Wow!
This is my 99th Yelp review! I can hardly believe it; seems like only yesterday I was posting number 98 (well it almost was, I guess). But it doesn't seem all that long ago I was posting my first review (Philly Frank's in San Marcos CA).
But Yelp, I have a question: since my "About Me" page sez I started Yelping in December 2011, how could I possibly have posted a review on NOVEMBER 4, 2011? And I DID, according to your own records; riddle me THAT, Yelp!
NO WONDER I didn't get "re-Elited" for 2014; I probably DID, but you got it backwards, Yelp, as sloppy as your record-keeping seems to be. That would mean all you "Elites" out there, really AREN'T. You just THINK you are. ;-)
So there.
But I digress; sorry.
I'm gonna do something I've never done before, which is to "add a star", but I have a good reason for doing this (contained in my story):
I was making a road trip, to visit a friend in Jacksonville (TX, not FL), which had me passing through Rockdale. I won't say I "never" eat at a "chain" eatery when out-of-town, but I try not to; I can eat at one of those anywhere. No pun intended (well, not much), but what better way to get some "local flavor" than to get some LOCAL FLAVORS? OK, this place does share the same floorspace with a Subway franchise, but we'll pretend "it" is not there (looking the other way now...).
OK, I'll agree with Blake, one of only TWO other reviewers (& apparently, the only one who LIVES here, but sounds like a "one-timer"). They weren't busy, and it wasn't all that fast. But in my case, I'd been driving for awhile, and appreciated the respite. Hey, if ya want "fast food" go to the "big city"; we're in fuckin' ROCKDALE, for God's sake. But ONE star? C'mon, Blake; if we were judging by speed ALONE, maybe. But let's analyze the burger:
I ordered the 1/3 lb Swiss Mushroom Burger, added bacon, and opted for Onion Rings instead of fries. I'll concur with the other reviewer (Rodney); this place ain't inexpensive. I've paid not much more at some of the Burger "Boutiques" in Austin, but let's talk TASTE: It was a very tasty burger! The Onion Rings were crispy, not flimsy or greasy, and fried to perfection. NOT a one-star burger, Blake.
I'll let my pictures do the rest of the talking.
So, why would I break tradition, and give this place a higher rating than I otherwise would?
I think Rodney's "three-star" rating is fair, and what I'd NORMALLY give, base on service AND quality of food.
On the other hand, Blake's ONE-star rating is totally unfair. I actually hope he doesn't go back, cuz in a town the size of Rockdale, they're gonna KNOW which "Blake" it is ('course, you posted your picture too); this is how you get SNOT in your burger, Blake. Yeah, don't go back; not NOW!
"Worst service on the PLANET"? Blake, please come to the Solar System called Austin and gimme a holler; we'll spend an entire WEEK exploring places with worse service. Ya can't swing a dead cat here without hittin' one!
So my "normal" three-star rating's gonna go to FOUR STARS, cuz as one of only three reviews, it'll help to "bump up" Texas Burger's overall "average", and I think they DESEERVE that.
Oh, and the Manager, not even knowing I'm a Yelper, took the time to chase my out the door to ask me how everything was. In other words, she showed me she CARED.
If you're just passing through Rockdale, please visit Texas Burger; I'm sure the same person owns the Subway too, but "vote" with your $$'s for the LOCAL side of the storefront.
And if you happen to LIVE in Rockdale, please support your LOCAL economy; it's important. Even in a city the size of Austin, it MATTERS; in a small town like Rockdale, it could be CRUCIAL to their survival and success. After all, they are your neighbors.
So, there's my 99th review.
It just so happens that on Thursday, I'm going to a place I've never been before, to an Event hosted by a new YF of mine (that's "Yelp Friend" to those who don't know my abbrev's). I'm "saving myself" 'til then, for my ONE-HUNDREDTH REVIEW!
I actually could "rate" it now; I already know I'm gonna have an awesome time! Please look for "Lonestar Round Up Party" in Austin Yelp Events section.
If you're reading this, I'm talkin' about YOU, Carmela! ;-)
larrythediner
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