We have a love hate relationship with IHOP.
6301 Douglas Avenue Urbandale, IA 50322
Mr. Red: "For me, I grew up eating IHOP. It was something I went to with my grandpa most weeks before scouts."
Mrs. Red: "Naturally, as we have moved into the house where I was raised we began to explore the local restaurants in hopes of finding something exciting. What I love about this area of Urbandale is how much it has changed over the last few years. Anyone familiar with the remodeling of Merle Hay Road will understand what I'm talking about, what with the rise of restaurants from Buffalo Wild Wings and Old Chicago to a Chipotle and Burger King. It's almost unrecognizable, and we just love it."
Mr. Red: "I love how this is supposed to be a review about IHOP and you're talking about all the other food joints in the area..."
Mrs. Red: "I don't bring up IHOP, because it's not been one of my favorite places to eat, given our bad luck with them in the past. What I never understood is why we continued to go back. At one point, Mr. Red and I didn't understand what being awake during the daylight hours was, and often visited the local IHOP during the wee hours of the morning for some sugary late night breakfast. To say they left us wanting more was an understatement. So why try again?"
Mr. Red: "Good memories. Well, that's all they were, memories. Things that happened in the past that don't seem to exist anymore."
What We Ordered:
Mrs. Red: Cheesy Western Omelet with side order of hashbrowns
Mr. Red: Ham & Egg Melt
Our Take:
Mrs. Red: "I think the best way I can give an adequate review is by breaking it up item by item. The cheesy western omelet was actually listed on a specialty menu that advertised 7 items each priced at $7. This omelet came with a choice of pancakes or fruit to which I chose the pancakes. We were at the International House of Pancakes after all, so it only seemed right. The omelet was fantastic: light and fluffy with the right ratio of egg to cheese to meat and vegetables. Not only was it delicious, but it came out nice on the place - picture perfect even. The pancakes were also not disappointing. The butter was nice and whipped and the maple syrup came out hot and delicious. However, I absolutely regret my decision to order hashbrowns in addition. Not only did I already have enough food, but they left a lot to be desired. I could have probably brought in a raw potato and grater and made them for myself at the same quality. I'm used to hashbrowns being golden crispy and hot - neither of which was served to me. They looked like they had spent a total of 10 seconds on the griddle before being laid on a separate plate and brought out to me - lukewarm. Definitely not what I had been expecting. Overall on a scale of 1-10, I would give this meal that should have been at least a 7, a 5."
Mr. Red: "I had the Ham and Egg melt with onion rings. I'll start with the rings, they were actually pretty delicious. I was very surprised that IHOP would have good onion rings, but they did. They were sweet, more so than I'm used to but it's IHOP. Next the melt: it was good. Unforutnately the swiss cheese and egg were all that you could taste. I was looking forward to the tangy flavor of the cheddar cheese as well as the ham mixed in, but the egg and swiss were just too overwhelming. Other than that it was pretty tasty. The bread was evenly toasted and served as a good vessel to bring this brinner sandwich home. On my 1-10 scale I would give it a 6."
Mr. Red: "I had the Ham and Egg melt with onion rings. I'll start with the rings, they were actually pretty delicious. I was very surprised that IHOP would have good onion rings, but they did. They were sweet, more so than I'm used to but it's IHOP. Next the melt: it was good. Unforutnately the swiss cheese and egg were all that you could taste. I was looking forward to the tangy flavor of the cheddar cheese as well as the ham mixed in, but the egg and swiss were just too overwhelming. Other than that it was pretty tasty. The bread was evenly toasted and served as a good vessel to bring this brinner sandwich home. On my 1-10 scale I would give it a 6."
Our Waiter/Waitress:
Mrs. Red: "This is where Mr. Red and I have struck out in the past when visiting IHOP. On more than one occasion we have had mediocre to poor service where the staff would ignore us for their own conversations about their bed partners rather than giving us the time of day."
Mr. Red: "I agree 100%. The last time alone had me furious when we left, considering we had to sit there being ignored for 30 minutes before the guy came over to ask us if our orders had been taken. And yet he still looked annoyed at us for even being there."
Mrs. Red: "Today though, we were pleasantly surprised. The hostess was prompt in seating us and the waitress was friendly and even took our drink order within just a few minutes of sitting down. She was apt in recognizing when we needed help and offered refills on our drinks without us needing to call her out. All in all, this was much better than any service we've had in the past - thankfully!"
Observations:
Mr. Red: "The place was filthy. While I understand this is family restaurant and they have kids coming in and throwing food around, it just seemed a little over the top. There were stains on the floor that looked fresh, our menus were covered in dried pop and were sticky."
Mrs. Red: "Gross!"
Mr. Red: "It just really makes me worry about the cleanliness of their kitchen, given the neglect of their dining room. Good thing I'm not a germiphobe"
Mrs. Red: "I also understand the need for fun in the work place. Mr. Red and I are both guilty of joking around with our fellow work colleagues to help break the monotony of the day up. Thankfully though, neither Mr. Red nor myself work in an environment where the customers can watch our every move. Employees were shouting at each other on the line in the kitchen loud enough that we were able to hear their entire conversations. Not that they were throwing around profanity (this time) but it was completely disorganized and unprofessional."
Overall:
Mr. Red: "Overall, this place looks like it might be returning to the way it was, back in my childhood memories. But unfortunately, it still has a ways to go before I find myself going back to it on a regular basis. As it stands, we might give it another try in a year or two."
Mrs. Red: "Like he said, 'Almost but not quite.'"
Review:
On a scale of 1-10
Food: 5/6
Service: 8
Cleanliness: 2
Atmosphere: 2
Until next time! Happy Eating!
-Pocket Red Heads
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