Battle of the Bars: Big Nose Kates vs DugOut Pub

We Have: Two Great Bars with Food on Staten Island
Big Nose Kates: Menu
Dugout-Pub: Menu

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Big Nose Kates is a Southwestern Restaurant & Pub located on Arthur Kill Road and is built to resemble a “Southwestern” authentic feel. With wood on the inside, wooden bar and even wooden outside.  This restaurant features a huge dining area and a great outdoor backyard which is just right for the summer (Can’t wait…).
Dugout Pub is on the Mexican side Restaurant & Pub which is located on Forest Avenue and is built to resemble around Sports Venues, great to come out with your team after the big game (or even the small one).  They also feature a front door patio with an outdoor grill on Sundays (Also great for the summer and also Can’t Wait…)

The Specials:  Monday & Thursday night 25c/Wings.  This tradition has been started by an unknown restaurant in the recent years and has spread to almost every (Restaurant & Bar) on the Island.  Both of these restaurants offer this special, by Dug-out Pub goes a bit further on this to offer 25c/Shrimp. 
The Menu:Looks similar on both restaurants, both serve meals south of the border style such as Quesidillas, Tacos, Ribs and Dug-out has a specialty also offered by another (Restaurant & Bar: Black Dog Grill) is the “Dugout Dumplings”.  Big Nose Kate’s has a famed “Corn Fritter” appetizer which is just delicious.  Both menus are very comparable all in all.
The Drinks:  Both establishments have full sized bars but Dugout has some authentic German beer which we could not find at Big Nose Kate’s.
The Atmosphere:Big Nose Kate’s has a much comfortable atmosphere in which the tables get moved out of the way for the nights when it is crowded and the band comes to play, The Big Nose Kate’s outdoor atmosphere for the summer is also way more convenient and is much more spacious.
The Service:  Great service from both establishments, very attentive staff, friendly and quick to recommend.

What’s up:  Well we were going to give Dug-Out pub a win on serving food later then the Big Nose, but soon after we realized that Big Nose has created a bar menu that is served up until closing or about 3am.  So how is it possible to say who wins, and is this really a battle since it is based on preference.  We can say a decision is based if you are going out with friends after the game or even to watch the game, Dugout pub provides a great atmosphere.  If you are going out somewhere to eat with your spouse or significant other you are more likely to wind up in Big Nose for some dinner and stay for the party especially during the summer.  This really isn’t a battle as both have its pros and its cons and probably would have been more fair if we included all the other restaurant and bars on Staten Island and put them all together to the test.  Plus we have not really had a full meal at Dugout to compare, but on the atmosphere side, this is what you get.

Al-Hakkorah Alboostan: A Treat from Lebanon – Restaurant Review

 

The Menu:  View Menu
On another Boring night on Staten Island… Yep, we have a lot of those… We have decided to try out a pretty new restaurant that has been open for about 6 months, Also in the mood for something different and something exciting we decided the newest opened “Hookah Bar” on Bay Street.  We sat ourselves very comfortably in the second dining room (in the back) and had a nice large theater style T.V screen which was playing (Belly Dancing) and gave this restaurant the “Authentic” Middle Eastern Feel.

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We have started the night off with a few drinks while waiting for a couple of friends to join us, during this time we were browsing through the menu and everything was sounding delicious at this point and by the time ordering has came we went with the (Baba Ghanoug, Hummus, Green Salads and the Al Boostan Grill: Lamb Chops, Kofta, Shish Kabob & Chicken Grilled).   The food was delicious and so was the presentation, the salads were very thin cut (very unique style) and was better then many regular salads you get elsewhere,  The Hummus & Baba Ghanoug was made from eggplant and created a nice filling flavour to enjoy on the grilled pita bread.  The mix meat grill was a final presentation straw and topped the salads and appetizers as a final great, Everything was laid out perfect, rice in the middle, all the meat in blocks surrounding the plate a very nice portion that everybody at the table was picking at.  We have also enjoyed a few drinks, one that I never tried before “Juicy Pussy”, I know it has Bialey’s but don’t know the full recipe or all of the ingredients, But be-careful: The drinks may create a hefty bill.

We have not gotten to the best part yet:  The Hookah, which I have never really tried before (but always open to new things), was a great treat that was ordered during our meal and enjoyed by everyone at the table.  The hookah looks to be very high quality and the tobacco is always replaced for you and cleaned out. 

The Report:

The Atmosphere: Great unique design, very comfortable couch & seats, nice large (theater style) T.V with authentic Middle Eastern “Belly Dancing” playing.
The Service:  Very knowledgeable and polite staff, always there when you need them.
The Food: Delicious Appetizers, Great Portions, Delicious Meat, Great Cooking & Preparation.
The Treat:  The Hookah is very enjoyable during and after your meal.
The Price:Moderate Food Price and a Tremendously High Drink Price (12$ for Malibu Bay-breeze, 10$ for Cocktails?)

Overall-Sum Up:This place can be enjoyed at any time and can fit any kind of requirements, whether it would be romantic or just a hang out with friends type of establishment.  We also should appreciate the diversity that people are trying to bring and keep on the Island, So next time you are in the mood to try something different, go ahead give Al Hakkorah Alboostan a go.

Z-One Lounge (Up & Jumping – Restaurant Review)

 

The Menu:  Z-One Menu & Photos page

 

We did mention when this Restaurant/Lounge first opened and we wrote the “Walk-Around” that we would definatly be back to review this place.  Well on Thursday night (Yesterday), we have decided on a spot that was open late and serves food with a bar atmosphere, so we end up at Z-One on the promise that we will review this place for you.  We arrived at about 10:00pm and the whole place (Lounge Part) was up beat with many people filling the atmosphere and yet we still somehow got lucky and managed to get a table in the center of the lounge. 

Descriptive:  The patrons of this lounge are 27+ – 40+ years old.
The Service:  Was wonderful, always there any moment you turned your head, never have to wait for what you want.  The owner/manager has probably did an amazing job training the staff.
The Food: The “Starters” were great, we have ordered the fried calamari and they were plain delicious.  We also tried the coconut chicken which was a bit like a chicken finger battered in coconut, it was a bit tight, hard to cut but it was great to the taste.  For a main course we have decided (2 People) to split a panini and ordered the “Italiano”, It was an average panini style with chicken, roasted peppers and mozzeralla.  The food is average “diner” style which has room for improvement.
The Drinks:  An amazing selection (450+ Bottles), Great reccomendations from the Staff/Waitress.  We have recieved as suprises a (Hurricane & a Zombie)  both are wonderfull drinks with the Hurricane being a bit lighter and Zombie a lot stronger. 
The Atmoshpere: This place shines and is done wit upmost care and thought.  We have already described this under the “Walk-Around”  find it under “Grand Openings” to the right navigation.  But the atmosphere is the reason we will be back and definantly bring some friends for drinks since we are a bit tired of “Friday’s” and this has a bit fresh start and a more Up-Beat crowd. 
The Price:  The food and appetizers are a good portion for price and the entrees are at about 20$ ($$$)  but the drinks are a bit hefty and may become pricey if you keep drinking.  Although drinks are a good size and have a good amount of alcohol per drink. 

 

With a wonderfully attentive staff, amazingly thoughtfull drinks a new age style atmosphere with (Classic Euro Beats Music) and food that is served ’till 4:00am on Thurs-Saturdays will be sure to attract a loyal local clientile.

Sushi Excellent – Grand Re-Opening

Well Sushi Excellent was closed for renovation and did a wonderful job doing what they had in mind.  They have added a wonderful bar in the side where they had there private room.   The full establishment was redesigned and has recieved a new fresh look.  Sushi Excellent also has a second floor on top but it was not finished yet so we were not able to collect photos.  Anyways in overall the bar is very trendy and looks to be somewhat as a mini-competitor to Fushimi and may stay open a lot later then they used to.  Yes we will be reviewing this place shortly after we let them settle in and we will come back to take photos of the upstairs.  For now, Enjoy the bar and the sushi and let us know how its going by adding user reviews.

Henny’s: The Original Steakhouse – Grand Opening “Walk-Around”

The Walk-Around:�
The Outside: Has a decent size private parking lot but also state they will offer valet parking
The Inside: Upon entering this “Palace” which features two large dining rooms and a full Catering Hall (Private Parties) on the second floor we are amazed at the quality and feel of just the door (I thought they were closed!!).  There is a customer check-in with coat checker in this first hallway with beautiful decorations and a few very comfortable chairs to relax for a bit.
The Room to the Left:This room offers about 72 Seats and features a Bar.  Another feel of the quality in this room will be when you touch the chairs (I had a hard time moving them to take pictures!!) .  We mean this in a good sense, that you can actually feel the quality that was put into the chair all around this dining area and even around the bar which is also highly sophistically designed.
The Room to the Right: (Steak-House)  Actually walking to the right there are three rooms, one main dining room and two smaller, more private rooms (The photos above should describe a bit).  The Main room features a nice cozy fireplace and also the amazing quality of all the furniture (Sorry we had no need to move any furniture in this room), The smaller rooms features a booth style dining (Good for a larger crowd to sit privately).
The Walkway Upstairs:Walking up a beautiful staircase there is a “Very Mini Lounge” to relax a bit or even watch the view outside during the winter, and during the summer you can actually hang out outside and watch the sunset?  Even the decor of the elevator just looks astonishing.
The Catering Room: Well this room was not really set-up yet so we can’t really tell you how it will look but we can describe that this would be a great place to have any kind of party, It offers a Medium-Sized dancing floor in the center and large round tables.

The MENU: Very unique steakhouse appetizing menu which serves everything from Seafood (Shrimp, Clams, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Shellfish Samplers, Oysters)  to Broiled twin Brazilian Lobster Tails, Pan Roasted Artichokes (OH! My! God!, Looking at the menu I have to keep writing but please view there full menu page), Day Boat Scallops.  Oh wait now to the “Butcher Block” which has everything from Fillet Mignon to Angus Center Cut and Colorado Elk Fillet, Or you may decide to split a 38oz Porterhouse steak for two? Pan roasted rack of New Zealand Lamb with Roasted Garlic and Herb or maybe you prefer the Pan Seared French Cut Breast of Chicken with Prosciutto and Artichokes?

The Sum-Up: Henny’s seems to have the most quality, decor, appeal and thought put into any restaurant on Staten Island and is sure to bring people all over the Tri-state area to try.  There MENU is a big hit and the most “UNIQUE” on Staten Island, The prices look very moderate ($$$).  Henny’s on Staten Island is sure be long lasting as even with our painful economy, a restaurant that puts so much effort and seems to make everything so perfect will be sure to get people out to try, and yes we will be writing a “Critic food review” very soon as we can’t wait to try.

Please understand this is not a “Review” of this establishment, this is a “Grand Opening – Walk Around”.  The Food was not yet Reviewed.

The Menu Location: Henny’s Steakhouse Menu Page
WoW! This restaurant will get people from all over NY and NJ into Staten Islands can be the Sum-Up of the way this restaurant looks and feels,  This restaurant has already received a “HOT SPOT” listing even before we review it.  Hot Spot is due to the “Quality of Materials”, and each Restaurant Hot Spot Listing has a special reason which we list.  But please remember this is just a Walk-Around as it is a grand opening and not a review.

Los Lobos – Mexican food in New Dorp “Moderate”

The Menu is Located:  Los Lobos Menu Page

This Mexican place is moderate on New Dorp Lane and we have ate there a few times but it never seems to surpass just the general expectations, probably even a little bit less.  The people were very polite but the order that we placed was a little bit wrong:  we have ordered a (Torta Hawaiiana: Pineaple and Ham hero on Portugese bread but we received a Torta Cubana: Everything on Portuguese Bread (Steak, Pork, Ham and the whole 9 yards).  The other meal was Bistic a La Mexicana.  We have decided not to complain about the Tortas and just tried to enjoy the Cubana (As I know it is way better but GF loves ham & pineapple).  The female taking the order does not know one word of English but the owner and owners friends helped in placing the order for us.

The Food: 
The Torta:  Torta Cubana’s are usually supposed to be overloaded, huge and over-packed, impossible to eat by one person with the size they are and the ingredients they have (Everything packed into a Flat style Portuguese Bread, includes avocado, mayo and many other sauces, spices)  For some reason this Torta was a little bit flavourless until we tried to add some “Lime” to it which added that tanginess.  The size was not anywhere near to what a “Torta Cubana” stands for and the flavour was not as one should taste (maybe this one is a little bit on the healthier side?)

Bistec a La Mexicana:  It is possible that after being spoiled by a restaurant (Caramba Cafe), my expectation of this meal is high and so far nobody was able to duplicate or come near.  Sorry the meat was not as savoury, the size was not that large, the rice was pretty good, the beans were pretty wet (pinto?), the tortillas were delicious.  If you would like to compare this meal to the meal at Caramba Cafe: Please click here to view the Caramba Cafe Review Or just type in “Caramba Cafe” into the search box at the top right. The picture of this meal is #5 and you can easily tell what our standards are. 

The Service: The service was great in all senses but we do feel that the waitress can learn a few words such as saying “Thank You”, Although the owner and everybody else was very friendly, the waitress is still the closest person to the food.  But in overall there are absolutely no complaints about the service as in everything was brought out quickly and tortas had there warm basket.

The Atmosphere:  Very nice and narrow dining room makes this place very unique, it is situated just like an original “Diner”, hey actually this was Mike’s First Diner!

Overall-Evaluation “Sum Up”:  If you live in the area and want to sit down and enjoy some “Mexican Food” with having a small bar at the same time and even a pool table at one side this is a decent neighborhood stop by.  For take out use Ariana’s Deli at the corner.  Wanting to go out and enjoy real authentic Mexican food with Pride then you would need to drive over to Port Richmond all the way on the other side of Staten Island.

Latest News: A week after our “Long Weekend Break”

Yes, We are back from our Long-Weekend break and ready to hit the Island strong this week.  A few upcoming posts on Grand Openings: Henny’s, Sushi-Excellent (Re-Opening).  Yes we are here with you and have not missed these restaurants.  Henny’s has only opened on Tuesday and we have already started our weekend on Wednesday (Sorry), Also a big story in Sushi Excellent has fully renovated the restaurant and we will be taking photo shots some time this week.  We also have a few restaurant additions that we need to take photo shots include (Rudy & Dean, Beso) both are participating in the Restaurant Month. 

A little of Site News:  We will be creating an Employee Wiki and have it shown to the public so you are able to see what we have planned this week and which menus/restaurants are being updated

Menu Updates for now:  May May, Fillipo’s, Nove, Good Taste, Go Go’s, Beso,  La Bella, Bobs Ribz, Los 2 Potrillos and a few more (By the Way, Thank you for your help) and if you realize a menu is outdated please help us by selecting the “Outdated Menu” button from the top of the restaurant page.

Laceys Bridge Tavern; Amazingly Delicious

Laceys Bridge Tavern has made the “HOT SPOT” Lists on the Website
The Menu is located:  Lacey’s Bridge Tavern Restaurant Menu

The title actually sums up the review and the only words that you can actually say for this place.  After word that Lacey’s Bridge Tavern will be participating in the “Restaurant Month” of January and the numerous positive write-ups by the Staten Island Advance brings us to try this place and see if the positive reviews are really worth something.   Whalla: What we find out is this is a true hidden gem on Staten Island.

Before we get to the best part:   This place features a moderate size bar with bar tables right after entering, Has a full size dining room which is out of the ordinary from a regular restaurant and the design, decor and tradition gives this place a traditional American feel which you can enter at any time including a Family Dinner, Date, Lunch Time Stop By and even a Business Meeting.

The Menu & Specials: Offers a few Italian Dinners, has a lot of Seafood specials such as 1$ Jumbo Shrimp (These are really large & tasty), Clams Specials for lunch.  Do to a continental menu feel we have classified this restaurant as “American” even with the many Italian entrees offered.

The Food: Chicken with Prosciutto topped with Eggplant and Mushrooms with a side of REAL Mashed Potatoes.  Before the food was also a delicious warm basket of different kinds of breads with three dipping choices (Oil, Butter & even Hummus).  The food was excellent, everything from the bread to the delicious lunch. This was probably one of the best meals I have ever tasted yet. I have also tried two jumbo shrimp and both were as delicious as the rest of the meal.

Overall Sum-Up: Enjoy this restaurant, the atmosphere and the seafood specials as well as all the delicious entrees and please write a few of your own user reviews on there menu page to see if you had the same experience.