German
221 West Parker Road
Plano, TX 75075
(972) 881-0705
Website
Map
Impression:
Bavarian grill is located in the North west corner of 75 and Parker on the back side of the Ruisseau Village Shopping Center. Sporting authentic German food and a wide selection of beers, the Bavarian Grill attempts to add a little German culture to Plano. Utilizing Oktoberfest style long picnic tables and featuring live German Polka style music Bavarian Grill tried to impress.
What to Like:
Any German food fan would enjoy this place, offering a wide selection of traditional German menu options and an even wider selection of beer.
What not to Like:
First off, the Bavarian Grill isn’t a very large venue. Not that it doesn’t seat many people however, or attempt to squeeze in a 12 piece band. I understand the owners attempt to create a authentic German experience, but I shouldn’t have to yell over Edelweiss in order to carry on a conversation with the person directly across the table.
Also, the menu items are over priced for what is offered, I understand that it is authentic German cuisine, but the ingredients are hardly limited to Germany. With an atmosphere like a sports bar and a music volume like a dance club, I believe that 20 dollars a plate is a little bit steep.
Cost: Not Cheap average plate $20.00, Beer starting at around $4.00
Rank: Three Stars
Burgers
701 W. Parker Rd.
Plano, TX 75023
972-398-9900
Map
Website
Impression:
If there is a location in Plano that could be described as the “All-American of Sports Bars” is would be Jake’s. Sporting several big screens showing every ESPN channel available, Jake’s caters to the hungry and thirsty sports fan. With sports memorabilia and neon beer signs on the wall, Jake’s has a simple menu that offers Burgers, Fries, Tater tots and a few sandwiches.
What to Like:
Jake’s had made it a point to create a atmosphere enticing to the traditional bar patron. With attractive waitresses and cold beer what more could one ask for? The burgers are thick and juicy and the tater tots are crunchy.
What not to Like:
Jake’s makes a good burger. The service is excellent (eye candy as well). However, they break my rule about greasy burgers, every aspect of there burgers is cover in grease including the bun. The bun should be a safe haven from grease. Also, the buns are heavily covered in poppy seeds and distract from what could be a better burger.
Cost: Average Burgers starting at $6.00 with beer starting around $2.00.
Rank: Three and Half Stars
Sushi
2201 West 15th Street
Plano, TX 75075
972-612-3522
Map
Website
Impression:
Sushi of Plano is located on the North side of 15th street just West of Custer road. Walk into the quaint shop and take a seat at the bar, where Toshi the Chef will talk you up while you decide what you want. Offering a full variety of Sushi as well as a wide sampling of cooked dishes. Sushi of Plano is sure to have something you would like.
What to Like:
This small shop is definitely a keeper, with excellent service and a very friendly Chef you can come in and enjoy some great sushi in a neighborhood environment. With sushi that is made directly in front of you at the bar, you are sure of the quality of what you get. Sushi of Plano also runs several specials through out the week, including one dollar sushi “Happy Hour”.
What not to Like:
I have no real complaints about this place, its small friendly and a true neighbor hood style sushi restaurant. The chef is also the owner and is very excited about talking with patrons. There is a wide selection, however some of the larger area sushi stores have more to offer. Due to the size of the shop, if it was to get busy, there may be a wait involved it appears that Toshi only has one additional staff member on hand to wait tables. His prices are as competitive as any other sushi place I have found in Plano, he does appear to offer more specials than can be found in other restaurants.
Price: Below Average Sushi rolls starting at around $4.00 and other Sushi options, Many specials throughout the
week.
Rank: 3.5 Stars.
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
Coffee Shops, Tea
240 Legacy Dr
Plano, TX 75023
(972) 517-4751
Map
Website
Impression:
Boba Latte is located on the South side of Legacy just West of 75 in a shopping center next to the Asian World Market. The simple shop offers free Wifi and serves several types of Tea’s and Coffee. All tea’s and fruit drinks come with the option to add Tapioca Pearls. With a comfortable black leather couch in one corner and several small tables in the other facing a make shift Karaoke stage, Boba Latte attempts to create a relaxing Atmosphere where patrons can sit and enjoy their drinks and company.
What to Like:
In addition to a wide selection of flavored tea’s, smoothies, and coffee, Boba latte also offers a small menu of eats including Hamburgers and Sandwiches. With music playing in the Background it is a comfortable shop to stop in and read a book and enjoy Bubble tea.
What not to Like:
I found the music to be a little on the Loud side. For a place trying to create a comfortable atmosphere it probably wouldn’t hurt to turn it down a decibel or two. However, even though it was a little loud I did find the music selection nice. Unlike a lot of shops, Boba latte didn’t mind drifting off the overplayed Top 50 list. If your in the area I would suggest checking out Boba if you got a chance.
Cost: Average drinks starting under $3.00 and food for around $6.00.
Rank: Three and Half Stars
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
Burgers
926 E 15th Street
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: (972) 423-1848
Review by Dallas Morning News
Impression:
Located on the South side of 15th street in the middle of Downtown is a homegrown favorite. Ye Olde Butcher Shop not only offers some of the best cuts of meat around, but also has a full menu of lunch items including Burgers, Cheese Burger, Turkey Legs, and Smoked Sausages, with a wide range of side orders to compliment. Next time your planning a BBQ come to the Butcher shop and get the best quality beef, pork, elk, or buffalo. Offering Elk burger specials on Wednesday and Buffalo burger specials on Tuesday and Thursdays. The Butcher shop wont disappoint.
What to Like:
I can’t in words explain how much quality beef affects a simple burger. The butcher shop isn’t pulling out a frozen patty and throwing it on the grill like most of the competitors are. The butcher shop is grinding quality beef and making the patties by hand. Trust me, the quality is tremendous. Combined by a nice selection of side orders fries, tater tots, coleslaw, or potato salad. The butcher shop has it going on. You can’t get better service, the owner generally runs a one man show and does a tremendous job.
What not to Like:
The location has seen its fair share of traffic, the ceiling tiles above the grill are showing their years. But, there is no place around that can sell you a quality side of beef, while you enjoy a freshly grilled burger or smoked turkey leg. If you haven’t checked this place out yet, I highly suggest you do.
Cost: Average burgers and turkey legs for around $5.00, Smoked Sausage for around 3.00, add a drink and a side for around $2.00 more.
Rank: Four Stars
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
Italian, Pizza
6009 W Parker Rd Ste 161
Plano, TX 75093-8121
Phone: (972) 781-0034
Map
Impression:
Joe’s Pizza Pasta and Subs is located in a strip mall in the North East Corner of Parker and the Tollway. Offering a wide selection of Pizza, Pasta, and you guessed it sub. Joe’s attempts to bring the New York Pizzeria to West Plano. Walk right in past several rows of tables and booths to the front counter where the menu is proudly displayed with out any prices, so you have to grab a menu, place your order and take a seat. Joe’s is a simple pizzeria style joint, nothing fancy just tables, chairs and booths.
What to Like:
Joe’s makes a New York style pizza, thin crust baked in an oven that gives it that nice crunchy underside. The pizza is appropriately priced, offering Delivery as well as pick up. If you need a quality pizza and want something a little better than Domino’s and Joe’s delivers to your area, they are a possible option. Also offering a wide menu of Pasta’s and Entrees Joe’s should have something if your not in the mood for Pizza.
What not to Like:
There were no prices on the menu located directly above the Counter. Why would you do this? Also, the service is so-so. While I was there waiting on my order I noticed four un-bussed tables. If the place was busy that would be acceptable, but there was only one table that still had patrons. And, too make it even worse, there were four employee’s joking around behind the counter. Joe needs to spend some time training staff. Now, that said, the pizza is above average, not spectacular. The only way to make up for lousy service is to have a superior product, honestly Joe’s isn’t the only game in town offering good quality pizza, your better off going somewhere else, until Joe decides he cares about his customers.
Cost: Average Medium Pizza starting around $14.00 and Larges starting around $17.00
Rank: Two and Half Stars
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
Mexican
1001 18th St
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 423-6980
Map
Website
Impression:
Located in a new building directly down from the old location is a old time Plano favorite with a face lift. Landscaped outside with a gorgeous Koi pond and plentiful plants is a restaurant that combines old time Mexico feel with a new urban vibe. A long bar with several big screens, and a secluded dinning area Aparicios is advertising some of the best Mexican food in Plano.
What to Like:
Aparicio’s has a very wide menu selection including Tacos, Enchilada, Tamales, Fajitas and many more traditional favorites. The new building is quite nice, with a eclectic combination of art on the walls and modern interior complete with stained concrete floors I found the dining area to be quite comfortable. I found the food to be quite nice, this isn’t your neighborhood Pancho’s they do tex-mex right, I found the lengua tacos to be quite tender and flavorful.
What not to Like:
I have to say that when I go into a Mexican (or Tex-Mex) place, the first thing I try is there Salsa, I found Aparicios salsa to be a little on the soupy side. It had nice flavor and was adequately spicy however it had the texture of ketchup. Not bad but kind of runny. I also believe there prices are a little on the high side for the type of food they are selling. Not outrageous but a little steep.
Cost: Above Average, Average plate around $12.00 and soft drinks around $2.00.
Rank: Four Stars.
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
Chinese
3304 Coit Rd # 200
Plano, TX 75023
(972) 758-2988
Map
Website
Impression:
Located in a shopping center on the East side of Coit just North of Parker, is a small Chinese restaurant. Upon waling in, you notice the front counter where several BBQ entrees are on display, including BBQ duck and pork. Decorated with a simple asian theme and open ceilings the restaurant is small but feels spacious. On each table is a place mat discussing the different animal signs associated with the chinese calendar.
What to Like:
First Chinese BBQ offers some of the best Chinese food that Plano has to offer. With a wide selection on the menu you are sure to find something to suit just about anyone. There BBQ duck is very tender and delicious. Also, there soft noodle combinations have great flavor and are quite affordable. They also offer to go ordering if you are in a rush and can’t sit and eat.
What not to Like:
Service was friendly and straight forward, however, a little bit rushed. After ordering the waitress appeared to be hovering and was very quick in getting my check. Now, the attention level was great but a little bit more than what I find to be comfortable, this added level of attention makes me feel rushed when I am eating. Also, I noticed through out my dinner that employees whould gather at the front of the store behind the counter (six or more) and be looking out into the dining area, I found this to be kind of creepy. All in all, great food and good service (just a little too good).
Cost: Normal plates starting at around $6.00 with the average around $8.00, Drinks for extra $2.00.
Rank: Four Stars
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
Ice Cream
2909 W 15th St
Plano, TX 75075
(972) 612-9949
Map
Website
Impression:
Located in the North West corner of 15th and Independence is a local favorite. Henry’s Ice Homemade Ice Cream has been making ice cream in Plano since 1992. Established in a well traffic-ed store front, you can come in and see the Cow print walls and candy dispensers. With that old time soda parlor feel you can walk up to the counter and order a scoop.
What to like:
Made with all natural ingredients, Henry’s does Ice Cream right. There are no gimmicks no cold stones or marble slabs and marked up prices, just Ice cream made with the best ingredients by someone with a passion for Ice Cream. On Henry’s website you will find out that he sells ice cream wholesale to local restaurants, he asks that you ask for it by name. In the store you can choose from a wide variety (ever heard of dinosaur egg?) of flavors and cones, also offering Shakes and Malts, you are sure to find something that will make you smile.
What not to Like:
The location has seen its fair share of traffic, and is a little worse for wear and tear. However, I can’t knock an establishment that’s main goal is to create great ice cream. The small shop is clean and tidy.
Cost: Average, Ice cream between $1.50 and $5.00, shakes for around $4.00
Rank: Four Stars
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
Sandwiches
6400 W. Plano Pkwy
Plano, TX
Map
Website
Impression:
Decorated like a New York Deli, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches is offering great sandwiches at an affordable price. Want it delivered, they do that too. Located on the North west corner of Park and Plano Parkway just down from the Willowbend mall. Offering comfortable seating and sandwiches made to order, this restaurant will put the local subway out of business.
What to like:
With a large variety of sandwiches to choose from there is sure to be something you like. Using fresh ingredients and fresh bread. I tried there Italian night club, with Salami, Capicola, ham and provolone cheese, the sandwich was made to order right in front of me. With fast service and good prices Jimmy Johns is a great little place where you can jump in and get a sandwich quick.
What not to Like:
Having never seen a Jimmy John’s before I didn’t realize that it was a chain. After doing a quick google search I realized that it was, with franchise opportunities available. If this sort of thing turns you off you may want to look somewhere else. That being said, the quality and variety is great.
Cost: Average, sandwiches between 3 and 7 dollars, add a drink and chips for 2 bucks.
Rank: 3 and half stars.
Read More Plano Restaurant Reviews.
« Previous Entries