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Rally House Texas

September 26, 2010 by arlington insider

Rally House Texas in the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center helps you gear-up for Rangers playoffs, Cowboys games,  and college teams.

 

 

Rally House Texas
Arlington Highlands Shopping Center
4000 Five Points Blvd
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
(817) 468-3883
www.RallyHouseTexas.com

Need a new Texas Rangers t-shirt or hat to get suited-up for the World Series? What about the latest Cowboys merchandise for tailgating? Head to Arlington Highlands Shopping Center and stop inside Rally House Texas for Rangers, Cowboys, and the latest college collectibles/sportswear from over a dozen universities at Rally House Texas.

Rally House Texas is the ultimate apparel shop for fans in the state of Texas. Whether you’re looking for the latest Longhorns apparel, Sooner sportwear, Aggie diploma frame, Baylor Bears fleece throw, SMU hoodie, TCU car flag or license plate, or Red Raider baby booties…you can find it here. It’s like a university’s bookstore on steroids, there’s so much merchandise (gifts & décor, not just clothes).

But the college collectibles/apparel expands well beyond the state of Texas into Arkansas and Oklahoma. There’s tons of OU and Oklahoma State merchandise as well as other Big 12 schools like University of Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri.

If you’re throwing a World Series game-watching party or Cowboys tailgate party, there’s everything from barbecue utensils to paper goods to grills to giant inflatables.

Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars gear is in plentiful supply, too.

There are also souvenirs and gifts for the state of Texas, so if someone is visiting from out-of-state and wants something cool to take home, you’ll probably find it here at Rally House Texas.

Store Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm; and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.

For more information, call Rally House Texas at (817) 468-3883 or click here: www.RallyHouseTexas.com. Yes, you can also buy their merchandise on-line.

Located inside the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center (northeast corner of I-20 at Matlock), the street address for Rally House Texas is 4000 Five Points Blvd. Click here to link to a Google Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&view=map&q=rally+house+texas,+arlington,+tx&sll=32.681105,-97.106652&sspn=0.010096,0.026157&gl=us&ie=UTF8&hq=rally+house+texas,&hnear=Arlington,+TX&cid=15625103439620527061&ll=32.691615,-97.102404&spn=0.025282,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A&daddr=4000+Five+Points+Blvd,+Arlington,+TX+76018+(Rally+House+Texas)

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Bodacious Bar-B-Q

September 20, 2010 by arlington insider

Why settle for barbecue that’s just okay when you can have Bodacious BBQ…and a Sloppy Jo for $1.50! Veggies are made from scratch daily, and meats are Mesquite smoked.

Bodacious BBQ
1206 E. Division (two blocks from Cowboys Stadium)
Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-7pm; Mon 11am-3pm; Closed Sundays
(817) 860-4248
www.realtexasbarbeque.com

When out-of-state visitors come to town and want some real Texas barbecue, I like to take them to Bodacious Bar-B-Q. And when I’m traveling down Division Street and get a hankering for something fast and inexpensive, I stop for the Sloppy Jo that’s just $1.50 (less than a Sonic burger).

Bodacious smokes their meat daily with Mesquite wood, not with gas or electric pits, so you know the meat is fresh. Veggies are from scratch, also made daily. And you don’t have to order the sweet tea, but why miss out on one of the simple pleasures of life?!? I could say the same thing about the homemade banana pudding.

Bodacious is on E. Division, just a couple blocks from Cowboys Stadium and Rangers Ballpark. It’s a good place to stop prior to a Rangers game and load-up before heading to the Ballpark. But the restaurant is only open until 7pm Tuesdays through Saturdays (closed Sundays, open 11am-3pm on Monday).

A good value is the “Bo-Pack Family Meal” for $23.99 which serves 4 and includes a pound of brisket, ½ pound of links or turkey or chicken breast, 2 veggies pints and 4 buns.

Here’s a sample of other menu items/prices…

By the pound: pork ribs ($11.99); all others $10.99 for sliced brisket, chopped brisket, smoked turkey, smoked chicken breast, or hot links. Sloppy Jo meat is also available by the pound ($5.99).

Sandwiches are $4.49 and the sandwich special (w/two veggies) is $6.99. Ranch-hand stew (chopped beef or links in a bowl of beans) is $6.49. The baked potato stuffed with meat is $6.99.

The combination plate (2 or 3 meat choices) and rib plate (1/2 slab) are $10.99 each. The Bar-B-Q Plate (1 meat choice, not ribs) is $8.99.

Kids Plates are just $3.99 (1 smaller portion of meat, 1 veggie). Desserts are $2.59 (pecan pie, homemade banana pudding, cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, lemon ice box pie).

If you’re planning a party or group event, Bodacious caters for groups up to 500 people. Full-service catering is available, of course, as well as pick-up or delivery (10% delivery fee in DFW for groups under 50). Prices start at just $7.50 per person, including tea and place settings (extra for ribs and/or dessert). Call for catering info: (817) 860-4248. There’s also a banquet room so you can also call and ask about reserving it for your party/group.

Bodacious opened their first place in 1960, expanded through East Texas, then opened a location in Arlington in 1991. Overall that’s 50 years of experience and satisfied customers. They also sell their rubs, sauces and spices. In fact, they ship them world-wide (click here for more info: http://realtexasbarbeque.com/texas-bbq-rubs-sauces.htm).

Bodacious Bar-B-Q is located at 1206 E. Division, between N. Collins and Stadium Drive, just two blocks south of Cowboys Stadium. Click here for a Google map/directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bodacious+barbeque,+arlington&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.462243,59.150391&ie=UTF8&ll=32.744764,-97.08704&spn=0.038911,0.057764&z=14

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Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue at Newly Renovated Arlington Music Hall

September 7, 2010 by arlington insider

The newly renovated Arlington Music Hall welcomes back Johnnie High’s Country Music Review, a weekly country music variety show which plays each Saturday evening at 7:30pm.

Johnnie High’s Country Music Review
Saturday nights; 7:30pm
Arlington Music Hall
224 N. Center Street (one block north of downtown Arlington)
Tickets: $15 Adults, $8 Kids 11 and Under
(888) 544-2686 toll-free
www.johnniehighcountry.com

Following extensive renovations to its long-time home inside the Arlington Music Hall, Johnnie High’s Country Music Review is back each Saturday evening beginning September 11th with new lower tickets prices ($15 adult, $8 kids 11-&-under).

Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue has been a Texas tradition since 1974. The weekly country music variety show was founded by the late Johnnie High, a singer, songwriter and businessman. Johnnie died this past March at age 80, but his legacy lives on through his show.

In 1994, Johnnie moved his weekly revue to Arlington after purchasing an old movie theatre and turning it into the 1,200 seat Arlington Music Hall which is located on Center Street, just one block north of downtown Arlington. Check out the newly remodeled theatre which is also the new home of Symphony Arlington.

The Saturday night Opry-style variety show features an 8 member cast of singers and a band made up of professional musicians and backup singers. During the 34 years of Johnnie’s revue, audiences have been introduced to future superstars such as LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Linda Davis, and Garry Morris. Johnnie’s granddaughter, Ashley Smith, a regular performer and co-host, is the granddaughter of Johnnie High.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call (817) 226-4400. Reservations are not necessary, but they are recommended. Parking is free.

Group rates available for 20-or-more adults, so please call to ask about a group discounts: (817) 226-4400 (or e-mail: jhighscmr@sbcglobal.net ).

Arlington Music Hall is located at 224 N. Center Street, just one block north of downtown Arlington (between Abram and Division streets).

To link to the show’s Web site and see the list of performers/regulars in the show, click here: http://www.johnniehighcountry.com.

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Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant

August 24, 2010 by arlington insider

Piccolo Mondo, one of the best and most popular Italian restaurants in all of North Texas, is right in the heart of Arlington. Whether it’s a ‘date night’ or get together with friends or business colleagues, Piccolo Mondo serves the finest northern Italian cuisine.

Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
829 Lamar Blvd East (in the Whole Food Shopping Center)
Lunch Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:15pm
Dinner Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30pm-10:15pm; Fri & Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sunday 5pm-10pm
(817) 265-9174
http://piccolomondo.com

You can’t call it a “best kept secret” because locals have known for more than 25 years that Piccolo Mondo is one of the best Italian restaurants in the metroplex. Zagat Restaurant Guide recognizes it with ratings of ‘high excellent’, ‘one of the Top 10 for Food’ in the Ft Worth area, and ‘one of the area’s finest restaurants’. D Magazine recognizes Piccolo Mondo among ‘best restaurants’, ‘best atmosphere’, and ‘where the locals eat’.

Okay, sounds good.  But how authentic can it be? Well, an Order of Sons of Italy in America cited Piccolo Mondo with a ‘citation of Epicurean excellence’ and said it ‘exemplifies the fine art and traditions of Italian cuisine’.

So obviously the food has won awards. But the atmosphere is great, too. Upscale with a full service bar and a grand piano in the middle of the room because there’s live music during dinner on Tuesday’s through Sundays (Tues-Thurs, 7:30pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat, 7:30pm-11pm).

If you are looking to impress business clients (or maybe your in-laws), consider Piccolo Mondo. And if your group needs an upscale place for its meeting or a special occasion like an awards ceremony, a special occasion banquet room is available (maximum capacity 50 persons). For info on renting the room and/or menus for groups, call (817) 265-9174.

To be honest, Piccolo Mondo doesn’t look fancy from the outside. It’s in the middle of a strip shopping center, between Whole Foods and Boston Market. But step inside and it’s all table linens and fresh flowers on each table. And the service? These are long-time, professional servers, not a bunch of high school kids with part-time summer jobs. A full bar and wine list is available.

Lunch menu entrees start at $7.75 (Spaghetti Bolognese) and go up to $23.75 (New York strip). Most of the lunch “Pasta” entrees are $9.75 with the chicken or veal or shrimp lunch entrees at $14.75.

Samplings of the lunch menu: fresh tomatoes & mozaarella salad $7.75; chicken salad or shrimp salad $9.75, soup of the day $3.75, carpaccio $7.75, linguini & clam sauce $10.75, lasagna Bolognese $9.75, capelli d’angelo pomodoro e basilico $9.75, tortellini della Nonna $9.75, shrimp marinara $14.75, eggplant parmagiana $11.75, veal scalloppine marsala $14.75, shrimp provinciale $14.75, chicken forestiera $12.75.

That’s a sampling, there’s more (of course!). And there are daily specials which will always include a couple of seafood items (maybe tilapia or cod) and some chicken specials.

All lunch entrees are served with your choice of soup or salad. On my most recent lunch visit, I enjoyed the veal scalloppine marsala (the white wine sauce) and a cup of lentil soup.

The Dinner Menu, with the larger portions, has expanded options and nightly specials. Pasta and/or House specialties start at $12.75 (spaghetti aglio e olio, spagehetti Bolognese) and range up to $42.75 for Mare e Terra (surf & turf). The most expensive item is the two Lobster Tail Isabella (2 lobster tails) for $64.75.

A sampling of the Dinner Menu: Caesar salad $3.75, prosciutto e melone $10.75, calamari I umido appetizer $10.75, lasagna alla Bolognese $13.75, fettucine Alfredo $13.75, baked maniccoti $13.75, veal scallopine alla parnigiana $23.75, beef tenderloin $31.75, New York strip $30.75, shrimp marinara $21.75, chicken rolatine $18.75, broiled chicken and sautéed mushrooms $17.75.

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert! If you can’t pronounce it, it must be good! Profitterol al Cioccolato is $6.75.  Same price for crème caramel, cappuccino pie, cannoli, cheesecake, tiramisu, spumoni and sorbet.

Dinner Hours are Monday thru Thursday from 5:30pm to 10:15pm; Friday & Saturday evenings from 5:30pm to 11pm; and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. Lunch hours (weekdays only) are Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 2:15pm.

You don’t have to make a reservation, but I would recommend them for weekend evenings. For reservations, call (817) 265-9174.

Piccolo Mondo is located at 829 Lamar Blvd East at the northwest corner of Collins St at Lamar (one block north of I-30). The restaurant is in the middle of strip shopping center of the Whole Foods shopping center. From I-30, exit Collins St. (Hwy 157) and go north for one block.

Click here for a Mapquest map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Arlington&state=TX&address=829+E+Lamar+Blvd&zipcode=76011-3504&country=US&latitude=32.765714&longitude=-97.098435&geocode=ADDRESS

Piccolo Mondo is closed major holidays including: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.

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“Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not” features new Michael Jackson display

August 21, 2010 by arlington insider

Fans of the King of Pop will want to visit “Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not” to see the new display of three Michael Jackson wax figures which encompass the singer’s career: young Michael of The Jackson Five, white glove days of Billy Jean, and ‘Thriller’.

“Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not”
Location: I-30 at Beltline Rd (4 miles east of Six Flags)
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Prices: Adults $16,99 & up, Kids $8.99 & up; Money-Saving Combo Passes Available
(817) or (972) 263-2391
www.PalaceOfWax.com

Three wax figures of Michael Jackson, each displaying a different period of his amazing career, are on display at “Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not” on I-30 in Grand Prairie, just four miles east of Arlington’s Entertainment District and Six Flags. A compilation of Michael’s hits will get your toes tappin’ as you take photos of the King of Pop. And for fans of the “Twilight” saga, wax figures of Edward & Bella are located at the entry to the Palace of Wax.

Over 200 likenesses are on-display. The Michael Jackson, Twilight, and Johnny Cash wax figures are the latest to join a collection that also includes a life-sized wax figure of President Barack Obama. It took wax artist Sonya Vazquez four months to create the Obama figure which joined the previous commanders-in-chief in the Hall of Presidents.

Movie and television stars make up the largest amount of figures, including classic stars like Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, The Three Stooges, original cast of Star Trek, The Rat Pack and characters from The Wizard of Oz. But long-time favorites are also joined by modern-day stars like Johnny Depp, J-Lo, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Denzel Washington and Demi Moore.

Harry Potter is joined by his friend, Ron. You can sit on a chair next to Oprah Winfrey or David Letterman, or check out Jay Leno’s chin and Dr Phil’s moustache.

The wax museum is arranged in themes including Movies, Fairy Tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, Quasimodo, etc), Wild West (Jesse James, Annie Oakley, Geronimo, etc.), and The Bill of Rights (Ben Franklin, J. Adams, Washington and Jefferson), and “Pilgrimage, A Journey Through the Life of Christ”.

In a not so subtle section called “Spirit of Man”, evil figures are on one side of the room (Hitler, Stalin, Nero, Saddam Hussein & the Ayatollah), with the good on the other side (Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Walt Disney).

There is a optional section called “Museum of Fear” complete with soundtracks and strobe lights. It is definitely not for little kids who get squeamish. The section includes: Jack the Ripper, Dr. Blood, Hannibal Lecter, Freddy Kruger, Alien, Predator, and a scene from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It would be fun for Halloween, but probably a little too scary for younger visitors.

Within the same building as the Palace of Wax is “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium”, one of only 8 worldwide (England, Australia, San Francisco, Niagra Falls, Branson, San Antonio).

What do you see in the Odditorium? A ‘vampire killing kit’ circa 1840 which was sold to people sailing to Transylvania; a replica of a 42-lb lobster, shrunken heads, a replica of the world’s tallest man (8’ 11”), and interactive displays.

There’s an area to watch videos of the old Believe It Or Not show in which a cat eats its food with spoons and chopsticks, a man swallows whole lemons & live mice, and a man who can blow up a balloon by blowing air through his eye sockets. It’s odd, for sure.

There is also an “Enchanted Mirror Maze” which is the third attraction on-site. Near the concession stand, you’ll find the challenging “Ripley’s Impossible Laser Race”, an interactive climb/crawl through a small room lined with laser beams. Good luck getting to the other side of the room without tripping one of the lasers! The faster you move, the more lasers you avoid, the higher your score. It’s $5 per game, but you’ll probably do it at least twice because you’ll want to try it again and improve your score.

Altogether, there are four attractions inside the building. You can buy tickets to the individual attractions ($16.99 adult or $8.99 kids ages 4-12), but the better deals are the “Combo” packages. The 4-Way Combo includes: Palace of Wax, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Enchanted Mirror Maze, and Ripley’s Impossible Laser Race. The “3-Way Combo” includes Palace of Wax, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Enchanted Mirror Maze. The “2-Way Combo” includes Palace of Wax and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

Prices:
*Adult 4-Way Combo $29.99; 3-Way Combo $27.99, 2-Way Combo $21.99, Single $16.99
*Child (ages 4-12): 4-Way Combo $19.99, 3-Way Combo $17.99, Combo $12.99, Single $8.99
*Children ages 3-and-under are free.
*Group Discounts available (12 or more people in group, call ahead to 972-263-2391)
*Free parking
*Snack Bar and Gift Shop on-site (pizza $4, hot dog $3, funnel cakes $2-$4. dippin dots $3.50)

You can save $2 off any combo when you purchase tickets on-line. Click here for link: https://tickets.ripleys.com/grandprairie/

Also, be sure to check out the on-line daily specials which provide big discounts and keep you up to date on special events. Click here: http://grandprairie.ripleys.com/ripleys-summer-of-joy/?utm_source=Joy_of_Summer&utm_medium=side_banner&utm_campaign=Summer%2Bof%2BJoy

Is the extra money for the Combo worth the price difference? Yes, absolutely, especially if you want to walk through the Enchanted Mirror Maze. Although it’s a very short walk, it’s definitely an interesting sensation to walk through a hall of mirrors. You’ll be given plastic gloves to wear so that your fingerprints don’t smudge the glass. You have to feel your way through, otherwise you would walk face-first into the glass.

A fun souvenir is to stop at the “Wax Hands” counter and buy a wax figure of your own hand. A mold is made of your hand, then the wax hand can be dipped in various colors. The price is $7.95 per hand, plus $1 for each color. It’s $5 extra if you want glaze and $6 extra is you want glitter glaze.

Directions: the physical address is 601 Palace Parkway in Grand Prairie. From I-30, exit Beltline Rd and go north one-half block. Turn left on Palace Parkway (the stoplight next to the gas station). The Palace of Wax is two blocks west of Beltline Rd. Parking is free.

Click here for Mapquest location/directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Grand+Prairie&state=TX&address=601+E+Palace+Pkwy&zipcode=75050-2322&country=US&latitude=32.761871&longitude=-97.002082&geocode=ADDRESS

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FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO at Arlington Highlands launches Diaper Drive

August 20, 2010 by arlington insider

Freebirds World Burrito is active in helping the Arlington community. Now through Sept 19th, Freebirds is asking customers to drop off new diapers for a Diaper Drive supporting Captain Hope’s for Kids, benefiting homeless children and their families.

FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO
Arlington Highlands
4000 Arlington Highlands Blvd
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Sat & Sun 11am-11pm
(817) 468-5300
www.freebirds.com

Freebirds is collecting diapers for Captain Hope’s for Kids now through September 19th. Please bring diapers and/or wipes to Freebirds’ Arlington Highlands location so that the diapers can be distributed to local homeless children and their families. Captain Hope’s provides 10,000 diapers per week to those in need, and now they need our help to keep up with demand.

The Diaper Drive is just one of Freebirds’ many projects in Arlington. Freebirds supports the Arlington Animal Shelter not only through food drives, but the employees also volunteer at the shelter every other Tuesday. Freebirds also supports the Fender Music Foundation which provides musical instruments to lower income schools and school kids. As you know, music programs are among the first to get cut when the budget axe falls. And if there is a Special Olympic event taking place in town, it’s a good bet that Freebirds is helping with the event and/or providing food.

That’s what I respect about a company like Freebirds. They’re socially conscious, but don’t hit you over the head with it. Bring some diapers? No pressure. You certainly don’t have to, but they’ll make it easy for you by collecting the goods for distribution to the local homeless kids. Will you receive a free burrito or free guacamole for bringing diapers to the diaper drive? No, but you can feel good about helping. They’re making it easy for us. And did you know that Freebirds recycles everything possible, including burrito wrappers?!?!

You can find discounts and the latest promotions through Freebirds’ Facebook page and Twitter account. So check those out to save a few bucks and see the latest menu additions.

Speaking of the menu…have you ever seen one of the “Super Monster” burritos? On a recent visit I was talking with Tree (yes, her name is “Tree”…I told you they were socially conscious) and she said her store’s record for the biggest “Super Monster” burrito is 8 pounds. One burrito, eight pounds!! Hey, you create your own burrito, so you can stuff anything you want in any size you want.

Burritos come in four sizes: “Hybrid” ($4.69 to $5.49), “Freebird” ($5.39 to $6.29), “Monster” ($6.19 to $7.79), and “Super Monster” ($11.39 to $12.99). The price depends on your choice of veggies or meat: fresh veggie, fire-grilled chicken, slow-roasted carnitas (pork), or fire-grilled steak.

You have the same choices for Tacos. Prices are: single taco ($1.59 each); taco deal of 3 tacos & fountain drink ($4.99); or taco meal of 2 tacos, chips & salsa & fountain drink ($6.49).

Menu selection also include Quesadillas ($5.39 to $6.29), Nachos ($5.79 to $6.69) and Burrito Bowls ($5.69 to $6.59).

There are 7 choices of sauces and they range in spicy from 0 to 10 (“calm to feisty”). The most mild is lime juice (0), then “salsa” (1), then “Bad *ss BBQ” (2), then “mild tomatillo” (4), then “hot tomatillo” (7), then “death sauce” (9) and, finally, “habanero” which rates a 10.

If you order the burrito or quesadilla, the tortillas are so large that the staff prepares them on big pizza trays. You tell them what you want, and they stuff your burrito or quesadilla or taco or burrito bowl or nachos with rice or lettuce or tomatos or guacamole or peppers, etc. No two items are alike…you tell ‘em what you want and they make it to your order.

Don’t be fooled by the dessert menu. The “pot brownie” is named for the fact that they are individually wrapped and sitting in a pot near the cash register. It’s not that kind of “pot”.  Hey, just because there are motorcycles above the entrance and above the cash register, this is not that kind of place! There are families here, for goodness sakes!

Speaking of families, if you have smaller kids instead of a teenage boy who can eat the “super monster” by himself, there’s a menu item called the “Little Monster” (6” cheese quesadilla w/chips, $2.59).

If you’re in a hurry and/or know exactly what you want on your burritos/tacos, you can take advantage of Freebirds’ “On the Fly” on-line ordering. Go to www.freebirds.com to order on-line.

Catering has become a big part of Freebirds business because of the convenience and money savings. They can set up a buffet for you (a “build your own burrito/taco/salad bar”) or provide full-service catering. There are also Party Platters as well as Box Lunch Specials (burritos, chips, cookie pre-packed per person). For more info about catering, call 888-392-2287.

Freebirds’ Arlington location is within the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center on the northeast corner of I-20 at Matlock. The physical address is 4000 Arlington Highlands Blvd and here’s a Mapquest link: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Arlington&state=TX&address=4000+Arlington+Highlands+Blvd&zipcode=76018-1152&country=US&latitude=32.680459&longitude=-97.109509&geocode=ADDRESS

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Buck ‘n Loons

August 17, 2010 by arlington insider

The popular and locally owned & operated Buck n’ Loons says “never trust a skinny chef”. Famous for their burgers, fried pies, and Loon’s Juice which won Taste of Arlington’s favorite drink six straight years!

Buck ‘n Loons
3517 S. Cooper St
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
(817) 466-2825
www.bucknloons.com

You’ve gotta love a restaurant where, as you walk in the door, the sign about the entry says ‘Never Trust a Skinny Chef”. None of us will be skinny if we eat too many of Buck ‘n Loons’ fried pies. That’s alright, I’ll gladly do extra time on the treadmill if I get another bite of fried pie. But I agree with the advice on the menu: “Life Is Uncertain, Eat Dessert First!” There are also fitness tips: “No pain is no pain, your heart is only good for so many beats; want to live longer, take a nap!” Okay, I’ll take the nap after I order and annihilate the Ultimate Frito Pie ($6.99).

A sense of humor and local ties make Buck ‘n Loons a fun place (so do the drink specials, especially ‘Loons Juice’ which has won Taste of Arlington’s Best Alcoholic Beverage six times). Happy Hour is 7 hours long on weekdays (11am-6pm Monday thru Friday).

Even though the drinks are cheap ($1.75 a mug of beer, $6.50 a pitcher for premium draft beer, $5 pitchers all-day on Saturdays, $1 pints on Monday, $3 margaritas on Wednesday, All Day Happy Hour on Thursday), this place is not just a bar. In fact, I think of it as a family restaurant.

And I love the fact that it’s locally owned & run. All the local high schools are represented with memorabilia adorning the walls, from Lamar HS wrestling to Kennedale baseball to Arlington HS Colts volleyball to Martin HS cheerleader, to Mansfield football. You get the point. The restaurant has become a fixture in the community.

Most important, however, is the food. The most popular special is the “Sunday Night Burger Special” which is any single burger plus fries for only $5 (5pm to closing). Lunch specials (11am-2pm, Monday thru Friday) are only $6.99 and include two side items (choice of pot roast, meatloaf, chicken fried steak, chopped steak, grilled chicken, fried or grilled catfish, pork chop). Add iced tea or soft drink to the lunch special for only 99 cents. The “Old Geezer Privilege” allows for folks 60 & older to order the lunch special any time of day.

Catfish (grilled or fried) is also a popular choice, so is the meatloaf dinner ($9.99) and Chopped Steak Dinner ($10.49). There’s also pasta, grilled chicken, and a new item on the menu: pork chop dinner ($9.99).

For the appetizers, try the Irish Chicken Nachos ($8.99) which is homemade potato chips topped with diced chicken, spinach artichoke queso, salsa & guacamole. There are also wings, ballpark nachos ($8.49, a meal in itself) and loaded taters (French fries covered with smoke bacon & cheese, $6.99). Also tacos, fried cheese, and fried pickles & jalapenos. If you can’t make up your mind regarding Appetizers, you can choose the “Munchie Sampler” ($11.99) which includes 3 wings, 3 tacos, 3 mozzarella sticks, and your choice of nachos or taters.

“Bucks Famous Burgers” are a half-pound of steak and winner’s of local awards for best hamburger in Arlington. There’s the regular burger ($6.99) or bacon burger ($8.49) or guacamole burger ($8.29) or swiss mushroom burger ($8.29) or Frito burger ($8.40) to mention a few.

The menu says “A note from your cardiologist is recommended” before ordering the Incredible Double Cheeseburger ($9.49). If that’s the case, maybe you should check your life insurance policy before ordering the “Knife & Fork Burgers” because they’re too big to eat with your hands. The “Animal Burger” ($10.99) is double meat, double cheese and topped with a sliced hot dog, chili & fritos. More power to you, if you order the Animal!

Yes, there are salads (7 choices) and soups for those who don’t want to overdue it. The potato soup is most popular, but chili & chicken/sausage gumbo are also available. There are also 10 choices of sandwiches, from the reuben to the patty melt to catfish or French Dip. “The Godzilla” is a meatloaf sandwich on a ciabatta roll. “The Maverick” is a popular sandwich choice (chicken breast w/wing sauce, pepper jack cheese, $8.99).

But let’s get back to the important stuff…the fried pies. Honestly, by the time I’ve had the pot roast or meatloaf, I can’t stuff down the dessert. So I order the fried pie to-go. But warning: don’t try to eat it in the car because it’s covered with powdered sugar and you’ll end up with a sheet of white dust down the front of your shirt. These aren’t the little hard-fried pieces of dough that you get from a fast-food place; these are large, puffy pies that are stuffed; the lady in the back hand-makes them every day. You can choose from the following fillings: chocolate, apple, cherry, apricot (yes!), peach (also very good), coconut (my favorite), Bavarian cream (try it!), or strawberry cheesecake (decadent, but in a good way). The pies are $3.99 each and come with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Buck n’ Loons has a very good Web site, so you can check out the menu yourself by clicking here: www.bucknloons.com.

The restaurant is located at 3517 S. Cooper, just north of Arbrook but just south of Mayfield. It’s just a few blocks north of The Parks Mall on Cooper, and just a couple of miles north of I-20. Click here for a Mapquest map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Arlington&state=TX&address=3517+S+Cooper+St&zipcode=76015-3410&country=US&latitude=32.689171&longitude=-97.12986&geocode=ADDRESS

Hours are Sunday thruThursday 11am-10pm and Friday & Saturdays from 11am-to-11pm.

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