Saturday, February 9, 2013

Vegetarian Rant.

I'm a vegetarian.  I'm the blogger.  I'm allowed to rant.

I will never understand the lack of a vegetarian taco option.  I mean, really... How expensive is it to keep some black beans on hand and throw in some tacos, just like you do the beef/chicken/fish for the carnivores?!  I grow tired of eating quesadillas and wraps and not being able to fully take part in our elaborate rating process!

I've definitely been impressed by the creativity some spots have had to offer... Lion on Lorain and Touch were my personal favorites.  Even the bean offerings at Lincoln Park Pub and Flying Monkey were delicious and memorable.  A few spots, such as the ever popular Riverwood don't have published vegetarian options but are more than happy to throw something together.  Much appreciated, my friends.

There is such a large vegan and vegetarian population in the Cleveland area.  Restaurants all over the place are increasing their options.  Yes, I know that I have chosen my diet, and I try to keep my complaining to a minimum.  All I ask is to keep us non-meat-eaters in mind when figuring out what to offer your taco night guests!

Beachcliff Tavern

Beachcliff Tavern
19245 Detroit Ave.
Rocky River
440-333-4686
www.beachclifftavern.com

The Deal
Mondays
$0.99 Tacos & Fajitas (Minimum order of 3)

The Rating: 3.4/5.0
Overall Experience - 4.1
Taste - 3.8
Price - 4.7
Variety - 2.0
Shell - 2.2


I had forgotten how much I liked this place.  A pretty decent-sized bar, cheap & good food, close to home.  We'll definitely be back.  Also, our service was attentive and timely... Granted, it was a pretty quiet night, but it was still appreciated!

I must say... This was, by far, the best $0.99 taco night we've had yet.  For the most part, $0.99 tacos have TASTED like $0.99 tacos.  This was a great deal, though.  Three beef tacos or three chicken fajitas for less than $3.00.  Such a great value.  The only offered soft shells, but they were really tasty.  They could have possibly had a little more meat in them, but... again... a buck each.  Plus, they had a good amount of flavor and had sour cream and salsa (albeit "too much" salsa, says a taco night rookie).

I personally think we had a tough crowd with the ratings.  Everyone really seemed to like the tacos.  If they had more variety and possibly a better beer selection, I think this spot could have made it into the top 3!






West Park Station

West Park Station
17015 Lorain Ave
Cleveland
(216) 476-2000
www.westparkstation.com

The Deal:
Wednesdays
$5.00 for 2 Tacos or Quesadilla


The Rating: 2.5/5.0
Overall Experience - 2.8
Taste - 3.0
Price - 2.2
Variety - 2.0
Shell - 2.4

After a brief (long) hiatus.  The Taco Knights are back! We had a group head to West Park Station in the Kamm's Corner neighborhood. Unfortunately, I could not be there for the exciting return, but I was there in spirit!  


Perhaps we are a bit spoiled by some great taco deals we've had in the past, but the group was a bit unimpressed and didn't see it as a huge "deal."  There was not a lot of variety, with only the option of chicken or beef, but the additional quesadilla option was pretty popular.  The tacos were stuffed well, but seemed to be a little lacking in flavor.


The shell seemed to be a hit.  We like our fried shells, that's for sure.  The same shell was with both the tacos and the quesadilla, but it doesn't sound like there were complaints!


Overall, the group had a triumphant return.  Perhaps this was an "ehhh" option, but overall we're just glad to be back in action!