One of favorite places to eat while moored in Milwaukee proved to be extremely disappointing on our return.  We had chosen to take the Fullers out to eat on our visit in 2008 and Pizza Man was the choice.  We were very hungry and looked forward to pigging out on their crisp thin crust pizzas.  We ordered and waited in anticipation.  What arrived at the table was not what we ordered.  Close but not close enough.  I was put in the position of telling six very hungry people that we could wait another fifteen minutes for new pizzas or eat what we had and take off what we didn’t like.  I had no choice.  

Too many toppings are great for some but not for me.  I found it palatable but barely.  When we received the bill we were charged for the fully loaded pizzas.  I pointed this out to the waiter who said since the manager wasn’t there he could do nothing.  WRONG ANSWER!  He took the bill to the bar where the collective genius of about three people figured I was only over charged $1.50!  An opportunity to smooth over an irritable situation was lost.  I paid and will never return.  Later I got sick.  In reality and figuratively, the whole deal left a bad taste in my mouth!

A truly memorable burger. I really don’t think I could have done a better job at home. Handmade patties of maybe a 1/3 to a half pound of ground beef. Enough fat to make it tasty but not too much. Washed down with a 23 ounce beer, YUM! Their french fries were thin cut, crisp and very tasty. Also “The Schwartz” was very good. A grilled chicken breast sandwich with bacon and swiss cheese on a kaiser roll.

Harbor Beach is located in the thumb of Michigan, about 60 miles north of Port Huron. We only know how to get here by boat so I can’t say more but I recommend this friendly spot to anyone.

Gotta give some props to our favorite watering hole prior to taking off for parts unknown.

The Yardarm is located next door to our storage yard and several blocks from our marina, where the boat has been kept for the last two years. Convenience has nothing to do with our choice since there are places even closer to the slip. We love the Yardarm for its friendly atmosphere and its great perch fish fry. Being from Wisconsin, the fish fry has become a time honored tradition. Back in the good old days perch was the fish of choice, but now over fishing has caused many places to switch to cod. Not sure where they get theirs but I’m glad because it’s delicious. A full order is more than enough for the hearty appetite. Served with sand dollars (thinly sliced potatos sprinkled with parmesan cheese) and a side of your choice, this meal has become a weekend tradition for us while getting the boat ready for our cruise.

We sure will miss it and the friendly folks there.

I’m talkin’ smoked meat here. This is good eating. We travel between Oklahoma and Wisconsin fairly often and saw a sign advertising this place in Missouri. It’s about two and a half miles off I-44 in Cuba, Missouri. Take exit 210 south to Cuba (via historic Route 66) and you’ll see it off to the right. After living in south Texas for over 30 years, I’ve had my share of good BBQ but I have to say their ribs are the best I’ve ever had. Many times ribs are just too greasy. They may be tender but all that grease is too much for my digestive system. Hick’s are very lean but extremely tender and tasty. Offered in full slab, half slab and third slab selections, I’d say you better have quite an appetite to finish a full slab. A half slab (@ $9.95) is plenty but a third (@ $8.95) is even better because you may have room for cobbler, which is also excellent. The dinners come with your choice of two sides and bread. The sides are ok but nothing spectacular. I’d also recommend the brisket dinner ($8.95). Not greasy and very tasty although the first time I ate there it was a little dry. The sauces are good but nothing special. If you’re traveling with the dog, ask for a bone, no reason Rover shouldn’t enjoy Hick’s too.

5/28/08

I’ve been looking forward to this all day.  Left Madison this morning with one thing on my mind, dinner at Hick’s.  No disappointments.  Had a half rack of ribs with baked beans and cukes and onions.  Hot cherry cobbler with ice cream for dessert.  YUM YUM!  As good as ever and the price is till the same.  Hadn’t really noticed before but you can go through town and get back on I-44 at Exit 208.  Here you’ll find every fast food imaginable.  Just can’t imagine eating at McDonalds when Hick’s is about a mile away.

This place is great! Right out of the ’50’s. No nonsense food for ridiculously low prices. Here it is the double cheeseburger. Two straight up 4″ patties of “all beef” (and you know what that means) on a plain bun with American cheese. It has twice the taste of a McDonald’s cheeseburger (though similar in taste) and real burger consistency and all this for $2.30!!! With a little catsup it is indeed a delight. I put this in the “semi-fast food” catagory. Patties are cooked as the orders come in but there’s a lot of orders coming in so who knows if a few aren’t cooked ahead. Their fries are mediocre but their root beer is great as are the malts made the old fashioned way.

In this catagory I give these a 10!

BTW for a history of this great burger place visit http://www.kewpee.com/history.php

I like to eat!!! Most of all, I like to eat good, flavorful food. This catagory follows the search for good food but especially cheeseburgers.

I happen to like a good cheeseburger. Of course I like mine, cooked on the grill, the best. I know everyone has their own opinion and that is fine by me. This is my quest for the great burgers of the world.

I prefer ground beef. I like fat! Better cuts of meat are fine but it has to have fat. A cheeseburger has American cheese. None of this fancy schmancy stuff, just good old processed American cheese. If I find a great burger, I prefer to eat eat as is. No condoments. On some occasions catsup and maybe a little mayo and sometimes full dress with the works.

Well here goes … the quest begins.