal for just $13/couple which included tax and a soft drink. During the week they have a great lunch special.

Thanks for the info, that is a very good price, I'll have to try them out.

[Karenw66]

Does anyone have the story on Stonewall's in Burnet? I went by recently and saw they were closed and then saw the sign yesterday that said they were opening back up.

[Sabrered]

Mom & Pop restaurants are extremely volatile and the turnover is extremely high. Don't believe me, go to any bank and try and get financing to open a restaurant. Most will enter into a business under financed and won't be able to withstand the seasonal fluctuations of visitors to this area. You could sell popcorn on a street corner and have a better chance of success.

[tarheel]

Nose, I was in Julie's Cocina last night. It was OK. They did have breakfast on the menu, so you might want to see how good breakfast is. I understand they do a pretty solid lunch business, but there were not many people in for Monday night dinner. My wife had a chili relleno, and said it was good.

[Primadonna]

Is Pete's Mesquite under new management? I went there twice this week the pulled pork was so good, and they have baked potatoes.

I did find Houston's Restaurant for sale in the multiple listings. I think they said they would even move the building off the property.

I hope they remove that big "Lucky Cafe" sign on 1431, such a big eyesore. The big red Burkes Outlet sign needs to go, too!

[freedom]

This absolutely floors me! Is this greed or are rent/lease prices in this range throughout the town? (obviously a tangent on this topic, just curious ....)

Sure has an impact on our local businesses when they can't afford to stay open because their overhead is so outrageous. I've never understood why owners would prefer to let their buildings stand vacant rather than just adjusting the lease to secure a long-term tenant. Isn't a bird in the hand worth two in the bush?

You may want to take a look at the property taxes some of these places pay, if there is a single source of GREED in this county you need to look no further than the county appraisal office....everyone loses.

[Caretaker]

You may want to take a look at the property taxes some of these places pay, if there is a single source of GREED in this county you need to look no further than the county appraisal office....everyone loses.

freedom. You are absoulutely right..But they need to Lower the taxes on these places(or eliminate them all together)and you will get buisnesses to open up there again.

[mdarling]

Yesterday was "fajita Friday" at the Marble Falls Icehouse at lunch time. All you can eat for $6.99. They had both chicken and beef, with lots of fixings, rice, beans, salad. Everything was tasty. I don't know what they have on the menu during the rest of the week, but we will definitely go back for the fajitas. Add a drink and the bill came to about $8.75 each, before tip.

[salspecht53]

[QUOTE=mayflowers;1385]I can't believe Lucky's Buffet is closed. This is really bad news. My family prefers buffets because everyone gets what they want and the amount they choose.

Our first experience at LB in August was good. Our last experience, a dirty stinky rag had been used to wipe down our table, which ruined our experience. It was nice to have a buffet (lots of choices, no waiting for a backed-up kitchen or server).

I understand the Chinese buffet on 281 in South Burnet (near Party Animals pet store) has a good lunch buffet.

[jencayce]

Cleanliness - there is 1 restaurant in town where we were served a live cockroach in a salad (I won't mention the name). We used to go there all the time, like once a week. Since the cockroach, we haven't been back in months.:smack:

Price vs. Service - another restaurant that we used to go to almost weekly started automatically charging 20% gratuity for parties of 5. The % is higher than most and for only 5, we had to pay every time. Most places do it at 15% for parties of 6. And, the service wasn't worth anywhere near 20%. So, we don't go back there very often. :pound:


Industry standard is 15-18% for parties of 6 or more. I own a cafe in Marble Falls and currently on my menu it states that we MAY add a gratuity of 18% for parties of 6 or more. I give my wait staff 2 choices: they can choose to not add it and have faith that customers will tip appropriately (95% do) or they can go ahead and add the 18%. However, if they choose to add the 18%, they are required to let the customer know before their order is taken. I trust that the wait staff respect my instructions. If they don't, it is my hope the customer will let me know so that I can deal with that employee appropriately......I wish I could be everywhere at once. :-) I did not have the gratuity verbiage on my menu when I first opened almost 2 years ago but I have learned the hard way that there are a very, very small number of people, whom, no matter how good their service is, simply refuse to tip appropriately. It forced me to weigh things out and make a decision that would be fair for both customers and my wait staff. Good staff is so incredibly hard to find (and keep). In the beginning, I actually lost one of my best wait staff because she got stiffed a couple of times by large parties and I know for a fact she provided perfect service. I don't want that to happen again! :-)

[Primadonna]

I bit down on what I thought was a chunk of glass in my meal at a local restaurant tonight. The manager insisted it was plastic and gave me a credit on that item but not on the whole meal! I will never be back to that restaurant if they can't even keep foreign objects out of your food.

Do we have a health department or a consumer advocate here in town? I sure hope someone is inspectingi these kitchens!

[ohcuriousone]

Try the Health Dept Office in Temple. 254-778-6744. I have called complaints about local restaurants in to them before.

[jencayce]

Texas Department of Health in Austin is who you want to contact.....and for the sake of the rest of us who may eat at this place, please call them and report it! Here is how it works: In order to be a "legal" establishment, a restaurant owner must apply and pay for a permit through the Texas Department of Health. These permits are not cheap. If a restaurant never contacts TDH for the state required license, then they are not in TDH's database, so unless the health inspector accidentally finds the place or if there is a complaint called in to TDH, the health inspector may never find them. I would guess that at least one quarter of restaurants in the hill country area do not have permits. Finding glass or plastic in your food is unacceptable. Period. If you ever go back, I would ask the manager to see his/her license and his/her food manager certificate. If they have one, check the dates to make sure it's current. Restaurants have to renew every 2 years. As a general rule, I always check out bathrooms too, if they are dirty, you can bet their kitchen is.

[whiteorchid]

My favorite lunch spot nowadays is the Hill Country Health Store on 281. Talking about healthy sandwiches, salads, tacos and soups. They also have smoothies and green tea. Try the chicken avacado tacos or chicken avacado salad. Wish I could eat there every day.

I think the restaurant portion of the health store has another name and they are open until 2:00 or 3:00 daily, can't remember for sure.

[TexasStar]

I am so excited to hear this whiteorchid. It all sounds good too!

[mayflowers]

The restaurant at the Hill Country Health Store’s lunch counter is named " It’s Tea Thyme ".
Tasty soups and sandwiches made from local organics and gluten-free ingredients.
Their hours are from 11am to 4pm. And they do deliver.
I agree, the best soups and sandwiches ever.

[Pure Texan]

Anybody know whats up with the "Grand Buffet" going in where the old Lucky Buffet was?

[mdarling]

I've noticed that the blinds have been closed recently. Other than that I have no clue. Also, what's going on with the Chinese restaurant that's supposed to open in the strip center where Francesco's is? It's going in behind Glo beauty salon.

[rlazos]

Chilis has new items on the menu that are really yummy! I had pulled chicken (maybe roasted) on soft corn tortillas...Yummy!

[rlazos]

Oh I also hear we are getting a Which Wich. My son and I ate at the one in Cedar Park...awesome sandwich!

[rlazos]

I think it is going into the new two story next to the fresh and fruti.

[JWebb]

We met some very nice local people that have the option to put in three new Which Wich restaurants. The one for Marble Falls is scheduled to be the last one they build which puts it out about 18 months. They indicated that it will be in a center similar to the one where Fresh and Fruti is but across the highway.

[Sabrered]

Actually they have the franchise for 4, and you're correct, they are very nice and local.:secret:

[whiteorchid]

Looks like some ort of Chinese restaurant and sushi bar opening up next door to Visio boutique. It's near the yogurt shop by the 281 bridge. They are working on the inside and I saw the permit on the door, but I can't say when it's due to open. Looks really nice on the inside. Can't wait for a new restaurant to try!