Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to the great state of Texas and to The County Line in San Antonio. Located on the beautiful River Walk in downtown, this BBQ joint serves up all of your Texas BBQ favorites. With a huge outdoor seating area on the water and an old charm, eccentric interior, this place has something for everyone.

The County Line Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Huge outdoor seating area on the water

The County Line Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Old charm eccentric interior

A check-in on Yelp offered a free appetizer, the cook’s surprise. Tonight’s “surprise” was sausage. Yay! At first we thought the BBQ sauce had the kick, but the links themselves were spicy. Not a forehead slicker, but a nice burn all the way down. 

The County Line Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

A Free “Cook’s Surprise” Appetizer for checking-in on Yelp

For my dinner, I chose the Two Beef Rib Platter with corn on the cob and fries. The ribs were huge and full of meat, cooked tender but not over cooked or fall off the bone. The fries were crispy and the corn was a bit soft.

The County Line Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Two Beef Rib Platter – Huge!

Dora here. The Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs packed a sweet tang, not real meaty but there were plenty of them. Not an ounce of fat, which made me happy. (No worries, honey, yours are still better. 🙂 ) The smashed potatoes were a bit heavy handed on the garlic, and the slaw was definitely a different take with chunks of carrots.

The County Line Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs-not real meaty, but plenty of them!

Thankfully, our dinner guest put up with all our plate picking and swapping and camera clicking with a good-natured smile.

20160818_190624

Service was quick and friendly, and this is restaurant is a guaranteed stop every time we visit the River Walk.

When traveling, do you prefer to try new restaurants or do you stick with chains?

We rate the restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family restaurant serving great food.

The County Line BBQ Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Tyber Creek Pub in the Historic South End of Charlotte.

Tyber Creek Pub Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Awesome exterior. This place has been on my radar for some time now.

Dora here. Isn’t this the coolest looking building? I love the brick exterior and this pub has been on my radar for some time, specifically for the Shepherd’s Pie. The dark interior screamed bar and outside of two or three tables inside, the only seating appeared to be the outdoor patio. Wouldn’t recommend bringing the kiddos for dinner. 🙂

Tyber Creek Pub Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Dark interior and only two or three tables inside. Wouldn’t recommend bringing the kiddos at dinner.

For my lunch, I chose the Reuben with a side of hand cut fries. This sandwich was very good and loaded with moist corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted cheese on toasted bread. The bread stood up to this juicy sandwich and never became soggy.

Tyber Creek Pub Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Reuben, very good

Dora here. We visited on a Saturday for lunch and, if I’d done my research, I would’ve known that they only offer their limited Brunch menu on the weekends. Bummer since I was looking forward to Shepherds Pie. Instead, I opted for the Tyler Creek Pub Burger. A good burger, but nothing jazzed my taste buds. The French Fries were fabulous. Tasty and not greasy at all, these hand cut sticks almost made up for the unimpressive burger.

Tyber Creek Pub Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Tyber Creek Pub Burger, good, but nothing jazzed my tastebuds

Tell us about a time you looked forward to eating somewhere only to be disappointed by the interior or the menu choices.

We rate this restaurant 3 forks out of 5 for a friendly restaurant serving good food.

Tyber Creek Pub Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to the Dilworth area of Charlotte and to Babalu Tapas & Tacos, a neighborhood restaurant serving upscale Latin-inspired cuisine. From the minute you walk into the dining room you immediately discover that each eating area is uniquely designed.

Babalu Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

New and freshly painted. Wonder how long it’ll stay that way. lol

Dora here. I agree. The spacious interior had a little something to make everyone comfortable with various textures like a wood ceiling, open ducts, concrete communal bars, and private tables.

Babalu Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

For my lunch, I chose two tacos: the Carne de Cerdo, smoked pork belly, a chipotle-citrus BBQ sauce, peanut slaw, cotija cheese; and the Camarones, grilled shrimp and cilantro slaw, both on blue tortillas. I added a side of grilled broccolini sprinkled with goat cheese.

Babalu's Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Carne de Cerdo and Camarones, both great!

The tacos were both great, but the pork belly was my favorite. The crunch of the slaw and the creamy favor of the cheese made this one tasty taco. But the superstar was the grilled broccolini, with its roasted smoky favor and crumbly cheese, this side was cooked to just the right crunch.

20160807_113952

Broccolini-superstar of my meal

Dora here. Ernie can keep his broccolini. lol. The Chicken Satay was melt in your mouth delicious! Four mini skewers of teriyaki glazed chicken, yellow rice, black beans and salsa. With a light hint of citrus, this dish packed a little heat but no burn. Absolutely one of my new favorite meals. And, even though this is considered a small plate, this meal satisfied.

Chicken Satay Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Chicken Satay – Melt in your mouth delicious!

Dora here. From their early reviews we understood there might’ve been a bit of a service issue. Apparently, that’s been corrected because service was attentive and the food came out quick. If you’re worried about parking, they have a few spots up front, but their complimentary valet made parking a breeze.

What’s your favorite veggie?

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.

Babalu Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato