The atmosphere is warm and cozy. Perfect for a cool winter night with the fireplace. The hostess was very friendly and the waiter was very attentive. They place was not too crowded which was surprising for Friday night. But then again many people are cutting back in the tight economy.

Their menu is typical for a steak house with a wide selection of steak, some seafood and chicken. We did not try the appetizers, but they sounded good. Since money is tight we both got a 6 oz sirloin. It was small of course, but with a baked potato and a salad it was filling.

The total bill for two was around $42 with tip.

Given the choice between Outback and Texas Land and Cattle, I would have to go with Outback. Their steaks are better and for the money I think you get more at Outback. I would not say that I will not go there again as I know first impressions can be misleading. For what you get the price was a little high though.

Prices are much better on their lunch menu served from 11 AM to 5 PM. If you want to eat supper early say before a movie you can catch a better price before 5 PM.

You can view their menu online at the Texas Land and Cattle Steak House web site.

Texas Land and Cattle Steak House is located at 517 University Center Blvd, Charlotte N.C. 28262 – MAP IT!

Ph: 704 / 503-3830
Fax: 704 / 503-3736

View Larger Map

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Many local BBQ restaurants have lost their appeal. They either close down or the quality of their food goes down. A prime example is Sonny’s who used to have great food and man could I put it away on all you can eat nights. After my last trip, I do not think I will be going back again.

Now with a great place like Smokey Bones I have a place to go for good BBQ! Their menu offers special salads, chicken, seafood, steak and burgers, but what I went for was their BBQ.

I had a pulled pork and dark meat BBQ chicken (dark meat has more flavor!) combo platter with a baked potato side and cinnamon apples. Their BBQ is cooked on-site and you can taste it. They offer four different fire grilled flavors including their original glaze, jerk BBQ, Memphis dry rub and brown sugar. I can’t wait to try them all!

Smokey Bones Atmosphere

The environment is cozy with music and and a rustic feel. It is somewhat of a mix with a sports bar with numerous TV’s positioned around the restaurant and bar. You have a box at your table that you can select the TV you want to listen to by number. That sure beats watching closed captioned sports or trying to hear the TV you want to listen to over the ones you don’t.

The Smokey Bones Menu

They offer a variety of soups and salads and some great sounding appetizers. Wings come in five different flavors. The Smoke and Fire Sampler sounds like a good way to try all of their BBQ favorites.

Aside from the great pulled pork they offer ribs, steaks, seafood, burgers, chicken, smoked turkey and sandwiches. I like that you can make your own mix and match combo platter of their favorites.

Their sides all sound good. Fire roasted corn, baked potato, creamy Cole slaw, BBQ baked beans, french fries, fresh steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes with gravy and cinnamon apples. You can toss in a little extra for “fancier sides” like beer battered onion rings, and loaded mashed or baked potatoes.

They offer a wide range of signature mixed drinks, draft and bottled beer along with wine. The strawberry lemonade and peach iced tea sounded good too.

One thing I liked about the menu is they offer a smaller portions section for those times when a big plate is more than you want. I hate paying for more food than I feel like eating.

Smokey Bones Service and Price

The service was friendly and prompt, though if you are real hungry you may want to order an appetizer or salad as the food took a good 15-20 minutes.

The prices are what you would expect for a good BBQ restaurant. Our party of three came out right around $40. A decent price for the portions and the quality of the food. I’ll defiantly be back to try out the ribs. I saw a plate and they sure looked good.

It was Saturday evening so they were a bit crowded when we arrived, but we only waited about 5 minutes. When we got out around 7:30 there were at least 25 people waiting to be seated. Best advice is to come early. Good food for a decent price and a good atmosphere tends to attract crowds.

Join the Bones Club!

You can visit their web site and sign up for the Bones Club.

Being left out sucks. So join the Bones Club and we’ll keep you informed. By informed, we mean emailing you about special events, member exclusive offers, $1 beer nights, new menu items, other new stuff, more $1 beer nights, etc. We’ll also give you a free gift just for joining.

I wonder what the free gift will be?

Find Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill

The only location currently listed on their web site in the Charlotte area is right here in the University City area just 2 miles from UNC Charlotte off of WT Harris Blvd.

8760 JM Keynes Drive  Charlotte, NC 28262 – MAP IT!

Phone: 704-549-8282

Fax: 704-549-8233

Visit the Smokey Bones web site for more information including a menu and printable coupons.

You can also find coupons at Retail Me Not.

Be sure and visit Smokey Bones Facebook page.

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One of their claims to fame is their “freaky” fast service. How fast? Well today after I ordered I went to get my drink. Before I had finished filling my cup my sub was ready. That is fast!

Their sub sandwiches are good for the price. White bread, lots of lettuce and a reasonable amount of meat and cheese. They offer a variety of toppings to fit your taste. Add chips, a cookie and a drink and you have a filling lunch without breaking your wallet.

Jimmy John’s Delivers!

Don’t have time to drive there? Not a problem since they deliver right to UNC Charlotte. You can call in, fax in or order your meal online. No minimum, even one sub will be delivered.

The Jimmy John’s Menu

They offer a menu that will fit nearly anyone’s taste and different sizes to fit your hunger. The 8 inch sub sandwiches are just right for a lunch. If you are more hungry try their giant subs with more meat, or double the meat for a little extra. They also offer the J.J. Gargantuan for those with a really big appetite.

Free toppings include onion, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, mayo, sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, oil and vinegar, and oregano. Just tell them how you want it and they will fix it just the way you like it.

Side items include sodas, tea, chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies, chips, kosher dill pickles, avocado spread and even hot peppers.

Find Jimmy John’s

Jimmy John’s has two locations in the UNC Charlotte area. Note the McCullough drive location is open until 3 AM for your late night cravings!

350 E. McCullough Dr – (704)-510-0700 – Hours 11 AM – 3 AM – MAP IT!

3014 Driwood Ct – (704)-717-7590 – Hours 11 AM – 10 PM – MAP IT!

To order online visit their website www.jimmyjohns.com

To view their menu (printable PDF) click here

Be sure and visit the Jimmy John’s Facebook page.

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Their menu has a good variety of choices with steaks, fish, burgers, chicken and a variety of salads and soups. I had a steak and a “loaded” baked potato with a side of red beans and rice. The steak was a little more done than I prefer, but better than I have had for the price.

When I saw “loaded” baked potato on the menu I was expecting a huge potato overflowing with toppings. What I got was an average size baked potato with some cheddar and bacon. For the side of red beans and rice I was expecting, well red beans and rice. What I got I would call a soup not traditional red beans a rice. It was very good, but very spicy.

The price was good so I would say I got what I paid for. Three people came out to a little over $30 which is hard to do nowadays outside of a fast food restaurant. I think I will go back again just to try other items on the menu and because of the price.

The service was lacking. I hate to wait for my check and we waited at least 15 minutes after we were done eating before the check came. In my opinion when you are nearly done with your entree you should be asked if you want dessert and if you say no you should get your check. We were not even asked if we wanted dessert, just if we were ready for our check.

Reading other reviews of this location I am not alone. There is a common knock on their service. My guess is they are understaffed for the size and volume of people.

Pros: Good food for a good price

Cons: Service could have and should have been better

Cheddar’s is located 2.1 miles from UNC Charlotte off of WT Harris Blvd.

6201 University Center Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262 Map it!

Phone: 704-503-7871

Visit the Cheddar’s website to view their menu.

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It is Worth The Wait!

Outback is a popular destination so expect long lines. They give you one of those pagers that lights up and buzzes when your table is ready. Depending on the night the wait is usually less than 30 minutes. They do offer a call ahead seating system. While it does not eliminate the wait, it can reduce it.

Friendly Staff

Your hostess will seat you and give you the menus. Your waiter will take your drink orders. They usually squat down to your eye level, which is a nice touch. All of the staff is extremely friendly and helpful and make sure you are taken care of.

Appetizers

They will bring you a loaf of brown bread and butter to start. It is GREAT!.

You will first be asked if you would like an appetizer. It is hard to go to Outback and not have one. The most popular is the Bloomin’ Onion. It is a large onion with a crispy light batter that is cut like the petals of a flower. It also comes with a dipping sauce. Other appetizers to try are the Aussie Cheese Fries and another favorite, the Kookaburra Wings. These are buffalo wings that come in mild, medium and hot.

Another good choice are Tassie’s Buffalo Strips with a Top Shelf Patron Margarita. No, it is not real buffalo, it is chicken strips with a spicy Buffalo sauce, celery and a Danish Blue Cheese dressing. The perfect hot – cool mix.

The Entree

The main dishes vary, but are primarily meat, steak to be specific. The also offer seafood and chicken. This summer they are offering a BBQ Mixed Grill which consists of flame-grilled chicken, baby back ribs and Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp with French Green Beans and corn on the cob.

You can not miss with a steak. These people know what they are doing so don’t order medium unless you want medium. A variety of veggies are available, but you should try the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Dessert

To top off the meal try another summer favorite, Key Lime Pie. It is tart and creamy in a pecan graham cracker crust topped with fresh whipped cream and a fresh twist of lime.

Aussie Beer

Beer on tap is served in a frosted glass. Sticking with the Australian theme the beer of choice is Fosters. The bar is usually bustling with a TV (sometimes too loud), but a friendly and often boisterous atmosphere.

They also offer curbside take-away and online ordering.

Pros: Great food, great atmosphere

Cons: Long lines, price

Outback Steakhouse is located just one mile from UNC Charlotte.

1015 Chancellor Park Dr., Charlotte NC 28213 – MAP IT!

Call ahead seating: (704) 598-7727

Visit the Outback – Charlotte – University Website for a menu and hours.

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