I was sober when I tried this pizza....

Was this my problem?  I stopped in to grab a slice for lunch and was disappointed to walk into a hot, steamy restaurant with 3-4 tables.  Ordered a slice and sat down to sweat as I ate.  The New York style slice was definitely nothing special although not horrible. Lacked sauce, cheese, and toppings.  I think I may need to try this as delivery, maybe even at the end of the night after I've had a few.


I guess their specialty must be delivery/carry out?


Hoboken Pie / Yelp / Google Places

What hotels need but don't think of

It's the little things that make a difference, we all know that right!?  So why does it seem like the service industry fails at this when that should be one of their sole expertise?  Here are some of the "extras" that I think every hotel should provide.  These are not high cost items! 

• Night light in the bathroom
• Built in humidifier
• White noise machine
• Curved shower curtain rod
• Refrigerator, extra bonus if you have a microwave
• Have tea available....not just coffee
• A couple bottles of water (that don't have a five dollar markup) and filtered water in the lobby where we can refill!
• Plug ins next to the bed on both sides
• Recycle bins (if the city recycles)

What would you add to the list!?

Cooper's Tavern - They do it right.

"They do it right" was the first thing that I thought once I sat down in this quaint pub.  The atmosphere was bustling and the energy was positive.  It's hard to describe, but I loved the simple yet effective decorating that made this place not too dark, but still tavern-like.  The big chalk board behind the bar is a perfect touch that highlights one of the best things about the place - the beer selection.  The beer selection was it's own book of choices with a lot of unique options.

The menu was perfectly diverse and offered home style pub food.  BIG fish and chips,  comforting Bavarian Beer Stew, and so many other options.  The food was just as good as the menu options.  Had the Sconnie Egg which I fully expected to be a big grease ball when in fact it was perfectly done.  I still can't quite understand how they did that!  The mustard definitely makes that dish.  Then I had the Coopers Burger since of course I gotta have a burger with my beer!  I was completely satisfied with my choice of that and the homemade chips.

Service was top notch, especially when someone other than our waitress delivered our food and managed to give the right dish to the right person without even asking.  Nice!

Location is perfect with it being right next to Capital square so if you are eating outside the view is great.  Also, just a good stop for beers after work or to grab food before heading to the next place.

Only negative I would have to say would be the noise and how crowded it gets.  We were there on a Friday evening so that is definitely their prime time.  Since it was so crowded they had the air cranked (even though it was cold out) and it was blowing on me the whole time we ate which was pretty annoying.

Cooper's Tavern
Facebook
Trip Advisor
Yelp
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Alligator Soul

Food - Was delish!  We both got a salad and the croutons were unexpected and beyond amazing.  I do find myself craving these little pieces of heaven and would suggest you to get a salad just to have the opportunity to eat them!  I did feel that although it was really good food, it was somewhat a let down because of how much the waiter hyped it up.  He was really descriptive explaining it so that it sounded more unique and interesting then what you see and get once it arrives.  I had the scallops which were cooked perfectly and the flavors were great.  My dining partner had the pork chop and he said that it was heavy, just ok, and he was regretful that he didn't try something else that was more of a specialty item.


Service - Done the way it should be done.  He was very attentive and helpful.  Brought us special treats from the bar and from the kitchen.  He did disappear once for quite some time and we were wondering where both he and our food was, but it wasn't something I would say would sway my opinion of the place.


Atmosphere - It's kinda weird walking underground to enter but once you do, it's dark, cozy, romantic, quirky, and historic all in one.  I think the atmosphere is what really contributes to the success of this place.  


Value - I'm one to pay a lot for something if it's worth it and I would have to say that this didn't QUITE get me there.  Prices were really high and I would have to say if they weren't that high I would have marked this as one of my all time favorites. 


Alligator Soul / Trip Advisor / Yelp / Facebook / Google Places

Top of Mind Places

When asked what my all time favorite restaurant is I have this group of restaurants that pop into my mind.  To me this is what really counts, as it simply seems completely impossible to pick just one.  With so many different styles, varieties, and diversity it shouldn't be a question of one favorite, but more what sticks out in your mind....what was MEMORABLE!?

Of course in no particular order.....

Great Dane Brewpub (Downtown) - Madison, Wi 

Bern's Steakhouse - Tampa, Fl

Fat Canary - Williamsburg, Va

Check back often, I will keep updating this list as necessary.  :)