"In sight - in mind"
**WE HAVE CHANGED THE RATING AFTER MUCH DEBATE. WE WERE STILL NEW AT THE RATING SYSTEM AND AFTER REVIEWING IT, WE REALIZED QUICKLY THAT BURGER KING WAS NOT DESERVING OF A 3/5 STARS. WE HAVE LOWERED THEM TO A 1.5. **
Anyone who has driven through Hometown, America knows about Burger King and we have all seen the silly King commercials. BK has set itself apart from other fast food, with their flame grilled burgers like you would grill up on your backyard charcoal grill. We entered the restaurant and went through the cattle chutes to order our food. I wanted to order a BK Double Stacker, but I wasnt sure of what kind of sauce was put on the burger. When I asked the teen behind the counter what kind of sauce was on the burger, not only was he unable to tell me what kind of sauce it was, he did not even give it a thought to ask someone else what it was. I got it anyway out of a sense of adventure, and Derek ordered a grilled chicken sandwich. Then came something we hoped we would not see.
Preparing our food was a lanky kid who had to keep battling the curtain of hair fighting for his attention in his line of sight. He began to clear some lettuce off of the prep counter. He then reached into a bucket of brackish water, wiped down the counter with a rag and then put it back into the bucket. To our horror, he kept the same latex gloves, that were now dripping wet, and without skipping a beat, grabbed for two rolls and started making our sandwiches. We got our food and soda and grabbed our seat. The fries were awesome, being crisped to perfection. My burger was good but I couldn't get the brackish water out of my mind. At one point I think I could have even smelled clorox on the bun. Derek liked his sandwich but it was really nothing to write home about.
Overall, the food was okay, the fries were great, the facility was clean and seemed like a good place to bring your family, because they have the play place that your children can enjoy and you can bring the whole family without having to take out a home equity loan to afford.
FINAL RATING: 1.5/5
PRICE: $
100 North West End Boulevard
Quakertown, PA 18951-2307
(215) 538-0380
-Ryan & Derek
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Restaurant #6 - Boston Market (January 6, 2011)
"The Best Thing to Come Out of Boston"
Enter Boston Market and you're punched in the nose by a scent that transports you back into your mom's kitchen, and suddenly, you're 7 years old all over again. With a brood of chickens on the rotisserie and looking through the glass case of all the sides, your taste buds start dancing and you can't help but salivate. Once again, Derek and I ordered the same thing, pretty much because great minds think a like. We both got a quarter of white chicken with a side of mac n' cheese, loaded mash potatoes, and as with all Boston Market meals, you get a piece of that delicious corn bread which I'm pretty sure uses corn harvested from the fields of heaven.
If you are expecting the regular fast-food experience where you're run through the cattle chutes, have the food tossed on your tray, only to march over to your table where they are hoping you will scarf down your food and get out, you will certainly be in for a treat at Boston Market. The service was phenomenal!
When we paid for our meals, we were asked where we wanted to sit and then the girl who we ordered from carried our food over to the table for us. She then said something I've never heard at a fast food restaurant: "Let me know if there is anything else you guys need". Whaaaaat!!!! How was this place ever owned by McDonald's?! We dug into our food, and my feelings for the city with the baseball team I can't stand and where they wear red socks, slowly started to gain favor.
The Mac-n-Chesse tasted homemade and the loaded mashed potatoes were fantastic. My only issue was that my chicken could have used a little more time spinning on the old chicken heater. Derek's chicken, however, was crisped wonderfully. Boston Market has a very comfortable and welcoming environment with music playing over the speakers at a volume which can be heard but doesn't cause you to have to yell in a conversation. Also, we found it very unique that whenever fresh food was made from behind the counter, it was called out. For example, when there was fresh mashed potatoes, the person who made it called "Fresh hot mashed potatoes!" and the rest of the staff repeated in the same manner.
When we were done, an employee came and cleaned up our plates, threw our trash away and thanked us for coming.
Overall it was a pleasant experience, with good food, a manicured facility, and a great staff. The only complaint was about my chicken, and the fact that there was a kid dressed in street clothes hanging out behind the counter chatting it up with the employees. It just seemed a little unprofessional.
FINAL RATING: 4/5
PRICE: $
69 N. West End. Blvd.
Quakertown, PA 18951
(215) 529-7111
-Ryan & Derek
Enter Boston Market and you're punched in the nose by a scent that transports you back into your mom's kitchen, and suddenly, you're 7 years old all over again. With a brood of chickens on the rotisserie and looking through the glass case of all the sides, your taste buds start dancing and you can't help but salivate. Once again, Derek and I ordered the same thing, pretty much because great minds think a like. We both got a quarter of white chicken with a side of mac n' cheese, loaded mash potatoes, and as with all Boston Market meals, you get a piece of that delicious corn bread which I'm pretty sure uses corn harvested from the fields of heaven.
If you are expecting the regular fast-food experience where you're run through the cattle chutes, have the food tossed on your tray, only to march over to your table where they are hoping you will scarf down your food and get out, you will certainly be in for a treat at Boston Market. The service was phenomenal!
When we paid for our meals, we were asked where we wanted to sit and then the girl who we ordered from carried our food over to the table for us. She then said something I've never heard at a fast food restaurant: "Let me know if there is anything else you guys need". Whaaaaat!!!! How was this place ever owned by McDonald's?! We dug into our food, and my feelings for the city with the baseball team I can't stand and where they wear red socks, slowly started to gain favor.
The Mac-n-Chesse tasted homemade and the loaded mashed potatoes were fantastic. My only issue was that my chicken could have used a little more time spinning on the old chicken heater. Derek's chicken, however, was crisped wonderfully. Boston Market has a very comfortable and welcoming environment with music playing over the speakers at a volume which can be heard but doesn't cause you to have to yell in a conversation. Also, we found it very unique that whenever fresh food was made from behind the counter, it was called out. For example, when there was fresh mashed potatoes, the person who made it called "Fresh hot mashed potatoes!" and the rest of the staff repeated in the same manner.
When we were done, an employee came and cleaned up our plates, threw our trash away and thanked us for coming.
Overall it was a pleasant experience, with good food, a manicured facility, and a great staff. The only complaint was about my chicken, and the fact that there was a kid dressed in street clothes hanging out behind the counter chatting it up with the employees. It just seemed a little unprofessional.
FINAL RATING: 4/5
PRICE: $
69 N. West End. Blvd.
Quakertown, PA 18951
(215) 529-7111
-Ryan & Derek
Restaurant #5 - Best Food In Town (December 23, 2010)
"No Shirt, No Shoes, No Cash, No Service (or heat)!"
When you throw the word "Best" in the name of your restaurant, you've got a lot of confidence and are setting the bar pretty high for yourself. Nestled between Kohls and K-Mart you need to pass by some restaurant giants to get to this little hole in the wall. Being one of the first and original chinese food establishments in Quakertown, Best Food (which it shall be known as from here on out) has built up a loyal following of locals.
The first thing you will notice when you enter Best Food is that they are clearly geared for mainly take-out, since there is only one table with four chairs in the entire restaurant. Whether eating in or taking out, to order, head to the counter, grab a pencil out of the cup of rice, and a menu off the pile on the counter. Circle on the menu what you want to order and hand it off to the polite and helpful employee behind the counter. Just make sure at this point if you desire to eat in or if you want a drink, make sure you inform them of this, if you don't they will assume your getting take-out and you will not be offered a drink. Pay for your meal IN CASH (oh noo-only have plastic on you, K-mart and First Niagara both have ATMs so you can grab some cash).
When that is taken care of grab a seat at the table if it's open. If not, there is a line of chairs along the wall, so get ready to hold your meal on your lap. For us we scored the table, since there wasn't anyone at it. While waiting for your meal, you are able to enjoy the sight, sound and smell of your meal being prepared as the kitchen is exposed. When our meals first came out we were pleased with the amount of food our greenbacks got us. But now was the time to see if they deserved the title of "BEST". Being the General Tso's Chicken connoisseurs we are (meaning thats all we ever order) that is what we both ordered. Being the spicy pansy that I am, I ordered mine not spicy. We both received our plates of the general's chicken outlined with broccoli and served with a side plate of Mt. Rice which only an accomplished mountaineer could conquer. This is also when we first noticed that whenever the door opened, we were able to see our breath; that's right, no heat. So bring a good coat and some mittens if you're going in winter.
When beginning to shovel in the food, we noticed the broccoli was cold, and that in General Tso's terms it would not be considered the "Best" that Derek and I have had the pleasure of sliding across our taste buds. We could tell that maybe their focus was on quantity rather than quality, which is not how you become the best at anything.
Overall the facilities left much to be desired, the service was kind and helpful, but the food needed some help. Our suggestion is let others call you the best and don't set yourselves up that high, because when you're that high, there is only one way to go and for our experience, that was down.
FINAL RATING: 2/5
PRICE: $
226 N West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951-2308
(215) 536-8800
Next Restaurant --> Boston Market
-Ryan & Derek
When you throw the word "Best" in the name of your restaurant, you've got a lot of confidence and are setting the bar pretty high for yourself. Nestled between Kohls and K-Mart you need to pass by some restaurant giants to get to this little hole in the wall. Being one of the first and original chinese food establishments in Quakertown, Best Food (which it shall be known as from here on out) has built up a loyal following of locals.
The first thing you will notice when you enter Best Food is that they are clearly geared for mainly take-out, since there is only one table with four chairs in the entire restaurant. Whether eating in or taking out, to order, head to the counter, grab a pencil out of the cup of rice, and a menu off the pile on the counter. Circle on the menu what you want to order and hand it off to the polite and helpful employee behind the counter. Just make sure at this point if you desire to eat in or if you want a drink, make sure you inform them of this, if you don't they will assume your getting take-out and you will not be offered a drink. Pay for your meal IN CASH (oh noo-only have plastic on you, K-mart and First Niagara both have ATMs so you can grab some cash).
When that is taken care of grab a seat at the table if it's open. If not, there is a line of chairs along the wall, so get ready to hold your meal on your lap. For us we scored the table, since there wasn't anyone at it. While waiting for your meal, you are able to enjoy the sight, sound and smell of your meal being prepared as the kitchen is exposed. When our meals first came out we were pleased with the amount of food our greenbacks got us. But now was the time to see if they deserved the title of "BEST". Being the General Tso's Chicken connoisseurs we are (meaning thats all we ever order) that is what we both ordered. Being the spicy pansy that I am, I ordered mine not spicy. We both received our plates of the general's chicken outlined with broccoli and served with a side plate of Mt. Rice which only an accomplished mountaineer could conquer. This is also when we first noticed that whenever the door opened, we were able to see our breath; that's right, no heat. So bring a good coat and some mittens if you're going in winter.
When beginning to shovel in the food, we noticed the broccoli was cold, and that in General Tso's terms it would not be considered the "Best" that Derek and I have had the pleasure of sliding across our taste buds. We could tell that maybe their focus was on quantity rather than quality, which is not how you become the best at anything.
Overall the facilities left much to be desired, the service was kind and helpful, but the food needed some help. Our suggestion is let others call you the best and don't set yourselves up that high, because when you're that high, there is only one way to go and for our experience, that was down.
FINAL RATING: 2/5
PRICE: $
226 N West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951-2308
(215) 536-8800
Next Restaurant --> Boston Market
-Ryan & Derek
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Restaurant #4 - Beckers (February 17, 2011)
"We Beckon you to try Beckers!"
Flying down 563, it would be easy to pass by Beckers without a thought. Located right across from Lake Nockamixon, Beckers, formerly known as Cappies Tavern, has completely revamped the way they do business. Beckers is based out of what looks to be an old school house and has a comfortable, colonial feel to it. Inside, the walls are all exposed stone, with hardwood floors, which made for a warm and comfortable environment. The restaurant seats around 35 people, including the bar. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. She knew the menu well and guided us to her favorite meals. While they had many flavors of wings, the waitress told us the crowd favorite is garlic parmesan. Without hesitation, Ryan and I ordered them to start off our meal. I highly recommend ordering an appetizer at first because we did wait a little while for our meal to arrive. Ryan also ordered the blackened chicken sandwich with roasted red pepper, provolene and brandy cream sauce. I ordered the BBQ, bacon, pineapple and smoked gouda sandwich. Both meals were fantastic, although if you're coming from the lake, bring your life jackets with you because the blackened chicken sandwich can get kind of messy...but it was well worth it.
We also had a chance to meet the owner, John Becker. He was a down to earth guy who owns another restaurant with his wife in Lambertville. Talking with the owner made us feel welcomed at Beckers and we will definitely be visiting again.
If you are visiting lake Nockamixon anytime soon, be sure to add Beckers to your itinerary. We highly recommend it!! Beckers also provides takeout, so stop by and grab a nice lunch to enjoy while sitting by the lake with your family and friends!
FINAL RATING: 4.5/5
PRICE: $$
110 Old Bethlehem Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-536-3220
Next Restaurant --> Best Food in Town
Signing Out,
Derek and Ryan
Restaurant #3 - Arby's (December 9, 2010)
"A Different Kind of Fast Food"
Arby's was definitely an unmemorable experience. The atmosphere was one which you would expect in any fast food restaurant. Tile floors, booth seats, empty ketchup dispensers, and little kids everywhere.
Ryan ordered chicken tenders and I ordered the cheddar roast beef sandwich. I was mostly excited about their curly fries and that is why I like Arby's. Their curly fries and roast beef sandwiches set them apart from other fast food restaurants and have made them into a notable franchise. The service was nothing to brag about. Mediocre at best. However, we were greeted from behind the counter as we arrived and when we left, a bell rang alerting everyone in the entire restaurant that we were retiring from the premises. Nothing to exciting to report here...Until next time!
FINAL RATING: 3/5 stars
PRICE: $
175 North West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-538-9044
175 North West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-538-9044
Next Restaurant--> Beckers
Signing Out,
Derek and Ryan
Restaurant #2 - Andrew's Restaurant & Deli (November 11, 2010)
"Order like a Deli, Served like a Restaurant"
Andrew's Deli is located right along 309 and has an inviting atmosphere as you enter the restaurant. As we entered the lobby, there was no direction as to whether we were to seat ourselves or if there was a hostess that was supposed to take us to a seat. we stood there looking around until the girl at the counter about 10 feet away asked us if we had ever been to Andrew's Deli before. Since we never had previously visited, she proceeded to explain how the ordering process worked. They were going through changes with the ordering process at the time, so they seemed rather unorganized. It was definitely a first impression that we will remember.
Ryan ordered an onion ring burger and added a side of mozzarella sticks spontaneously but had to leave an arm and a leg on the counter with the girl at the register because they were a bit pricey. Yes, Ryan received five mozzarella sticks for over seven and half George Washingtons. That price isn't even including his burger! Supposedly the mozzarella sticks were pretty good, however, not the best. I ordered a BBQ bacon burger which had three strips of bacon and what appeared to be a bucket of BBQ sauce overflowing on my plate.
Andrew's Deli is located right along 309 and has an inviting atmosphere as you enter the restaurant. As we entered the lobby, there was no direction as to whether we were to seat ourselves or if there was a hostess that was supposed to take us to a seat. we stood there looking around until the girl at the counter about 10 feet away asked us if we had ever been to Andrew's Deli before. Since we never had previously visited, she proceeded to explain how the ordering process worked. They were going through changes with the ordering process at the time, so they seemed rather unorganized. It was definitely a first impression that we will remember.
Ryan ordered an onion ring burger and added a side of mozzarella sticks spontaneously but had to leave an arm and a leg on the counter with the girl at the register because they were a bit pricey. Yes, Ryan received five mozzarella sticks for over seven and half George Washingtons. That price isn't even including his burger! Supposedly the mozzarella sticks were pretty good, however, not the best. I ordered a BBQ bacon burger which had three strips of bacon and what appeared to be a bucket of BBQ sauce overflowing on my plate.
After we ordered our food, we received a buzzer which had been touched by everyone and their mom. It was designed to buzz and alert us when our food was ready to be picked up at the counter. With only about 8 people (us included) eating at the time, a buzzer seemed overkill. However, the buzzers provided much entertainment while our 5 o'clock shadows grew in. Finally, our buzzers lit up and Ryan rendezvous with the hostess halfway at the soda machine to get his food. I, however, had to trek across the restaurant to pick up my food. It was certainly a bit confusing trying to figure out where to pick up my food.
Overall, the burgers were good but we both needed a shower afterwards, not to mention I had the worst stomach pains you could ever imagine. The atmosphere was nice because we sat next to the claw game. Do NOT be tempted by the claw game. We watched 2 girls go through $5 trying to win a stuffed animal. It doesn't work. We could have told them that.
**Also, we realize that Andrew's Restaurant & Deli actually comes before Applebees alphabetically. The reason for this is we forgot about this restaurant and it wasn't on our original list, so you may see restaurants added here and there that we originally didn't know about!**
**Also, we realize that Andrew's Restaurant & Deli actually comes before Applebees alphabetically. The reason for this is we forgot about this restaurant and it wasn't on our original list, so you may see restaurants added here and there that we originally didn't know about!**
FINAL RATING: 3.5/5 stars
PRICE: $$
750 North West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-529-5995
750 North West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-529-5995
Next Restaurant --> Arby's
Signing Out
Derek & Ryan
Restaurant #1 - Applebees (October 28, 2010)
"Eating Good in the Neighborhood!"
Applebees. I like apples but I hate bees. Ryan and I went into Applebees obviously with prior history of what it was like. We base our rating as if this is a completely new restaurant for us.
We were welcomed at the door and the one hostess held the door open for us and proclaimed "Welcome to Applebees!" as we entered. I was ready to eat great even late...wait, that's Wendy's.
Anyway, we were seated, ordered our drinks and then quickly realized that our waiter was probably the most awkward person that I have ever met. He seemed very uncomfortable and was basically socially awkward. Ryan and I laughed it off and ordered our food. I got chicken quesadillas and Ryan got a Cowboy burger. The food was decent but I have had better quesadillas. Most of the time, I could barely find the chicken and was just crunching on some cooked tortilla and cheese. yum.
We noticed halfway through our meal that there were about 6 applebees employees standing around a table laughing and joking around with each other. Not good customer service if you ask me! Also, my glass of water was bone dry at this point and our waiter was no where to be found. At the end of the meal as he brought our check, he looked at me and stuttered, "oh, c-c-an I bring you more w-water?" It was an interesting start to our adventure.
FINAL RATING: 3/5 stars
PRICE: $$
145 North West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-529-7343
Next Restaurant --> Andrew's Deli
-Derek & Ryan
Who we are and What we do
This is Derek Overby reporting live with Ryan Landis. We have come up with the idea of eating through all of the restaurants in Quakertown in alphabetical order. Yes, that is a lot of restaurants and it will take some time, but we are determined. We have a list of restaurants from Quakertown and so far, we have made our way through 6 of them...The idea of this blog is to inform you of restaurants to try out and some that you should consider avoiding.
We rate each restaurant based on a 5 point scale. (5 points is the MOST AMAZING restaurant, and 1 point means run for your lives). We rate each restaurant based on the appearance, customer service, cleanliness, environment and of course the food.
We want to hear your comments and if we missed any restaurants that you can think of, let us know!
We eat at these restaurants every other Thursday, and sometimes more, so we are looking at 2 restaurants a month. We will begin posting soon about our recent excursions to the 6 restaurants. Stay tuned!
-Derek & Ryan
We rate each restaurant based on a 5 point scale. (5 points is the MOST AMAZING restaurant, and 1 point means run for your lives). We rate each restaurant based on the appearance, customer service, cleanliness, environment and of course the food.
We want to hear your comments and if we missed any restaurants that you can think of, let us know!
We eat at these restaurants every other Thursday, and sometimes more, so we are looking at 2 restaurants a month. We will begin posting soon about our recent excursions to the 6 restaurants. Stay tuned!
-Derek & Ryan
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