Re: Ferris State Hockey '10-11-Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the penalty box
Re: Ferris State Hockey '10-11-Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the penalty box
Hey jyoung - What are some good places for food down there. Depending on how the day goes, I either eat with the team or on my own. Any recommendations close to the rink as I'm guessing we're staying in a hotel close to it?
That really depends on what you want to eat and how much you want to pay for it. It also depends on what you consider close. Huntsville isn't big, about 400,000 metro over 2 counties, and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get just about anywhere in the city limiits during non-rush hour from the VBC.
Do you want a unique restaurant? Honestly most of the local places that are worth eating at are chains. There are a few gems hidden around, Geoff mentioned the nearest reasonable one already, and a few smaller local/regional chains such as Dreamland which are popular.
Near the arena, since it's downtown, there's not a whole lot and much of the fare is pricier than average. That's where Ruth Chris, Cotton Row, and 801 Franklin are, but are expensive relative to other options. More unique choices, but you're going to pay for them. I tend not to eat in that area much due to the prices.
If you're looking for a bit farther away, much of the food is on University Drive, or down along the Airport Road / Carl T. Jones area, and farther out is Bridgestreet Town Center.
University has a lot of options, but almost all chains and mostly fastfood. Romano's, TGI Fridays, Olive Garden, and Shogun are up this way along with Longhorn and Lone Star. The only relatively close to unique things I can think of is Cheddar's Cafe and Mikawa. I haven't tried Cheddar's but my friend didn't think much of it when he went. There are a number of Chinse Buffets along this stretch of road and a few Mexican places.
Generally I've had better luck towards Airport Road/Carl T. Jones than along University Drive, and it's about ten minutes to get to the various places down there which include the normal spate of Chili's, Ruby Tuesdays, Longhorn, Logan's, Bonefish, Outback, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Red Robin, Five Guys, and a couple others. There's also Cafe Berlin (German, mid price). Though they're still listed on Google, Luciano's (Italian) and Chef's Table (Tappas) I believe are now both out of business (again...). Plus side of this end of town is that the best ice cream is down here, as the Cold Stone and Brewster's are both off of Carl T. Jones.
Bridgestreet has a number of options and is the newest local development. It's farthest away though off of Research Park and Old Madison Pike, but includes Connors (pricy surf and turf), and a number of other meal options as well as shopping, etc. Nothing special, but it's where a lot of people will tell you to spend time (and money). I don't care for the feel much, but that's me.
Rosie's Mexican Cantina is popular among a lot of my friends, but it's along Memorial about fifteen minutes from the VBC, down south of Martin Road. There's a "Little Rosie's" near Airport and Whitesburg, but it doesn't have the same quality.
There are LOTS of various Barbecue joints around as everyone and their brother has a 'secret reciepe' down here. Depending on whom you ask, you'll get different opinions as to what people think is best. I tend to eat at Gibson's on Memorial Parkway, but my wife doesn't like spicy.
If you like oriental, there are a number of places. I've yet to find a Chinese place I like, but I got spoiled living in So. Cal. We do have a couple decent Japanese places and at least one or two Thai.
Delivery, for the tired, includes Steak Out, a number of Chinese places, and the inevitable pizza.
If you want subs (for the lunch crowd) Stanlio's is well regarded locally (there's one on Jordan Lane), but for my money the best available quick subs are made in the Publix (grocery chain) Deli Counter. They're certainly better than anything you're going to get at the local Subways.
Breakfast you're mostly on your own. The Huntsville Cracker Barrel has a pretty poor reputation, as does the nearby IHOP (bummer). There aren't really many other 'morning' spots and no Dunkin Donuts. You can get Krispy Kreme donuts, but I find them unpalatably sweet. Your best bet if you want something breakfasty is Atlanta Bread Company (University), Panara's (Airport), B&N Cafe (Carl T. Jones & Bridgestreet), etc.
Heads up: Things, including delivery, don't stay open late around here. I know a few places open until midnight, but the bulk of places will not be so generous. Where I could still get a Pizza at 2 AM in LA, that isn't the case locally, so I suggest that if you didn't eat before the game, head out immediately after rather than waiting. Some places close as early as 9, while the bulk, partiuclarly on Friday tend towards about 11 PM.
