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DOLLY PARTON!!! Ok, now that I’ve got that out of my system, The Ford Center. We come into town from Nashville to see Dolly on her new Pure and Simple Tour. Weird, I know, but she wasn’t performing in Nashville & Evansville was the closest. Luckily I’m from Owensboro & we got a couple people together to make a night out of it. We arrived about 7:25pm & the show was scheduled to start at 7:30pm. We’d parked down the street before we’d ate at Peep Hole Bar. Therefore I cannot speak about the parking at the center, however there’s a lot of street parking near this venue. We were waved into a special entrance that seemed like a bar. The woman said we could enter through there if we already had tickets. I glanced at the prices of the bar, $7-8 for a beer. No. After paying $2.74 for a bourbon & diet at Peep Hole, I decided against a drink at the Ford Center. We had floor seats, so we made our way to the center of the building. We found the arena easily & a woman pointed us in the right direction for our seats. The floor seating are the connected, folding chair kind, but they were padded, which was nice. I didn’t feel too crowded next to a stranger, but I did keep my arms folded a lot. During the show, they had people with beer, soda & water around for sales. Four bucks for a water or soda. They had to open the bottle & pour it into a cup. We asked why & the woman said it was at the tours request. I guess maybe they were worried that someone would throw a bottle at Dolly?!? That would’ve caused a riot no doubt.

The Southland Taproom – Menu with Prices – 16230 Summerlin Rd Unit 210, Fort Myers

Ok beer selection. No food. It is a quick stop to somewhere else. The bartender perhaps gave out too much information. “I have never made more than $25,000. Revolution is coming. There are more of us than them with guns.” He also put down Ford’s Garage and their beer selection. In my opinion, Ford’s definitely has a better beer selection. This place is new and still figuring it out. The owner sat on his computer at the end of the bar. It would have been nice for him to interact more with the people coming in. We may have stayed longer.

Starburns Castle – Menu with Prices – 1105 W Isabel St, Burbank

This is a review of the live taping of Harmontown. You can sit on the floor if you came it late and couldn’t find seats. No one will judge you. The space is about the size of a middle school multi purpose room. I suggest coming 40 minutes early to get seats closer to the stage. There is an open bar (can get free drinks and water too). I drank 4 cups of white wine and got tipsy before the show began, so I had a bit of a hard time concentrating on what’s happening. However, this particular show wasn’t that funny or interesting anyway (my friend vouches though that other shows are much more entertaining) so luckily I didn’t miss too much (chugged 3 bottles of water that I got from the open bar and thus had to go to the bathroom a lot during the show). Feel free to talk to and take pictures with Dan Harmon and Jeff Davis after the show. They cool. The small lobby has a lot of cool and weird art. There was free parking next to the entrance, the lot was tiny but no cars were in it. I was paranoid that I wasn’t supposed to park there, but there was no sigh saying otherwise. But yes, you CAN park there (I didn’t get a ticket or get towed).

Sessions Music Hall – Menu with Prices – 44 W 7th Ave, Eugene

Anytime I would say, “I haven’t been to the Hi-Fi yet,” people would look at me like I was crazy. Well I finally went for a show and got the full experience. The show was in the larger room with it’s own bar and while the bar area was fun it kind of sucked that it was behind the stage. The people spending the most money can’t even take their drinks to watch the show. The sound was great and there’s not a bad view from the dance floor. The staff were friendly, especially the bouncer at the door. I was super bummed out to find that the outdoor area with the fire and tables was only for the other side of the venue. We were paying a lot for our tickets and were only able to stand in the parking lot. I don’t understand why there isn’t a nice outdoor area for the other side of the venue or some way to share the outdoor space with someone who lets you back in to your correct show. Besides that, it was a fun night and food trucks park here for lunch and during shows. If you can’t find street parking there is a large parking structure across the street.

Central Station – Menu with Prices – 1917 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg

I don’t know where to start! This place was totally run down, had water all over the floors from a leaking ceiling, the bathrooms were disgusting and had broken toilet seats and no toilet tissue anywhere. The whole place smelled from water stinging on the floor. We almost walked out, but it was our date night and we had purchased tickets to a comedy show, which was sub par. After seeing the bathroom, we agreed to eat fast food on the way home. They charged $9 for a bottled beer and had no way to make frozen beverages. Not worth it, but it put a memory in the books.

Grand Ole Opry – Menu with Prices – 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville

I didn’t think I’d love it this much since I’m not even a country music fan. It was terrific and so entertaining! It’s not just listening to live music, but also you get to enjoy square dancing, yodeling, comedy, and trivial questions for free prizes. I laughed a lot, and was in awe of the wonderful performances. We arrived about an hour before the first show not knowing what to expect. They had many places there to get a quick bite to eat even before entering the building. There was a Yee-Haw Brewery truck as well as other diner type food trucks. There’s even a shopping mall across the street with lots of food options. Go early and just walk around. It’s actually a very relaxing walk and entry through security. You also might want to get your cocktails before the show. I say that because a rum or whiskey drink will cost you $22. I was in shock. That’s more than stadium prices. I mean really! The drinks were good with plenty of alcohol but not worth the sticker price. The show was amazing! It was a mix of old and new country singers. Some famous ones like Trace Adkins, Jon Conlee, and Hunter Hayes. There was a young girl from Canada who sang her heart out during her first Opry stage debut. Madison Kozak got a standing ‘O’ for her performance. She had the voice of an angel. The Riders in the Sky comedy group were so entertaining. I loved them! This particular show was broadcast live on radio channel 650 AM and on SiriusXM. It was such a cool experience. Our seats were front and center on the mezzanine level. I’d get these same seats all over again. Everyone was so friendly (staff and patrons). The Opry brings together people from all over the world. I can see why country music is popular now. Don’t hesitate to get a ticket to a show while you’re in town. You won’t regret it. It was worth every penny and it was the highlight of our trip. A must when in Nashville.

Simonet’s Bar – Menu with Prices – 925 Main St, Green Bay

I bet if you said, “hey let’s go to Simonets,” most people would ask, “Where’s Simonets?” It’s not easy to find as there’s no sign for it on the street side of the building. The parking lot is in the back behind the Plant People store. The bar is HUGE! All the TVs gives it a sports bar feel and there are plenty of seats circling around the curvy bar. There are a ton of arcade and bar games to play and it looks like there’s space to have an event there with tables and chairs. I’m a big fan of their beer selection on tap and bottle. Lots of craft beers and plenty of local GB and WI beers to choose from. I’m almost regretting that I’m writing this review, because I want to keep it a hidden gem so no one else knows about it…so only share this with cool people. ?

Isleta Amphitheater Menu with Prices 5601 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque

Albuquerque’s largest venue just minutes away from the heart of the city. The prime choice for artists to put on a show for the fans. It may not be as glamorous as the Red Rock amphitheater in Denver, or the other nicer larger venues you see in much larger cities, but this is ours in our home. Needless to say every artist whose come to put on a show never disappoints. They go all out in their productions from pyrotechnics, lighting, live cameras, and special effects. They have a wide selection of food and beverage stands to keep you comfortable while your surrounded by thousands of other fans. But expect to pay a pretty penny. Just a meal will cost you between $6-$15 depending what you get. Beverages run $4-$12 depending what you get. Adult beverages go up from there! I paid $25 for a frozen daiquiri! I was mind blown at the mark up they pull on some of the stuff they sell. This venue can get quite expensive so don’t expect to spend less than $5 because you’ll be sorely disappointed. Tonight I saw Iron Maiden. My favorite metal band since I was a teen! The production was amazing! That band never disappoints! I highly recommend seeing a show at this venue! My only complaints would be the pathways. This venue needs more open paths to accommodate the thousands of people in it. Usually the end of the show is when you’ll notice it. Expect to be a sardine for an an extended amount of time after the show because everyone is leaving at once, the pathways tend to get cramped the further you proceed toward the entrance to the venue. Traffic gets backed up on university because the road narrows to one lane instead of two after you pass the venue so expect delays. The seats are a bit outdated and small. If your a big guy like me your gonna feel a little cramped while sitting in the seats unless you chose to get the premium box seats which are much comfortable and more spread out. My final complaint would have to be the prices on the food and beverages. It’s basically highway robbery in my opinion cuz you can’t bring outside drinks except a sealed water bottle. They now off water bottle refill stations so if you do bring in your water you don’t have to worry about using a nearby sink or purchasing another there. Other than that it’s a great venue! Check out a show there sometime!

Mariscos El Korita – Menu with Prices – 25570 E Baseline St, San Bernardino

Worst experience ever 1st time going food was good but service was horrible Montserrat was very rude she was acting like we werenâ??t going to pay!!! The owner was there and he thought by picking up our plates and saying sorry was going to make it better I hope she gets fired!! And to make it even worse she wouldnâ??t wash her hands when getting food and she try to give us a bottle soda when we asked for a can soda and she had open the bottle soda and when we told her that we asked for a can she dig through the trash to get the bottle soda cap she found it and place it on top of the bottle soda to close it again!!!! Disgusting she also would pick up the leftover tortillas from peoples orders and would hold them with her hands with no gloves and would take them to the kitchen area I hope she doesnâ??t place them in other orders over all HORRIBLE PLACE!!

Downtown Sporting Club – Menu with Prices – 411 Broadway, Nashville

Most of the bars on Broadway have live music, open space, and a rooftop bar. Not to say that those bars aren’t awesome, but if you’re looking to play some games while having a drink, this might be a nice change of pace. After exploring some of the bars the city has to offer, we decided to check this place out. The Downtown Sporting Club is composed of four floors: First floor – In addition to a restaurant & bar, this floor offers ping pong and corn hole. They also have a picture worthy “Nashville looks good on you” wall pictured in my review. Second floor – In addition to a bar offering alcoholic slushees, this floor includes a variety of activities to choose from. They have axe throwing, which I recommend making a reservation for, arcade games, foosball, and a “lawn” area to watch several sports games simultaneously. Third floor – This floor is for “hotel” guests so we were unable to go to this floor. Pretty cool concept nonetheless. Fourth floor – More games, but outdoors on their rooftop. The rooftop offers a view of Broadway. They also have a dance floor and photo booth inside. If you’re looking for a place to chill, I recommend this fun spot!

Monty’s Submarines – Menu with Prices – 1760 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield

I had Monty’s years ago from the Brunswick lane location. I stumbled into the sangamon store Saturday looking for a lite lunch. Walked in to empty store. Only to hear the owner yell.over the TV in back of store “I’ll be right there” Comes out and is very talkative. Takes my order. I go to sit down at one of the empty and very dirty, sticky tables. “He says I probably should wipe.off the tables” I looked for the cleanest one and use napkins to wipe of the crumbs from God knows when the last customer. Enjoyed the club on wheat very filling, offer of different choices of chips, but only offers can soda, fountain soda, and bottle water. Not one time did the owner come out to check with me if everything was ok nor if I needed anything. I guess he was to involved in missing his TV show in the back. I then went to use the bathroom before leaving. And walked into a dirty very outdated bathroom. Dirty seat with left over fecal matter all over the toilet, sticky floor and something that looked like soap leaking on the sink. I will never visit this store every again and I think maybe health inspector should visit soon.

Prytania Theatre – Menu with Prices – 5339 Prytania St, New Orleans

A charming, easygoing, and historic movie theater. We found street parking just around the corner. You can purchase tickets in advance online, but there is a small processing fee which you can avoid if you pay in person ($11.75 for adult). Their small little one-window box office is located right outside the front door, and they do accept card. Just across are the water and food bowls for this Prytania Theatre cat that I’ve heard about, but sadly it was nowhere to be found when I visited ? Didn’t purchase any snacks and didn’t check out the balcony seats, but I found the single screen theater charming. I came to see a foreign movie with subtitles, and was a little worried about the visibility. The seats are not super sloped like stadium seating — not the best for a film that has subtitles. The theater was not too crowded, yet the issue with people’s heads blocking the screen prompted us to sit on the side aisle seats. I can’t imagine how people are able to watch a movie clearly if it was a packed house. The seats themselves are adequate, nothing plush or fancy. I did find the AC rather strong, so bring a jacket! I liked that they had cups and water out in the lobby, at your convenience. Thought that was a nice gesture.

1st Ward Beverage Company – Menu with Prices – 820 E 7th St, Charlotte

I was meeting someone here to do a beer trade. I had no idea this place existing before agreeing to meet here. So while I am waiting I am checking out the beer menu and the singles list. It took 10 minutes for the bartender to even acknowledge me as she was more interested in talking to the locals. But once they left she seemed a bit more interested. I didn’t really see anything in the draft list that I hadn’t had before other than the Tropical Torpedo from Sierra Nevada so I went with that. The bartender started a conversation of what I liked to drink and we got on the topic of sours and she pointed me to a few sours they had in stock. It’s not a huge beer bottle selection but they do have some nice surprises in the sour department and a few hard to find beers that were still there. They also sell wine, mixers, cups, and some small food items. The beer prices are decent, a little cheaper than some other bottle shops. The are 4 parking spaces reserved for the shop and it sits on the first floor of the Quarterside apartments uptown. So there’s probably additional parking around here somewhere. So after my beer trade was over, I found a few goodies here to take home as well What starte out slow, turned out to be an enjoyable experience. I will remember this place for the hard to find items.