Rate-A-Restaurant #250: Hash House A Go-Go

Restaurant: Hash House a Go Go

Location: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd S (Las Vegas)

Type of restaurant: Breakfast

We stipulated: We were in Vegas for our first time in more than five years, but with the kids in tow -- so we wanted to try a new place for breakfast that was also kid-friendly. Maria's friend suggested the Imperial Palace outpost of San Diego's Hash House a Go Go.

They stipulated: Executive Chef, Creator & Founder Craig "Andy" Beardslee's mission: "To keep the fun in food while pulling from the experiences of farm fresh agriculture, live stock, and old recipes with a twist."



What we ordered: Sage Fried Chicken and Hardwood Bacon Waffles Crowned with Fried Leeks and a Maple Reduction. ($15.95)

Kids' "Farmer's Delight" -- cinnamon banana pancake with eggs and bacon ($6.95)

High point: The chicken and waffles combo was great -- nice touch of bacon inside the waffle (my heart thanks you). But the real surprise was the kids' dish -- which honestly, was the proper size for a grown adult.

Low point: I didn't see any smoking going on inside the restaurant, but the Imperial Palace (where this location is based) has such a caked-in smoke smell from its years of service that it can't be avoided. And coming from L.A., you can't help but be noticed and bothered by it.



Overall impression: I'm glad we were warned about the massive portion sizes. Maria and I easily shared the chicken with waffles, while the boys easily split the kids' dish, with some to spare. You're in Vegas on vacation, so why cart out leftovers that you'll never eat? Split a dish, and suddenly it's a great breakfast bargain.



Chance we'll go back:  Quite possibly if we're back in Vegas -- but we'll check out the location at the newer M Resort, where I'm thinking the smoking smell isn't as caked in.

Rate-A-Restaurant #249: Mixt Greens

Restaurant: Mixt Greens

Location: 5757 Wilshire Blvd. (Miracle Mile)

Type of restaurant: Salads

We stipulated: Miracle Mile had been a vast lunchtime wasteland until the food trucks came along. Nonetheless, back when I worked at 5900 Wilshire, I welcomed the addition of Mixt Greens -- particularly because it replaced the dreadful O to Go.

They stipulated: "Mixt Greens was founded in San Francisco in 2005 and has since been voted San Francisco Chronicle's 'Best Healthy Lunch' in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as being certified as a 'Bay Area Green Business', one of only five restaurants with this designation." Mixt Greens specializes in design-your-own salads, with an escalating price structure depending on what you order.



What we ordered: Design your own salad ($6.95): : choose your greens, 2 staples, 2 specialties & dressing. I chose mixed greens, along with chickpeas, edamame, soba noodles and marinated tofu. Plus a mango citrus vinaigrette.

High point: I enjoy the ability to create your own salad with such a wide array of staples and specialties.

Low point: When Mixt Greens first opened, they were generous with the fixings -- and would add more if you asked. Now, not so much. The portions appear to be smaller, and they're stingy with the extras.



Overall impression: Be careful -- your salad could get really expensive with all the add-ons. That's why I make sure to stick with the basics.

Chance we'll go back:  Now that my office has moved to Century City, it's less likely. And honestly, once the portions got smaller, I stopped going. (It didn't help that I started hitting the food trucks).

Rate-A-Restaurant #248: Spring Street Smokehouse

Restaurant: Spring Street Smokehouse

Location: 640 N. Spring St. (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Barbecue

We stipulated: We've actually hit the Spring Street Smokehouse several times, usually with others who also have kids.

They stipulated: "Spring Street Smokehouse is an American Bar-B-Que joint offering all the classic barbecue meats, hickory-smoked from four to 18 hours. The meat is wonderfully dense and smoky and includes all the favorites youd expect: beef and pork ribs, Texas hot links, brisket, even deep fried turkey. The down-home sides of greens, beans and cornbread round out a truly authentic BBQ experience."



What we ordered: Smoked 1/2 tender chicken ("basted in our tangy homemade bbq sauce" with choice of Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, or French Fries) $8.95. Mac and cheese $3. Hush puppies $3.

High point: The sauces are nice, the hush puppies are amazing and the pulled pork sandwich (consumed on another visit) may be my favorite entree.

Low point: Not a kid-friendly menu. Tough to find something for the kids to eat on their own. The waiter suggested a hot link -- and I got one, assuming the kid could eat it like a hot dog. Um, no.



Overall impression: With so many decent BBQ spots now history (RIP, The Pig), the Smoke Street Smokehouse carries on the BBQ tradition nicely in downtown, right where Olvera meets Chinatown.

Chance we'll go back:  Yes, very likely.