Expensive, over-rated serve yourself restaurant.
Although I'm generally among the younger diners (at the ripe young age of 51), a variety of folks dine on the meat here. The lunch crowd is generally composed of groups of businesswomen and older shoppers. The best filet mignon is served at lunch. For whatever reason, the steaks seem to get lower in quality as the day wears on. Dinner has a more varied clientele and the scene is more active than at lunch. The wine list is serviceable and the "Firebirds Red" is a pretty good value.
This place is probably the best in Tucson but far below the standards of the proper indian you would get in England. As it is a bit of a jaunt, I urge EVERYONE to hop the pond and enjoy a bite! Warning...It will kind of ruin your future indian meals here. Sorry.
I was at HDS a month ago, and it was like losing an old friend. The Grill had always been one of my favorites, true unaffected Arizona style, comfortable setting, good food. A place to relax with family and friends. It has changed for the worse. Now there is an amuse bouche, how un-western can you get and little cups of chocolate. The service which used to be quiet and unassuming, now is trying to be like New York. Pretentious and overbearing. I will say the steak was perfection, so all is not lost. However, the other diners reported they were not so lucky and much of the dinner went uneaten.
Lets Dance club events here are well attended with nicely dressed folks, a good instructor for the first hour and different musical groups providing live music. Light refreshments are included in the price of admission. dancers range from novice to compititions level skills. Large room with suitalbe floor, chairs and tables, and a stage. Entrance in back of building where there is plenty of Free parking.
Mike in Tucson
Food just so so but the wait staff is friendly and funny.
Food is not as good since Denny the cook left.
But still a bargain.
Unfriendly staff.
The food is pretty good here. It is a little different then the typical taco and burrito fare. They have some different items that are worth trying. Decent service. Prices could be cheaper though.
Customer service needs improvement both at the box office and concession stand. The supervisor of the concession stand was too busy sitting on the counters eating Cheetos and talking to an underling that was cleaning the popping machine to actually help someone in line. She doesn't seem to appreciate the fact that she has a job, where as those that were working in the area seem to have appreciated my recognizing the fact they were doing all of the work. For the price of a ticket you would think that they would be more appreciative of your business and retaining it for future shows. I'll likely drive out of my way before returning. (Thursday night ticket seller - Common courtesy, please and thank you would be a start.) The theaters themselves are well maintained, but the bathrooms could use more than a quick cleaning.
I give this chain music store 3 stars out of 5 based on selection alone. GC has tried to adopt a retail-like store mentality lately. They are attempting to due away with bargaining which helped to make them a viable choice for the savvy musician. Now they attempt to lock prices on you and try to sell you items at around 20% off retail. By the way, a top Gibson electric is marked up no less than 60%. Hear that? 60 plus percent! Boss effects? Huge markups folks. So what is a good deal on say a Les Paul or an American made Strat? Not 20-25% off! Shoot for close to 40% or walk. CG can more than afford to make such deals when they want because, for one, they buy in huge volume. Moreover, they make their poor sales people work five to six 10 hour days work for peanuts.
Went Friday night, July 3rd, Band ok, drinks watery, lots of couples and large groups, all ages
3 or so visits; will go again. Rundown:
+s
*OK beer tap selection, though would like to see more
*Solid bottle selection
*Huge, tasty sandwiches (veggie)
*Lots of TVs if you care to indulge
*Nothing fancy, though clean, atmosphere
-s
*No check splitting (they're adamant about it, see menu...)
Eaten here once; will eat again. Rundown:
+s
*Great spice! (actually made HOT by Thai standards, not the prudish soccer-mom appeal [no disrespect, moms!])
*Large portions
-s
*Not much thought put into the decor
Ate here once for lunch; possibly will again. Rundown:
+s
*Decent hummus and tabbouleh
*Nice portions
*Acceptable price
-s
*Not much put into lighting/ambiance
*Owner visited the table too much and tried to get us to return for dinner... obnoxious, but tolerable
OK, back for a follow up review. I saw Lucinda Williams last night at the Rialto, this time sitting in the balcony. The best thing I can say about it was the sound quality. It was superb. The problem is the Rialto was built in the 20's when apparently everyone was 5'-2" and 125 lbs. The seats are narrow and there is almost no leg room. This makes sitting through a concert seem like a stress position the CIA invented. If you plan on going to a concert there I would suggest snagging seats in the balcony in either the front row or the last row before the aisle. These allow you to stretch out your legs a bit. Otherwise, be prepared to suffer for your art.
Food here is high quality with great presentation. I have to say that I feel the B Line is a little overpriced for what it is, however. Just bear that in mind if you choose to go here: it is good, but spendy.
The B Line serves a variety of standard cafe fare, sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as a heartier assortment of entrees, such as Penne alla Vodka and Salmon Salad.
I had the Salmon Salad; the salmon was deliciously marinated and grilled, then laid on a generous bed of mixed greens with various garden salad fixings on the side. You get a choice of dressing, and I chose Soy Ginger. I do wish the greens had been chopped before serving, as there were huge pieces that were awkward. That's my only complaint about the otherwise fine meal.
Someone in our party had a quesedilla, which he claimed was the best he'd ever had.
Everyone in our party was satisfied with the food.
The B Line is housed in a restored building on 4th avenue, which has a rustic kind of ambiance. It's very visually appealing.
The B Line is also usually very populated; would be nice if it stayed opened later. The owner also maintains Time Market at University and 4th ave, which is another Tucson favorite of mine.
Great atmosphere, always fun to sit at the big communal table by the register. Small but always good beer and wine selection. Favorite tonight was the vanilla porter.
The food has always been competently prepared and worth the price; has never really wowed me until tonight's salmon salad. Try the avocado dressing.
Rotating dessert display is the best in town I can say tonight, but I'll give the Cup another chance next week.
As stated in my comments on Golden Corral, I like the concept of buffets. The food at Hometown is mediocre for the most part, and there is less from which to select than Golden Corral. I am convinced their mashed potatoes are INSTANT POTATOES which is unappetizing. One can serve one's self beverages (unlike Golden Corral) without relying on a waitperson.
Great place, love the people. Food is wonderful. There is much to be desired by a couple of the wait staff. Be sure to order two at a time if over indulgence is your game, they won't come around too often. At all costs, do not ask for another drink, they will come to you when they are good and ready.
Re: “Ruby Tuesday”
The burgers are huge. Fortunately, for those of us who like our burgers barely done, all burgers can be cooked to order and the heart hospital is just across the street! Bison burgers are available. Has a full bar with a few TV's to watch your favorite sports programs. Wines can be ordered by the glass (6 oz. and 8 oz.) or by the bottle. The salad bar has quite a variety of items and can be a meal in itself.