Besa's Pizza and Pasta - 14856 Preston, Dallas

Outside of Addison, but worth the drive, especially if someone else is doing it. Highly rated pizza by the slice for cheap. 2 slices, a salad (get the house dressing) and a drink will set you back $6.48 with tax. Order your slices at the counter, they'll finish cooking them and bring them to you while you enjoy your salad.

I wouldn't say anything bad about this place. They got robbed once and I think the owner jumped over the counter and held the robber down until police arrived.

Atmosphere (**) - Typical strip-center pizza place.

Entertainment (**) - TV with news. People walking dogs in the grass because there's a dog wash around the corner.

Financial (****) - $6.48 with tax for a meal and drink. Doesn't get much better than this anymore.

Nutritional (*) - It is pizza.

Besa's website

Freebirds - $6 for 3 tacos, chips, salsa, drink DEAD

At Freebirds you can get 3 tacos (your choice of meat) with chips, salsa and a drink for $6. This has been going on for a few months, not sure when it will end.

Starbucks

3 Addison locations.

Before you go read the review on Dunn Bros Coffee. After that if you still insist on going to Starbucks, you really only need a map. If that. Starbucks within the town limits:

#1 SW corner of Belt Line and Midway
Drive thru and sit down.
Google map is here.

#2 Addison Walk Shopping Center
South side of Belt Line between Dallas Parkway and Quorum. Suite 450.
Google map is here.

#3 Tom Thumb grocery
Kiosk inside. 14280 Marsh Ln at Spring Valley on the far west side of town.
Google map is here.

T.G.I. Friday's - 5100 Belt Line - $5 Meals

While not the healthiest option, Friday's current specials are easy on your wallet. They are offering several sandwiches and salads for $5.

For a list of $5 meals, go here http://www.tgifridays.com/menu/E309_FiveDollar.aspx.

Dunn Bros Coffee — 3725 Belt Line

On the north side near Marsh Lane.



I've been drinking coffee since I was 12 years old and was taught, in fact required, to drink it black, no sugar. In those days it was Folgers but I've since switched to Community brand. I may change my loyalty. Never have I ever been so impressed with a 12 oz ($1.65) cup of joe. The writing of this review began immediately. On a scale of one to five the aroma alone rates a six. There was no harsh aftertaste. It is rich, bold and just strong enough. I have truely found coffee nirvana. Of course if you require all of those tuity-fruity additives to mask the glorious wonder they will be happy to oblige. In addition to the selection of hot drinks Dunn Bros offers pastries, sandwiches and salads, soft drinks and iced beverages.

The decor is typical coffee house. The music is calming and ethereal. Live music contributes to the ambiance nightly. On this late Sunday morning there were 15-18 inside plus 6-8 sitting at the outside tables. Solo guests were reading sections of the newspaper (provided) or engrossed with a book. One couple was playing backgammon. Three were using the free ("All we ask is that you buy a drink") Wi-Fi. Conversations dominated the others' time. All could easily blend into Austin's SoCo neighborhood.

Those that still gravitate to that other, better known coffee chain do so because they have not discovered Dunn Bros Coffee. For their sake I hope they do.

Hours:
7:00 am - 10:30 pm Mon-Sat
8:00 am - 10:30 pm Sun

Google map is here.

Carrabba's Italian Grill — 17548 Dallas Parkway

Just south of Trinity Mills on the European side of the road. Look for the trees growing atop the piazza.


Once you accept the fact that there is no Mulberry Street in this immediate area you'll realize that Carrabba's is the best of the chains specializing in Italian fare. Ciao Olive Garden.

When Catie was 5 or 6 she discovered the wonder that is Carrabba's mussels (cozze) in white wine sauce. We tried to convince her that the calamari was really onion rings but she wasn't buying into that. I've tried to pry her away from the bowl of bivalves and get her to taste the greatness of the chicken soup but she's not buying into that either.

Chicken Marsala


The meal starts with the traditional bread and saucer of olive oil. Hint: ask for a little balsamic vinegar. It won't be added to your bill. I tend to lean toward the chicken parmesan but the chicken Marsala may be the most popular item on the menu. Meals come with a salad but they will gladly substitute spaghetti. The wine list is extensive. Except for weekday lunch, Carrabba's is very famnily friendly and there is a kid's menu. And speaking of the menu, take a gander at it. Though near Addison, this location is in North Dallas so enter zip code 75287. The menu also describes some pizza offerings though I don't recall ever seeing anyone partake.

No smoking. Full bar. To go. Styrofoam doggie bags.

Hours:
11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun-Thur
11:00 am - 11:00 pm Fri
3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Sat

Google map is here.

Gloria's Restaurant — 5100 Belt Line, Neighborhood 8

Village on the Parkway, directly behind Bed Bath & Beyond and facing Dallas Parkway.



Gloria's has its roots in El Salvador but it knows which side of the tortilla is buttered and thus has a menu with plenty of Tex-Mex favorites. Yes, you can order fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas and nachos but why do so when you can have some true Central American food. Try the Salvadoran inspired pupuas - two corn tortillas stuffed with pork, cheese or both. It's refreshing to have black beans in lieu of refried. Plantains, those green banana cousins, are served with some meals. I've never appreciated ceviche so I can't truthfully comment on it. I can positively comment on the pollo con champiñones but then I pretty much like every chicken dish put in front of me. Read the description in the menu section.

Gloria's is popular with the Addison beautiful people and the $30,000 millionaires. Happy hour on the patio is an event and though it faces the afternoon sun some foliage-impared palms have been planted. The umbrellas bloom at the appropriate time. I've never been to Gloria's at 11:00 pm on a Saturday night but apparently that's when the live salsa music amps up y la Latina bonita population appear.

Hours:
11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun-Thur
11:00 am - 11:00 pm Fri
11:00 am - 2:00 am Sat

Google map is here.

Pizza Hut Delivery

Because sometimes there's a deadline at work, you just want to sit in your hotel room and watch HBO or you're almost out of gas. You've had a slice or three of their pie before so there will be no food review here. The Addison delivery zones are complicated so the boundaries given below are not precise. Minimum order for delivery is ten dollars. An additional delivery charge may apply.


#1 — Delivery to most of Addison west of Dallas Parkway and most hotels 972-243-3443
#2 — Delivery to Addison east of Dallas Parkway plus north of Belt Line and east of Quorum 972-233-8844
#3 — Delivery to the Addison Airport area 972-931-2244

Allow 30 minutes for delivery. Here is the web site. Enter your address and Addizon zip code 75001.

Hours are approximate:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Until midnight Fri & Sat

ALTERNATIVE


I don't believe this particular one is owned by Jerry Jones. Though located at Belt Line and Preston, this location claims to deliver throughout Addison. Call 972-386-6281 for details. Delivery daily until midnight.

MENU. Again, enter your address and Addison zip code 75001.

Jason's Deli — 4021 Belt Line

Just past the first traffic light west of Midway.



With locations in 29 states you may be familiar with this restaurant based in Beaumont. Jason's specializes in made to order sandwiches from a large menu, consistantly good soup, a satisfying salad bar and popular baked potatoes. Vegetarians should be happy with the selection and the health conscious will find appropriate items clearly marked. The pretentious can accept the quality paper napkins.

If you're from New Orleans try the muffuletta. It's not as good as back home but it's a decent substitute. The broccoli cheese soup can cure the common cold.

The to go menu is the same. The only difference is the food comes in a sack and the soup bowl comes with a lid. Jason's delivers throughout Addison, including office buildings, for a flat $7 fee ($25 minimum). Party trays and catering are also available. Call 972-239-0074 for the latest scuttlebutt and other information.

To whet your appetite look at what will satisfy it. If there is a problem with the downloading go here and enter zip code 75001. No smoking. No guns. Yes beer. Plenty of parking. Jeff Thomisee, Manager.

Hours:
10:00 am - 10:00 pm Mon-Sun

Google map is here.

Taste Addison 2009 — Addison Circle Park

Between Addison Rd. & Quorum Dr.



Friday 5/8 5:00 pm - midnight
Saturday 5/9 noon - midnight
Sunday 5/10 noon - 6:00 pm
See * below

Is there a local restaurant that you've always been curious about yet reluctant to devote an entire meal to for fear of disappointment? Taste Addison (two words only) can help. Over 50 restaurants offer smaller portions at smaller prices of only two or three items on their menu. No State Fair food will be found here. Beer, bottled water and soft drinks are also available. Bands perform on stage to help bring the crowd total to near 70,000 over the 3 day event. A children's tent keeps the little ones entertained. Carnival rides are available.

This is a cash only event. ATMs are on site.



Here is a list of this year's participating restaurants. The criterion for their invitation is that the eatery must be within the town limits.

The bands and their schedules are shown here. Bands change yearly. Expect a large crowd Saturday night. Bring a blanket for lawn seating. Folding chairs are not allowed.

For connoisseurs of the grape, there is "Discover Wine with Robert Mondavi." Arts & Crafts abound. Real restrooms are trailered in.

Entrance fee:
$5 before 5:00 pm
$10 after 5:00 pm
Children under 4 free.
Advanced discount tickets are available from Tom Thumb groceries but keep in mind that Taste Addison takes place outdoors in May and rain checks will not be given.

*Are you reading this after the event? This is the 16th year so mark your calendar for the first or second weekend in May next year.

Parking can be a problem. Handicapped parking is at the Addison Transit Center. Free parking is at the corner of Dallas Parkway and Arapaho Road.

Addison Circle Park is here.

Duke's Original Roadhouse — 4180 Belt Line

If you can find Sam's Club, you can find Duke's.



"It's where your friends are."
"Home of the $5 pitcher."

Duke's isn't so much a dining destination as it is an after work hang out. It's a bar with the town's most popular deck. It's so popular, in fact, that during colder months propane heaters are brought out. Those going inside are either going to the restroom, withdrawing Andrew Jacksons from the ATM or buying Camels ($7.50) from the machine near the waitress station. Ot to play the Golden Tee. Or to escape a sudden downpour. Duke's is where you can find Happy Hour Harry.

You can park up close at lunch, as long as it's not St. Patrick's Day or Cinco de Mayo. But after 5:00 pm the lot starts filling and the cook gets bored. The emphasis then becomes libation participation.

Left click here for the menu and possibly a beer trivia game.

A short message about parking. Generally there's ample in the rear. During times when ample is not ample enough, Sam's may or may not let you park on their lot. If not, warning signs should be prominent enough to prevent the alert from getting their cars towed. Absolutely no overnight parking is allowed.

Duke's is biker friendly. If you see George, buy him a Jack and Coke. Easy on the Coke.

Hours:
Open daily 11:00 am - 2:00 am

Google map is here.

Antonio Ristorante — 4985 Addison Circle

On the NW arc.



Let me confess up front that I've only eaten here once. Don't let that comment deter you from giving the place a try. The food was very good. The location is a detriment. Proprietor Luciano Cola is doing himself a disservice by not having a Belt Line address. The fine Italian fare can be reflected in the prices which might be a tad steep for the casual diner, especially for lunch. But I can personally recommend the asparagus soup with parmesan cheese ($4.75). With water, tax and tip you can go back to the office bragging about where you ate and you're only six dollars lighter.

Non smokers will be happy that the dining room is off limits to lit cigarettes. The bar area is small with 3-4 tables and only 4 bar stools. Alfresco dining is seasonal.

Six of us ate there on a Saturday night and were seated immediately. The crowd was sparse and that's too bad. The cause was not the quality of the product or service. A dearth of diners should not dissuade you from making a delectable discovery. Perhaps the scarcity is due to the parking. A traditional suburban lot would ruin the ambiance of the area and street space is limited. Not to worry. If you're headed north on Quorum from Belt Line, make the circle until you can drive west toward the airport. Wave at the valet ($5) attendant as you pass and go about another 70 feet. To your right is the entrance/exit to the free parking garage. It's well lit and next to the Addison Police storefront.

Since you insist, here's the web site. Caution. The prices have not been updated.

You can follow the Fiat fiat, then order the asparagus soup. Or you can use the valet and order anything on the menu because all major credit cards are accepted.



Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat-Sun 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Google map is here.

Blue Goose Cantina — 14920 Midway

SE corner of Beltway in the yellow frame building.


The story, as I've heard it on many occasions, is that the original restaurant owners took a trip to Mexico and "saw" a bordello with the name Blue Goose. Hence the nombre. This is some of the best traditional Tex-Mex for your dinero that you'll find. Yes, I've been to Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth, Mi Tierra's in San Antonio and Matt's El Rancho in Austin.
The decor is as colorful as you'd expect, but gone is the mariachi music. It's been replaced by satellite. There's also a cute little wall-mounted touch screen juke box. Dos Equis is on tap plus 18 or so different brands of beer in bottles. Tequila by Jose Cuervo and the sip-and-enjoy Patrón. The frozen margaritas are very popular but in my opinion the lime taste is too strong.

The menu should satisfy all Tex-Mex tastes but the basics bring the regulars back. Try the refried beans. There's even a brunch on weekends. Huevos execelente. But eating the famous nachos should be on everyone's bucket list.

Hours:
Sun-Thur 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri-Sat 11:00 am - midnight

Google map is here. Biker friendly.

2009 Taste Addison participant.

Olive Garden — 4240 Belt Line

SE corner of Midway.


It's a successful restaurant chain which means the food will be consistant from one location to another. Local prices can be found here. Enter zip code 75001, then opt for the Addison OG.
Self parking is located conviently at the rear since that's where the doors are. This is a very popular restaurant with the weekday lunch crowd. 972-239-9096. Reservations accepted for parties of 7 or more.

Hours:
11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sun-Thur
11:00 am - 11:00 pm Fri-Sat

Cindi's Restaurant & NY Deli — 2001 Midway

Just north of Lindbergh on the California side of the road.

Is this a great country or what? Here's a New York style deli owned by Vietnamese-Americans with a kitchen staffed by cooks from south of the Rio Grande. Cindi's is actually in Carrollton but you can throw a kaiser roll just right and it will land in Addison. Before you go check out their menu because flashlights and reading glasses become useful ordering utensils once you get there. They obviously put to use a very effective dimmer switch.

Did your favorite bagel place shut down Paul and Jamie Buchman? Not to worry. Head here for an assortment to please. Those and other bakery items are displayed on the left side as you enter. But Cindi's is intended for the sit down crowd. Breakfast includes eggs and pancakes. Lunch, as you may well guess, is sandwiches. The variety is vast. When my NYC-born friend Smith has a jones for hot pastrami on rye this is where he goes. The egg salad is apparently dispensed with an ice cream scoop and the top slice of bread is a balancing act. Flatten on your own. It's hard to go wrong with the tuna melt. Cole slaw comes with everything, as do a pile of very decent french fries. The ketchup bottle is usually full. Your food arrives fairly quickly but follow up service can be spotty during rush hour. Pay at the register.

As you can see from the web site Cindi's has five local locations, not really enough to be considered a chain. Don't lose your lunch if you visit the North Central Expressway Cindi's and find it's near a coffins-to-go store.

Hours:
6:00 am - 2:30 pm Mon-Fri
7:00 am - 2:30 pm Sat-Sun

Google map is here.

Nate's Seafood & Steakhouse — 14951 Midway

Just behind the Starbucks' drive thru.

"I eat fish every day." - Nathan Peck

Nate's certainly has its share of critics but one look at the parking lot and you have to wonder how. This is fine dining in a garishly pink building. The lunch menu prices will not attract the steno pool.

Peruse the selection here. The budget conscious should order gumbo. Challenging is how I might describe masticating the alligator po'boy. The fried chicken is not fast food. It's wait and wait and wait... Yes, you can get a hamburger and fries and they won't look at you funny.

Let's talk crawfish! Never, ever, call them crawdads. Remember "M-M" as in March to May as that's the best time to eat this Louisiana delicacy, though you'll find them many times till mid-June. Order "2 pounds turbo." You'll throw most of the 2 pounds away. The turbo is the secret spice blend that's sprinkled on them which gets on your fingers as you eat with your hands and thus arouse the taste buds as you stick the meat in your mouth. A knife and fork will not be given to you and this might not be the best thing to order if you're wearing your best white dress shirt.



Walk in the front door and veer starboard and you'll enter the fine dining room. In the hundreds of times I've been to Nate's I can honestly say that I've never stepped foot inside there. Leave your comments please.
I'm a denizen of the bar area. This is the flip-flops side but the food is the same. The motif is Cajun dorm room without the beds and smoking is apparently encouraged. At night the regulars show up.

Considering its Louisiana roots there should be no surprise to find SRO on Mardi Gras Tuesday. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Beads are de rigueur and expect Nate's lovely bride Hilde to be wearing a feathery mask.

You can order a Cajun fried turkey for your Thanksgiving guests. Caution: liberal garlic seasoning is added.

Opens daily at 11:00.

MapQuest map is here.

2009 Taste Addison participant.

Mooyah Burgers & Fries — 5225 Belt Line

NE corner of Montfort; across the street from Walgreens



"WELCOME TO MOOYAH" is the friendly greeting you'll hear upon entering. The employees are fanatical about cleanliness though they'll not wipe your face for you. The motto is: "Just burgers. Just fries. Just better." Everything is prepared fresh daily and your mooyah is customized to your liking. One of my pet peeves is the poor excuse for tomatoes used at many restaurants but at Mooyah the tomatoes are ripened to near perfection.
Check out their limited menu of well made bun fillers. Also available are just shakes. Consider this a sack lunch since that's what your food always comes in. The decor is red and white. Should you need take out for the office call 972-661-3114 to save time. Hint: Junior size it and share the fries. Just delicious.

Open daily 11:00-10:00

Donut City — 4151 Belt Line

NW corner of Midway behind the Shell station. In the cheap rent district.



Hey, you just might need a sugar fix. Plain glazed are 49¢. Add 5¢ for chocolate topped. Kolaches are 79¢. Seating for 4. Rumor has it that they'll deliver with 24 hour notice. Call 972-980-0571 for details. Clean place, with the customer area decorated gargage sale chic. And if you need a new Mapsco just exit to the rear of the parking lot. Visa and MasterCard accepted.

Hours:
5:00 - 11:00 Mon-Sat

This is the only donut shop on the left side of the Addison town map.
Google map is here.

2009 Taste Addison participant.

Los Lupes Mexican Restaurant — 3855 Belt Line

On the Canadian side of the road. Closer to Marsh than Midway.
In the building formerly occupied by Joe's Crab Shack.



First, click here for the menu, history, location and minutiae. Scroll down for the lunch specials. If you're up early they have breakfast including lengua (tongue) tacos. No gracias. If you're off early they have happy hour. If you want to smoke you can do so in the bar. During warmer months the patio is open. There are numerous TVs and an ATM machine. The restroom is self service.

Let's discuss the LUNCH SPECIALS. By checking the menu tab (en Inglés y Español) at the left on the web site you'll find that there is a $5.95 buffet but despite its all-you-can-eat feature it's really not that popular. I spent $4.95 for the #45 and a glass of ice water. It's hard to mess up refried beans and I wasn't disappointed. It's hard to mess up the rice and I wasn't disappointed. It's hard to mess up cheese and onion enchiladas but there were no onions and the ends of the tortillas were unchewable. The cheese inside was fine. There are various choices of sauces to spread on top and I chose the chili. To disappoint someone like me whose first Spanish words were "Careful the plate is hot" and loves cheap Tex-Mex fare is almost impossible. I was disappointed. That one sauce ruined the entire meal.

I will not trash the place because of one bad experience. I've eaten at their Carrollton location several times and always left fat and happy. That location is normally very busy.

Back to the Addison restaurant. Watch the step down as they seat you. My waitress, Marisela, spoke limited but sufficient English. She probably has a green card. She also shorted me a dime when she returned with my change. There was no wait to be seated but few empty tables during the noon hour which leads me to believe that the word was out on the chili sauce. The attire of the guests was office casual though there were a few JCPenney neckties.

Suggestion: If office politics dictate that you eat at Los Lupes just don't order from the back page of the menu and you'll probably have an enjoyable experience. Otherwise there are too many Tex-Mex restaurants around to dine here.

Opens 6:00 am Mon-Fri and by 7:00 am 7 days per week.

Separate checks allowed.

Google map is here.

2009 Taste Addison participant.