Ruby Tuesday, Angola, Indiana - Review

Cramped quarters, good food, service adequate but our server copped an attitude when it came to coupons.

This location seemed smaller and everything squeezed closer together than other Ruby Tuesday locations I have been to.  The dining room was divided into two areas in the front with a more open area in the back so if you are a bit claustrophobic, ask to be seated in the back or the right side.  There is also a small bar area behind the salad bar with a bar and a few tables with is also an option if everyone in your party is over 21.

The location clean and nicely decorated.   Everything looked good the signature Endless Garden Bar and it was kept well stocked when we were there and it was very busy.   

The food was good overall, although I didn't care for the Italian 5 Cheese Skillet appetizer; the sauce was too sweet, the bread it was serves with a bit dry and once the cheese gets cold and hardens up it is not good.  If you order the Endless Garden Bar, I would skip getting this as an appetizer.

Service was adequate in that our orders were correct and our drinks refilled promptly.  The problem was the server's attitude towards coupon. 

If you sign up for Ruby Tuesday's loyalty program, many times they send 3 different coupons and you can chose which one to use. After taking our order our server said that our guest that had a coupon for $5 of $15 probably had not ordered enough to use the other coupon we had.   I had completed a survey online and had a code for a free appetizer and she told me that it was only good if you ordered two entrees, although the receipt clearly indicated one and even after I pointed that out said she didn't think it would work (it did). 

The worst though, was when our 70+ year old relative enquired about the coupon for a free dessert before checking out.  Our waitress snipped to her that she could only get that if she had two more people at our table and they ordered entrees.   What she could have done instead is simply said only one coupon could be used per ticket and if she wanted the free dessert, that coupon could be used instead.  We were horrified and the server ended up getting half of the amount of tip she would have gotten and lucky to have gotten one at all after that.  . 

When she brought our checks she put my drink on the other ticket; we just settled that amongst ourselves. 

Overall, was enjoyable except for the coupon issues.  If you go there and use a coupon, be sure to educate yourself on the fine print and if told something different.   Next Easter, we will be going elsewhere.

Dining Room separated into two areas

Smokehouse Burger

Italian 5 Cheese Skillet

 Location:  2304 N Wayne St, Angola, IN 46703
 

Coney Dog Cafe, 357 Lincoln Hwy, New Haven, IN 46774 - Review

This is a Mom and Pop shop that is similar to an experience that your parents or grandparents had back in the day when going to a diner, and I mean this in a good way.

The Coney Dog Cafe is a small cafe with an old-time bright red counter with a wood like counter top with modern black bar stools with retro memorabilia above the counter.  In front of the windows are also two bright red booths you can dine at and there is a hand-written menu of specials.

Although we had gone there several times over the years, I did not realize until the most recent visit that the cafe had a back dining area.  Off to the left is a long hallway with yellow on the top and brown on the bottom with restrooms on the left and when you reach the back area there are over half a dozen wood tables with upholstered chairs and a couple of bright yellow booths.

We dined in the back and took advantage of one of their specials, which was a dozen coney dogs and family sized fries for $20.  This is enough to easily feed a family of four.

The dogs and coney sauce are decent, but I wish they would steam their buns as it would take the dogs to the next level.  The fries have always been hot and crispy and not being too thick or thin. Service has always been friendly and attentive but I think the servers are dressed a little too casual with t-shirts and denim shorts.

View when entering front door

Booths by the front window with a hand-written specials board.

Hallway from back dining area to front of cafe

Picture taken from back of cafe looking toward kitchen and hallway to front

View back area looking to the East - office with hand painted 3 stooges on window.

12 Coney Dogs and A Family Sized Fries for $20

Noodle and Company - Review

4602 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

This place is a cafeteria "build your own" style noodle restaurant with a concept of fresh, organic ingredients free of preservatives, artificial colors and sweeteners and ethically sourced.

It was nice that the menu board had pictures and calories, but the pricing we found confusing at first; it would be nice if it were listed along with the calories.

We settled on Spaghetti with Meatballs at $8.75 for a bowl and then we were given a number and they brought it out when completed and our drinks were self-serve at the drink/condiment/silverware bar.  There is no salt or pepper on the tables so you might want to pick up some while you are there.

We received a large bowl that was only half-filled with noodles, 5 meatballs and tomato sauce topped with grated parmesan cheese.  The sauce was bland and could have used garlic and onion and the meatballs tasted like they had been frozen then baked and had a rubbery texture.  I wouldn't mind the smaller portion and the price for healthier ingredients but the taste and flavor need to be there.  I will try a different dish if we go back.

My guest commented that the atmosphere was too much like a school cafeteria and the sound system was horrible - it was loud yet garbled and you couldn't even tell what the song was. If you go and weather permitting, recommend eating outside,   

Poster describing concept

Dining area with ordering area/open kitchen in the back

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Drink/condiment/silverware bar:

Restrooms:

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is a chain restaurant that features old favorites made slightly upscale and made from scratch and we have never had a bad meal there.

The interior is nice with lots of hard wood, some brick and a very unique large overhead fan in the main dining area that is surrounded by plants on the upper level.  One this I don't like is it is a little too dark in evening and they could do with some candles or flame-less candles on the tables for more ambiance.

There offering is a good variety of standard fare:  Appetizers (they do have Artisan Toasts, which is different), Salad, Sandwiches and Burgers,  Chicken, Fish, Shrimp Pasta, Ribs, Desserts and hand crafted lemonade, fresh brewed tea soft and other drinks (they have a liquor license and full bar),  Their prices are in line with similar types of restaurants in the area.  Portions are generous and you might want to skip an appetizer unless are with a large group and sharing or meeting for drinks and just sharing an appetizer.

Overall service is usually good, but on the most recent visit a fella in the kitchen seemed to feel the need to yell several times "I am going to the bathroom" loud enough to be heard near the tables at the front of the place.  Don't know if it might have been lack of communication or cooperation with other staff members or he somehow has managed to make it to his 20's without finding his indoor voice.

Overall it is a great date night place with good food and atmosphere.



Main Dining Area

West Wall of Main Dining Area - bar is on the other side

Cheddar's Cheese Fries, Large.   French fries covered with Cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses and topped with bacon and served with their house made Ranch dressing

8 Oz Well Done Sirloin Steak served on top of onion straws and you have a choice of two of a dozen different side dishes. For an additional .99 cents the steak can be topped with sauteed mushrooms or bourbon sauce.  

For the sides, or for an additional .99 cents, you can get a salad as one of the sides.  The salad (not pictured) is served with a fresh baked croissant.  

8 Oz Well Done Sirloin Steak served on top of onion straws served with a side of mashed potatoes and white gravy. 

8 Oz Well Done Sirloin Steak served on top of onion straws served with Off the Cob Corn and Loaded Baked Potato (served with sour cream and topped with Cheddar Cheese.

Unique fan and includes plants and windows.