Tag Archives: where to eat in dallas

Aboca’s Italian Grill at Central (75) and Meadow Road!

This time I decided to stray away from my Knox/Henderson safety zone so I went just a couple miles north off the highway.  Actually, I didn’t choose this place.  It was my brother’s birthday, so of course we let his wife choose the place.  ; )  Anyways, we went Italian this time at Aboca’s Italian Grill at Central and Meadow Road.  When you get off the highway, just look for Tom Thumb in a shopping center, and you’ll see Aboca’s a few doors down.  Just look for your sign.

When I first got there, I asked what beers they had, and my crew and the waiter quickly informed me that it was BYOB.  Initially, I began to calmly yell curse words in my head until they reminded me that Tom Thumb was next door.  When I was buying my booze, I actually realized I was saving money because of this BYOB “hiccup.”

I returned shortly and the waiter said he had to get our order right away because they were about to close.  Yep.  We were “those” people.  When we got our food, we ate like wolves so we wouldn’t keep them too much longer.  Still, they showed no signs of being terribly upset for coming in at the last minute.  Also, the food seemed like they took their time on it.  Everything was amazing!  I did take a picture of the hours so that none you do what we did.

Alright.  We started out with the calamari which was fried perfectly and not greasy.  Our dinner salads arrived shortly after.  I picked it up and swallowed it whole.  For dinner, I had the shrimp pasta aboca that had shrimp, garlic, shallots, mushrooms, capers, and artichokes sauteed in a lemon white wine sauce.  Yes, I copied that directly from their menu.  My memory isn’t THAT good, and I’m not that good of a writer.  Someone else had the beef lasagna.  I tasted it and thought it was some of the best lasagna that I’ve ever had.  The birthday boy and his other half had the pasta trio that had fettucini, manicotti, and lasagna.  They split it.  It looked and smelled great.  Someone who looked important even came over and asked how everything was rather than being upset at our last minute arrival.  Honestly, they were probably pretty happy about the quick in and out business and a big tab.  I made sure to tip insanely high to show my appreciation…  Plus, I’m a server, and we all always take care of one another.  It’s an unwritten code, y’all.

Oh.  Other things on the menu that we didn’t try this time?  They have a veal menu, seafood menu, and a pizza menu that includes calzone and stromboli.  They have more selections, of course, but I’ll just include a menu link down below.

In the end, I left very satisfied, and everyone working was very nice to us.  I highly recommend this place.  Don’t forget to arrive early and pick up a six pack before you go!  😉

Aboca’s Italian Grill menu!

J. Black’s on Henderson! (CLOSED)

We got really lucky on the night we visited J. Black’s.  We were just driving around and randomly chose this place.  I said, “Let’s just go there.  I’m too hungry to think.”  It was Tuesday, and they have half-priced pizza and $3 select drafts on that day!  Score!!!  I think I got the Rahr Whiskey Warmer.  Plus it was kinda slow, so we had awesome service.  I didn’t know if our server was a manager, server, bartender, or all the above, because he was all over the place.  Behind the bar, on the floor, making drinks, running food, adjusting other server checks, etc.  Whatever the case, he was bombtastic.  I hate that they were kinda slow, but I loved it too.  It was nice and laid back.

For an appetizer we got calamari.  It was great!  It came with greens, parmesan, cocktail and tarter sauce.  As soon as we were done, we got our half priced pizza.  We were gonna get the crab an portobello pizza but ended up getting the omnivore that was recommended by our server/manager/bartender/owner/carpenter dude.  He said that he thinks seafood is odd on a pizza… to him.  He said it’s good but odd.  I like odd. I’m gonna try it next time.  Anyways, we got the omnivore.  It had Jimmy’s Italian sausage, pepperoni, salami, ranch bacon, mushrooms, pepperoncini, and feta.  It was nice.  The crust was thin and crispy, and it was meaty.  Very flavorful!  The half priced pizza deal strayed me from perusing the rest of the menu, but after we were done, I realized they had lollipop lamb chops!  I love lamb!  Sooooo……  next time I’m getting the weird pizza and lamb.  No need for a menu.  Just ring that in please…  And crab cakes.

Off the subject, I LOVE that they played some old school Michael Jackson.  I think it was Girlfriend or P.Y.T.  I was in heaven.  Also, the seats were super comfy, and there was a LOT of … HD TVs!  😉  I highly recommend this place during their slow times.  I’ve heard less impressive stories during their peak hours on the weekend.  To be honest, that’s the case at any restaurant or bar.  It’s just common sense.  We all strive for perfection, but we’re only human.  Sometimes we fumble.

J. Black’s Menu

J. Black’s website

Matt’s Rancho Martinez near Skillman and Live Oak!

New Tex-Mex restaurant in Lakewood?  Yep.  I had to try it.  I kinda felt like a traitor since La Calle Doce is nearly right across the street.  Anyways, I’m glad I did.  My dishes were so good!  I got an appetizer called “smoked Bob and sausage” that had slow smoked brisket and sausage laid over a bed of queso and served with sour cream, guacamole, and tortillas.  I loved it.  I tried it with the warm flour tortillas but enjoyed it more on top of a chip.  I piled each chip with all I could and probably embarrassed myself with how messy I got, but I just avoided looking around so I could keep pigging out without feeling embarrassed.  My friend got the shrimp cocktail for his meal.  I tried it.  It was nice.  Lightly spiced with avocado, baby shrimp, Mexican cocktail sauce, and crackers.  For my meal, I had a meal.  😉  I had the farm raised catfish laid over a bed of rice and served with grilled veggies and “drunken” beans.  The spices on everything were perfect.  Usually I force myself to eat all my vegetables, but it was not “forcing” this time.  I enjoyed my veggies.

The patio was pretty cool.  They had glass paneled garage doors behind the bar that opened up so that guests can sit at the outside bar and be served by the indoor bartenders!  They had four HD televisions that faced the patio from the inside so that the patio patrons could enjoy their favorite sports event.  Of course, they had patio tables as well for full service.

Anyways, the food was good, and the service was fast.  Sorry I didn’t try the obvious original Tex-Mex dishes, but I like to be a little different than the rest.  Check it out!

Matt’s Rancho Martinez menus

La Calle Doce at Skillman and Oram!

I went to La Calle Doce Mexican Seafood for their lunch specials.  Go figure!  My first lunch special post!  It’s probably because I’m not a big fan of daywalking.  So, I decided to take one for the team and do this for “you people.”  By “you people,” I mean normal.  Also, I took another one for the team and did this for the “not lactose intolerant.”  The food coma afterwards was worth it!  I got the sour cream chicken enchilada that came with beans and rice all for $7.95!  Delicious.  My buddy ordered the first special off the board for $5.95.  I think they were crispy chicken flautas with beans and rice.  He gave me a taste.  Really good stuff.  It’s funny that the cheaper special comes with a cup of chicken tortilla soup!  It’s okay, I incorporated the complimentary chips and salsa into my meal again.  My pictures aren’t too exciting, but the entrees look awesome on their website.  Lunch was good and cheap, but I MUST come back for dinner.

Oh!  Apparently, this place burned down recently (probably just the inside), and it took them eight months to rebuild.  It looks completely different.  They moved the bar closer to the front door.  Great idea!  Also, they have a private dining area, dining upstairs, and two patios!  Anyways, check out their link below.  Good stuff.

http://www.lacalledoce-dallas.com/menu-lunch.php

The Old Monk on Knox/Henderson!

I love the Old Monk!  I’ve noticed that I tend to visit places with a strong earthy (woodsy?) presence.  This pub has a covered AND uncovered patio and a nice, cozy, dark interior.  They even have a dart board and guess what?  HD action!!!  I’ve had the mussels here, and they’ve always been bombtastic!  I love the cheese board because you get to choose from a nice variety of cheeses, and it actually comes on a board!  My favorite burger is the Monk burger.  I substitute out the cheddar blend with the stilton cheese.  I know.  Most places hate substitutions, but I know what I like, and the waitress didn’t make a face, so I felt safe.

Anyways, on this visit, I got the fish and chips, but instead of chips, I got the German style potato salad.  Nice and warm with a bit of vinegar.  I know.  Another substitution.  Please forgive me.  My friend asked me, “If you’re gonna do a food blog, should you be doing substitutions?”  I yelled, “I DO WHAT I WANT!!!”  I mean, really, it’s my blog.  MINE!!!  Sorry for yelling again.  Okay, inner peace.  My friend got calamari.  I love calamari, but not everyone does it well.  Some people go too chunky, too greasy, or too much breading, but they do it just right with a zesty marinara sauce.  Okay, this post is getting too long.  I tend to ramble on when I like what I’m….  short and sweet!

http://www.oldmonkdallas.com/

Here’s their menu.  http://www.oldmonkdallas.com/foodmenu.html