Just heard that BJ’s restaurant will be opening a restaurant here in Tyler Texas near the mall.
The mall could use a nice restaurant like this nearby.
BJ’s restaurant is a place I enjoy eating at when in Dallas or Houston.
This restaurant offers several different beers, gourmet pizza, burgers, and quite a few different varieties of American food.
I would say BJ’s is about 10 times better than Chili’s, Applebees, and Olive Garden.
The best comparison to BJ’s might be The Cheesecake Factory.
All in all I think Tylerites will like BJ’s Restaurant.
Southeast Crossing Center
3320 Troup Highway Suite 170
Tyler 75701
903 593 1114
If it’s a Creole taste you’re craving – head for Fat Catz – a great and authentic Cajun restaurant located here in Tyler (and Terrell too by the way). They are open for lunch and evening meals from 5pm.
Fat Catz is a nice location for a meal. It has a great atmosphere – it is cool looking with painted murals on the walls and fairy lights whilst somehow still appearing like a ‘nice restaurant’ at the same time. It is clean and nicely laid out with tables in the middle (easily combined for larger parties) and booths by the windows on a higher level and a bar area further back. We were greeted by the restaurant manager (perhaps the proprietor?) on our arrival and he was most attentive to us during our meal which was nice. It’s good to feel appreciated as a customer!
Apparently there is live music in the bar area every Thursday night and other specials at Mardi Gras which are worth watching out for.
The food is very, very good. Here they are committed to bringing the best of Gulf Coast seafood with a Louisiana flavor. Try the fried pickles, frog’s legs or the Alligator tails if you want something a little different. They have traditional dishes like blackened fish, gumbo and jambalaya, plus plenty of fried shrimp, crab and other seafood. For the less adventurous palate they will also cook burgers, steak, chicken and even salad.
I have to say that the fries here are the best I have ever tasted, the shrimp was wonderful and the blackened fish was perfectly blackened. I also opted for sautéed onions and mushrooms, which had an amazing flavor – the spices and seasonings here are really good. You can dream of New Orleans with every mouthful! The desserts are delicious – beignets, mmm, and the Key Lime pie and cheesecakes looked good too. Oh one thing to add – come hungry – the portions are huge.
The price for the meal is kinda average for Tyler, you will pay around $15 for a special and around $5 each for dessert and appetizers. The children’s meals are $4 and are equally good quality – shame about the lack of vegetables (my usual gripe in American restaurants!) I have to say the service wasn’t very rapid, but for me, if the food is freshly cooked to order I can hardly complain. With such a wide selection of items on the menu, it is going to take a while to prepare them.
The nice folk at Fat Catz will also cater your event. They even offer Italian and Mexican menus as well as their own specialty. Check out the website for details.
One other tip – if you are looking for a great meal at a bargain price, buy a gift certificate for Fat Catz for a $25 value for $10 at www.restaurant.com
