I'd been in once before, last year, and thought it was OK. Good enough to go back for another round, but not somewhere I need to go every week (I spend 3-4 weeks in Beijing a couple times a year).
I went back yesterday with a local friend so she could try "American BBQ". We got the Border Burger and Brisket and split them both. The Brisket was good - nothing spectacular - but good enough that I took the leftovers home. The burger on the other hand, was EXCELLENT. I was shocked at how good the burger was. The bun was delicious and very American (not like many of the breads I have here in China), slightly crispy on the outside, fresh, chewy, airy and delicious on the inside. The meat was well above my expectations and the jalapeno gave it a nice southwest flavor.
I will concede that having eaten at a handful of BBQ joints in Austin a few months ago - this is not the best BBQ I've ever had. BUT... it is good, solid, American BBQ with good sized portions.
The service we got was excellent. We got there kind of early for dinner, maybe 18:00 after spending all day at the Beijing Zoo. We were a little dehydrated (it was 93F with high humidity), to say the least. The servers asked us if we would like more water any time our glasses got low. The food was brought quickly, and they checked on us throughout the meal. They were never pushy, but always around if we needed anything.
By the time we left, there were no open tables, but we were still getting refills of our water and excellent service from all the staff. The price point was very nice too - the two of us ate for well under 200 RMB.
It also didn't hurt that they had the best air conditioning I've felt in weeks. Not too cold, but a nice 72F, dry atmosphere to counter the hot, humid weather that this West Coaster isn't used to.
I don't know Tim and I've only been once before, but I can tell you I'll be back again, anytime I want a little taste of America.
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