J. Flanigan's Ice Cream & Desserts

Name: J. Flanigan's Ice Cream Parlor

Location: 912 Dougherty Road, Aiken, SC 29803
#803.648.6649

Guests: Angel & Steve and Jason & Stephanie

Thoughts:
J. Flanigan's brings back childhood memories of summer, bike riding and, of course, everyone's favorite frozen treat-ICE CREAM! Nestled on a small side street in Aiken, J. Flanigan's is set in the most picturesque little blue house that looks most inviting. Upon walking in the diner is greeted with the sweet smell of fresh cones, brownies and ice cream; and this parlor is not short on flavors to choose from. One can get one, two, (or more) scoops in a cup or cone or they can be creative and get one of J. Flanigan's signature sundaes like what was enjoyed by Angel, (pictured below). With tables inside and out, the diner can either escape the heat or enjoy a warm summer evening with their treat. Overall, J. Flanigan's is a must visit in Aiken, if not for the ice cream, for the memories it brings back.

Ratings:
Flavor: Delicious!
Service: Friendly
Presentation: Excellent
Price: $*
Ambiance: Excellent

Pros/Cons:
Pros: Great, friendly setting and staff; plenty of choices in flavors; kid friendly.
Cons: Location; not a lot of indoor space/seating (the line for the ice cream ran through the dining area)

Final Thoughts: We can't wait to go back and take some friends with us! A must try when passing through Aiken.

Website: n/a

*Price Guide:
$ = under $10 per person
$$ = Between $10-$20 per person
$$$ = Over $20 per person

Mi Rancho (South Side)

Name: Mi Rancho (South Side)

Location: 124 Old Dominion Road, Aiken, SC 29803

# (803) 641-6099

Guests: Angel & Steve and Jason & Stephanie

Thoughts: Though not necessarily a "local restaurant" (as it is a chain), Mi Rancho is a town favorite so we thought it deserved its fair review. Mi Rancho is your typical Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant with nothing super special to set it apart from the others in town. However, they were quick to greet us at the door and get us seated. While waiting for our food the chips and salsa was plentiful and always filled. The waiter was friendly and helpful when we needed to move tables because a few more friends showed up. However, one complaint we did have was that it took awhile for our check to come out and then also to come back to us after it was taken. We all ordered typical Mexican dishes; Sam had a Burrito Mexicano, Lacey, Enchiladas Verdes, Angel had Nachos and Steve had a Cheese Steak Burrito. The food was good, but Sam had wished his was a larger burrito, more like Steve's whose covered the whole plate. Sam did not go hungry though, he finished Lacey's last enchilada. Overall, the experience was pleasent and we enjoyed good conversation over an easy no frills meal.

Ratings:

Flavor: Good
Service: Good
Presentation: Good
Price: *$$

Ambiance: Typical Mexican decorations that one might see at an number of other Mexican restaurants.

Pros/Cons:

Pros: Friendly; easy/no frills meal; fair prices; clean.

Cons: Service was a bit slow when business picked up for dinner; nothing special to set it apart from other similar restaurants.

Final Thoughts: Overall, the experience was good. We enjoyed our meals and did not leave hungry. We will most likely visit Mi Rancho again.

Website: N/A

*Price guide:

$ = under $10 per person

$$ = Between $10-$20 per person

$$$ = Over $20 per person

Cafe Rio Blanco

Name: Cafe Rio Blanco

Location: 148 Laurens Street, Aiken, SC 29801-3848
# (803) 643-7075

Guests: Angel & Steve (Friends from the area)

Thoughts: Cafe Rio Blanco is a cozy little family-owned Cuban diner on Laurens Street in Historic Downtown Aiken. The small restaurant front could easily be missed by casual passersby, but nevertheless this is a "must try" on our list. As one walks in, he/she is greeted by the friendly staff and is told sit "wherever". They offer dinner specials every evening and the diners are welcomed to go look them over on the steam table before ordering. Every dish is served with rice (yellow or white) and beans which were seasoned to perfection. Sam, Lacey and Angel all ordered a steak dish, while Steve opted for a pork dish. The steak dishes were served with a garlic butter and herb sauce that was unlike any other; an interesting dipping choice for steak but nonetheless delicious. All the dishes were thoroughly enjoyed and we all nearly licked our plates clear. The service was friendly as they let us sit a talk for 30 minutes after closing and still offered us refills with a smile. While chatting at dinner and thereafter we all noticed the walls and how they were painted to look like a street in Cuba. It was a nice touch of flare. The cafe also offers outdoor seating, a selection of beers and don't forget the Plantains! Angel had two orders of this Caribbean favorite. The experience was a good one and we are looking forward to our next visit.

Ratings:
Flavor: Excellent
Service: Excellent
Presentation: Excellent
Price: $$*
Ambiance: No Frills Dining

Pros/Cons:
Pros: Great food and service; unique food option in Aiken; prime location with outdoor street seating.
Cons: Only open until 8:30p during the week; the menu was rather short in selections; No full bar; pay for soda by the can (no free refills).

Final Thoughts: Overall, we would rate this a great dining experience that we hope to enjoy again and would recommend to any living in or just passing through Aiken.

* Price guide:
$ = under $10 per person
$$ = Between $10-$20 per person
$$$ = Over $20 per person