Primavera's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria promises to provide a welcome new dining option to Marshalltown's main street. The owner is the previous chef of Joe's Italian Grille (now closed). The location and service at Joe's were not ideal, but the food was always appetizing and filling. By combining the best of Joe's with a new high traffic location, perhaps Primavera's can succeed where Joe's did not.
The Looks
This new Italian option is located in a space previously occupied by a Mexican restaurant, and it certainly looks like it. Nothing much in the way of an "Italian" atmosphere, things are pretty basic. No obvious sign to identify the place from the outside. The seating is very limited, so you might not be able to get a table on a busy lunch day. Due to the tight space, you can see back into the kitchen, which is nice (looks clean).
The Cost
A lunch special with a soda will probably cost you around $10, with most dinner items going above that. Pizzas start at around $12. Not the lowest cost lunch for cheap Marshalltownians, but potentially worth it for good Italian.
The Grub
The menu is pretty similar to Joe's with a few modifications. All your typical Italian options are here, including lasagna, ravioli and manicotti. I had the chicken parmesan, which was very tastefully done, and including the spaghetti, more then most could eat in one sitting. The star of the show is probably the fresh pizza. It's the same thin crust style as we had at Joes, which is good because it's mighty tasty, but not good, because piggish potbellied folk like yours truly could eat several pizzas. No more salad bar, but the items on the lunch menu come with a small salad and fresh bread. In general, good portions, and good food.
Primavera's
10 West Main Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 753-104011:00am to 9:00pm Monday through Thursday
11:00am to 9:30pm Friday and Saturday
Closed Sunday
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Palm Beach Grill and Night Club
A grill / night club? What does that even mean? No comments on the night club side of the business here, but plenty to say about the grub side of things.
The Looks
Located in the building previously known as Joe's / Memories / others, it seems another local business man is willing to roll the dice on this off-the-beaten-path location. It looks pretty much the same on the outside, but the interior has been completely remodeled. There is a very modern, industrial sheet metal look. Similar to a Chipotle Mexican grill (but less corporate). As you walk in, you are greeted by a burrito/taco bar, with all fixings. The seating area is spacious and comfy. And they are quick with the service.
The Cost
Pretty standard for this type of place. All the main entire menu items run $6.00 (for you vegetarian and chicken eaters), to $6.55 (for you big spender beef and pork types). A soda will cost an additional $1.60, chips and salsa will cost another $2, and chips and guacamole will be another $3. Not the cheapest lunch in town, but pretty reasonable.
The Grub
If you're indecisive in high pressure restaurant situations, this menu is for you. Not too many many decisions to make before you've got chow in your hands. Choose between one of the 4 following options: Burrito, Tacos, Bowl, or Salad. Then pick Veggie, Chicken, Steak, Beef, or Pork. Then select toppings to your content. You've been to Pancheros or Chipotle right? Similar stuff. When this corpulent individual dinned here, the meat was of a good quality, and the toppings were plentiful. Chips and salsa were acceptable. Soda was well mixed (right amount of sugary syrup). You'd think the last thing Marshalltown needs is another Mexican place, but the Palm Beach Grill fills a needed Niche (if you ever remember to visit that part of town).
Palm Beach Grill and Night Club
1010 W. Lincoln Way
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 328-1043
Hours:
Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palm-Beach-Grill-nightclub/373601632702123
The Looks
Located in the building previously known as Joe's / Memories / others, it seems another local business man is willing to roll the dice on this off-the-beaten-path location. It looks pretty much the same on the outside, but the interior has been completely remodeled. There is a very modern, industrial sheet metal look. Similar to a Chipotle Mexican grill (but less corporate). As you walk in, you are greeted by a burrito/taco bar, with all fixings. The seating area is spacious and comfy. And they are quick with the service.
The Cost
Pretty standard for this type of place. All the main entire menu items run $6.00 (for you vegetarian and chicken eaters), to $6.55 (for you big spender beef and pork types). A soda will cost an additional $1.60, chips and salsa will cost another $2, and chips and guacamole will be another $3. Not the cheapest lunch in town, but pretty reasonable.
The Grub
If you're indecisive in high pressure restaurant situations, this menu is for you. Not too many many decisions to make before you've got chow in your hands. Choose between one of the 4 following options: Burrito, Tacos, Bowl, or Salad. Then pick Veggie, Chicken, Steak, Beef, or Pork. Then select toppings to your content. You've been to Pancheros or Chipotle right? Similar stuff. When this corpulent individual dinned here, the meat was of a good quality, and the toppings were plentiful. Chips and salsa were acceptable. Soda was well mixed (right amount of sugary syrup). You'd think the last thing Marshalltown needs is another Mexican place, but the Palm Beach Grill fills a needed Niche (if you ever remember to visit that part of town).
Palm Beach Grill and Night Club
1010 W. Lincoln Way
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 328-1043
Hours:
Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palm-Beach-Grill-nightclub/373601632702123
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Ocean City Chinese Restaurant
Located in the ex-Chalet gift shop on main street, Ocean City has been tempting us with a new culinary option for months. Now that the doors are finally open, how does this latest Chinese place stack up?
The Looks
The remodeled Chalet building is nice. A week attempt at creating a chinese atmosphere has been done, but nothing very elaborate or fancy (this is Marshalltown Iowa remember?). The seating seems a little cramped for a corpulent individual such as yours truly. On my lunch trip the service was slow, but hopefully that's just due to the opening rush.
The Cost
Lunch specials run from $5.55 to $6.25 for a good sized entree, soup and your choice of an egg roll or Crab Rangoon. Probably One of the better lunch deals around. Dinner is a little more costly and runs from $8 to $12, but with many more options.
The Grub
The typical list of Chinese favorites. Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Shrimp, each drenched in the sauce of your choice. Many items claim to be hot and spicy, however the Szechwan chicken this reviewer had certainly was not. All the other favorites such as Lo mein, Chow mein, and Egg Foo Young are available as well. The food seems to be a step up in quality from your other local Chinese options.
Ocean City Chinese Restaurant
5 West Main Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 752-1508
Hours: 11:00am - 9:30pm
The Looks
The remodeled Chalet building is nice. A week attempt at creating a chinese atmosphere has been done, but nothing very elaborate or fancy (this is Marshalltown Iowa remember?). The seating seems a little cramped for a corpulent individual such as yours truly. On my lunch trip the service was slow, but hopefully that's just due to the opening rush.
The Cost
Lunch specials run from $5.55 to $6.25 for a good sized entree, soup and your choice of an egg roll or Crab Rangoon. Probably One of the better lunch deals around. Dinner is a little more costly and runs from $8 to $12, but with many more options.
The Grub
The typical list of Chinese favorites. Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Shrimp, each drenched in the sauce of your choice. Many items claim to be hot and spicy, however the Szechwan chicken this reviewer had certainly was not. All the other favorites such as Lo mein, Chow mein, and Egg Foo Young are available as well. The food seems to be a step up in quality from your other local Chinese options.
Ocean City Chinese Restaurant
5 West Main Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 752-1508
Hours: 11:00am - 9:30pm
Monday, January 10, 2011
Little Caesars
Ah K-Mart, that stalwart of cheap retail goods. If you've been to the Marshalltown K-Mart in the last decade, you'll know it's usually empty and slightly rundown. Most shoppers have abandoned it for Wal-Mart. However this K-Mart has something Wally World does not. A Little Caesars pizza station. Who wouldn't want to eat at the same place they buy underwear?
The Looks
Nothing says fine dinning like the inside of an old K-Mart. It certainly feels strange (or good?) eating your lunch/dinner while watching women shop for cloths. There are tables and booths in the cordoned off eating area, and chances are they won't be clean. If you come around lunch time, expect high-school kids.
The Cost
The cheapest carryout pizza you'll get in town, a large, 1 topping goes for the paltry amount of just $5. Although most people will spring for the $5 - 1 topping pie, additional toppings are cheap, and so are the sides. So much food for so little money, they know what a hungry man wants.
The Grub
Not the worlds best pizza but not the worst. A hungry man will certainly leave satisfied. Other highlights include the famous crazy bread which drips and oozes with delicious grease. Thumbs down for making us purchase the dipping sauce. And of course this Little Caesars is integrated with the standard K-Mart snack bar, so there are Icee frozen treats, popcorn, etc.
Little Caesars
1720 S Center Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 753-3270
The Looks
Nothing says fine dinning like the inside of an old K-Mart. It certainly feels strange (or good?) eating your lunch/dinner while watching women shop for cloths. There are tables and booths in the cordoned off eating area, and chances are they won't be clean. If you come around lunch time, expect high-school kids.
The Cost
The cheapest carryout pizza you'll get in town, a large, 1 topping goes for the paltry amount of just $5. Although most people will spring for the $5 - 1 topping pie, additional toppings are cheap, and so are the sides. So much food for so little money, they know what a hungry man wants.
The Grub
Not the worlds best pizza but not the worst. A hungry man will certainly leave satisfied. Other highlights include the famous crazy bread which drips and oozes with delicious grease. Thumbs down for making us purchase the dipping sauce. And of course this Little Caesars is integrated with the standard K-Mart snack bar, so there are Icee frozen treats, popcorn, etc.
Little Caesars
1720 S Center Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158
(641) 753-3270
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Stone's Restaurant
It's closed, it's open, it's closed, it's changed owners. Who knows what's all going on with this famous Marshalltown eatery. But your humble hungry glutton of a food reviewer happened to stop by one day, and found the open sign up, and the door unlocked. Can this storied restaurant live up to the legend?
The Looks
Credit to the new owner, the inside seems to have been remodeled with a modern yet respectful look. Gone is the dirty old salad bar and cluttered interior. Wood covers the walls, and real table cloths cover the tables. In general, an inviting atmosphere. The old chairs seems a little scary for a mightily massed individual, but they seemed to hold up (this time).
The Cost
Cost is about on par with local competitors Applebee's and the Treemont Grill. There's not much over $10, and plenty of food for your money. But no great deals.
The Grub
Self-described as home cooked Midwestern style meals, the food is about average. Nothing to excite your taste buds here. I had the lasagna, which was respectable, but lacked zing. Other options include Fried chicken, sirloin steak, beef and noodles, breaded cod, fish and chips, tenderloins, Rubens, burgers, chicken salad, tuna salad, and the usual entree salads. In general, if you're collecting social security, you'll leave here happy. Gone is the famous mile high chiffon pie, to which this customer says good riddance.
Stone's Restaurant
507 South 3rd Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158
The Looks
Credit to the new owner, the inside seems to have been remodeled with a modern yet respectful look. Gone is the dirty old salad bar and cluttered interior. Wood covers the walls, and real table cloths cover the tables. In general, an inviting atmosphere. The old chairs seems a little scary for a mightily massed individual, but they seemed to hold up (this time).
The Cost
Cost is about on par with local competitors Applebee's and the Treemont Grill. There's not much over $10, and plenty of food for your money. But no great deals.
The Grub
Self-described as home cooked Midwestern style meals, the food is about average. Nothing to excite your taste buds here. I had the lasagna, which was respectable, but lacked zing. Other options include Fried chicken, sirloin steak, beef and noodles, breaded cod, fish and chips, tenderloins, Rubens, burgers, chicken salad, tuna salad, and the usual entree salads. In general, if you're collecting social security, you'll leave here happy. Gone is the famous mile high chiffon pie, to which this customer says good riddance.
Stone's Restaurant
507 South 3rd Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
KFC Taco Bell
This strange fast food love child, sired by Colonel Sanders and born in a pool of grease, somehow combines the standard KFC menu with a Taco Bell. The unholy result is the ultimate selection of bad-for-you awesomeness.
The Looks
Does anyone actually go inside this type of place? If so, you'll find a recently remodeled interior. Mostly clean, with a modern colorful look. There are big windows, which keep the dinning area well lit, which could be a plus or a minus. The booths are awfully tight for the horizontally gifted.
The Cost
About as cheap as you'll get for prepared food. The Taco Bell side has a value menu with several items at 89 cents, and incredibly, a few $2 meal deals. If fried chicken is more your forté, the KFC part of the menu also has a value menu starting at 99 cents going up to $2. Whatever you order, you'll most likely get more food then you can eat for $5 to $8 (and if you can eat more, you'll leave not respecting yourself).
The Grub
As noted above, there is a lot to choose from here. There is of course the legendary fried chicken with the closely guarded blend of 11 herbs and spices. And all the classic crack cocaine addictive sides such as potato wedges, mash potatoes and gravy, green beans and biscuits. Also snack wraps, snacker sandwiches, popcorn chicken, and hot wings. Anything that can be wrapped in a burrito is also for sale, although this gluten's preference for Mexican leans towards Taco Johns. The Taco Bell side also has the Big Value Box ($5 box, it rocks), the tasty new chicken flatbread sandwich, and a Hungry favorite, the spicy volcano taco/burrito/nachos.
KFC Taco Bell
3007 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158-4713
(641) 752-7766
The Looks
Does anyone actually go inside this type of place? If so, you'll find a recently remodeled interior. Mostly clean, with a modern colorful look. There are big windows, which keep the dinning area well lit, which could be a plus or a minus. The booths are awfully tight for the horizontally gifted.
The Cost
About as cheap as you'll get for prepared food. The Taco Bell side has a value menu with several items at 89 cents, and incredibly, a few $2 meal deals. If fried chicken is more your forté, the KFC part of the menu also has a value menu starting at 99 cents going up to $2. Whatever you order, you'll most likely get more food then you can eat for $5 to $8 (and if you can eat more, you'll leave not respecting yourself).
The Grub
As noted above, there is a lot to choose from here. There is of course the legendary fried chicken with the closely guarded blend of 11 herbs and spices. And all the classic crack cocaine addictive sides such as potato wedges, mash potatoes and gravy, green beans and biscuits. Also snack wraps, snacker sandwiches, popcorn chicken, and hot wings. Anything that can be wrapped in a burrito is also for sale, although this gluten's preference for Mexican leans towards Taco Johns. The Taco Bell side also has the Big Value Box ($5 box, it rocks), the tasty new chicken flatbread sandwich, and a Hungry favorite, the spicy volcano taco/burrito/nachos.
KFC Taco Bell
3007 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158-4713
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Legends American Grill
Anticipation. This place has been under construction for almost an entire year. It promises to be the new Marshalltown mecca for the gluttonous gorging horde. Does it stand a chance of living up to the hype?
The Looks
The place is essentially divided into 2 parts, a cozy dinning room area with a fireplace, and a flat screen TV infested sports bar. Everything is quite nice, brand new and tastefully decorated. Did I mention all the TVs? This is definably the place to watch your fav sporting event in Marshalltown. And there is a large patio to enjoy the temperate Iowa weather.
The Cost
A little on the pricey end of the spectrum. You'll not be able to get out of the building for under $10, even for lunch. However the portions are certainly large enough to satisfy most obese Americans (yours truly excluded). Worth mentioning are several reports that the service is sub-par.
The Grub
An excellent selection, you're sure to find something that you like. All the usual suspects appear here, including gut buster salads, deep-fat-fried-anything appetizers, Burgers with hokey toppings, sandwiches, pasta, steak and seafood. They make a big deal out of their "Legendary Ribs". Get it? So far the items I've tried (buffalo chicken sandwich and turkey cheddar melt) have been somewhat bland. But there's bound to be some gems on this mammoth menu. Also the massive bar has more different types of beer on tap then anywhere else I know in town.
Legends American Grill
2902 South Center Street, 641-752-1237
Lunch, Dinner
The Looks
The place is essentially divided into 2 parts, a cozy dinning room area with a fireplace, and a flat screen TV infested sports bar. Everything is quite nice, brand new and tastefully decorated. Did I mention all the TVs? This is definably the place to watch your fav sporting event in Marshalltown. And there is a large patio to enjoy the temperate Iowa weather.
The Cost
A little on the pricey end of the spectrum. You'll not be able to get out of the building for under $10, even for lunch. However the portions are certainly large enough to satisfy most obese Americans (yours truly excluded). Worth mentioning are several reports that the service is sub-par.
The Grub
An excellent selection, you're sure to find something that you like. All the usual suspects appear here, including gut buster salads, deep-fat-fried-anything appetizers, Burgers with hokey toppings, sandwiches, pasta, steak and seafood. They make a big deal out of their "Legendary Ribs". Get it? So far the items I've tried (buffalo chicken sandwich and turkey cheddar melt) have been somewhat bland. But there's bound to be some gems on this mammoth menu. Also the massive bar has more different types of beer on tap then anywhere else I know in town.
Legends American Grill
2902 South Center Street, 641-752-1237
Lunch, Dinner
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