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Nov
12
10 Restaurants That Won’t Leave You Wanting More
Written by S. Beaumont and filed under Food and Beverage
As the temperature drops, it seems only natural to migrate towards a heartier meal. Comfort foods and bigger portions are just a more natural choice for the Fall and Winter seasons. Plus, a shortened day makes it easier to blow off that gym visit or an evening walk, and subconsciously you know that most people can’t see a few extra few pounds beneath your festive Holiday sweater.
So, where might you start packing on those winter pounds? The list below is a good starting point.
1. Mitch’s Tavern (location)
A bowl of Mitch’s chili is perhaps the quintessential winter meal. Combine with a few Miller High Life bottles to complete the experience.
2. South (link | location)
Nothing puts you squarely on your arse like a full plate of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and collard greens–and if you’re going to put your body through the agonizing digestion that will likely ensue, why not do it right.
3. Cheesecake Factory (link | location)
Portions of epic size. I can only imagine they throw away more food than many restaurants serve.
4. El Rodeo (locations)
26 combinations of meat, cheese, beans and rice–all guaranteed to sit like a brick in your stomach. When combined with a 36 oz. Dos Equis, don’t make plans for a movie after dinner.
5. Bella Monica (link | location) (Other good local Italian restaurants)
Red wine, lots of bread and oil, a salad and a plate full of pasta. Game over.
6. CiCi’s Pizza (link | location)
Gourmet it’s not, but if you can’t fill up on CiCi’s buffet you have only yourself to blame (unless the annoying kids in the table next to you drive you off before you can finish).
7. Angus Barn (link | location)
If the fact that you’re eating in a place called a “barn” isn’t enough, you can be pretty sure that for ~ $50 a person they won’t let you go home hungry.
8. Baja Burrito (location)
Although you may have trouble fitting these burritos in the car, I’d recommend take-out because a nap is eminent.
9. McAlister’s or Jason’s Deli (McAlister’s link | location) (Jason’s Deli link | location)
Potatoes that belong at the state fair are topped with enough food to create a meal in itself. (They actually use several potatoes, but hide it well)
10. Taverna Agora (link | location)
Perhaps only behind the Italians, Greeks seem to understand that dining can be an event in itself.
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10 Responses to “10 Restaurants That Won’t Leave You Wanting More”
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Great article. Not a fan so much of the Cheesecake factory, and being someone who worked in a restaurant for years, I can’t say that my two experiences there left me feeling that their portions were “generous”. Maybe it was the luck of the draw of the entrees I chose. Baja Burrito and El Rodeo are fantastic establishments. Anything at Mitch’s but the chili is ho-hum, imo.
What is South? I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of it or seen it. How about some accompanying links for the respective dining establishments?
mmm, Rodolfo’s feast awaits…
Yeah, I don’t really care for the Cheesecake Factory, but the portions when I’ve gone have always been well beyond reasonable. Almost sickly. I think it plays into the bigger-than-life feeling they try to convey.
South is a restaurant in North Hills. It’s owned by the same people that run Porter’s, Frasier’s and Vivace (Urban Food Group). They took over the location that formerly housed Symphony and Savannah’s–right across from REI. I ate there recently and was really pleased. Here’s a link: http://www.southatnorthhills.com/
I’ll also go back and add links to the story for the other places. Thanks for the tip.
A third of these are chains, so I don’t go there, but most of these I’d agree with.
One that I’d definitely add would be Hayes-Barton Cafe in the Five Points area. Their delicious dinner entrees are so big they make Cheesecake Factory’s look like appetizers. Not to mention dessert portions that can feed three people easily.
We often joke that Marget, the head cook, couldn’t make a small portion if her life depended on it.
Rob, thanks for the HB addition. I certainly understand your chain sentiments as well. If we can come up with 2 more indy locals options, I’ll modify the list to get rid of the chains.
2 or 3 local independent options:
I have never left The Big Easy without leftovers and a full stomach….although I still can’t figure out if this is part of a chain or not.
Moonlight’s Spaghetti is enough for two and leftovers on a cold Sunday Night….Lily’s is the same with their Lasagna and Pizza.
If Baba Ghanouj would ever open back up downtown, it is sure to make this list with its Chicken Curry.
What about Dalat? Never leave there without leftover Chicken Lemongrass and a desire to lie on the couch for hours.
Thanks for the list guys….
Just moved here and appreciate the recommendations. I ate at South recently and definitely recommend the food there.
In terms of portions, I have to mention Barbecue Lodge on Capital Blvd. They have a “Family Dining” option that is all you can eat barbecue and fried chicken plus a bunch of sides for a ridiculously low price. The food they brought out for the two of us was way more than we could ever finish there, so they let us take it home for another couple of meals. The place isn’t the most attractive and the food isn’t amazing, but it sure is abundant.
A couple of those are new to me. I’ll have to check them out.
While I’m an tremendous fan of Mitch’s chili, I believe the other food choices provided have left me want something a bit tastier. Regardless, bring on the chili!
I hear you, Rex. This list was built around quantity not necessarily quality. I definitely don’t recommend some of these for great eats.