Billtown Crawlers

When I lived in Panama City Fla there was a small place called Chicago Dawgs. The place haunts my memory because of the dawgs and the character who owned the place.

I don’t remember the guys mane but I remember that he was a retired Chicago Vice Cop and his former Sergeant was married to Anne Jillian. He fit the bill perfectly. He introduced me to my first bookie.

The first time I stopped in he warned me that his dawgs were addictive. Really? Give me two…

That night I woke up around 3 am craving a dawg. I was hooked.

2-3 times a week I had to have a Chicago Dawg, always a regular dawg – Hebrew National I believe, mustard, ketchup, tomatoes wedges, cucumbers and special seasoning.

What was in that shaker?

Sometimes I’d add a chili dawg, but always had to have a real Chicago Dawg.

I have looked for Chicago Dawgs on the internet and have found no web site but have found three addresses, I hope it is still owned but the same guy, still serving up addictive dawgs and personality.

CHICAGO DAWGS

Menu includes, Hot Dawgs, Chili Dawgs, Sauerkraut Dawgs, Polish Sausage and Chili Polish Dawgs. Nachos and Tamales.

Get the Works, try The Ultimate Dawg!  “We Steam Your Buns!”

I could use a Chicago Dawg right now.

My dad grew up in Sothern California, in the restaurant business, with friends of all ethnicities and he loves Mexican food. It just makes since that I love Mexican food as well.

One of the joys of traveling to San Diego is going to the small Mexican joint downtown, not sure the name but know how to get there. It’s authentic, most people in the place don’t speak English and the menu is in Spanish.

Great food, great salsa. It sometimes haunts me.

The family and I went to Fiesta Cancun one evening because I like Mexican food and we had heard it was kid friendly.

I wasn’t expecting a SoCal or experience form my Florida youth and understand tailoring servings to local tastes. For Williamsport locals Fiesta Cancun is probably good, I’ve heard reports reflecting that but the food was lacking flavor for me. Bland was the common description of my wife and me.

I know Mexican food isn’t inherently spicy but it is flavorful and salsa added spices things up as much as you want.

Fiesta Cancun is a nice place, light, bright and very kid friendly, the hotdogs were a real hit. We may go back for another visit just to make sure our first experience was a true representation.

If you are interested in a change from pasts, beef and sandwiches give Fiesta Cancun a shot. Take the kids and enjoy a change.

Food 2
Bland food, little spiciness (my preference)
Atmosphere 3
Light, bright with some personality
Location 4
Downtown Williamsport in Aspen Cneter (the red building) at the corner of Pine & Little League Blvd
Service 4.5
Very good, Loads of personality.
Misc 3.5
Very kid friendly
Overall 3.5

The Billtown Crawlers rating system is based on a 5 point system with Food, Atmosphere, Location, Service and Overall as ever-present categories. Misc. and restaurant specific offerings may be included as appropriate. The Overall rating is not an average of all ratings.

Just got back from a California trip. Did a couple days in San Francisco and a few in LA. The highlight again was Venice Beach but that’s getting ahead of myself.

I started by arriving late in San Francisco on Memorial Day. Wasn’t much open at 11p but I found some sushi and enjoyed some miso soup at Sanppo on Post Street. The soup was wonderful and was soothing to my sore thought. It seems whenever I head to the west coast some bug always rides along with me.

The sushi was OK. Perhaps my taste buds were a bit off due to the allergy/cold thing I was experiencing. Maybe it was because by my body clock it was 2am. The folks at Sanppo were nice and I’d go back but I’d check out some other places first. After all in Japan Town there are Sushi restaurants about every 50 feet.

The next day I had a chance to hit Haight Ashbury a place I’ve always wanted to check out. I’m sure it was more interesting 40 years ago.

Had lunch at Hobson’s choice a bar on Haight with a great corner view of the street action. The steak kabob was not all that great and the Fat Tire Lager had an annoying astringent taste. I love Fat Tire beers but this one was far less than enjoyable. I needed to follow it with a Sam Adams to cleanse my palet.

I’ve been to San Francisco once before and had lunch at Lou’s Pier 47. I decided to stop by again since my first choice, Jacks, didn’t start serving ‘till 1 and I wasn’t waiting an hour.

Lou’s fried chicken and garlic mashed were good although the Bullfrogs potatos are much better. The chicken was nice and crunchy but about an hour later the grease aftertaste started getting to me.

I know there are great restaurants in San Francisco, I’ll just have to hunt a bit more for them but I’m in no real hurry to return.

My wife has asked me if I could live anywhere and money was no object where would it be. I don’t remember what I said but walking around Venice It came to me that that’s the place. I don’t care for LA but I love Venice.

When I have to go to LA I stay in Venice. When dinner roles around I head for one spot, Candle on the boardwalk.

I’ve been going to Candle for 4 years. This trip I remembered what first drew my attention it’s way…water pipes. Once upon a time Candle offered water pipes with flavored tobacco along withy your meal. I’m not a smoker but that’s still cool. It’s certainly different.

The pipes are gone, the place has been remodeled but it’s still my favorite. It’s at the perfect location, the delta where rivers of locals, tourists and 51/50’s flow together. Ya can’t beat the entertainment.

Candle has Guinness, Bass, Sam Adams and others on tap. The Chicken & Pasta is a regular dish of mine along with the Steak Burrito. The food is good but that’s not the first reason to go. It’s more the experience.

(originally posted Aug 2008) 

I hit the Bullfrog the other night with a friend. It’s been a while since I’d sat down at the Frog and I miss the place a little. They have good beer.

I had the brown with a few hot and a few garlic wings, I think he had the Blonde with nachos.

The Bullfrog has great wings. They’re not he flimsy mosquito wings you’ll find in other places, these are pterodactyl wings smathered in sauce. The hot are great, the garlic were more oily than garlicly but good none the less. The nachos looked good, I stuck with my wings.

One of the things I enjoy about the Frog is the crowd. Even though I’m not a regular any more I always know people there and soon in came a friend who joined us. Later we were joined by a friend of my buddy. It was a great time, for guys, beer, munchies at the Frog.

I have a number of friends who are in the Bullfrog multiple times each week, wing night, Quizio, live music it draws people in, not that the food or beer aren’t worth the visit.

And I must say that I recognized only one server, she recognized me, smiled and said hi. Our service was good, better than visits in past years. So, for my most negative comments in my previous review I have to say this experience was improved.

I believe that warrants more frequent visits to see if all is truly right in the land of the Frog.

I’m not sure how Subway or Pizza Hut survives in Williamsport. The selection of Sub Shops and Pizza joints in the area is overwhelming and most are very good.

At the top of the heap is Joe’s pizza.

You’ll find us in Joe’s or with a Joe’s pizza a few times a month. First because it’s good and second because it’s kid friendly. There’s little to break and space for craziness ever-present in an outing with 3 and 5 year old boys.

The bread used for Joe’s sandwiches and subs is unbelievable. They could stuff it with parking lot gravel and it would be a winner. That’s not saying that the cheese stake, turkey or meatballs used to make their sandwiches is gravel like its just that you have to wonder why everyone doesn’t realize the bread can rocket a sandwich into orbit.

Their pizzas are the same, tasty. Why do generic Papa John’s (substitute any chain name) when you have Joe’s right around the corner. Chalk it up to advertising I guess.

Joe’s original place is on Northway Road just South of Four Mile Road. You can call your order in 322-6871. Joe’s new location is 963 West 3^rd Street by Penn Collage. 326-2121.

Food 3.75

Great bread makes fantastic sandwiches. Their pizza are great as well.

Atmosphere 2.75

Hey, it’s a pizza joint. Very kid friendly

Location 4

Now two locations east and west Williamsport.

Service 3.5

Nice people.

Misc 3.5

Price is good, food is great people are nice.

Overall 3.75

The Billtown Crawlers rating system is based on a 5 point system with Food, Atmosphere, Location, Service and Overall as ever-present categories. Misc. and restaurant specific offerings may be included as appropriate. The Overall rating is not an average of all ratings.

(Origianlly posted July 2008)

I don’t understand the Ruby Tuesday’s TV commercials. The guy goes around swapping out lamps and such whispering to patrons “The ‘70’s want their lamp back.” Thing is the lamp he leaves is more ‘70’s than the one he takes.

And what does any of this have to do with their food, service or anything?

My wife and I went to a movie with some friends the other night and stopped by Ruby Tuesday’s on the way home. I’ve only been in the Williamsport RT a couple times and it’s well a Ruby Tuesday’s.

We had drinks, no food, and it was nice. 9:30p and no crowd, very few people actually, but the staff was great. The beer selection is typical, my wife enjoyed her Sémillon, the Sam Adams Octoberfest and Yuengling Black & tan were normal. The highlight was the server’s recommendation of a Ruby Relaxer for our friend. Tall, thin, pinkish, she enjoyed it and apparently the name is appropriate.

I have had one meal at the Williamsport Ruby’s but many meals at various locations in the Southeast over the past few decades. The food has been consistent for a chain. What we tend to do, when we remember it exists and want a change, is stop in for a drink. The bar staff has always been outgoing, helpful and cheerful. My wife likes to converse and conversation is ample.

Food 3

It’s chain food.

Atmosphere 3.5

Even with the more ‘70’s décor.

Location 4

Right on the Golden Strip next to the Harley dealer

Service 4.5

Nice people.

Misc 3.5

Price is OK, food is fine, people are very nice. Ya know what you’re getting.

Overall 3.75

The Billtown Crawlers rating system is based on a 5 point system with Food, Atmosphere, Location, Service and Overall as ever-present categories. Misc. and restaurant specific offerings may be included as appropriate. The Overall rating is not an average of all ratings.

I arrived in Williamsport mere months after the opening of the Bullfrog and have always liked its food, beers and look. I have been a regular, I have been away for a while, the Bullfrog stayed its course.

When you visit the Bullfrog Brewery you can expect a number of things, a selection of damn fine beers, a menu featuring different and delicious food, some great live music and nonchalant service.

I fell in love with the Grilled Portobello sandwich long ago.  When needing a heftier lunch the Chicken Cheesesteak was my preference. Smother either in the Bullfrog’s hot sauce with some sweet potato fries and ya got it gong on.

If burgers are your choice go with the Pittsburger (order it cooked Pittsburgh Style) bacon provolone, grilled onions and mushrooms……my mouth’s watering how ‘bout you?

Evening entrees are varied and equally fine. My three choices; Pittsburgh Steak Stack, Pork Schnitzel, Garlic Crusted Chicken. Not necessarily in that order.

To enhance your meal the Bullfrog has a choice of fine beers, it is a brewery after all. The On Tap Now area of their web site is not always up to date but can give an idea of what you can expect. While their Billtown Blonde, a Bullfrog staple (This lightly colored ale has a delicate floral aroma and flavor reminiscent of Williamsports first breweries, clean and crisp with just a touch of lingering sweetness leading to a dry, balanced finish. 6% abv), my preference for darker heavier beers leads me to the Smoked Porter (A big, RICH dark ale with a complex combination of beechwood smoked malts, chocolate, coffee and caramel flavors rounding out the beers smooth creamy body.  6% abv) and Susquehanna Oatmeal Stout (A big, burly Oatmeal Stout full of chocolate, caramelized malt and coffee flavors. This stout has a rich mouthfeel and a smooth, roasty finish. 6.2% ABV). I have heard the Coffee Cream Stout (A coffee and beer lovers delight! 10 pounds of freshly roasted Sumatran Mandling coffee and 55 pounds of lactose (milk sugar) give this beer its oh so smooth and creamy coffee flavor. 5.8% abv) is exceptional. If it’s on tap grab a sample.

Downtown Williamsport on West Fourth Street The Bullfrog is across form the Community Arts Center and a stones throw from the new movie theater. Easy parking, light, bright streets make it an inviting dining location.

The Bullfrog features a variety of live music, some free, some with a small cover. If you plan to be dining while a band is playing gravitate toward the back of the restaurant. I guess I’m too old because for me the bands are too loud.

Alas, nothing is perfect. The Bullfrog’s weakness has always been its service. For a dozen years, through dozens of people, slow service and cool personalities have permeated the Bullfrog. Is that a reason to not visit? Not at all, just allow for more time and have friends along for conversation.

Food 4

Delicious food, diverse selection

Beer  4.5

Some out of this world beers

Atmosphere 4

Wood & copper casual and warm.

Location 4

Right downtown Williamsport with plenty of nearby parking

Service 2

Slow and lacking personality

Misc 3

Great live music although bands are loud for space

Overall 4

The Bullfrog Brewery is a must for Williamsport dining.

The Billtown Crawlers rating system is based on a 5 point system with Food, Atmosphere, Location, Service and Overall as ever-present categories. Misc. and restaurant specific offerings may be included as appropriate. The Overall rating is not an average of all ratings.

(originally posted June 2008)

Not too many years ago I would not enter Franco’s. The smoke hung heavy and as a non-smoker my aversion to breathing form an ashtray was greater than my desire for Franco’s Pittsburgh Salad. Today that’s all changed, the smoke is gone and the atmosphere is welcoming.

How I covet the signed Grateful Dead poster on the wall.

The Franco’s experience starts with Fred and Maria and when he’s there Franco himself.

Full of personality and genuine love for food and people the Daniele family has given much to Williamsport beyond just great food.

Ah, the food. An evening at Franco’s inevitably starts with their steamed clams, brochetta & peppers. The next step is more difficult … choosing an entrée.  We have friends who always get the same things, she gets the Pasta Carbonara he gets the Oyster Po Boy. Me I gravitate toward the melt in your mouth Bison or Salmon. My wife … ya never know what she’ll order but it’s rarely on the menu.

Finish with a tiramisu or other pastry from Joanna’s Bakery.

Franco’s has a full bar with good selection of beers on tap. A Lambic is often available along with Headbangerz Brown Ale from  Bavarian Barbarian, Williamsport’s new brewery,  Dogfish Head, and other micro brew selections.

The nutshell is when we go out to eat Franco’s is always a stop. We may hit two or three places but Franco’s is always included. If we just go out to eat Franco’s is the #1 choice.

Food 4

Delicious food

Atmosphere 3

Cozy (read small) with personality and music theme.

Location 4

Downtown Williamsport with plenty of nearby parking

Service 4.5

Loads of personality.

Misc 4

Fred and Maria are the best.

Overall 4.25

The Billtown Crawlers rating system is based on a 5 point system with Food, Atmosphere, Location, Service and Overall as ever-present categories. Misc. and restaurant specific offerings may be included as appropriate. The Overall rating is not an average of all ratings.

(originally posted June 2008)

I see that the Bavarian Barbarian Brewery has their stout ready, Steel Drivin’ Stout.  That warrants a visit this week.

People are passionate about their kids and cars and politics … and restaurants.

When I shared my Must Eats the What About’s came flying. What about Franco’s, what about The Old Corner, what about 33 East, what about the Bullfrog, what about, what about what about.

Hey, Williamsport is full of great places to eat, I just haven’t found a must eat, a haunting meal or experience.

The food at Franco’s is great, the people are even better. The beer at the Bullfrog is some of the best I’ve found in the US and the food is good. Tag’s had something special and may have earned a must eat had I been here in its heyday or if it were still abound. I love the stories I hear of Tag’s.

The Triangle, Smokey Joe’s, Mountain View Inn all have their fans that cry their virtues, all have valid points. For me I still search. Perhaps my must eat in Williamsport will be a hop rather than a single location. The experience rather than just the meal is my desire.

There are near endless combinations possible even if I don’t find my one must eat in Williamsport searching will surely be an experience to remember.