Boardwalk Billy's

Finally, I didn't want to go running and screaming from my entree! Mostly because this place WASN'T a chain, they had what I call food, and my wallet didn't need a shock from the AED paddles when the check came. (Full disclosure: I have been here before and didn't write a review)

John Boy &  Billy's Grillin' Sauce (Hot & Spicy)

Oh my goodness, what are those pictured above? Only the best chicken wings I have ever eaten. And that white stuff that comes on the side? Boardwalk Billy's homemade blue cheese, and it is unreal. The atmosphere is what you would expect from a bar/restaurant in the University area of Charlotte. But, with a smattering of different college football games on their LED TVs, a tasty Sam Adams Octoberfest in hand and great BBQ one could not ask for more.

These ribs would make any true Southerner blush.

What did I like?   Okay, I grew up in Syracuse, NY, home of the world famous Dinosaur BBQ- Known for BBQ and beer. But, after years of commercializing and downsizing portions they are not even a shadow of what they once where. Billy's was able to re-charge my belief that BBQ restaurants can give big portions at good prices. Our waiter, Brad, was very reliable and was able to build a good rapport with us. The wings were crispy, had a lot of meat on the bone, and the sauce- John Boy & Billy's Grillin' Sauce (Hot & Spicy)- was great. The sauce has a great mix of spice, sweet and a taste of its own. I love ribs. I am picky about how they taste and how they are presented... no worries here. These ribs would make any true Southerner blush. The meat, which there was a lot of, fell right off the bone. The sauce wasn't over powering but a mere perfect glazing on great rib meat. And if it matters, their homemade fries are great!

It's all gone! OH NO!

What would I change? First, I may have to start taking pictures with a real camera and not a low-def cell phone, rookie mistake, you hate to see it. It's going to seem petty but their coleslaw left something to be desired. I know I am from NY where the slaw is mayonnaise bases (blah) and Southern slaw is vinegar based (eh). But, I like to see a good mix between the two, this was more like cabbage in a water bath. And because I am being honest, I know this isn't a true-to-life sports bar BUT their TV placement wasn't the greatest. It could have been from I was sitting, who knows. Lastly, this is carry over from last time. Billy's BBQ pork... not a fan. It did not match up with their A+ ribs/wings/sides. It was odd to see such a drop in quality from A-to-D. Okay, nothing else bad to say!

Recommendation? If you want solid, no, great BBQ at okay prices this is a must. Their ribs are great. Their wings are great. They have a good selection of mixed drinks (for the ladies) at reasonable prices. And a wide selection of tequila! They have great versatility; meaning you can go for a few drinks, watch the game and chomp on a few wings... you can go there and have a huge sit-down meal (with homemade dessert shooters [get the chocolate mousse]) ... or you can have a great 'drinky' night out with friends. Choose your poison, you can't lose! The worst part? When you go: "It's all gone! OH NO!"

Boardwalk Billy's Charlotte site: Boardwalk Billy's at University 

Dave and Busters

These things DO exist! Living in Upstate New York for the majority of  my life I was bombarded with Chick-Fil-A, Sonic, Jack in the Box and Dave and Busters commercials thinking they were only a myth never seeing one, until now! Dave an Busters ahoy!

A circus of sadness

A chain is a chain is a chain is a chain, I have eaten at my fair share of them but they always have their 'famous' dish that allowed them to flourish into a chain IE: Applebees is to Burgers as as Pizzahut is to Pizza. But, I failed to see what allowed D&B to expand on the restaurant side of their food/arcade hybrid. The atmosphere was that of a party that had a billion invites and only 7 RSVPs. This place was MASSIVE and on a Friday at 6pm one would think this place would be poppin' [never going to use as an adjective again I promise.]  Then came the food? Right? No Sam Adams Octoberfest... zero dollars. No Bass... zero dollars. A $4 warm Dos Equis in a dirty bottle... disgusting.

What did I like? Well our waiter was very nice and gave us a free game card with 120 credits on it. I could end there... But, their cheesecake, yes cheesecake, was both massive and tasty. Nice crust, good vanilla flavor and the portion was worth the price which is rare for desserts in restaurants. And being a 9 year-old 22 year-old their arcade game selection was great! You have the option for ticket games [skee ball] and video games [Time Crisis]. A lot of racing games, a lot of shooters and a lot of flashing lights! [Hope you don't have epilepsy.] Another plus is the gaming card. You can load it with 'credits' and swipe it to play the games instead of clunking around with pounds of quarters or tokens in your pockets.

What would I change? I went there for food first, gaming second... as most people do when one is hungry... Cheese sticks are a staple for chains that pride themselves on greasy food. Fail. These inadequate sticks are not recommended. Why do you cut up green onions on cheese sticks? Anyone? I hear that's what they are teaching at the CIA. Double cheese burger, that's simple right? Yum, nope. Those frozen 'meat patties' would have been rejected by the Hamburglar. And the fries? I think they were fried? Burgers are the fail safe anywhere. At a fancy restaurant, at a fast food joint, at home for dinner. But, both the regular and double burgers were sub-sub-par. And what else in a menu option? Steak. Steak at $19.99 and up no matter the cut. Because when I want a juicy NY Steak with a high price tag, I want to eat it while a kid cries in one ear over his spilled soda and another screams over sharing tickets with his younger sister. Now that's classy dinning.

Inadequate Sticks... MMMMM

Recommendation? On the way out I spotted someone with chicken wings and they looked 'ok' so maybe I should have leaned in that direction. Don't order a mixed drink unless you want to take out a second mortgage. And DON'T get a burger. But, if you want to get nachos, watch some football and shoot some zombies this is a good place to go. It was nice to play arcade games and not feel like a sex-offender.  Entrees should be left alone at all costs. Speaking of costs, bring your cash A-Game because this place just loves to tidy up your wallet. This was a upsetting defeat.

Dave and Buster's Main Website: Dave and Buster's main page  

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches

I saw a bunch of these scattered all over Charlotte. And one day I just wanted a quick sandwich to fill me up, should have opted to make my own...

Fake 50's vibe? Couldn't tell you.

Nothing was more fun then walking into a place you have never eaten at and the cashier has the personality of a rock [sorry rocks]. And then fails to tell you that CHEESE is EXTRA on a SUB SANDWICH. Their 'gourmet' sandwich options go up to 18... 18 different subs you have to pay extra for cheese, chips and soda, nice. Two people for two 'cheese' added sandwiches? $18 and change...

What did I like? The chips were pretty good, other than their $1.22 price tag. They were kettle cooked and you have three options in plan [my favorite], BBQ that has a overpowering pepper taste and one other that slips my mind. What else did I like? It's a stretch but the bread was how I like it, fluffy in the middle and a tougher outside.

What would I change? I don't have all the time in the world to write about what I didn't like and you don't have to time to read it so I will be as brief as I can. Price, like I said was killer. While eating, all I could think of was the other places I could have spent 18 dollars and got triple the product. My [and all] the tables were dirty... enough said. The lame metal signs all over the place with dumb cute sayings... I am not at a Applebees thank you very much. Any sandwich you get is LETTUCE EXPLOSION, because there is no better way to pad your sandwich then two to three pieces of meat and a dump truck full of iceberg lettuce.  Most importantly the taste. I couldn't make out how my sandwich tasted because I couldn't get through the lettuce and the pounds of mayonnaise.

LETTUCE EXPLOSION!

Recommendation? If you want a quick 'sub' with lots of white stuff and iceberg go knock yourself out. I just hope your not playing for more than yourself. DON'T get the bacon because I did and I couldn't figure out how it was cooked... [shuttering] if you do crave a sub I can think of a few places that gives a better price and a better overall product, two of which start with a Q and a S. I have to find me a Which Wich. 

Jimmy John's Website [Charlotte]: Jimmy John's at Matthews

Shane's Rib Shack

So, not exactly 'Down Home' Southern cooking for my first piece on NC restaurants. But, this will have to suffice...

SHANIAC

When on the go or looking for some fast BBQ take out, Shane's should be the first thing that comes into mind. In two trips to the Rib Shack I sampled both a sandwich and a platter. First up is a beast of a burger known as the Shaniac Burger that was a limited menu item. Sadly it is now off the menu. 

What did I like? It was filling. It had a good grill taste and the price wasn't knocking me off my feet. Plus, I love the pulled pork and coleslaw combo [NC Style.] The restaurant itself has both a place to eat in and outdoors pending your mood and of course a few HD TVs with ESPN on. Take out or eat in, either way you won't have to wait too long. 

What would I change? All of Shane's sandwiches are good but the sides are extra to add on. And the burger needs some improvement. It was very obvious it wasn't hand made, too perfect of a circle, and the meat wasn't consistent with 'In-House' ground beef. 

Recommendation? Want borderline fast food that won't KO you 10 minutes after eating it? Then head to Shane's. Kid friendly and wallet approved. But, if you're looking for Southern BBQ, head elsewhere. Average price of a meal anywhere between 9-to-12 bucks. 

Shane's Micro site: Mecklenburg Shane's Rib Shack