Good Ole American Food...?

 

A week or so ago, on a very nice Sunday afternoon in October, we headed a little bit north to McKinney.  Our choice today was The Styx Icehouse.  Styx is a "hangout".  Family bar atmosphere with outside seating, lots of TV's, etc... a great place for a happy hour.  

It was pretty much open seating with lots of communal tables, benches, high tops on the inside, tables and games outside.  We opted inside.  

Starting with some cocktails, hubby had the Fall Fashioned... a large pour for $10 and was pretty tasty and he's pretty picky.  I opted for the Golden Sunset.  Smaller glass but you have to drink it fairly quickly as the egg white froth soaks up the alcohol.... I wouldn't order it again.  Their drink menu was pretty extensive and the draft beer selection had lots of options.   Not sure if it stays the same all the time... we'll see.  

Greated by our server, an extremely nice guy who was attentive the whole time we were there! My only criticism was when asked for his favorite dish, he quoted nearly the whole menu... 

Now on to the food. For appetizers we chose the Fried Pickles and Fried Jalepenos. It doesn't say on the menu but we did 1/2 and 1/2 for one order.  They were fried, they were (oven) hot, the jalepenos had a good bite to them.  Great for a happy hour app.   I however was not on my A game.  I thought I got a picture of the full menu but did not.  Shame on me.  

So,  main courses.  

For me the chicken fried steak, green beans and mashed potatos.. The green beans were the star here even tho they were hidden under the steak and gravy.  Mashed potatoes, served in a small cast iron dish were nice and hot... that's about it.  They needed seasoning. The chicken fried steak and cream gravy served hot... it needed seasoning.  Alot of seasoning.  The meat was just that.  The gravy had a nice consistency but I added salt and a ton of pepper.  Again,  the green beens were great.  Nothing needed to be added to them.  

Hubby opted for the fried catfish.  It came with fries, coleslaw and a tarter sauce.  Again,  all piping hot but lacking in flavor.  The fish seemed to have been purchased pre-battered frozen, then fried,  making it very watery.  Again... needed seasoning.  Fries were ok.. regular crinkle cut fries from a bag.  Not spectacular. The cole slaw, same... purchased pre-made?  Dunno but just so so.  

This would be a great happy hour venue, for a big group.  The cocktail and beer varieties were great.  The appetizers we had, good.  The service, great.