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Another topic got me thinking about this, so here goes. What's your opinion (good or bad) on any of the newer chain restaurants that have opened over the last year or two. Either new to this area, or new to you.
I'll start...
The Tavern @ JR Crickets (Huntersville). Not impressed. Nothing new or different. I honestly don't expect them to last long here.
Tijuana Flats (Huntersville). I'm glad they re-opened. I like them, especially since they have the patio area. Food-wise, I think they're about on par with Qdoba and Salsaritas, so honestly I'd go to any one of the three.
Five Guys and The Cook Out. Excellent either place. Glad there's a place to go for really good burgers & fries.
Red Robin. Like them a lot too. Haven't had anything yet that disappointed.
Just Fresh. Eh. Nothing really impressed me about it.
Ham's. Coming to this area from the Triad, I'm used to Ham's and I liked them there. I haven't had a lot of opportunities to get there yet, but they are worth trying.
Shane's Rib Shack. You know, overall, not too bad. Obviously can't be compared to an original NC BBQ restaurant, but the ribs are good, and their peach cobbler is addicting.
The only one I've been to is Red Robin and I love it. The Bleu Ribbon Burger is prolly the best burger I've ever had. I've tried to duplicate it home with marginal success. I *think* the sauce on it is Heinz 57, but I'm not sure!
I think Shane's Rib Shack is great. I use them for catering work lunches all the time and everyone raves about how much they love the food. Their ribs are good, Mac and cheese is amazing, and you are correct Super, that peach cobbler is addicting.
Lenny's Subshop is my favorite newer sandwich joint. There's a handful of them that popped up around the area. You have to try to hot pepper relish on the tuna sub. It's great!!
Another one of my newer favs is Noodles and Co. They are quick, cheap and the food is good. It's family friendly and won't break your bank if you're too tired to cook dinner after work. They are certainly a fantastic alternative to fast food or a good bowl of pasta. Not just italian fare either, they have stroganof, asian flavors, mac & cheese and more.
Ham's has good food, but the service wasn't great when I was there. Not bad, but just slower than I prefer when having a business lunch.
Definite thumbs up to Five Guys and Cook Out too. The shakes are all great at Cook Out.
I've been to the Tijuana Flats that was in Pineville. I'm glad it went under. I've also been to the Red Robin in Torringdon Market. The food is great but the servers hover around your table asking you how the food is between every bite. As much as I like the food I heartily dislike the service.
Look, I'm not going to say they all are terrible because their not. I like Five Guys w/the peanuts and mounds of fries and all.
My point is that it would be nice to have some NON-CHAIN eateries that are talked about and hopefully do well because those are the places that usually do not have the "generic" food every chain has.......(ie the Penguin) or places like that....
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