Q: I feel like the Orleans has been in decline for the past two years. Big Al's seems to be following suit. On the positive side, the clam chowder is great and at $6.95 for a bowl a real bargain. It tastes great and it's filling to steal a variation on a beer commercial. On the negative side the service has become slow and it even takes awhile just to get seated even when the place isn't full. The entrees that I've had, such as the Jambalaya pasta are average and not worth a special trip. A special warning about the Po' Boy sandwiches. They range from tasteless to just plain bad. Avoid them. If you go to Big Al's, go for the chowder.

A: negative

Q: I prefer the midway at the Excalibur more than the arcade at NYNY because there are more choices at the Excalibur and it is more focused on Midway at the Excalibur. NYNY is also a lot more busier so it is harder to get around and it is also easier to get lost in.

A: negative

Q: They fired their old brewer and fixed the old watery beer, Beer fans, give them a shot and try a flight. Beers are interesting, varied in style & *CARBONATED!* (If you knew the old heist brews you would know why such an obvious thing is noted in all caps. Overall there are well done beers on tap, to generalize they are light on hops overall and on the dry side which isn't a negative for me. After a flight of every beer on tap I would (and did) drink a pint of at least half of them, which is very good. They have frequently changing small batches which a nano-brewery absolutely should be exploring, and they are taking some chances making some experimental beers. All in all the beer has become what I expect of a microbrew gastropub, an interesting experience of beer. I'm excited to keep coming back for more beer, hopefully they keep on their toes and keep exploring and growing. I'm not a huge fan of the new tapas menu, it seems a bit limited and Heist's food was quite good before and Noda is already lacking enough places to get a full dinner. Though I could see this as a great place to get some apps and some beers while hanging out and getting a bunch of friends together, No longer a full dinner spot, still great environment to hang out with a bunch of friends.

A: positive

Q: Aj's is such a cute little place in the heart of Downtown. We originally wanted to try Chinatown Inn, but I didn't feel like walking much further and Darren caught sight of Aj's across the street, so we went in and had a nice lunch. Our server was really sweet and did a great job. Candles were around to make it a little romantic even. The food was pretty inexpensive but really good. I have had roasted Peruvian chicken at Chicken Latino before, and this was about as good. It was interestingly spiced and very moist and crispy. The white rice was buttery and the fried plantains were sweet like bananas crossed with really big french fries. They also gave us homemade sweet potato chips on the house and they were so good!

A:
positive