Starbucks at 2920 and Grand Parkway

This location has been here awhile but somehow escaped my notice.  We stopped through the other day to get a morning pick-me-up.  Got a caramel latte, a croissant roll, and a hot chocolate.  It's a drive through only location so no ambiance, but you can get your fix here.  We ordered the latte and roll through the app and thought of the hot chocolate on the way there so ordered there.  The place was hopping so we sent someone out to get the first part at the mobile order window.  Seemed like the bell was broken but the staff saw us right away and got something to snack on while we waited in line.  All items were consistent as Starbucks always is. They were out of peppermint so we couldn't get any of the holiday specials but that's how it goes.  The location is a bit tight--when 5 cars are in line you can't figure out where to wait, and it backs up to the road. Overall, it was fine.

My Yelp Review

Jack In the Box at 2920 and Grand Parkway

The Jack In the Box up on Kuykendahl closed, but this location has opened and is convenient to the neighborhood.  I'm not that big on Jack food but stopped in to give it a try.

Checked out the restroom before ordering.  It was clean and ready, but did not smell good at all so there might be ventilation issues.  Not a great start.

Jack has been pushing the tacos lately so I gave those a try with some onion rings, a cheesecake and a drink. The tacos were edible but would not displace Taco Bell if you actually had tacos in mind.  A slice of hamburger cheese in a taco just says lack of commitment to me.  The onion rings were OK, but had that issue where the onion slides out of the breading.  The cheesecake was fine for a packaged item, a reasonably good finish. The drink machine was working well when I came--they have one that has two three-function dispensers for 12 total options, and they were working.

This location has a rough reputation on Google.  I think they have righted some issues.  Service was fine, and the place was very clean.  Interestingly, they have outlets convenient to every seat.  I checked the store WiFi and it was very responsive.  So you could hang out there and work like at Starbucks, but with Jack In the Box food.  I wish I liked it better.  They win the funny fast food commercial contest for me.  But they seem to be second or third best at everything they do, and I have not changed my mind about that.

My Yelp Review

Nutri-Do

This place is now open inside the Miyagi Ken martial arts studio.  I stopped in on a day when all the students were at a tournament, but one of the owners (it's a husband and wife team) was there and the place was open.  That says something about reliability for outside customers.  I had a waffle roast beef sandwich, a raspberry lemonade mega tea, and one of the protein donuts.  

The food was OK, perhaps better when there's more customers.  The waffles have good texture for a sandwich and are slightly sweet, so might work better with the ham or the sweet options.  The raspberry lemonade tea is tasty and quite strong--definitely had a kick to it, my energy level went up nicely.  I think the donut was from the previous day, but it had good flavor and sat well in my stomach.  I cannot say that for regular donuts, I can't eat a whole one without a tummy ache.  

They are better known for the protein shakes, particularly the chocolate-peanut butter one, so that would be one to try in the future.  They have a loyalty card.  It is obviously geared toward the tastes of the Miyagi Ken customers but the people are really friendly and interested in getting outside business.  If you like your health food homemade (as opposed

Mike's Food Store

This store is the second refurbished convenience store to carry Hunt Brothers Pizza in the area, and it turns out they are owned by the same partnership.  Hunt Brothers seems to want to compete with the big boys in pizza, so I thought I'd try ordering a full pizza from them.  You can't do that through the website, though you can find the store and call them.  I ordered a loaded pizza (everything on it) on thin crust, and got a fountain drink and a Chispas dessert with it.

I went in this store once under its previous management and would not have gone back.  Scary.  But they have fixed the place up and it is very attractive and full of what you would normally look for at a convenience story.  The update did not extend to the bathroom, which was a bit rough but I've seen worse at such places.  

The full size pizza is 12", but it's rectangular and I think they measure diagonally.  It was cut into 16 little pieces (I think it was supposed to be eight, but that's OK).  Their tiny pizza oven got it fully done and crunchy, which I like.  For me it was a bit heavy on the banana pepper but YMMV.  Cost is $11.99 and there are no coupon deals, so I would say for what you get it is somewhat on the expensive side and probably won't displace any favorites.  But it was good enough that I wouldn't rule out picking up their single slices.  Several were ready to go when I came in, as were condiments.

The dessert was good, what you would expect for a packaged item and they had a very wide selection.  The fountain was slightly sputtery but the drink tasted fine.  Service was friendly.  Kudos to these guys for taking washed up stores and making them reasonable places to shop again.

My Yelp Review

Paco's Tacos

This food truck recently set up in the HEB parking lot at Gosling and 2920.  They are a lunch and dinner truck--I stopped in for lunch on a cold rainy day.  I ordered a California burrito with pork (al pastor) and some elote (corn).  No specialty drinks so I had a Coke with it.

The customer service is great.  Very friendly and helpful.  The server (I think it was the owner) offered me a free sample of charro beans while I waited.  It really hit the spot--steaming hot and nice and salty.  Also brought a nice kick of spice.  Definitely worth a try.

The portions on the burrito and corn were very large, could feed 2-3 if you wanted.  A medium cup of corn is about 6 oz.  Comes with plenty of parmesan and Mexican spice.  I like mine better with the white Mexican cheese but this was fine.

The burrito had all sorts of things in it--lettuce, onions, tomatoes, french fries.  Not a whole lot of meat.  But it was only $8, a great deal for what you get.  Mild flavors that I associate with Cali-Mex food.  The ingredients in all the food tasted very fresh, like they'd just been prepared.  The onions and lettuce still had some crunch though they were cooked.  

The truck has quite a varied menu, with South-American style hot dogs and burgers available.  They have street tacos for $1.75, so you can make a full meal under $10, including tax and tip.  Hard to beat.  Definitely worth it if you're at HEB and feeling peckish.

My Yelp Review