Is it fast food, or a restaurant? Culvers (located off of old Highway 30) makes an attempt to act as both. With prices this cheap, one could load up on grub for not a lot of dough.
The Looks
Typical fast food dining area, with tables and booths. It's always crowded around lunch, mostly with older people. It seems word has gotten out about the senior citizen discount. To combat the large crowds, Culvers seems to be pretty good about employing a small army behind the counter. They maybe a little slow getting you the food, but they are quick to take your order.
The Cost
Prices are not bad. Long gone are the days of a $2.99 value meal (or basket as Culvers call them). But most everything on the menu can be purchased for $5 to $7. And they let you purchase a sandwich by itself for a reasonable price, which I like. Some fast food places will overprice the sandwich (for example the sandwich costs $4 and the meal costs $5), which leads you to get the "value meal" even if you don't want it.
The Grub
A surprisingly large variety of grub for a fast food place. They have chicken, Soup, Salads, Pork Tenderloins, Rubens, Hot dogs, Shrimp, Fish, and of course their signature butter burger. Who knows what they do to this hamburger to make it so good, but it works. The typical value basket consists of a sandwich, crinkle cut fries and a soda. The Fries can be substituted for any number of sides, for example a salad. I had the Turkey sourdough BLT, which was just so-so. But I feel I did get my money's worth. Of course they also have a large selection of Custard frozen treats, in case your caloric intake wasn't exceeded by the main meal.
Culver's of Marshalltown
16 Iowa Ave W, (641) 753-9525
Friday, May 30, 2008
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, September 6, 2007
Sub City
Sub City on main street is a Marshalltown eats at their best. Is it legal to sell this much good food for so little? I think I actually left full and satisfied.
The Looks:
Bawah! Fake wood paneling. I hate fake wood paneling. It's an older establishment with Marilyn Monroe and Sinatra posters attempting to create an atmosphere. The booths and chairs are not comfortable. But there's always a huge line at lunch. Must be the food.
The Cost:
The cost is damn cheap. $3 to $5 for a "half" sandwich, and double that for a whole. What I really like is they don't try to sell you a combo meal you don't want. I don't think they even have combo meals. So if you just want to sandwich, it's cool, that's what you get. Soda is 70 cents for a small, 90 cents for a large.
The Grub:
First let's define what a half sandwich means. This ain't your boyfriend's 6 inch subway. This is 8 to 10 inches packed with meat. They slice the meat and cheese off of blocks with a deli slicer right in front of you. And they don't skimp on it either. You then move down the line and select toppings of your choice. The bread is brought in fresh from Hy-Vee every morning. The end product is marvelous. So much better then a sandwich from Subway or Blimpies. You need to eat here.
Sub City
8 East Main Street, 641-752-1375
The Looks:
Bawah! Fake wood paneling. I hate fake wood paneling. It's an older establishment with Marilyn Monroe and Sinatra posters attempting to create an atmosphere. The booths and chairs are not comfortable. But there's always a huge line at lunch. Must be the food.
The Cost:
The cost is damn cheap. $3 to $5 for a "half" sandwich, and double that for a whole. What I really like is they don't try to sell you a combo meal you don't want. I don't think they even have combo meals. So if you just want to sandwich, it's cool, that's what you get. Soda is 70 cents for a small, 90 cents for a large.
The Grub:
First let's define what a half sandwich means. This ain't your boyfriend's 6 inch subway. This is 8 to 10 inches packed with meat. They slice the meat and cheese off of blocks with a deli slicer right in front of you. And they don't skimp on it either. You then move down the line and select toppings of your choice. The bread is brought in fresh from Hy-Vee every morning. The end product is marvelous. So much better then a sandwich from Subway or Blimpies. You need to eat here.
Sub City
8 East Main Street, 641-752-1375
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