Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon- 401 Obst Road, 78163

Adding this restaurant to our review is bittersweet. We love this place, absolutely love it, it is our diamond in the rough. We are afraid to let people know how great it is because we don't want to fight people to dine here, but because of our love for it, we have decided to share it with the rest of San Antonio. Every time we visit here, it is more than just food, it is an experience and we always leave planning our next visit, belly's full and a smile on our face. I feel like this place is our measuring stick for the rest of the establishments that we eat at, they have set the standard high.

Atmosphere: B

The location of the steakhouse is off the beaten path, but that is one of its attributes. The restaurant is clean and the tables and booths are well kept and have always been spotless. The floors are stained concrete and the walls are nicely decorated in cowboy gear and some great taxidermy, this is a great representation of the Texas feeling and flair that most people relish here. There is a stone fireplace that is lit during the winter months and a small bar that is fully stocked for the adults. We have never waited for a table, but even as they are putting together a table the porch outside is inviting for a small stroll. The highchairs are clean, and they do a great job of setting up families with high chairs properly placed among the adults. The only reason they did not earn an A in this category is because of the parking and path to the restaurant is dirt with pea gravel, and when it is spring time and there is that great Texas rain, it is very muddy, making the trek with the kids can be difficult, and anyone who has a toddler knows they somehow find every puddle.

Service: A+

This is the part of the restaurant that should be the standard that every establishment should abide by. From the moment you are greeted at the door, they see to it that no want or need is not attended to. The drinks are brought out promptly in kids cups, they bring homemade black pepper and cheddar biscuits as long as you desire, and it is clear that they are family conscious. They take extra care to bring the kids meals earlier than the remainder of the food, they are very cautious about setting a hot plate in front of a child, and they even encourage the kiddos to share because the portion sizes are abundant. They talk to the children on an equal level, making sure that they know they are an important guest as well. We have met almost the entire staff, and even the owner stops by for a chat most of the time. I have even witnessed the owner helping run food, bus tables and keep the place looking tip top. It is rare these days to find a staff that takes so much pride in what they do.

Value: A

The average cost to feed the youngsters is $5.00, and for that pricing you get a kids beverage, the entree and a side item. The food is all cooked fresh and nothing is processed, not even the macaroni and cheese. There is not one item on the kids menu that an adult wouldn't be tempted to eat. There is plenty of food to feed a school aged child, and for toddlers you can easily share. The food for adults is simply amazing as well. The prices are right and the food is outstanding, everyone will leave the table satisfied.

Selection: B+

There are six selections on the menu for children, most of them your standard choices, however there are 9 different selections for side items, and not all of them are fried. You have your choices from starches, vegetables, and even fruit, all made from scratch that day, or just prepared that morning. I appreciate an alternative to french fries as I know most parents do. They have also brought out half sides, smaller portions but two selections for those picky eaters. The beverage choices are sodas, lemonade or milk. Overall they have a decent selection for kids to chose from, and they do a great job of accommodating to each child individually to make the experience much more enjoyable for the parent.

Entertainment: B

The restaurant itself has two televisions above the bar, they have played Disney movies a couple of times for us on slower days, but most of the time they are displaying rodeo footage. They have place mats and crayons to keep the young ones occupied for a while, but bring food quickly so a while is all you need. During the warmer months though, and adult can take them outside and walk the grounds and have some visits with the livestock while biding your time for the food to hit the table. From March to November the rodeo in season, and on most nights, beyond the doors of the restaurant the place is buzzing with live entertainment. The rodeo fee is not included with your meal, if you want to attend it is a separate charge.

Bonus:
-Attached to the rodeo
-Can make reservations
-Open late
-Live music
-Tejas Social Club once a month for a night off from the kiddos

Overall the Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon receives an A. They know how to make a family night out a wonderful night off. The food and service are second to none. Give them a try, and I promise you will be planning your next adventure to Obst Road the moment you walk out the door.

-Thomas Troop and Sitzman Crew

Olive Garden- 22503 N US Hwy 281, 78258

I know everyone has had an Olive Garden chain experience, but this location is the strong link in the chain. I have to admit I wasn't all that excited to see a this name go on the building near us, but they changed my opinion quickly, and we have been several times and each venture has been positive. Even if you have a bad taste for this common restaurant, I urge you to give this location a chance.

Atmosphere: A

All new restaurants go overboard with niceness in the beginning, sometimes it is too much and most of the time, the friendliness disappears over time. Not the case here. Each time, we have been greeted as soon as we walked in the door, and on every occasion, even with a large party with several high chairs needed, we have never waited for a table. The cafe is always clean and very well lit, the decor is different from the original Olive Garden decor, and the eating area is spic and span. They also do a good job of putting most of the families in the same section of the restaurant so that the noise is common, and isn't going to bother a quiet party of two.

Service: A

The staff here is very friendly and prompt. We have always been greeted and had drinks within minutes of sitting down. We did have one instance where one kids meal did not come out with the rest, the server forgot to order it, but they handled it very well, putting a rush on the dish and bringing some extras for him to tide him over while we waited. The item was taken off of the bill and we were also brought free dessert courtesy of the manager. The manager has always stopped by the table to check in, and one time even brought a scoop of ice cream for each child so that the adults could enjoy the rest of the meal without hurrying to avoid a meltdown. They make sure that you get the relaxation of eating out as well as your child.

Value: B+

Most of the items on the kids menu are priced at around $5 an entree, but for the quality of food that you get I think it is fairly priced. Each meal comes with a side item, and a drink served in a kids cup. The amount of food is good, for toddlers there is enough to make two meals. The quality of the food is great, it is a meal that an adult would find appetizing as well, overall the value at this establishment is above average, for adults and kids.

Selection: A+

They have a great selection of entrees to chose from. You can build your own pasta dish, which gives your child plenty of customized choices so they can get what they like. The Olive Garden also has great side item selections, none of which are fried. They have mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and grapes, wonderful selections from a parent perspective. The drink options are vast and offer some healthy alternatives as well. The have several juice options, 1% milk (both white and chocolate), and of course soda, but for an extra charge you can get a smoothie made with real fruit and non fat yogurt. With all the options that the Olive Garden provides, you can feel like even though you ate out, your child didn't get loaded up with grease and sugar.

Entertainment: C

This is the area that the weak link appears. They do have kids menus that serve as a coloring page and they provide crayons. Other than that, the distractions are up to you. The nice thing is that you are started off with salad and bread sticks so they are munching while waiting, which makes most kids happy.

Bonus:
-Gluten Free Options, even pasta
-Kids dessert menu, with options of a fruit smoothie made with yogurt
-Pasta Tales-a yearly sponsored essay contest for kids, rewarding them with a trip to NY and educational funds
-Pasta for Pennies-a fund raiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, over 3 million school age children participate to give back to their communities

Overall the Olive Garden in the Stone Oak area has earned an A. They have done an excellent job at fitting into the demographics of their area, and do a fantastic job at making a family dining adventure a marvelous experience. The added bonus of the community involvement also is a big plus, I know they are global, but they think local, and I respect that.

-The Thomas Troop