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
Showing posts with label Casual Dining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Casual Dining. Show all posts
Saturday, August 3, 2013
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
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Mexico Antiguo
Another fine main street establishment, Mexico Antiguo lures in customers with promises of cheap margaritas and tasty Mexican food. But it has a lot of competition in this town, can it deliver?
The Looks
Well decorated, lots of nice Mexican trinkets and scary paintings on the walls. The chairs seem to be made from wicker, which makes an obese, hungry man a little uneasy. But in general, a festive atmosphere throughout.
The Cost
Very reasonable prices. You can get lunch specials for under 5 bucks, and just about any combination of Mexican food for 6-7 bucks. And there are a lot of combinations.
The Grub
They bring a basket of tortialla chips and salsa out to your table while you decide what to order from the menu. The food is what one would expect, combine a tortilla with meat, cheese, and some sauce in various combinations, and get various types of Mexican food. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, chili rellenos etc. I had the lunch enchiladas, which while not as good as those at El Portal or La Caretta, where still very satisfying.
Mexico Antiguo
25 West Main Street, 641-752-6666
The Looks
Well decorated, lots of nice Mexican trinkets and scary paintings on the walls. The chairs seem to be made from wicker, which makes an obese, hungry man a little uneasy. But in general, a festive atmosphere throughout.
The Cost
Very reasonable prices. You can get lunch specials for under 5 bucks, and just about any combination of Mexican food for 6-7 bucks. And there are a lot of combinations.
The Grub
They bring a basket of tortialla chips and salsa out to your table while you decide what to order from the menu. The food is what one would expect, combine a tortilla with meat, cheese, and some sauce in various combinations, and get various types of Mexican food. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, chili rellenos etc. I had the lunch enchiladas, which while not as good as those at El Portal or La Caretta, where still very satisfying.
Mexico Antiguo
25 West Main Street, 641-752-6666
Friday, December 14, 2007
Field's Bar and Grill
Fields is actually divided into two restaurants. Upstairs is the steakhouse with salad bar, and downstairs it the bar and grill. The word "steakhouse" could imply a certain level of class, something I try to avoid. So let's check out the downstairs.
The Looks
This place looks pretty much like a bar. Or a wannabe Applebee's with misc. crap all over the wall. There's a spinning boat propeller thing hanging from the ceiling... weird. But the booths are comfy as can be. There's TVs all around, so you can avoid talking to whoever you brought with.
The Cost
There a sign in the windows saying the place has lunch specials as low as $4.79. There is one item on the menu at that price, and that's the plane Jane hamburger. Most everything you'd actually want is going to be around 7 to 9 dollars. Pizzas will run you $11 and up.
The Grub
What you'd expect. Burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken sandwiches, shrimp, salads, soups. I had the hot club on a tasty roll. It was pretty good. They have these things called Feild's Chips, kinda like kettle chips. Avoid them. The pizzas are damn tasty, but are probably more then a normal person could eat.
Field's Bar and Grill
2013 South Center Street, 641-753-1099
Lunch, Dinner (Mon.-Sat.)
Update (September 2009)
Sadly, Fields closed it's doors in September. Another one bites the dust.
The Looks
This place looks pretty much like a bar. Or a wannabe Applebee's with misc. crap all over the wall. There's a spinning boat propeller thing hanging from the ceiling... weird. But the booths are comfy as can be. There's TVs all around, so you can avoid talking to whoever you brought with.
The Cost
There a sign in the windows saying the place has lunch specials as low as $4.79. There is one item on the menu at that price, and that's the plane Jane hamburger. Most everything you'd actually want is going to be around 7 to 9 dollars. Pizzas will run you $11 and up.
The Grub
What you'd expect. Burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken sandwiches, shrimp, salads, soups. I had the hot club on a tasty roll. It was pretty good. They have these things called Feild's Chips, kinda like kettle chips. Avoid them. The pizzas are damn tasty, but are probably more then a normal person could eat.
Field's Bar and Grill
2013 South Center Street, 641-753-1099
Lunch, Dinner (Mon.-Sat.)
Update (September 2009)
Sadly, Fields closed it's doors in September. Another one bites the dust.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Bonanza
Bonanza pretends to be a steakhouse, but let's be honest with ourselves. This all-you-can-eat buffet exists to see how much food one can cram down your pie hole and not hate yourself on the way out. And for me, that's quite a lot.
The Looks
The place looks so-so. Mildly appropriate non offensive decorations throughout. For some reason, old people tend to hangout here. OMG, they have one of those claw machines where you try to grab stuffed animals! I hate those things.
The Cost
The price for the lunch buffet is around 6-7 bucks. Pretty reasonable for all you can eat. I believe the price goes up a few bucks for the dinner buffet. As if the food somehow got more expensive because a couple of hours have past. A Soda will run you a pricey 2 dollars. Also, bring money for the claw machine.
The Grub
Can't comment on the steak. But the buffet is usual buffet food. Salad bar, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, soups, lasagna, ham, green beans, bad pizza, desert bar... you know the drill. In general, most items are pretty bland. But the beauty of a buffet is there's a lot of different stuff up there. So there's bound to be something you want. Find it and pig out.
Bonanza
2902 South Center Street, 641-752-3686
Update (September 2008)
Unfortunately, the Marshalltown Bonanza closed this summer.
The Looks
The place looks so-so. Mildly appropriate non offensive decorations throughout. For some reason, old people tend to hangout here. OMG, they have one of those claw machines where you try to grab stuffed animals! I hate those things.
The Cost
The price for the lunch buffet is around 6-7 bucks. Pretty reasonable for all you can eat. I believe the price goes up a few bucks for the dinner buffet. As if the food somehow got more expensive because a couple of hours have past. A Soda will run you a pricey 2 dollars. Also, bring money for the claw machine.
The Grub
Can't comment on the steak. But the buffet is usual buffet food. Salad bar, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, soups, lasagna, ham, green beans, bad pizza, desert bar... you know the drill. In general, most items are pretty bland. But the beauty of a buffet is there's a lot of different stuff up there. So there's bound to be something you want. Find it and pig out.
Bonanza
2902 South Center Street, 641-752-3686
Update (September 2008)
Unfortunately, the Marshalltown Bonanza closed this summer.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
El Portal
Tucked in next to Kmart in a weird pseudo-mall is the Mexican restaurant El Portal. It seems this place is always busy during lunch. Let's see if the food justifies the crowds.
The Looks
Typical lame Mexican decorations. Tables and chairs are simple, and the booths are uncomfortably small. And they pack people in. Not an obese-friendly atmosphere. But the service is fast. And if they can bring me food fast, all else is forgiven.
The Cost
They have lunch specials around $5 and any possible combination of burritos, enchiladas, quesadilla, fajitas, etc. for 6 or 7 American pesos. They have some expensive items on the menu, but in general, most selections seem to be an excellent value.
The Grub
Exact same menu and food as wonderful, La Carreta, on old highway 30. That means excellent all you can eat chips and salsa. I had the lunch chalupa. What's the difference between a chalupa and a soft shell taco or an enchiladas? Don't know, Don't care. It was delicious.
El Portal
1716 South Center Street, 641-752-0011
The Looks
Typical lame Mexican decorations. Tables and chairs are simple, and the booths are uncomfortably small. And they pack people in. Not an obese-friendly atmosphere. But the service is fast. And if they can bring me food fast, all else is forgiven.
The Cost
They have lunch specials around $5 and any possible combination of burritos, enchiladas, quesadilla, fajitas, etc. for 6 or 7 American pesos. They have some expensive items on the menu, but in general, most selections seem to be an excellent value.
The Grub
Exact same menu and food as wonderful, La Carreta, on old highway 30. That means excellent all you can eat chips and salsa. I had the lunch chalupa. What's the difference between a chalupa and a soft shell taco or an enchiladas? Don't know, Don't care. It was delicious.
El Portal
1716 South Center Street, 641-752-0011
Friday, September 28, 2007
Applebee's
Got a case of the Monday's in Marshalltown? Interested in some pizza poppers, shrimp shooters of extreme fajitas? Maybe just coffee? Applebee's on Center Street is your best bet for bar and grill food.
The Looks:
"People can get a burger anywhere. They come to Chotchkie's for the attitude and the atmosphere". The same could be said of Applebee's. Although the servers do not seems to be wearing any pieces of flair, there are posters and nick-nacks all over the walls. Bonus points to Applebee's for including several pieces of local Marshalltown memorabilia.
The Cost:
Expensive. There's little chance you're walking out of here for less then 12 bucks. Most menu items range from 7 to 10 dollars. Toss in a 2 dollar soda and a reasonable tip and you'll be hurting. It might be worth mentioning they have lunch combos, which you can get a soup and salad for $5.99 or a soup and sandwich for $6.99. But you'll leave hungry.
The Grub:
All the usual suspects on the menu. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, huge salads. Some tasty dinner options include steaks, ribs, grilled fish, shrimp and pastas. I enjoyed the roasted turkey and Bacon Ciabatta with seasoned fries. I wasn't given enough fries, but the sandwich was good. Friends have told me in general that Applebee's doesn't always give enough food for the money. The Marshalltown location seems to be better then most in this regard, I did leave mildly satisfied.
Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill
3101 South Center Street, 641-753-7755
The Looks:
"People can get a burger anywhere. They come to Chotchkie's for the attitude and the atmosphere". The same could be said of Applebee's. Although the servers do not seems to be wearing any pieces of flair, there are posters and nick-nacks all over the walls. Bonus points to Applebee's for including several pieces of local Marshalltown memorabilia.
The Cost:
Expensive. There's little chance you're walking out of here for less then 12 bucks. Most menu items range from 7 to 10 dollars. Toss in a 2 dollar soda and a reasonable tip and you'll be hurting. It might be worth mentioning they have lunch combos, which you can get a soup and salad for $5.99 or a soup and sandwich for $6.99. But you'll leave hungry.
The Grub:
All the usual suspects on the menu. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, huge salads. Some tasty dinner options include steaks, ribs, grilled fish, shrimp and pastas. I enjoyed the roasted turkey and Bacon Ciabatta with seasoned fries. I wasn't given enough fries, but the sandwich was good. Friends have told me in general that Applebee's doesn't always give enough food for the money. The Marshalltown location seems to be better then most in this regard, I did leave mildly satisfied.
Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill
3101 South Center Street, 641-753-7755
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Cecil's Cafe
A small cafe, located on old highway 30, Cecil's looks to be a favorite stop for truckers. The highway may have moved, but Cecil's is still there, still delivering grease and goodness. Could such a tiny roadside cafe satisfy such a hungry man?
The Looks:
Old school dinner. They even have pie under glass on the counter. The chairs and tables are small. Not made for modern obese Americans, like myself. Old newspaper articles and the like hang on the walls, giving you a feel of Marshalltown history. The clientele are, well, hopefully they have their last will and testament made up.
The Cost:
Pretty reasonable. Most sandwiches and burgers are $2 to $4. Fries and onion rings are an additional $2. Sodas are a buck.
The Grub:
I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and fries. The fries where made from scratch, cut from the potato and bathed in grease. The soda glass was so small, it was probably less then a can, and refills were slow. It was like I had to savor the drink, because there wasn't much of it. The sandwich was tasty, if small. Next time I go, I'll get two sandwiches.
Cecil's Café
13 Iowa Avenue East, 641-753-9796
Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner on Wed. and Fri. only
The Looks:
Old school dinner. They even have pie under glass on the counter. The chairs and tables are small. Not made for modern obese Americans, like myself. Old newspaper articles and the like hang on the walls, giving you a feel of Marshalltown history. The clientele are, well, hopefully they have their last will and testament made up.
The Cost:
Pretty reasonable. Most sandwiches and burgers are $2 to $4. Fries and onion rings are an additional $2. Sodas are a buck.
The Grub:
I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and fries. The fries where made from scratch, cut from the potato and bathed in grease. The soda glass was so small, it was probably less then a can, and refills were slow. It was like I had to savor the drink, because there wasn't much of it. The sandwich was tasty, if small. Next time I go, I'll get two sandwiches.
Cecil's Café
13 Iowa Avenue East, 641-753-9796
Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner on Wed. and Fri. only
Monday, August 13, 2007
Memories
Head out of town on Lincoln Way, and you'll unknowingly pass Memories Banquet and Reception Hall. It's a nondescript white building where people apparently have wedding receptions and the like. Boo weddings. Hooray food.
The Looks:
Feels like you're eating lunch at a wedding reception. Probably because people do that here. Probably accounts for the sweet looking, well stocked bar. And the crappy folding tables.
The Cost:
The buffet will run you around $6.50 (drink not included) and most of the menu items could be had for under $7. Not a bad value.
The Grub:
Memories has a simple all you can eat lunch buffet. Or if you wish, the menu contains simple lunch items, such as burgers, chicken, soups and salad. I ordered the club sandwich with fries. The sandwich was passable, but the generic crinkle cut fries were blah. The onion rings looked to be the better choice. In general, I left somewhat unsatisfied, but will return.
Memories Banquet and Reception Hall
1010 West Lincoln Way, 641-753-4693
Lunch (Mon.-Fri. 11-2 p.m.)
Dinner (Fri. 5-10 p.m.)
The Looks:
Feels like you're eating lunch at a wedding reception. Probably because people do that here. Probably accounts for the sweet looking, well stocked bar. And the crappy folding tables.
The Cost:
The buffet will run you around $6.50 (drink not included) and most of the menu items could be had for under $7. Not a bad value.
The Grub:
Memories has a simple all you can eat lunch buffet. Or if you wish, the menu contains simple lunch items, such as burgers, chicken, soups and salad. I ordered the club sandwich with fries. The sandwich was passable, but the generic crinkle cut fries were blah. The onion rings looked to be the better choice. In general, I left somewhat unsatisfied, but will return.
Memories Banquet and Reception Hall
1010 West Lincoln Way, 641-753-4693
Lunch (Mon.-Fri. 11-2 p.m.)
Dinner (Fri. 5-10 p.m.)
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