Reviews by Nick
Yummy, but too expensiveSticks Kabob Shop (Pantops)
I give Sticks 3 stars simply because you will always spend more than you want and often leave still hungry.
Their food is great tasting - and hopefully better for you than fast food. But there is no way to get out of there for under $9 and that is without a drink.
Highly recommend the Chicken Breast with Fresh Herbs, sandwich, red pepper sauce, and add a side of hummus to put in there too.
YuckJak'N Jil
This place was one of the first places we went when we moved here... it looked like one of those run down establishments that have been here forever and could only have survived cause of good food and loyal patrons.
...well its definitely run down. and the hot dogs were some of the worst I have ever had. Perhaps the other items are better because we did over hear a family talking about how they had been coming here since kids. but I dont think Im going back to find out.
If you want simple grill food, I recommend the River grill across the street.
High End Steak and SeafoodDowntown Grille
The kind of place you take your parents or coworkers when someone else is paying. This expensive restaurant serves excellent steaks to order and maine lobster... side dishes are ordered to share, and you are gauranteed to have more food than you can eat.
Restaurant can handle large parties with a reservation.
If you are looking for more of a fine dining experience on the downtown mall, this is the place to go.
Interesting and DifferentEscafe
Escafe is a nice restaurant on the end of the Downtown Mall. The location could be better, as it is wedged between the OMNI and Ice Skating Rink, but it does have a nice outdoor sitting area and a cozy bar.
The menu offers a wide range of dishes that are sure to please most everyone and the drinks are well made too. Prices are a little high, but there is a range on the menu.
The Salmon is excellent. The meatloaf is good, but not as good as Bizou's.
Great LunchRapture
More expensive than other downtown mall options, but the food is good. I especially like the lunch menu which has lots of options.
the place can get kinda sketchy at night since it is one of the few dance clubs around.
a few billiards tables are available upstairs - good for renting out as a group.
Nice changeCLOSED--ZydeCo
this relatively new restaurant offers some good food - and something different from other corner restaurants.
I particularly like the gumbo and jambalaya... the barbque was ok, but i would recommend going somewhere else if that is what you are looking for.
fairly priced.
has a bar in the back that is nice if you are looking to escape the crowds.
Great Comfort FoodBizou
I just can't get enough of this place's homemade meatloaf... it is perfectly done.
Other good dishes include crab cakes, salads, and soups.
fairly priced considering how good the food is.
Great place for a brewery drink and some foodSouth Street Brewery
I am rating this restaurant high because it brews its own beer - and sells it for cheap!
otherwise I would give it a 4 star. the food is good, but not excellent... you really go there for the atmosphere and the brewery. excellent location right off the downtown mall makes parking a little easier, and the place is spacious enough that it rarely gets uncomfortably crowded.
Just AwfulApplebee's (Pantops)
Everything tasted like it had been microwaved... and you can't get anything for under $10, even an appetizer.
They try and get you with combos and other gimmicks when they should be focusing on making food that doesn't taste horrible.
Excellent Variety and AffordableThe Virginian
This tiny hole in the wall restaurant offers up some great food and excellent drink specials.
One reason I really enjoy having dinner here is there are a lot of good items, so it doesn't get old. However, the crab cake sandwhich is probably my favorite.
definitely very affordable.