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            Have you ever overlooked a restaurant because you thought it would be out of your price range? Well, this happened to me and was the reason I avoided Bev’s on the River altogether. After attending Bev’s, I was surprised at how affordable their lunch menu could be! Once arriving, I could tell it was an upscale restaurant but nothing I couldn’t handle, Bev’s is quite spacious, and I was greeted with friendly salutations from each employee. Their lunch menu is mainly sandwiches, including a classic Rueben or Black Angus burger, and one can expect to spend around $11 with their drink included. Even though Bev’s on the River is an upscale restaurant located on the Missouri river in Sioux City, it can accommodate any wallet!

Critique:

We eat with our eyes

Oh, the humanity!

A sweet ending

            For my venture onto the river, I decided to go with the lunch special, a three meat calzone accompanied by a fresh salad. The salad arrived first and was quite refreshing to say the least, and was made up of iceberg lettuce, cheese, fresh red onion, and ranch dressing. With each bite, the refreshing crunch of the iceberg lettuce and onion along with the creamy shredded cheese and ranch dressing complimented each other perfectly. One item that set the salad apart from others was the breadstick that accompanied the salad and reminded me of a freshly fried doughnut covered in parmesan cheese. The crust of the breadstick was crunchy and delicious, and was that slight difference that put the salad over the top. My calzone arrived just as I finished my salad, and one word that came to mind was “wow!” The calzone completely covered the plate and I could tell it was baked to perfection. At first I questioned myself, how am I to attack such a monster, but I said “go for it!” As I pulled away the first piece of crust, I was surprised at the airiness of the breading, which was as light as a fresh piece of bread straight from the bakery. I could tell that the crust would not be too filling, an advantage of a lighter crust. As I tunneled my way further, I found a smooth marinara sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and beef. The mozzarella was plentiful with each bite, and gave that creamy element needed with the heat felt from the pepperoni and Italian sausage. The marinara was perfect for the calzone and was not overpowering, leaving a creamy element to cleanse your mouth from the spice of the sausage. Since tiramisu is my favorite dessert, I had to order it following this filling special, and once it arrived, I knew I was in dessert heaven for the second time this semester! It was layered with lady fingers and cream and looked too pretty to eat! The creaminess of each layer along with the lady fingers was a complete delight, while the lady fingers were as light as a cloud. I could envision myself coming back and ordering this dessert as a meal! The service was friendly and accommodating, and their lunch prices were not as high as expected—my lunch special and salad cost a total of $8.50. Bev’s is an upscale restaurant, and one should expect to dress in classy attire. I would give my overall meal 3 out of 4 wisdom teeth and would recommend it to anyone interested in a classy restaurant serving great food.

      Variety is the spice of life, something we all seem to enjoy, from the cars we drive to the food we eat we want something that will show others the characteristics that help us stand out from the crowd. Fourth Street, located in downtown Sioux City is known for two things: one, a local hot spot for those college students looking to blow off some steam; and two, a culinary hot spot. After visiting the Indigo Palette, we will need to add it to a unique list that sets itself apart from many of the other restaurants and bars located on 4^th Street. The Indigo Palette is known for its paintings and sculptures found on every wall and also known for its live shows, many occurring each night and one can even find a wine and paint session! Even though I have discussed some of the main points about the Indigo Palette, I have yet to mentioned the lunch and dinner menu, serving unique items such as a turkey sandwich served on a cranberry roll and topped with wasabi, or a classic loosemeat that brings me back to the days of family cookouts. If you’re looking for a unique spot to stop for lunch, art, and a drink, make sure to take a trip to the Indigo Palette for a taste of something different!

Critique:

Mmmmmmm loosemeat

             In this unique setting, I decided to try something much more conservative and went with a loosemeat that fit me well, Bo’s loosies—too bad the name wasn’t spelled correctly! Bo’s loosie is a loosemeat served on a bakery roll, accompanied by pickle and your choice of side—I went with a childhood favorite of mine, onion chips. Once the basket arrived, I could tell immediately that the onion chips were homemade, and the loosemeat was of perfect proportion. The onion chips had a light, crispy, golden breading which gave a crunchy contrast to the tender, juicy and perfectly cooked onion that hid itself in each breaded delight. The side of ranch gave a creamy element to the golden breading, and also the loosemeat if anyone enjoys ranch on everything, similar to me! Bo’s loosie was an interesting loosemeat to say the least, and one I enjoyed. It was made from ground beef, minced onion, pepper, salt, and from what I could tell a tomato based sauce, similar to ketchup. After one bite I knew this loosemeat was made for me, and with each bite came a sharp taste of salt which I enjoy. This savory flavor was a perfect blend to the juicy ground beef and slight spice coming from the coarse ground black pepper. Another great piece to this portrait was the bakery roll, which was fresh and melted in my mouth with each bite. Many restaurants I had been to previously would serve a loosemeat on a Kaiser roll which adds too much starch to the juicy ground beef and seasonings permeating the entire meal. The serving size at Indigo Palette was perfect for me, but for those who crave a more at lunch time may find the serving size a bit underwhelming. The service was friendly for such a large group, and the prices were incredible, with my lunch costing a total of $4.50! Not only does the Indigo Palette offer an art gallery and bar serving more than a handful of mix drinks and beer, they offer a solid lunch at an afford price. I would give the Indigo Palette 3 out of 4 wisdom teeth, and would recommend it to anyone in the downtown area looking for a quick lunch at an affordable price!

A few things from the menu!

Sign from the restaurant

Trying to find that romantic, Friday night location was always a hassle, and Olive Garden seemed to be the Sioux City staple for years but it always left more to be desired. After visiting Trattoria Fresco, I found a place that filled that void! Trattoria Fresco is located on Jackson Street across from the old J.C. Penny, and offers a variety of homemade Italian dishes and decadent desserts ranging from Chicken Parmesan to the classic Chicken Alfredo. The desserts are literally to die for, and I would recommend the tiramisu or chocolate ganache, a chocolate lover’s dream! The service is friendly, and one can expect to find the owner serving dishes with a smile, and let’s not forget our favorite crooner, Dean Martin singing some classic ballads and setting the perfect mood for a first date! Even though I will be attending Trattoria Fresco stag, I hope to set that romantic mood that one should expect to find with each visit!

Critique:

Doesn’t that look excellent?

Although I am not a huge fan of Italian food, I decided to go with my favorite Italian dish, Chicken Parmesan. Upon arrival, I was surprised at the amount of food I received, and knew I would be taking leftovers home for the weekend! The dish was split into halves, one side of the plate holding the penne noodles covered in tomato sauce, while the other half held the monstrosity of a chicken patty covered in melted mozzarella and tomato sauce. To begin, the noodles were cooked perfectly and were quite tender, while the tomato sauce was light and creamy; and I could tell from the start that every part of the meal was homemade. The best part of the dish had to be the pan seared chicken breast, which had that crunchy, golden brown crust that makes this dish a favorite of mine. The mozzarella cheese was rich and creamy, and gave the needed contrast to the rich, golden crust of the chicken breast. Of course the only downfall of the meal was the sauce, which made the crust a bit soggy, but that is expected with this meal! The chicken breast packed a punch that Mike Tyson would be jealous of, and was juicy and tender. Following the filling meal, I decided to order three deserts, one of which being my favorite: tiramisu, chocolate ganache, and a canole. The moment these three decadent desserts arrived, I knew I would be v

isiting dessert heaven! Their tiramisu was the best I’ve had to date, and was everything I expected—rich, creamy and light. Each bite of the tiramisu made me want to order an extra for the road, while the canole was similar to one of my bakery favorites—the cream horn—which was filled with a rich cream, while the outside was fried to a golden brown. The surprise of the day had to be the chocolate ganache—a creamy, pie like dish featuring a thick chocolate bottom similar to a truffle. Each bite was a tease, and was enough to cause me to consider ordering dessert first upon my next visit! The interior of the restaurant fit the Italian theme, not to mention the classic Dean Martin tunes that played during the meal as well. Considering the amount of food you will receive, the price tag will not upset your wallet, while the owner is quite friendly and accommodating! Overall, I give the restaurant 3.5 out of 4 wisdom teeth, and would recommend it to anyone looking for an Italian restaurant serving quality dishes—a great place to take your wife or first date for a romantic night together!

Too pretty to eat!

Pinot Noir and dessert, always a win!

Art

The hole in the wall, the nook, that place you overlook every time you go out for dinner. This is a flaw that many of us suffer from, and one that caused me to overlook the diamond in the rough that is Diamond Thai. Located on West 7^th street, Diamond Thai serves a wide variety of Thai food, and specializes in curry, a name given to certain dishes of food created in Southern Asia. Although the outside of the restaurant is not appealing, the dining area fits the mold of a Thai restaurant, as one can expect to find elephant and dragon murals on each wall and other pictures and statutes that add to the experience! The waitress is friendly and hospitable, and the prices are cheap to say the least, expect a bowl of their famous curry to run $6.50, affordable for any wallet. Will their famous curry be too much for this heat seeker to handle, or will I beg for more?

Critique:

Amazing dish for us “heat seekers”

            After years of watching the Food Network and other food shows such as Man vs. Food, I developed a desire to try curry, a name given to a set of dishes created in Asia. One thing I learned from Adam Richmond—the host of Man vs. Food—is that curry is a dish for heat seekers. For my venture into Thai cooking, I decided to try the green curry with a side of jasmine rice; and it is important to note that curry at Diamond Thai comes mild, medium or hot. Even though I am a fan of heat, I decided to take the advice of my professor and colleagues and play it safe and order the mild. When it arrived, it was similar in appearance to the curry seen on television, and reminded me of American chili without the beans. The first bite was a taste explosion to say the least, and I was surprised at the amount of heat present in the mild curry, while broth was light green and quite flavorful. The vegetables added texture to the creamy, yet spicy broth; and the vegetables consisted of green beans, cucumbers, and bamboo shoots. The green beans and bamboo shoots added a crunchy contrast, while the cucumbers added a juicy and tender element. Tender and juicy chicken accompanied the curry, and the spices added an explosion of taste and sweat with each bite! The side of jasmine rice was a great contrast to the spices, and added a cooling element that one may need. The jasmine rice was similar to white rice found at a local supermarket. I used the rice in the same way one would use crackers in soup, I crumbled the rice into the curry to absorb the broth. This is the first dish during my May term that I completely finished, and I would recommend Diamond Thai to anyone who would enjoy a dish exploding with flavor and heat! The service was excellent and the waitress was friendly and helpful, while the prices were cheap. A bowl of curry and a side of jasmine rice came to a total of $7.50, a price affordable for anyone looking to fill up on an excellent dish! I give Diamond Thai 4 out of 4 wisdom teeth!

New Look!

It’s unfortunate that a prior establishment can affect your views on a new establishment in the same location, and that is what had happened to me in regard to the Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Formerly the Coyote Canyon, it was known for its all-you-can-eat buffet. Unfortunately that buffet had poor food and was not known for its hygiene, and this affected my view on the current restaurant. Upon entering, I was surprised at how much change the restaurant had undergone, and was looking forward to the food. The Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is known for its unique food that ranges from steak to swordfish, an interesting meal for those who wish to journey into the unknown. While the price tag can be steep depending on which dish you choose, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed! Will I venture into swordfish territory, or choose a personal favorite such as Filet Mignon, we will find out!

Critique:

Salad

Fire!

Doesn’t that look great?

            For my jaw chewing adventure today, I decided to try the Hibachi Filet Mignon, my absolute favorite cut of meat, and for my two sides I chose a side salad topped with ginger dressing and fried rice mixed with garlic butter, seasoning and eggs. The salad arrived first, which was a delight to say the least, and it was topped with ginger dressing and what appeared to be crunchy pieces of rice which added a contrast to the rich, flavorful dressing. An entertaining display of art followed the refreshing salad, as the chef graceful flipped an egg on his spatula with grace. He followed this with a few flames from the grill—make sure to cover your eyebrows—and tricks using the fried rice as he attempted to throw the pieces into our mouths! The fried rice was cooked first, and it was an explosion of flavor to say the least. The fried rice was cooked with seasonings and an incredible amount of garlic butter, which added a savory flavor combined with the starch of the rice. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection—medium—and without a doubt was the best steak I’ve had! It melted in my mouth with every bite, the juices exploded from each piece, and the garlic butter and seasonings only added to the flavor of the filet. The vegetables arrived shortly after, and were also packing a flavorful punch since they were cooked with seasonings and the garlic butter. The char on the carrots was fantastic, as it added a crunch, while the broccoli and zucchini were tender and juicy. The meal was spectacular and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a perfectly cooked steak, just don’t order it well-done or you might hear about it from the chef! Similar to the other restaurants I have attended, the service was friendly and accommodating, especially for a group as large as ours. The price tag can be a bit steep depending on the dish your choose, and my Hibachi Filet Mignon came to $11, but considering the service, entertainment and quality of food, I would overlook the price tag! Overall, I would give the Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 4 out of 4 wisdom teeth!

Mural

At first glance, I assumed Da Kao was one of those restaurants that served strange food that I wouldn’t enjoy. This is one of the problems when we don’t try to find things out on our own, and we make assumptions that can keep us from experiencing great things. Unfortunately, these assumptions cost me from experiencing excellent Vietnamese food from Da Kao! Upon entering, one will be welcomed with multiple paintings and art that will take them on a journey into Vietnamese culture. Once seated by a friendly wait staff, you will find an assortment of choices on the menu, and will be able choose from authentic Vietnamese food, or if you wish to take a more conservative approach, they have a friendly Chinese menu as well. Some familiar favorites include egg rolls and crab ragoon, while some unique choices include pork soup and duck. Price will not be an issue, as one should expect to spend around $7 with each meal! The crab ragoon has always been a favorite of mine for its crunch shell and creamy filling, but let’s venture off into authentic territory!

Critique:

Too much!

            For my first experience with Vietnamese food, I decided to choose one of their famous soup bowls, which consisted of pork, egg noodles, and a wonton. Before the meal, I had an idea of what to expect, thanks to the Food Network. I expected an oversized bowl filled with vegetables, noodles, and tasty broth, with the broth being my favorite part of a college favorite, ramen noodles! When the bowl arrived, I was surprised at the massive amount of food! How was the chef able to fit that much food in one bowl? The dishes appearance was quite lovely, and it reminded me of a meal a construction worker would look forward to following a hard day’s work. The pork was lightly colored and appeared juicy, while the broth was full of onions, chives, and rich golden broth. I began my dive into the bowl by sipping the broth, which was creamy and greasy. The vegetables were earthy and crunchy, while the pork was juicy and tender, although I did not enjoy the flavor of the pork because of its sweetness. I expected the wonton to be similar to the shell of crab ragoon, but it was soft and tender rather than crunchy. The crunch of the vegetables along with the ramen noodles gave contrast to the creamy and flavorful broth. When it comes to service, the staff was friendly and able to accommodate our large group which can be difficult, especially during lunch time. The price was also reasonable, and if you choose to take this venture just as I did, expect a bill around $6.50! I would recommend Da Kao for anyone who wishes to try authentic Vietnamese food, and I look forward to returning. Taking all things into consideration, I would give Da Kao 3 out of 4 wisdom teeth! One thing to note, make sure you bring an empty stomach!

Mural

Humus…always a great choice!

Growing up, I believed we were born with that desire to try new and unique things and I remember walking up to the cashier with my parents, passing the massive shelves of candy and asking them if I could try a Milky Way or a Butterfinger, the candies I had yet to experience. Well, considering the variety of food choices Siouxland has to offer, I had not experienced Caribbean, so what better place to choose than Rebos located in downtown Sioux City on historic 4^th? Although many know 4^th street as a weekend favorite for college students looking to blow off a little steam after long days of study, it is also home to a restaurant serving up unique, Caribbean fare. Rebos serves everything from chimichangas and burgers to wings and humus, and has a vast selection of food for anyone willing to try something different. Upon entering, one will find an ocean mural across the wall, which fits the theme of the restaurant perfectly! Rebos is also quite accommodating if you are looking to bring in a group of friends or colleagues for lunch or dinner, and the service is friendly. With that being said, what will be my meal of choice on this journey into the Caribbean?

Critique:

The special

            For my next chewing adventure, I chose the lunch special, a unique burger that surprised me when it arrived. It was cooked medium well and broken into multiple pieces, reminding me of the lose meat one would find at a local Tastee’s or Mile’s Inn. The burger was made of beef, ground with bell peppers and pineapple. It is worth mentioning that I was not able to taste the pineapple, an unfortunate experience since the sweet tang of the pineapple would blend perfectly with the spice and crunch of the pepper. The burger was topped with bacon, lettuce and tomato along with a surprise cut of brie, while the bread was toasted quite similarly to a grilled cheese sandwich. After my first few bites I noticed inconsistencies, I was unable to taste any pineapple. When I reached the middle, I was able to find the majority of the toppings along with the bre, but I struggled to find it in other parts of the burger. The meat was juicy with each bite and was perfectly cooked, with the best part being the crunchy, butter toasted bread along with the crunch of the bacon (in case you didn’t already notice, I enjoy a nice crunch for a satisfying chewing experience). The creamy brie added a contrast to the crunch of the bacon and bread, and the savory juices from the ground beef. The burger was served with country potatoes covered in a chili cheese sauce. What I enjoyed most about this side was the connection I made with my grandma, who taught me many things in the kitchen, one of which includes a pan seared cut of potato that reminds me of a type of hash. The potato was cooked perfectly with a nice, seared crunch on the outside and topped with a chili sauce and shredded cheese which added a spicy kick, while the cheese added a creamy, cooling element to the side. Even though the smothered potatoes were cooked perfectly and added uniqueness to the dish, the burger did not live up to the same expectations since each bite was inconsistent and one of the main ingredients—pineapple—was not present. While the service was friendly and accomodating, and the murals on the wall fit the restaurant for the most part, overall I give Rebos a 2.5 out of 4 wisdom teeth!

Scale at Milwaukee

Looking for friendly family establishments serving excellent food can be difficult, but downtown Sioux City has two in particular, Milwaukee Weiner House and Coney Island. Not only do these fine establishments serve family friendly meals, they give us the opportunity to take a step back in time. When entering either restaurant, you will be welcomed with classic Americana, and a setting that breathes nostalgia. Upon entering Milwaukee Weiner, you will be graced with antique coke bottles, a classic weight scale, and many booths telling the story of yesteryear. The same can be said for Coney Island, where you will find classic Morningside College memorabilia, along with signs and photographs that will make you proud to be an American. Now while they give us a chance to go back in time, they also serve the finest hot dogs in the city. My goal for the day is to attend both establishments and compare and contrast their dogs, chili sauce, toppings, and overall taste, won’t you care to join me on this tasteful journey?

Critique:

Milwaukee

     In order to compare and contrast Milwaukee Weiner and Coney Island, I decided to order one dog at each establishment. My first stop was Milwaukee Weiner, where I ordered one with everything—everything being mustard, chili, and onion. One of the unique things one will find at Milwaukee is their chili sauce, which isn’t much of a sauce at all! The chili ‘sauce’ is composed mainly of ground beef, seasoning and water, and even though it may sound quite simple, the taste is anything but. Although the dog in general was small, it was juicy and flavorful, and had a nice crust around the outside created from the flat grill. The bun was airy and light, and held the dog and chili nicely, although a few of the onions did manage to find their way on to the plate. The mustard and crunch of the onion, along with the crispy crust of the dog contrasted the light and airy bun, while the mustard and onion allowed for a zesty bite to suck you in. The dogs were not badly priced as well, as one will spend under $3 for one with everything.

Coney Island

The next stop was Coney Island, where I ordered one Coney dog with everything—also including mustard, chili, and onion. To begin, the chili at Coney Island was similar to Milwaukee’s, consisting of ground beef, water and seasonings. At first glance, Coney’s dog was bigger than Milwaukee’s, so size does matter! The dog was juicy and tender and similar to Milwaukee, and had that same crust as well. Another difference between the two establishments was the bun, both were light and airy, but Coney’s was soggy, which helped to keep the toppings from falling out, one of the problems I had at Milwaukee. The crunch of the onion along with the zip from the mustard added a nice contrast to the dog, but the onion was stronger at Coney’s, which gave uniqueness to the overall flavor.

Now onto the main question, which establishment was superior? If we are looking at taste alone, I would give the edge to Coney Island due to their bigger and superior tasting dog and onion, yet I prefer Milwaukee’s establishment to Coney’s because of the atmosphere and size. If you decide to take a trip to either place, you will find friendly service and unique Americana that only adds to the experience. This is one of those debates only YOU can settle, so take a trip to each establishment and decide for yourself! I give Milwaukee Weiner 3 out of 4 wisdom teeth, and I give Coney 3.5 out of 4!

I typically begin my day by brushing my teeth, taking a shower and shaving. Following my typical routine, I collect my school books, notebooks and computer and head to the Morningside Campus, and on my way, I typically take a trip down West 7^th street, passing by an unknown treasure known as Red Bones Café.  Now while I pass by the café daily, I have never considered stopping for lunch, but the main question is why? While I have no answer, I am glad I finally made that pit stop! Before entering, I was welcomed by the simple, but accurate slogan: Food for the soul. After being seated, one will find soul food staples such as mac and cheese, baked beans and collard greens. One of their famous dishes is the fried catfish, and what compliments the food better than the taste and hospitality is the reasonable prices where one can order a four piece chicken dinner and sides for under $10! You really can’t beat that! The menu is varied as well, offering everything from catfish and country fried chicken to chicken wings and pasta, a menu for the whole family. The atmosphere and friendly staff only adds to the great food, and one should expect a small, cozy dining area. The only complaint I have lies on my shoulders for not taking a step away from my typical routine and making a pit stop to a place serving food for the soul.

Critique:

            For my inaugural meal at Red Bones Café, I decided to try a childhood favorite of mine, country fried chicken with cornbread, and for my two sides I chose mac-n-cheese and baked beans.  As the food arrived, I was shocked at the amount of food I received for the price, another meal under $10! The country fried chicken was incredible to say the least, the chicken was lightly breaded and topped with a creamy gravy. The breading was light and crunchy, while the chicken was seasoned with a Cajun spice, giving a mellow heat with every bite. The creamy country gravy helped to mask the spice even further for those not looking for the extra kick. The mac-n-cheese and baked beans were completely homemade, as was the chicken. The mac-n-cheese noodles were boiled perfectly, leaving us with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth creation. The best part of the mac-n-cheese was the rich, golden cheese that topped these noodles, a nice creamy contrast to the crunch of the country fried chicken. The baked beans and cornbread were the only sides remaining that were teasing my taste buds. The beans were tender and juicy, while the sauce was smoky and tomato based, which added a creamy element to the crunch of the chicken. Minced pieces of sausage were a pleasant surprise I found in the baked beans, which added uniqueness to the side. I decided to hold off on the cornbread and honey since it would be the perfect finishing touch. The cornbread was light and flaky, and the honey added a natural sweetness to complete the dish, and did I mention how filling the meal was? This is one meal where I could not find any flaws, and the service was fast and friendly. I will be returning to Red Bones Café the next chance I have, and would recommend it to anyone. If you are looking for a quick meal, this may not be the perfect place, since the kitchen takes its time, focusing on each meal, but the flavor of the food justifies the extra wait time. I give Red Bones a perfect 4/4 wisdom teeth!

As I sit at home and watch Chef Guy Fieri tease my taste buds with his descriptions of the best barbeque joints in America, I am left with a hankering for barbeque, unfortunately I live in the Midwest, an area not known for its barbeque. Does this mean I need to travel to find excellent barbeque? Surprisingly, there is a local gem serving great local barbeque in the Midwest, and this local gem is known as The House of Q. The House of Q is known for its friendly family service, reasonable prices and its smoker, which is operated by the owner himself, who you are likely to run into during lunch and dinner visits.  The menu is varied with classics such as brisket, sausage, and pulled pork, with the staple of the restaurant being its famous Heaven on a Bun: a smoked burger topped with cheese, spicy sausage links, and brisket. A massive sandwich such as this must be expensive right? This massive creation, which is large enough to create a gravitational field on its own, is only $7.29! If you’re feeling up to it, you can add two additional sides with a drink for a reasonable $11.79! Sides include the unique Mac-N-Cheese Balls, deep fried pickles, deep fried okra, and one of my personal favorites, sweet potato fries! Is your mouth watering yet? Now that you have an understanding of what kind of barbeque The Q serves, the service and atmosphere complete the package. First, many of the employees are part of the family which only adds to the local hospitality one would expect to find in the Midwest; and second, the simple family restaurant layout and stained paper menus accompanied by a 60’s playlist featuring The Beatles and The Nashville Teens reminds us of a time of carefree fun and enjoyment. Let’s not forget the 110 different bottles of beer The Q has to offer, from foreign lagers and stouts to the known domestics, this place is perfect for a family day out or a college student looking to save money while enjoying a large selection of mind altering substances—alcohol—get your mind out of the gutter!

Critique:

Smoke Ring!

Surprisingly, I’ve always had a taste for barbeque, even though the Midwest is not known as a barbeque staple. I look to order brisket whenever possible, and The Q did not disappoint. For this meal, I chose the ½ pound brisket sandwich combo accompanied by two sides—Mac-N-Cheese balls and sweet potato fries—along with a Killian’s Irish Red.  When the basket arrived, in short order I might add, I believed that I was an inmate on death row facing his last meal, a meal that would satisfy a man for the last time. As the sandwich arrived, I was faced with the difficult decision of where to begin! The bun was toasted to perfection, while the brisket was smoky and juicy. The first bite found a beautiful smoke ring, while little mastication was needed for the melt-in-your-mouth tender brisket.  The juices ran down my face while taking on the massive sandwich, and only added a smoky contrast to the salty bite of the sweet potato fries. The sweet potato fries—although they could have had a bit more crunch for my taste—were nicely seasoned and offered a savory contrast to the smoky brisket. The Mac-N-Cheese balls were the epitome of comfort food, a deep fried seasoned crust contrasted with a warm, delicate center filled with macaroni and cheese just like mom used to make! The Mac-N-Cheese balls added a much needed crunch to the meal, while adding that savory element to go along with the smoky richness of the brisket. Now, while I hope I have your taste buds watering for some delicious barbeque, I would recommend The House of Q to anyone looking for a hospitable restaurant serving Midwestern barbeque. Now while the atmosphere isn’t anything spectacular, it is unique to The Q. Being a philosophy major, I give The House of Q 3.5/4 wisdom teeth for an overall score!