Rudi Lechner's
My family is German, and I have many fond memories of my grandmother cooking authentic German meals for us when she visited. When I moved to Houston, my husband and I tried Rudi Lechner's. So many of the items on the menu looked familiar! The Hungarian Goulash is exactly like my grandmothers - and the very best I have had at any restaurant. My husband has ordered various schnitzel's and sausages, and he always is satisfied. They serve a wide range of German beers and wines. There is an excellent salad bar that serves salads, pickled items, and liver pate. There is live music on the weekends with oompah tunes and a long Alpine Horn. The owner, Rudi, is always walking the room and asking how the service is. The experience is not to be missed!
Chi Japanese Cuisine
I have been to this place more than once, on different days of the week and at different times of the day. They have consistently friendly service, fresh food, and a great atmosphere. It has taken me a few times to get them to bring my the right red chili paste, but I think that is because it is not typically a Japanese condiment. The sushi is very good, and this restaurant is my second favorite in Houston... the other is too far for us to drive to often. I love sushi, and if you love sushi, then I would recommend Chi.
Cokers Barbecue
Every time we visit Arlington we stop at Cokers. Most of the staff has been at the restaurant for as many years as I can remember, and to me that says a lot about the business. Not to mention the awesome food. I always get the chop beef, it is excellent, and that is a big comment coming from me. I don't normally like Bar-B-Que, and it took many tries at a lot of places to find Cokers. And it is the best in the area! My husband gets their beef and sausage combo. Pretty much anything you get on the menu is good - so you can't really lose with this choice.
Fish City Grill
The first time we went to this restaurant it was my husband and I, and my sister-in-law with her two children, 4 yrs old and 1 yr old. Often when we are out with kids service is sup-par, but not here. They not only served us great food, the service was excellent and friendly. My husband and I have been back many times. The atmosphere is quaint and funky at the same time. They have a list of daily specials on the wall, many of which are mouth-watering. They have modern seafood combinations that are excellent. I would definitely recommend the Fish City Grill to anyone who like seafood.
Blue Mesa
My husband and I love Blue Mesa - every one of them. Some are better than others, and for different things. This Blue Mesa is good with general dining. I hosted a graduation party at this location and we were able to reserve the whole front room; the service was friendly and capable and the food was fresh and hot. We have been to their Sunday brunch, which is what typically draws us to this restaurant chain. I have to say that there have been times that the brunch at this location is not up to the same level as many of the other Blue Mesa Locations. The layout is a little awkward, and later in the brunch hours it is hit or miss to get an omelet or some of the food items are overcooked. Overall, I would go to this restaurant again, and I would recommend it to other people. I would recommend to go to their Sunday brunch earlier rather than later in the day.
Leslie's Swimming Pool Supply
I have been into this store 3-4 times. Each time I had to wait to be served because they seem to be short staffed. The staff seems to be knowledgeable, however; they don't always give you all of the information that you need. They repaired a pool cleaner for me and did a good job. But when I needed different pool supplies I was recommended the wrong extension brush (not really sure what it is called, it is the brush on the pole used to brush the sides of the pool.) And when I specifically asked for a certain sized gauge, they sold me the wrong one. I am a first time pool owner, and I have had to learn many things about maintaining my pool. I do not think that Leslie's was helpful to a customer with questions. They are a store more intended for the customer who knows exactly what they want to purchase.
The Melting Pot
My husband took me to the Melting Pot for our anniversary. They not only had flowers waiting at the table but also took our picture and framed it for us while we ate. The food is good, served raw at the table. You have to cook it yourself, so I recommend to bring a watch with a second hand. It is a bit pricey, but for a special occasion definitely worth it. The tables are private and you really feel like you are all alone.