635150 Thu Jul 09 04:41:54 -0700 2009 4 11 South 0 4842283 I stayed in Washington, NC last night and had another poor meal. Last time it was Blackbeard's, (I can get better seafood at Twin Tops in Gastonia) and last night was Laniers, 2 small crabcakes, wasabi aioli that was as thin as water, bland garlic mashed potatos, and a thimble of slaw. Naco, what is good here? Any good Mexican? thanks Thu Jul 09 04:41:54 -0700 2009 12607 Tee 1 4842476 Worthwhile in Washington: Bill's Hot Dogs. One of the landmark eastern NC hot dog places. The dog is basically all about the spicy mustard based chili, so make sure to order it with that. All the way is mustard, chili, and onions. Marabella: I've only eaten at the Greenville location, but the Washington place is run by the same folks, and apparently the only difference is that Washington is a larger restaurant with a fuller menu. The best pizza in eastern NC by far, especially the European style pies. For non Tex-Mex Mexican, there's El Autentico. It's pretty good, especially relative to other local options. My major caveat here is that when I went, the sanitation score was a C. It looked fine to me, so I went ahead and ate, but your mileage may vary. There is also a panaderia(Mexican bakery) called La Perla downtown near the waterfront. It's on Water Street, just down from the Estuarium. The tres leches cake is my favorite(here or at any other panaderia). They usually keep this in a drink cooler. There's another Mexican place near downtown called El Rodeo which I haven't checked out. I don't think it's a Tex-mex place because the location used to be called Taqueria El Zarape(IIRC). King Chicken does really good fried chicken. I used to eat there all the time when I worked in Washington. I'm not a fan of any of the newer frou-frou places downtown or either of the bbq joints in Washington- Boss Hogg's and Hog Heaven. Boss Hogg's is bland and will cover your bbq in a Lexington style sauce if you're not careful. They do have pretty good bbq chicken if you stay away from the Lexington sauce. Hog Heaven can be decent, but the quality is all over the map- I used to eat there with my grandparents a lot, and there seemed to be little, if any, quality control. Random thoughts on the general area: Sometimes there are food vendors at the Poorman's Flea Market on 264 between Greenville and Washington on Saturday mornings. You can usually score some elotes at this time of year at a minimum. I haven't been in a long time, but the Acre Station Meat Farm in Pinetown(10-15 mins E/NE of Washington) has a restaurant, and they'd occasionally have unusual menu items like brains and other offal. Thu Jul 09 06:18:50 -0700 2009 4842283 124150 Naco 2 4844211 Thanks Naco. Eastern NC is lucky to have you. I saw Marabella, El Authentico and King Chicken. I am actually in Wilson today and headed to TyT for dinner , thanks again, to you! Thu Jul 09 14:43:54 -0700 2009 4842476 12607 Tee 3 4844279 I disagree about the downtown places - Down on Main has good food (great fried shrimp & shrimp burgers) - casual, fun place. Pia's downtown is also very good - great seared tuna appetizer. Backwater Jack's - way down east main before the bridge over to Washington Park is also a fun, lively place with good casual food. You can sit outside and look at the river while you're eating. I've heard there is a new Mexican food place down River Road (near the Rebel) that is good, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. Thu Jul 09 15:04:52 -0700 2009 4844211 16001 Jeanne 4 4844582 Jeanne, I called on a customer this morning who suggested, and I quote, "Down on Main, Pia's, and Backwater Jacks"! Too funny - You have good taste! I tried D on M but they are closed for vacation, reopening the 14th, (I think) Thanks for the suggestions, for me and the board. I did search it prior to going out and washington had zip. Thu Jul 09 16:59:21 -0700 2009 4844279 12607 Tee