Old Orleans has become one of my favourite restaurants. The Native Indian artwork and artefacts give the place a real character, while the general layout and décor generally are simple but stylish.
(The description doesn't actually say whether this is the Old Orleans in Broad Street or Star City - both in Birmingham - but the one I've been to - many times - is the Star City branch.)
Food ********
The food available is a mix of Mexican food such as quesadillas and fajita's, burgers (including the famous Bison burger, something I've not seen at any other restaurant anywhere in the world - not necessarily that there aren't other restaurants that do it, of course...), some slightly more upmarket choices such
as Italian-style salmon, and of course a selection of steaks - including the mammoth 20oz Ranch Steak - which I haven't had the nerve to try yet!! (The is a more "normal person" size available for the Ranch Steak, too...) The range is not huge but should satisfy almost everyone. There is a small range of sides, such as garlic bread, onion rings, and a house side salad.
The quality is great, and the portions generous - some of the starters seem almost the size of a main course. The chips are done just the way chips should be - they bear absolutely no relation to the vaguely chip-like items serves at Burger King or, far worse, McDonalds. Nor are they of the greasy "chip shop" variety. Most dishes are served with another specialty of the chain - "Cajun coleslaw" - which is fantastic, although probably a little too spicy for some people.
The deserts are also very good - a little more variety wouldn't come amiss, but each one we've tried - Belgian Waffles, New York Cheesecake, Apple Pie - have all been great, and much bigger than expected.
Drinks **********
Apart from the normal selection of hot beverages / soft drinks / wine etc you'd expect, Old Orleans has a great range of cocktails. These range from the extremely fearsome (but oh-so-nice) Adios Amigos to a range of non-alcoholic cocktails for the kids or tee-totallers. The ability to order cocktails if you're in the mood is a nice touch, and the servings of Coke etc are a bit more generous than in many restaurants.
Service **********
I can't fault the service at Old Orleans. Each time we've been, we've been seen quickly, almost always seated quickly, and a nice touch is that you are given a bowl of salted popcorn (which you're not charged for) as you are led you your table. This gives you something to much on as you decide what to eat - of course, it makes you thirstier too but it would be too much to expect entirely altruistic motives!
Everything about the service is what you'd want - fast and polite, there when you need it but not intrusive. There have been a couple of times where there's been confusion over the bill, but on both occasions the problem has been sorted out quickly and courteously. You get some mints with the bill, not wonderful but you can't have everything!
Atmosphere ****************
Jazz funk or R&B plays in the background constantly, at just the right level unless you happen to be right underneath one of the speakers! (Or maybe I'm just getting old...) The combination of décor, service, and music, along with smoke-free zones, makes for a good overall atmosphere, although somehow I always feel it's more suited to groups than couples - but I can't put my finger on why exactly.
Prices *********
The prices are good - perhaps a little over some other similar establishments, but since the quality of the food and service is so high and the portions are generally significantly larger than in many of the similar establishments I'm referring to, it's not a problem at all.
Also, if you go between 2pm and 6pm, there is a reduced menu available that you can order a starter and main course from for just £6. (In the UK, anyway!) From 3pm till 7pm is "Happy Hour" - all cocktails are £1 cheaper.
Membership ****************
You can apply for a free member card (ask a waiter at any of their restaurants), which entitles you to 10% off your bill, and periodically other benefits. It's a deal you can't lose on, especially as they occasionally run special offers and give you 25% off - in fact, sometimes the staff used to give me 25% discount anyway as they recognised me!! (These were the days when I could afford to eat out... sigh...) You'll probably be better off ordering a card online though (http://www.oldorleansclub.co.uk/) as I waited in vain for one to come that had been (presumably) sent off in the post by the waiter.
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I don't like music blaring in my ears either, but some people have poor hearing from using earbuds! Really enjoyed your audiobook too. EXCELLENT. Want more, please...jan
mum52 17.06.2005 15:12
Haven't heard of this restaurant, but as others say there may be one near where we live I'll keep my eyes open. The men in the family would enjoy the large steaks! :-)
MilkyMalky 17.06.2005 10:17
There's one of these near me, but I've only been in there for a meal a couple of times. I had the Nacho starter - pukka! Excellent review again Dave, nice one! Milky :)
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Jun 12th, 2005
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