Posts Tagged ‘burgers’
Polar Freeze Review, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
Continuing my northbound trek through Arkansas recently, I came upon Walnut Ridge, which doesn’t seem to have any Walnuts OR Ridges.
However, I did find out that the Beatles landed at the airport for a minute in 1964, and there’s a plaque commemorating that event. It’s also on the Amtrak route from Chicago to Dallas. That’s about it.
It also has the Polar Freeze, a local family owned fast food drive-in, which seems to specialize in pit BBQ as well as burgers and the usual drive-in fare.
I was in the mood for a quick burger and tots, and it seemed like the Freeze could fit the bill. They weren’t very busy, and they had lots of employees (all family?) scurrying about pretending to be busy.
The customer ahead of me was grumbling that they “lost his order” – but finally he was handed a bag, jumped in his car and took off.
My order just took a few minutes. They handed me a number that they would call when it was ready.
It was ready, and I too, jumped in the car and headed east, towards I-55 and the Mississippi River.
The tots were perfect and they included a solitary salt packet along with a handful of ketchup packs.
My first bite into the burger took me by a little bit of surprise. I might have gotten the other guy’s lost order, or else they dress their burgers around here in a unique way. My burger was topped with a flavored mayo (tho I can’t tell you what the flavor was) and dill pickle chips. Period. Not disagreeable, but not my choice.
The hand-pattied burger was ultra local beef (you can tell) which was a pleasant surprise.
I should have ordered more, should have tried the BBQ. Shudda, wudda, cudda.
There’s a note on the street sign that asks “Have you thanked the man upstairs today?” But as you can see from my pic, there is no upstairs at the Polar Freeze. So.
My number
Polar Freeze Review
Polar Freeze Review
Applebees Review – Nationwide Chain
Starting as a single restaurant called T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs in Decatur, GA, 1980, Applebees has grown to a franchised chain of over 2000 units in 15 countries.
Applebee’s is in the casual dining segment, with basic American dishes including salads, shrimp, chicken, pasta, burgers, and “riblets” an Applebee’s signature dish. Most of the units feature a bar area with numerous TVs for viewing sporting events and full alcohol service.
The company frequently runs cost promotions, like “two can eat for twenty” – one appetizer and two entrees from a short list, for $20. Is it a good value or does it get you to spend more than you intended. No idea.
It wouldn’t be a regular stop of mine, but I happened into one in Sikeston, MO, when passing through. Most interstate travelers exiting here might look for a heavily advertised joint, “Lamberts – Home of Throwed Rolls” – but if you’ve done that once, like I have, that’s probably enough.
I had rings for an appetizer and a cheeseburger and fries. It was ok. Living in an era of (pick one) (organic, wagyu, grass fed, free range, hand pattied, special blend, ground daily) burgers, it wasn’t a standout. Nice bun. Lots of fresh vegetables for toppings and OK fries.
So it’s a good value. The restaurant, ambiance? Too noisy. The bar and tvs dominate the room, but pretty sure that’s where most of the revenue comes from too. Service was perfunctory.
It was a highway stop. That’s all. Haven’t been in one in decades. Unlikely I’d stop again unless the parking lot was empty.
Applebees Review
Applebees Review
Dennys Review Update
I’ve had some pretty dreadful meals at Dennys; usually I have dined there as a matter of geographical convenience, and such was the case recently in downstate Illinois, waiting for a prescription to come through at WalMart.
They were incredibly busy, and while we were seated promptly, service fell apart after that, with the first meal coming to the table about 30 minutes after ordering, and the 2nd meal coming when the first diner was finished.
I went with their “new” hamburger, which is a hand formed patty on a choice of bun. I have to say, it is greatly improved, had a nice char-crust from the flattop, and had a really good flavor all on it’s own. I opted for the “cheddar bun,” which was nice and firm, and could have easily held any toppings I chose to pile on the sandwich.
One other disappointment, from a personal standpoint, I just don’t care for extruded french fries. To me, they are “potato-y” enough in texture or taste. For operators, they are probably less expensive and fry (or bake) quicker.
It’s a personal thing. Give me a fresh cut fry, hot and crisp out of the oil, any day.
Would I recommend the Denny’s burger? Yes. The Denny’s menu continues to have something to please almost every taste, including steaks, fish, and pasta to go along with their always available breakfast and sandwich menus. Menu. Locations.
Dennys Review Update
