Laredo's Mexican Bar & Grill

Well, I can't believe we waited this long to experience this place.  In Cumming, GA there is no shortage of Mexican restaurants, so to try them all out would be a full time job, slightly kidding.  So a few days ago we drove by and saw a banner hanging out front for $4.99 Lunch with Drink included, that was enough to get us to give it a try.  We were seated and greeted promptly.  Our waitress was helpful though it would have better if she had actually tried one of the items we were asking about.  I had the Burrito Especial and my husband had the Lunch Chimichanga.  You would expect lunch portions to be smaller, but they were quite large servings and I know my husband was finding it hard to finish his meal but he managed.  I told him that is probably the reason in Mexico everyone takes a siesta.  :)  The food was very tasty and we know we will go back.  The table next to us ordered the Taco Salads and we definitely would like to try that sometime though I don't think it is on the lunch menu.  We were talking about how if we went for dinner, that we could probably split a meal and still have plenty to eat.  It looks like they have 2 locations in Cumming, the other one being at exit 13 off GA 400 and the one we went to is on Hwy 306 aka Keith Bridge Road near Hwy 369 aka Brown's Bridge Road in the Publix shopping center.  The take home menu I brought home lists 5 locations in GA including Kennesaw, Marietta and Rome.

LAREDOS

3480 Keith Bridge Rd.
Cumming, GA
770-886-6767

405 Peachtree Pkwy.
Cumming, GA
770-888-9894

Huddle House - Exit 14 in Cumming, GA

The first Huddle House I ever frequented was down near Callaway Gardens since your choices in that area of dining are very limited.  I was glad that I ended up eating there that day.  It was so good that when I got done with my wedding I was working at the Gardens, I returned to Huddle House to eat again when I was finished working.  What I realized is that I was probably overlooking a gem right here in Forsyth County since we drive by the Huddle House all of the time but we had never stopped in or had eaten there.  If you get the sale papers and coupons in the mail, there are sheets of Huddle House coupons which are hard to pass up.  The food is always good and the service is good too.  I highly recommend the omelets.  Their waffles are super tasty too.  I generally opt for the Sweet Potato French Fries in place of the hash browns.  It's normally hard to find places that serve the sweet potato fries, so I always get those when they are available.  Now that I have eaten at Huddle House, I will choose them over Waffle House every time.


HUDDLE HOUSE - Store number 47
501 Buford Road
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: 770-844-1959

Los Maguey - Awesome!

We had the honor of dining at Los Maguey for lunch today as DJ Tony was about to do a private karaoke party there.  Of all of the Mexican restaurants we have eaten at, this one has GOOD FOOD!  Tony opted for a Beef Burrito Special.  When it was brought to the table, I was SO jealous.  He confirmed it was as good as it looked.  I opted for the Quesadilla Fajita Texana which had grilled veggies, beef, chicken & shrimp, it was also very tasty.  I think next time I will try the burrito that Tony ordered.  Anyway, this new restaurant is worth a try, I think you will be impressed.

770.292.9003
5456 Bethelview Rd
Cumming, GA 30040

 http://www.losmaguey.com/

Hardees - Downtown Cumming, GA

One day we ventured out to Hardee's with some good coupons in hand to give it a try. Well we were surprised by the excellent service, which is normally unheard of in a typical fast food joint. The food is also top notch as well. The place is nice and clean and well maintained. Yesterday I had my pick of several places to grab lunch and I chose Hardees yet again because I knew I would get a great meal and we certainly did. We learned yesterday if you want a decent sized burger, the Thickburger is the way to go.

Hardee's

125 W Maple St
Cumming, GA 30040-2633
(770) 844-4440

Mon:	5am - 10pm
Tue:	5am - 10pm
Wed:	5am - 10pm
Thu:	5am - 10pm
Fri:	5am - 11pm
Sat:	5am - 11pm
Sun:	6am - 10pm

Hangry's Burgers, Weiners & Waffles

We had the opportunity to have lunch at Hangry's. They really impressed us from the very few minutes we entered the restaurant. They are located in the same location where "That Burger Place" was located that is no longer around. We were brought in with a coupon and I must say it was worth it to us to check them out as our experience was very good with them. We both did order a burger and the sweet potato fries. Our server, Michelle, just recently started working there. Her attitude was exemplary, she told us how she was so excited to be working there and everything she said she has tried on the menu has been great. The burger comes with their special Hangry's sauce. We didn't know what it was like so we asked for it on the side so we could taste it first. We both liked it very much. The sweet potato fries come with a special marshmallow dipping sauce that also has a cinnamon flavor to it. We liked it but we also asked for some maple syrup to go with our fries for dipping...we made our own mixture with both and it was delicious! We definitely want to go back and try some other things. Michelle told us about their special banana nut waffles. They serve the breakfast items all day long so it doesn't matter if it is morning or not. Some of the omelets sounded very tasty. Also on the menu I noticed breakfast burritos & quesadillas. The entire staff was very professional and excited about what they do. You definitely don't find that everywhere and it is worth noticing.

Hangry's Burgers, Weiners & Waffles
415 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 255
Cumming, GA 30041
678-455-8672

UPDATE:  This location is now closed.  This is TWO restaurants that opened in this space that didn't make it.

CiCi's Pizza Cumming (Exit 13)

I have to be specific because your experience may differ if you go to another location. The newly opened CiCi's Pizza on Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Cumming has scored big points with us. If you have been in the area for a while, you may recognize the management staff that previously worked at the Exit 14 CiCi's Pizza. They have successfully opened their new restaurant this month just around the corner from The Avenue at Forsyth in a new shopping center that is apparently doing everything to appeal to families. I only mention that because the other businesses that are occupying that shopping center are very "children accommodating". The spot right next to them just opened today called Razzberrie Dreamz which is a children's party boutique featuring fun themed birthday parties.

Okay, back to CiCi's Pizza.... when I heard they were open we stopped by to support them and their new restaurant. Now that they have an all new store, they are more than ready to cater to your every desire. If you are not familiar with CiCi's Pizza, it is an all you can eat pizza, pasta and salad buffet. Adults price is $5.49 (I think). It's an overall great value. Not only can you eat from the buffet, but you can also special order anything you want that is not already on the pizza buffet. For instance today we special ordered the "flip" with some additional toppings inside and I also ordered a pizza special made that wasn't already on the bar. They bring special orders fresh out of the over to your table. We have already gone back a total of 3 times this month.

CiCi's Pizza
2920 Ronald Reagan Blvd.
@ Ronald Reagan & Brannon
Cumming, GA
770-886-7800
website

The Foster House

Last week we had the pleasure to enjoy lunch at The Foster House in downtown Cumming, GA. I can't say that we went for too much variety. Turns out we both ordered the Blue Cheese Burger. For my husband it was the first time he ever had one, but I can tell you if there is a blue cheese burger on the menu, that is what I will order. I opted for the famous Sweet Potato Chips as my side. He chose the squash casserole that was on the daily menu. Lunch was great and the atmosphere was fabulous. We were very happy. We also got to meet owner Amanda Davis. She was great. She gave us a bit of a tour since I will be returning soon to deejay and emcee a wedding reception there soon. I am very much looking forward to that. They also do catering and are open for special events and weddings. They serve breakfast and lunch.

The Foster House
305 W. Main St.
Cumming, GA 30040
770-887-9905
http://www.foster-house.com/

Ted's Montana Grill

I just about had to plead and beg to get my husband to take me to this place, but after attempting to go to "That Burger Place" and finding they are no longer there (make note because I reviewed them here). So after that we went to Ted's Montana Grill. I have been dying to try Ted's Bison Burger. So today was the day I got to eat probably the best burger I have ever had in my life. If you have not had a Bison Burger, you have to try this. My husband went for the beef burger (naked). The only downside is he said his french fries were cold. He also ordered a House Salad and shared a bit of it with me, it was very good! I had the squash casserole with my burger, which was a tasty choice. It was great to see evidence that they really are trying to have a positive effect on the environment, I noticed the paper straws (instead of plastic). My food was great, but I also really enjoyed the atmosphere. Even though I was in Cumming, it had a "city" feel to it.

Ted's Montana Grill is located at The Avenue at Forsyth.

410 Peachtree Parkway
Cumming, GA 30040

Buckhead Pizza Co. - The BEST Pizza in Cumming!

That is not an understatement. I may have only had one slice for lunch, but the topping choices are the best in Forsyth County hands down. I decided to try them for lunch yesterday. I called first to make sure they were open for lunch and then asked if they had a lunch menu, which they do. Next time I will definitely order a whole pizza and have it baked to order. I liked that they have whole wheat dough. No one else in this area is making pizza with the options they give you. The Greek salad was also very good. And the service is good too. If you enjoy a nice atmosphere for dining, the Buckhead Pizza Co. will not disappoint you.

Buckhead Pizza Co.
415 Peachtree Parkway
Cumming, GA 30041
770-781-0304
(it's across the road from The Avenue at Forsyth)

House of Lin

First off, The House of Lin, is not in Forsyth, but VERY nearby in Dawsonville, GA in Dawson County just a ways up GA 400. I keep wanting to do a write up about them because the place is one of our favorite places to eat and everyone we take there is impressed with the all you can eat Chinese buffet. We love to go there for lunch and so do a lot of other people in the area. I have to say that I honestly think this is the best restaurant in the area as far as value is concerned. Sure they have a great Chinese buffet, but they also have sushi and in the back corner you can have the grill cook make you a fresh dish that you put together yourself. Maybe you have been to a Mongolian BBQ restaurant where you choose your own meats, vegetables and sauce... that is pretty much how they do it at the grill. The only tricky part sometimes is communicating to the cook what sauce(s) you want. I have learned to use simple words to tell them what I like and most times it is how I want it. For the longest time they had a guy there on the grill that was Mexican and he did it perfectly every time, but he is not there any more. Anyway, if you are in the area maybe at the outlet mall, this would be a top pick. Look for the shopping center with the Ingles grocery store, Subway, and Radio Shack and you will find the House of Lin.

House of Lin
66 S 400 Center Ln # 165
Dawsonville, GA 30534
(706) 216-8505

UPDATE:
Jan 2009 - House of Lin has undergone an intense renovation and it certainly shows. If you have been there before, you will think you have gone to a brand new place. The food is just as good or better and the place has an upscale look compared to before.

Update: 2012
We visited a few more times and one day we went in and pretty much the entire kitchen staff had quit, it was obvious they weren't prepared for this. We visited again since that day and found the hot food was not hot and of course there is a health risk to eat from a buffet that is not kept at the right temperatures. We are no longer eating at this establishment.