Saturday, January 27, 2007

Restaurant Review: Smokey Bones

I'll be honest, we don't take the whole family out to dinner very often. There have been times, we thought we would have to leave right after ordering...our kids cried the whole time we ate...food was thrown...drinks spilled. In addition to risk of the kids being crazy, it is expensive, and we are on a tight budget. However, our daughter brought home staight A's on her report card and the reward for that is a dinner of her choice. And she chose to go out. Additionally, our 3 year old was great yesterday and took a nap so that he could go (we were not going to risk going out with a crabby kid, so the nap was required). So we tried a new bbq place in town...which also happens to be a national chain, Smokey Bones, barbeque and grill.

Although, not for the vegetarian, the menu has a nice variety of salads, chicken, fish, steaks, burgers and sandwiches, and basic barbeque fare (including pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey, ribs). My husband had the buffalo burger, which he really enjoyed. I sampled the pork and brisket, which were nice, tender, and delicious. Most meals come with at least one side item of your choice...which include basics like baked beans, cole slaw, mashed potatoes, fries and healthier choices of broccoli, asparagus, collard greens, baked potatoes, and apples. The baked beans were great!

As for the kiddies, the kids' menu, for those under 10 years old, included your basics of mac and cheese, burgers, and chicken fingers but also included the pulled pork, bbq chicken, and a grilled chicken breast. The kids also got to select a side item. And the price ($4.29-4.49) included a drink. My kids ate their selections and really enjoyed them.

Since it was a celebration dinner, my daughter asked to get an appetitizer (something we rarely do). We had the potato slabs (their take on potato skins). They we thin slices of potatoes covered in cheese and bacon. I really liked them and so did the kids, even the picky eater. They were lighter that the traditional potato skin.

Overall, the service was good. We were seated immediately...we were there at 530pm. Most of the booths are large and easily acommodated our family of 5, with room to move. It was a tad slow for our family, since it took awhile for the appetizer to come out but once that happened things were their way and the waitress was very attentive...especially when the baby spilled that large cup of ice water on my lap. And my husband's Coke was refilled at least three times in the hour we were there.

An interesting feature about the restaurant was there are lots of TV to watch. I am not sure whether I like this or not. They seated us near a TV on cartoons (and other families). So my kids watched some TV, while my husband and I caught up on the day. My little ones lost interest once the food came but our 10 year old couldn't focus on the conversation at all (and after all, we were out to celebrate her). I also found myself looking at the TVs while I talked...they were very distracting however I could see how it might be nice if you want to have an adult conversation while out with the kids or there is a big game on while you are at dinner. The kids were also given a kids' menu and crayons to keep them busy.

Overall, it wasn't something terribly unique but still very tasty and reasonably priced (although, with tip, our bill was $50...for 2 adult entrees, 2 kids meals, an appetitizer, and a soda) and very family-friendly. We enjoyed ourselves and would go there again.

For more information, go to www.smokeybones.com

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