"Ryan hates seafood, but loves Captain Bob's"
Captain Bob's is located in the heart of Quakertown, and on this fine Tuesday evening, two Admirals (I'm trying out some nautical terms in this blog) entered the restaurant and didn't know quite what to expect. I enjoy seafood on occasion, but Ryan however gets a bit seasick at the thought of seafood.
The first thing that we noticed before entering is that there are two different entrances for C Bob's. If you want take out, you enter one door where you can choose from a vast array of fish, fried or broiled. Choices of fish include flounder, haddock, salmon, tilapia, catfish, tuna, swordfish. You can also order delicacies such as clams, scallops, shrimp, crab cakes, fish cakes, oysters, etc. If you want to eat in, you enter through the other door, and they have a window connecting the other room where you can order from. Ryan and I chose to eat in (as is the rule with our restaurant adventures) and so we ordered, were given a number, and we then anchored our vessels and got our drinks. We were excited to find out that if you pay an extra 50 cents, you can get free refills. We are suckers for free refills! Shortly after we sat down, our number was called. The service was very fast and this made us very pleased.
I ordered Deviled Crabs because according to the menu, this is "Everyone's Favorite." Ryan ordered Pop-Corn Shrimp and one deviled crab, because like me, he was curious. Each platter comes with a side of french fries and cole slaw, although Ryan asked for more fries in replacement of the 'slaw. The deviled crabs were outstanding although halfway through, Ryan worried me because he made me realize that I have no idea what exactly makes up a deviled crab cake. However, that has never bothered me before. The fries were delicious and thin and crisp. Ryan enjoyed his pop-corn shrimp and even enjoyed his deviled crab cake. Remember, he hates seafood, and that's not a lie.
The atmosphere was very pleasant and as we sat there, we felt as though we were eating lunch on the boardwalk at the beach. The walls had a nice ocean blue tint to them and we were surrounded by 7 different posters of various marine life which took me back to my studies of marine biology in high school. (I didn't really study marine biology in high school, but if I did, Captain Bob would have been my teacher.) We also noticed that Captain Bob's has an awesome logo inside their restaurant. It is almost 3D looking, and kind of hard to explain unless you go see it for yourself. Unfortunately, they don't have the same logo on the outside! The sign for Captain Bob's on the roof of the building is kind of bland looking and we think it would be neat to incorporate the 3D logo on the outside of the building as well!
Overall, we thought that the customer service was a nice help to Ryan and I and they were a very fast and efficient crew. The food was delicious and cheap, especially with it all being seafood! If you don't like seafood, we definitely recommend that you start with Captain Bob's Fresh Seafood and see what you think! You can also check out their website for a menu at http://www.captainbobsseafood.com/. Their site provides you with a full menu as well as their hours. They also now accept plastic so if you don't have cash with you, that's okay! So shove off, (that means to "To leave; to push a boat away from a pier or vessel's side") and come to Captain Bob's today!
FINAL RATING: 3.5/5 stars
PRICE: $ to $$ (Basically one and a half dollar sign)
609 S West End Blvd # 5
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-538-0773
-Derek & Ryan
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Restaurant #9 - Big Richard's Steak Shop (March 20, 2011)
"If you take a seat, you need to eat"
Being the first day of spring and having beautiful weather, Derek and I decided to check out what the Quakertown Farmers Market had to offer. The focus of today's visit was to Big Richard's Steak Shop, also known to some as Big Richard's Sandwich Shop. Additionally, we broke away from our routine in that going to the Q-Mart sounded like a great double date so we both brought along our better halves. First off, entering the Q-Mart we had no idea where Big Richard's was so we went in one of the entrances and began to wonder in the direction we thought it may be. After passing an eclectic smorgasbord of shops and delis we finally spotted the Big Richard's Sign. Pay close attention because if you are walking to quickly or distracted, you will pass on by very easily without even noticing the restaurant.
We grabbed a table for four and began to contemplate what meal would have the opportunity to dance across our palates today. Be careful where you put your elbows while sitting down as we had some elbow sweater stick. The table of our choosing had not been visited by Mr. Clean, and it was awkwardly close to the ordering counter. The decisions were made and the result were four value meals. Two cheese steaks, one Webber, and one pork BBQ sandwich. The value meal started at about $5.50 which gave you the sandwich, fries and a drink, or you could up grade for another buck and half to a large. This meant receiving a club roll vs. a hoagie roll. The cheese steaks were anything but mind blowing, the Webber was not impressive (turns out you also have to pay more for lettuce and tomato), and the pork sandwich was good - having a tint of sugary sweetness to it. While half the the party (being the guys) liked the fries our counterparts pointed out that they thought they just tasted like grease.
Putting food aside, the service was up to par of that of your local DMV. I believe it would take a miracle to get a smile to break out on any of the employees faces, although, being in a windowless area, it can have that effect on you. We all just felt that there was no effort made to make us comfortable or to have us feel welcomed. Additionally, I ran into one of my greatest pet peeves... "no free refills". I just do not get it. You sucker me into paying a buck and a half for a cup of soda that costs you 10 cents, and then you have the audacity to not even give me one free refill. Throw a guy a bone here, and at least give one free refill, or refrain from putting the iceburg that sunk the Titanic in my cup so I get more than a table spoon of soda. (Sorry for ranting, no this is not the only restaurant that does this, but we are coming out of a long winter so you must forgive me).
While we were eating we had noticed that on the menu they also had fried oreos, twinkies and Snickers. I never turn down a snickers and when you throw it on a stick and deep fat fry it, it can only get better. I was quite pleased when I received my fried Snickers and couldn't wait to dig in. But, I quickly learned that a fat fried Snickers is about 200 degrees hotter than molten lava. Having now melted the entirety of my mouth, I was glad that I had allowed them to sucker me into buying a refill of Diet Pepsi off of them for a buck.
Overall the food was mediocre, the atmosphere was loud and sticky, and the service could use some courtousy training. The only thing that saved the trip was going to see the Q-Mart's diamond in the rough, Wally the alligator.
FINAL RATING: 2/5 Stars
PRICE: $
Quakertown Farmer's Market
201 Station Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-538-1255
-Ryan & Derek
Being the first day of spring and having beautiful weather, Derek and I decided to check out what the Quakertown Farmers Market had to offer. The focus of today's visit was to Big Richard's Steak Shop, also known to some as Big Richard's Sandwich Shop. Additionally, we broke away from our routine in that going to the Q-Mart sounded like a great double date so we both brought along our better halves. First off, entering the Q-Mart we had no idea where Big Richard's was so we went in one of the entrances and began to wonder in the direction we thought it may be. After passing an eclectic smorgasbord of shops and delis we finally spotted the Big Richard's Sign. Pay close attention because if you are walking to quickly or distracted, you will pass on by very easily without even noticing the restaurant.
We grabbed a table for four and began to contemplate what meal would have the opportunity to dance across our palates today. Be careful where you put your elbows while sitting down as we had some elbow sweater stick. The table of our choosing had not been visited by Mr. Clean, and it was awkwardly close to the ordering counter. The decisions were made and the result were four value meals. Two cheese steaks, one Webber, and one pork BBQ sandwich. The value meal started at about $5.50 which gave you the sandwich, fries and a drink, or you could up grade for another buck and half to a large. This meant receiving a club roll vs. a hoagie roll. The cheese steaks were anything but mind blowing, the Webber was not impressive (turns out you also have to pay more for lettuce and tomato), and the pork sandwich was good - having a tint of sugary sweetness to it. While half the the party (being the guys) liked the fries our counterparts pointed out that they thought they just tasted like grease.
Putting food aside, the service was up to par of that of your local DMV. I believe it would take a miracle to get a smile to break out on any of the employees faces, although, being in a windowless area, it can have that effect on you. We all just felt that there was no effort made to make us comfortable or to have us feel welcomed. Additionally, I ran into one of my greatest pet peeves... "no free refills". I just do not get it. You sucker me into paying a buck and a half for a cup of soda that costs you 10 cents, and then you have the audacity to not even give me one free refill. Throw a guy a bone here, and at least give one free refill, or refrain from putting the iceburg that sunk the Titanic in my cup so I get more than a table spoon of soda. (Sorry for ranting, no this is not the only restaurant that does this, but we are coming out of a long winter so you must forgive me).
While we were eating we had noticed that on the menu they also had fried oreos, twinkies and Snickers. I never turn down a snickers and when you throw it on a stick and deep fat fry it, it can only get better. I was quite pleased when I received my fried Snickers and couldn't wait to dig in. But, I quickly learned that a fat fried Snickers is about 200 degrees hotter than molten lava. Having now melted the entirety of my mouth, I was glad that I had allowed them to sucker me into buying a refill of Diet Pepsi off of them for a buck.
Overall the food was mediocre, the atmosphere was loud and sticky, and the service could use some courtousy training. The only thing that saved the trip was going to see the Q-Mart's diamond in the rough, Wally the alligator.
FINAL RATING: 2/5 Stars
PRICE: $
Quakertown Farmer's Market
201 Station Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-538-1255
-Ryan & Derek
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Restaurant # 8 - The Brick Tavern Inn (March 8, 2011)
"It's a Win-Win at The Brick Tavern Inn"
Thanks to an anonymous Quakertown sponsor, Ryan and I were able to dine out tonight, without the expense. We are very grateful and if anyone else would like to sponsor us, shoot us an email at eatingthruquakertown@gmail.com. You can remain anonymous if you would like as well!
Anyhoo, we finally were able to make it out to the Brick Tavern Inn on this fine Tuesday evening, after going on a hiatus for a few weeks. Due to schedule conflicts, we had to miss a week and reschedule for a Tuesday rather than a Thursday, but food is food, and we worked around it!
As we pulled up to the Inn, we noticed the fresh landscape that surrounds the building and is very inviting. Many different types of shrubs and trees line the perimiter of the restaurant and create a very nice atmosphere. The inside of the inn was very fancy as each table was joined by a lone candle at the center of it. Yes, two men in their early 20's eating dinner by candelight. It made for an awkward meal. We were even given cloth napkins (The kind where you have to unfold 10 times and put in your lap because it's the correct "etiquette" way).
We opened up the menu and noticed that if you want an entree, expect to pay at least $25. We chose to each order a sandwich, which comes with fries, and then we ordered an appetizer as well. Ryan ordered a Little Italy Chicken Sandwich which is grilled chicken, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, toasted with Swiss and Provolone on a hoagie roll (Yes, I just typed exactly what it says on the menu). I ordered the New York Reuben which is corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, 1000 island dressing, grilled on rye. We also ordered an appetizer of chicken wings (half BBQ, half buffalo).
The chicken wings were good, although the buffalo wings were a bit spicy and if you have chapped lips, be careful, as the hot sauce loves to infect the chapped lips even more. However, the Inn provides wet wipes so you can clean your hands thoroughly afterwards. Ryan enjoyed his sandwich, although with the amount of spinach that they put on the sandwich, I thought I was at dinner with PopEye. I enjoyed my reuben, but it was nothing "Earth shattering." The service was good and our waitress was very friendly and came to check up on us many times.
Our only complaints were that it seemed to be a little dark inside the restaurant. With it being candlelight, they dimmed the overhead lights making for a darker atmosphere. The background music was at a good setting so I could still hear Ryan without having to shout for him to repeat himself. We did spot a piano sitting against the wall unattended to, like a little puppy in a pet store. We would have liked to see some live music and see what that piano can do! However, if you visit http://www.thebricktaverninn.com/, you can see live music schedules, upcoming events, photographs, additional menu information and more! We both recommend to check it out sometime as it makes for a nice evening out with the significant other or family and friends!
FINAL RATING: 4/5 stars
PRICE: $$ to $$$ (Depending on if you get an entree or just a sandwich)
2460 Old Bethlehem Pike
Quakertown PA 18951
215-529-6488
Signing Out,
Derek and Ryan
Thanks to an anonymous Quakertown sponsor, Ryan and I were able to dine out tonight, without the expense. We are very grateful and if anyone else would like to sponsor us, shoot us an email at eatingthruquakertown@gmail.com. You can remain anonymous if you would like as well!
Anyhoo, we finally were able to make it out to the Brick Tavern Inn on this fine Tuesday evening, after going on a hiatus for a few weeks. Due to schedule conflicts, we had to miss a week and reschedule for a Tuesday rather than a Thursday, but food is food, and we worked around it!
As we pulled up to the Inn, we noticed the fresh landscape that surrounds the building and is very inviting. Many different types of shrubs and trees line the perimiter of the restaurant and create a very nice atmosphere. The inside of the inn was very fancy as each table was joined by a lone candle at the center of it. Yes, two men in their early 20's eating dinner by candelight. It made for an awkward meal. We were even given cloth napkins (The kind where you have to unfold 10 times and put in your lap because it's the correct "etiquette" way).
We opened up the menu and noticed that if you want an entree, expect to pay at least $25. We chose to each order a sandwich, which comes with fries, and then we ordered an appetizer as well. Ryan ordered a Little Italy Chicken Sandwich which is grilled chicken, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, toasted with Swiss and Provolone on a hoagie roll (Yes, I just typed exactly what it says on the menu). I ordered the New York Reuben which is corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, 1000 island dressing, grilled on rye. We also ordered an appetizer of chicken wings (half BBQ, half buffalo).
The chicken wings were good, although the buffalo wings were a bit spicy and if you have chapped lips, be careful, as the hot sauce loves to infect the chapped lips even more. However, the Inn provides wet wipes so you can clean your hands thoroughly afterwards. Ryan enjoyed his sandwich, although with the amount of spinach that they put on the sandwich, I thought I was at dinner with PopEye. I enjoyed my reuben, but it was nothing "Earth shattering." The service was good and our waitress was very friendly and came to check up on us many times.
Our only complaints were that it seemed to be a little dark inside the restaurant. With it being candlelight, they dimmed the overhead lights making for a darker atmosphere. The background music was at a good setting so I could still hear Ryan without having to shout for him to repeat himself. We did spot a piano sitting against the wall unattended to, like a little puppy in a pet store. We would have liked to see some live music and see what that piano can do! However, if you visit http://www.thebricktaverninn.com/, you can see live music schedules, upcoming events, photographs, additional menu information and more! We both recommend to check it out sometime as it makes for a nice evening out with the significant other or family and friends!
FINAL RATING: 4/5 stars
PRICE: $$ to $$$ (Depending on if you get an entree or just a sandwich)
2460 Old Bethlehem Pike
Quakertown PA 18951
215-529-6488
Signing Out,
Derek and Ryan
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