The Brown Bottle

When I first arrived as a fresh and eager college freshman I didn't know the restaurant scene at all. There are so many places within walking distance that it can be very overwhelming for people on their first time here. Naturally, people head to the Pedestrian Mall and eye their options. The first place that caught my eye was the Brown Bottle.

It's a little Italian place with low lighting and a kind of intimate atmosphere. Quite a bit has changed since my first visit those many years ago and one of the most glaring was price, but I'll get to that in my breakdown.

Score (based on 5 stars):

Friendliness: ****

Cleanliness: **

Tastiness: ***

Affordable: **

Overall: ***

Friendliness: Of all the things over the years, this is the thing I noticed that had improved the most. While it's still hard to get seated initially (are they understaffed?) the waiter was incredibly nice and welcoming, even took jokes in stride and was very helpful in recommending dishes to people who were indecisive. I think if we had a meaner or grumpier waiter I would have hated this place, he really made it an enjoyable evening.

Cleanliness: It's a little... less than what you'd expect of a place that seems to scream upscale Italian restaurant. It seemed dusty and the low lighting doesn't work for a group of friends wanting to have a fun night (isn't that all of downtown Iowa City?). It wasn't so dirty I was repulsed it just seemed... neglected like no one had eaten there since I was last there. Maybe I'm being spiteful or maybe it was the lack of other people in the restaurant that made it seem desolate.

Tastiness: So here's where the Brown Bottle stood out. It's food was delicious. I ordered the Roast Beef (It was basically a French Dip, even came with Au Jus) that was just the right combination of delicious meat, melty cheese and the Au Jus was flavorful. My friends ordered the Penne with Vodka Sauce and I stole a bite and found they made a good decision too, it had a nice flavorful kick to it and it wasn't too overpowering. They finished their plates so it must have been good enough to keep going.

Affordable: This is where the Brown Bottle has changed a lot since the last time I was there. The prices are rather ridiculous considering the many other eateries you can go to get similarly good tasting food and if you're planning on adding a healthy alternative to your meal, expect to pay more. My bill was about 20 dollars with tip, but honestly it should have been half that. The portions have gone down quite a bit since I was there so you're paying more for a lot less and that's pretty disappointing.

Overall: While the food was tasty and the waiter was nice and welcoming, the joint itself seems more suited to a couple sharing a low lit dinner who don't mind shelling out the extra money when it comes to food and don't mind if there's little justification to the cost. Otherwise take a stroll around and you'll find some other options that will be just as tasty and even more affordable.

Orchard Green

So I realize this is about as belated as a review can be but I feel I must spread the word about this glorious local place that everyone should try. I eat here back in I believe February with my co-workers and roommate. It was a struggle to pick what to eat because everything sounded fabulous. The downside is only that the place is expensive and calls for nicer garb than one would wear to Applebee's, but it's worth every penny.

Score (based on 5 stars):

Friendliness: *****

Cleanliness: *****

Tastiness: *****

Affordable: ***

Overall: ****1/2

Friendliness:

The staff is very professional. They treat you like royalty and while they aren't pouring with 'down-home-Ma-&-Pa' personality, they make you feel like you're eating somewhere other than Iowa City. They were more than happy to keep our drinks flowing and make sure things were going well.

Cleanliness:

This place was spotless and the tables were set perfectly like I imagine my mother wishes I could achieve. Granted I still don't know the purpose of the 8 different forks (Ok, there weren't that many but still...) it looked beautiful, and the atmosphere is not blaring with noise or music, I felt like I rarely overheard other tables.

Tastiness:

After a strong internal debate about how not to order everything, I settled on the Fillet Mignon and tried some of the, I presume, seasonal Lamb stew. My roommate gave their blue cheese salad. Even before the entrees arrived everyone was deeply enjoying their appetizers. They were small but completely satisfying, something hard to achieve these days. When the entrees did arrive it was hard not to ask to sample everyone's varying dishes, it all looked amazing and everyone cleaned their plate. Mine was amazing, I literally could not stop to talk and was slowly eating my food and savoring every bite.

Affordable:

I could say that you pay through the teeth for this but honestly, it's worth it. I still had to dock points because it's not like you could eat there reasonably (and if you can, are you single? Do you want a foster child?). However, if you can, it's absolutely worth it. Entrees run about $20-30 so save up well in advance.

Overall:

I was expecting a snobby upscale place but was pleasantly surprised with the opposite. The menu is short but it's a struggle to choose and for good reason, it's hard to find anything there that isn't delicious (Though picky eaters beware, this might not be for you). I even ate my vegetables, willingly and wished there were more. If nothing is more telling than my last statement I don't know how better to convince you to try this place.

Jade Sisters

There are many places in Iowa City where you can get Asian food. They range from small places in the mall, to buffets, as well as the sit down restaurants. Since you all know my feelings about buffet's (and if you don't, just imagine a lot of paranoia involving germs and overcooked food), and I find it hard to enjoy anything in the mall atmosphere I choose to sit down at one of Coralville's favorite Asian places; Jade Sisters.

I generally really approve of Asian places where actual Asians are eating in large groups. It tends to mean that not only is there the usual Americanized cuisine but there are more authentic options available as well. Now the one thing I had to keep in mind while eating here was not to expect amazing out of this world service because typically your waitress is filling in for all jobs: Hostess, Busboy, Delivery Order Taker, Dishwasher and Cashier. I'm not unreasonable and knowing this makes it a very wonderful place to eat.

Score (based on 5 stars):

Friendliness: ****

Cleanliness: ***

Tastiness: ****

Affordable: ****

Overall: ****

Friendliness:

Now you may not get your drink refilled the second it goes empty, but it will happen and when it does the waitresses are usually incredibly polite and apologetic. They're more than happy to help you if you need a box for left-overs (and you will), and will help fix any mistakes without a problem. There is sometimes a language barrier though, I don't know the country of origin of many of the waitresses but I found speaking clearly they understood me perfectly. That being said, don't be a jerk and speak like they're mentally handicapped, just speak clearly, you don't have to speak slowly.

Cleanliness:

It's not unclean... per say. It's just getting a bit run down. The booths have seen much love in their time and the seat cushions are a bit, flat and failing in many spots. I've eaten there a few times and gotten a 'sticky' table. I know it was wiped down, but maybe not as well as it should have been? (or maybe simply not with cleaner). I know, I'm picky but I lump a lot of atmosphere into cleanliness, and while my plates, silverware, and glasses are always clean, it means I can't be sloppy and drop anything on the table... or I can't in good faith eat it without fear of some crazy germ infestation. (I call my current one 'SUPER ANGRY COLD!')

Tastiness:

This is where sticking to the Japanese menu really pays off. I find their sushi great and tasty, though I can't attest (as if I could before) to any of their various spicy rolls, but I love their Tempura Shrimp Roll and just about all the others. (Sorry, never been a fan of fish eggs, maybe I was too spoiled by chicken eggs...) Their Teriyaki Chicken is damn good too and you get quite a bit so come hungry. I will say I'm less impressed with their Americanized options, like Sesame Chicken, it's kind of a mixed bag, sometimes it's really good and yummy and sometimes it's a game of 'find the meat' because there's barely any in your 'Sweet and Sour Pork' but loads of vegetables. And while I'm sure that's healthy for some, it's just not quite what I ordered. Sometimes too much of their fried things are overcooked. Their Crab Rangoons, however, are quite amazing. Now I'm to understand that everyone has their preference for their favorite Rangoon but I can tell you honestly that this place has mine. They've got a hint of sweet but taste mainly of creamy cheese and mystery crab, which is how I like mine.

Affordable:

It can really vary depending on how you like to eat (solo vs. family style) and what time you go. Lunch is the best time because you can get a whole meal for under 10 bucks with tip and that's when you can snag up a yummy bento box that usually comes with soup or salad, a small amount of sushi and a main dish. Now at dinner you can still eat well if you're willing to share, and the portions are huge so stop being selfish! You can still squeeze in a dinner for 2 for under 15 if you only get some drinks and an entree, not bad for two people. Now if you're like me and demand veggie tempura (I know, it has veggies in it, but it's fried and doesn't count) and you like to split an entree and maybe cram in some crab rangoons, you're probably looking at about 25 for the whole bill, again it's not bad because you're sharing. If you're lonely or incredibly hungry, then you might end up paying for more than you want but I suppose that's the price you pay for having a bottomless stomach with no friends. (Maybe you ate them?)

Overall:

You have to be willing to overlook some things to truly enjoy this gem. The service can be frustrating and slow at times, the Americanized options are hit or miss, and if you're eating alone, you have to REALLY come hungry. If you can look past all those things, Jade Sisters is an amazing place to dine, it's staff is friendly and helpful and if you're braver than I, I hear their authentic menu is amazing. I recommend trying lunch there when you get a chance and bringing a lot of people. At least if you have lots of company and it sucks, you can all complain together. :)

On the subject of pictures...

I may add them sometime but I think for now I'll be going nude when it comes to photography. Pictures do say a thousand words but I've always thought that pictures never do food justice. I may toss up a picture of the outside of the establishment but otherwise keep things simple.

Wildwood Smokehouse & Salon

This review has been a long time coming but I didn't want to belt it out too soon, maybe as an excuse to keep eating there or perhaps I selfishly wanted to keep this fabulous BBQ joint to myself. Wildwood is located rather out of the way for most IC people, it's up off Hoover Highway on Walleye Drive but if you can find a way to get up there I very much recommend it.

Score (based on 5 stars):

Friendliness: *****

Cleanliness: ****

Tastiness: *****

Affordable: *****

Overall: ****1/2

Friendliness:

Part of their slogan seems to bring Texas hospitality up here to Iowa. I've heard a lot of awful things about Texas but if this place is an example of their friendliness then maybe I should drive down for a visit! The servers are all very friendly, very upbeat and very helpful. I won't lie, I have a favorite server already, but I haven't been disappointed yet by any of the others. Unless they're busy, the 'seat-yourself' atmosphere seems a bit scary but they rarely leave you hanging or without refills.

Cleanliness:

I had to dock a star because while the place is great, it gets a bit messy at times and the tables have this odd grimy feeling to them. I watch the bus boys wipe them down so I'm fairly sure they're clean, but they just don't 'feel' clean. It's also really dark inside so it'd be hard to tell if they truly are clean or not. At least it's just the tables, I've yet to have an incident of dirty cutlery or glasses.

Tastiness:

Amazing! I've tried just about everything save the burgers (though the people I eat with attest to their greatness) and can say that there aren't many things on the menu that I don't love. All the meats have a delicious smokey flavor that works both with the sauce provided as well as being tasty enough to go plain. Their house made buttermilk ranch dressing is good enough to go on just about anything and their house made sauces are good with a nice kick to them. If you're a first timer, it's absolutely necessary to grab up a side of their corn bread. It's big, sweet and delicious. There in-house special cocktails are worth trying too, the Big Green Tractor is a personal favorite but the Watermelon Crawl is equally addicting. It's hard to focus on one thing to advertise trying there because I have yet to run across anything I haven't really loved.

Affordable:

While Wildwood is pretty affordable (8.99-10.99 per regular entree) and they do have weekly specials (Wednesday is 15.99 Rib Night), however rarely am I able to go there without tacking on extras. While this isn't necessarily Wildwood's fault, it's something to be mindful of. The appetizers will really get you at about 6.99 a pop but that isn't too terrible considering they're a good treat for two-three people. My average bill here is usually around 12-15 dollars with one alcoholic beverage and added bacon (don't dare fault me for not saying 'no' to adding bacon onto anything!) If you still think that's pricey, consider splitting with another person as the portions are generous and easy to share.

Overall:

You really can't go wrong with anything you order at Wildwood**. On top of great food and large portions, they usually have some entertainment up and running with everything from mechanical bull-riding, to open mic night and country dancing. The good food allows country music haters to easily tune out the ambiance and enjoy the delicious smokey flavor of their meats and you can hit up your sweet tooth as well and enjoy a few drinks with friends. I could literally go on and on about all the things I love about this place and even nit-pick minutely on the things that could change but it's definitely a place to keep going back to and enjoying time and again.

**With exception to the 'Ghost Dance' a dine-in special of ridiculously hot peppers. I'm told it's a favorite of men trying to impress one another while their mouth melts and their throats disintegrate.

The Peking Buffet

When the flood of '08 happened, it devoured the Peking Buffet in Coralville. While I wasn't heart-broken, I know this place was a staple for many buffet-goers of the Iowa City area and when I saw it was returning I was mildly curious to give it a try. While I'm not a fan of buffets, I like to keep an open mind (most especially when I know it's as clean as it's ever going to be.)

Score (based on 5 stars):

Friendliness: ***

Cleanliness: **

Tastiness: *

Affordable: ***

Overall: **

Friendliness:

I'll give them credit that this place just opened up but at the same time it seemed like the staff didn't get a lot of time to work on training and procedure. I believe our waiter/waitress changed once or twice, which isn't such a huge deal, but it did cause some confusion as to who had what drink. Maybe with some time and more training it will run a little more streamlined.

Cleanliness:

Keep in mind this is a buffet. You can't really call it clean when you watch the 8 year old jam his hand into the bin of egg rolls after wiping his nose with it. However, for the first day of opening they kept a good job of cleaning spills and plates from tables. While I can't really fault the staff at Peking Buffet for knowing when their customers violate their food, people should know that it happens, and I witnessed several people ignoring safety barriers and sneeze guards to handle the food. You've been warned.

Tastiness:

This is why I'm not a real fan of buffets. You can't really call any of it terribly fresh except the sushi bar. All of it was extraordinarily chewy and overcooked. Everything was overly sweet too, and coming from someone who adores things sweet, it was even too much for me. I can't attest to if the spicy dishes were any good seeing as the tiny bit of spice sends my mouth screaming for help, but everything else was either too bland, or too sweet.

Affordable:

For a soft drink and the all-you-can-eat buffet it came to about 12 dollars. While that's not TOO bad, you can get a much fresher meal from Hu-Hot at a lower price with a soft drink. However, seeing as most single entree meals will run you into the above 10 dollar range, it's not a terrible deal either.

Overall:

I find myself having to give a lot of stipulations to the people that would enjoy eating there, so here's the breakdown of that list:

'Can you eat at the Peking Buffet?'

• Do you care if unknown strangers touch your food?
• Are you used to Americanized Asian cuisine?
• Do you really, really like sweet things?
• Do you enjoy really chewy meat and fried items?
• Are you unable to get to Hy-Vee?
• Do you lack taste buds?

If you answered yes to those questions, you'll probably like the Peking Buffet. I honestly can't say I'll go back, at least my stomach is pleading not to, but if you're a buffet goer or one of those 'bottomless stomach' folk, then give it a shot and see what you think.

Noodles & Company

I recently decided to try out this 'new-to-town' franchise and see what it had to offer. I was lucky enough to head there for the opening and was pleasantly surprised before I even ordered. The wait staff is friendly and easily answered my questions. Going so far as to recommend their favorites as well. Being my first trip, I decided that there would be no gain without intestinal pain and went for the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. It's a little extra but I also added braised beef and a rice krispie treat triangle because squares are so yesterday!

Score (based on 5 stars):

Friendliness: *****

Cleanliness: ****

Tastiness: *****

Affordable: ****

Overall: ****1/2

Friendliness:

Everyone there is VERY friendly. I'm ultra-picky and never once got an exasperated sigh over my anti-veggie agenda. They also have recommendations if you're not sure what to get and are more then willing to tell you all the specials and deals they do without making you feel like they're smashing it into your face.

Cleanliness:

Keep in mind this place just opened, but it's very clean. My only gripe was that tables seem to take a bit to get bussed, which is something the people there do fully. So expect a delay on a clean table during a busy day. On the plus side these same bus-happy folk will often offer to refill your drink or grab you any needed silverware or napkins.

Tastiness:

OM NOM NOM! The Mac & Cheese was nice and hearty, with the beef it had a nice rounded flavor. It had a moderate amount of cream sauce that worked out beautifully with the amount of noodles so you didn't find yourself swimming in sauce. I think you can skip the added protein though, this dish is good enough on its own.

The Rice Krispie Treat was also amazing (you'd think it hard to mess up such a thing but trust me I've tasted some nasty ones). I watched them make some from what I could see of the back kitchen so they make them fresh!

You can customize what you order as well. I went back the next day to get the Pesto Cavatappi and nixed the veggies. I couldn't stop eating it!

Affordable:

While I classify this in the 'Fast Food Affordable' side of things, it can get pricey if you like a lot of meat or veggies and whether or not you want a certain beverage. Still my total with a dessert and drink was only around 12 dollars so it's not too bad. If you have no qualms leaving the meat on the cow and the extra veggies back by said cow, the large bowls only cost you 5.50 and a drink is only 1.50 making it pretty affordable.

In short, this is a great little gem for fast lunches and tasty dinners. If you're a car-less student it's going to be hard to stop in since this location is out in Coralville by the mall, but they do have a plethora of To-Go options including the option to call ahead and pick it up curbside. I recommend trying everything this place has to offer because so far everything I have had has been very delicious!