The Denton Top 3: Hangouts

I am back, and I have been thinking about this for a while and thought I needed to express my confusion with what ideas keep coming out for restaurants in Denton yet they keep doing horribly. With the closings of Gold Mine Barbecue and Café Herrera as the latest victims, I start to wonder if people are just throwing out these concepts and thinking that the Dentonites will just flock to it if it looks cool or sounds interesting. I get a little upset that they think we as Dentonites are that mindless sheep. I digress, I just thought why not some of these ideas to fill those spaces.

#3 Tapas Restaurant:

So, there are a few out there, yet Denton does not have a great tapas restaurant on the square, it would work well, it would be fun, interesting, and a place like that would be nice on the square. With the small amounts of food and good clean cooking, someone could open a fun and great place that would cater to an upscale yet affordable food. You feel as if you are in a fancy place when you eat there yet you can have a lot of different menu items at a low price. Bringing your friends can be especially fun to share plates and get some different food.

#2 An English Pub: 

I think there should be a English pub that has more of a low key atmosphere. Somewhere there is not
loud music where you are having to scream to try and talk, Somewhere nice, quaint, and quiet that you can have a conversation and a drink. I know there are bars out there, but I would like a place that is more like a pub that is where you can hold a conversation. 

#1 Jazz and Blues Lounge:

This one is a given, with Denton being one of the places where jazz is a staple and blues has a place in the heart of all Dentonites, this is something that should be considered due to the UNT influence to jazz and legendary blues artists from this area including Tom "Pops" Carter. Now, I refer to a LOUNGE for a reason, there are bars out there, and there was an attempt at this a little while back, yet it went out of business due to other issues, I think it would work well if it was done well and managed properly. Something that brings a feel of the old jazz bars with a band and a small dance floor, with bands on a stage. 

These are just my opinion, but I think these are solid ideas for any young entrepreneur ready to make Denton city lights shine. Just some ideas that I think could work, comment if you have any suggestions that would be a good concept that you would like to see. 

And as always, when you are out, tip your waitstaff and bartenders, they work hard so you can have some fun.

The Whiskey Side

So, I have been out to the East Side Social Club where I decided to try a good whiskey and some scotch. Well, that had some pretty good conversation. We had a few that were interesting.

 One was a peaty, earthy taste called Laphorig 18 year. That was a tasty one, I sat with it for a bit just sipping it. The other two, which I went back later with my wife and had, was the Angel's Envy Whisky, one was the Port and the other was the Rum. The port cask has a bit of a sweeter taste, but the rum had a good bite to it. Something I would try again.

So, if you are looking to get into Scotch or whisky, check out the East Side Social Club for a bit of a lesson. I would recommend during the day, it is better to ask questions and the bartenders will be more focused on the questions you have rather than trying to ask during a rush (they will be more annoyed with you if you do this). So, be mindful of the other patrons, but if you are looking for something different, give it a try.

I Finally Found My Way

Ok kids, here it is, My day has been riddled with interesting things, first off, the blog title has a reason, the lead singer and bassist of KISS is now married, that's right, Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed tied the knot this weekend. I am a little proud and know that for people that are "dating" and it seems like they will never commit, this is your hopeful story. 

On to the real reason we are here, RT's has recently introduced a new menu, Trey has outdone himself. I know this is hard to believe, but, the new menu items are interesting and fitting. First off, the fried olives are something that is heaven in your mouth, the salty mix with bleu cheese (not misspelled) stuffed olives have a great texture and flavor, they are a little bit interesting at first, but once you figure out what you are tasting, it is a great little appetizer that will make you come back for more. Then there is the the mini corn dogs and the Philly cheese steak sandwich, these are mouth watering awesomeness, my friend had the Philly and had a pudding grin throughout the whole thing. I had the mini corn dogs, they are a great mixture of sweet salty goodness, billed as an appetizer, this can be a meal for those that just want a little something. There are also now flavored popcorn and other interesting items that will make you think twice about ordering the standard fare here. 

We then headed to Lewisville, I know, not Denton, yet I am still about the area, they need love too. There we were at Vitty's where I was able to relax outside during this wonderful weather. DJ Paul Andrews was there hosting a party outside on the patio, fun was being had, all the adults could have fun while the kids could run around and feel apart of the experience. Jordyn, Cliff, Russ, April and the rest of the staff will take care of you if you want to book a party on the patio. They will make your experience a good one. When you are looking for a place to host a party, family get together, or just friends that have been looking for a place to meet and reconnect, this is it. 

Later I went to Hooligans, yes again, yet had a new experience with the staff. They do make you feel at home here, when you feel like no bar will take you in, stop by and they will take you in as a regular from the first day. Tye (sorry if I spelled that wrong), Jordan and the rest of the waitstaff are wonderful and have ideas and suggestions that will make you want to sing the theme to Cheers when you are there, you feel like everyone knows your name.They always have made my experience there a good one and made me feel comfortable.

A great night was had by all and I thank all my servers and bartenders, and remember that tips are the BEST way to thank them. 

 -Charlos

You Hooligans, Get Off My Lawn!!!

Just kidding, love you guys. I had a great time at Hooligan's on the square. This place is great, I want to shout out to my bartender who is workin' for the weekend, thanks Mandy, you were awesome and kept me feeling like I was part of the crowd. When you walk into Hooligan's you have two options, upstairs or downstairs, the upstairs is relaxing with two lounge areas and two pool tables, there are some tables to just sit and reeeelaxxx. If you have a smart phone, you can download the Buzztime Trivia App and play along, and there are TV's that show it and see how you are doing against your friends.

Then there is the downstairs, a little more hustle and bustle, but fun none the less. The bartenders will take care of you, you can pick some good cheesy music (this is a little local secret), and see if you have the best song. There is a lot more to this place, with a pub feel with a great time to be had, go out and have some fun. I also will say, the menu there is real good, the fried pickles are some of the best, props to the cooks who can make that right.

To sum up, go out to Hooligans, for a good time and some good drinks and food. The people are great and the atmosphere is wonderful. No matter who you are, you are bound to have some fun if you are looking for a different place.

School's Back from Summer!

Sorry, had to change it around a little. For all you Dentonites out there, there are some great places to go and things to do still, even on the weekend. I know that there are times that you get bored and tired of the same old routine, here are a list of interesting things you can do:

1. Check Midway Mart and find out how many different craft beers there are and try a new one out.. 
2. Go to Beth Marie's and make a new flavor out of what they currently have. 
3. Try the Guiness Ice Cream at The Abbey Inn
4. On Wednesdays, try to see if you can out sing and perform at Andy's with karaoke, on the main stage
5. Check out Metzler's on Londonderry for good Barbeque. 
6. Go to Riprocks and count how many cell phones there are on the wall. 
7. Check out RT's and see if you can find out the exact length of the bar. If you want an extra challenge, see if you can figure out the area. Plus, get some lunch there. Great food.
8. Find out which bar has the smallest bar. (I think I know this one)
9. Try one of the Taquillarias here in town.
10. See if you can get a message up on one of the Frenchy's Trucks.
11. Find out about the Morrison's Corn-Kits sign history. 
12.  Count how many businesses start and shut down in the Golden Triangle Mall 

This should give all you guys some extra things to think about this year and just some interesting tidbits about Denton, TX. And good luck to all the students, new and returning.