Wi-Fi Archives - Tylerites

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott Tyler – Now Open!

The Courtyard hotel is officially open as of July 1st, 2010

Amenities include:
121 guest rooms and suites, including luxurious jacuzzi suites
4,200 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space
On-site fitness center featuring cardio equipment and free weights
Indoor pool and spa
42″ LCD flat screen tvs in every room
Free wireless internet
Patio with fire-pit
Starbucks available 24 hours a day
The Bistro Eat. Drink. Connect. restaurant and bar

Stop in and check it out!
For reservations go to http://www.courtyardtyler.com

Courtyard by Marriott
7424 South Broadway Avenue
Tyler, TX 75703
(903) 509-4411

The Egg & I

Tylerites 10 Comments

The Egg & I has been around for several months now, and I just got around to trying it out. I’d heard good things, but I’m not typically a big go out for breakfast person. I was up early last Saturday and had some free time so I decided to pop in for some good breakfast.

We got a booth and I promptly ordered a Diet Coke. I just can’t do the coffee thing. There were several things on the menu that looked good, and I was having a tough time decided what to get. I was leaning towards the breakfast quesadillas, but was still feeling very wishy-washy. When our server, Ramona stopped by to take our order I decided to ask for her help. She said the quesadillas are good but her favorite thing is the Athena Scramble which is scrambled eggs, feta cheese, tomatoes, asparagus, and portabella mushrooms. That sounded pretty good to me so I took her advice and went for it. My sister got the Mediterranean frittata which is egg whites, sundried tomatoes, chicken and cheese.

Our food arrived fast, and I thought mine was really, really tasty. I was very happy with Ramona’s suggestion and ate almost all of my eggs. It came with an English muffin and breakfast potatoes which were also delicious. My sister enjoyed her frittata as well.

As impressed as I was by the food, I was even more impressed by the service we received from Ramona. She was a fantastic waitress! She was impeccably polite, she offered great suggestions, and she was quick and efficient despite the number of tables she was serving. I suggest asking for her section the next time you visit. I’d also highly recommend the Athena Scramble.

The Egg & I
150 East 9th Street
Tyler, TX 75701-4227
(903) 592-3447

The Diner

Tylerites 3 Comments

The Diner, located on South Broadway, recently re-opened after a driver crashed his SUV into the front of the restaurant causing extensive damage. With a revamped dining room, menu additions, and a transition to a sit down restaurant vs. the former order at counter, The Diner has alot to offer.

I never had a chance to eat at The Diner B.C. (before crash), so I can’t really compare the new and presumably improved Diner to the old one, but I can say that I had a pretty good experience there on the night of their grand re-opening. My sister and I came in for dinner to try it out after she saw a Facebook status that they were offering free pancakes on their opening day. Though we waited a long time to get our food, I was actually really impressed with what I ordered. I got a slice of ham quiche and a cup of chicken tortilla soup, and my sister had the blackened chicken with veggies. We both agreed that everything was delicious. I did take one of the free pancakes home and ate it later for dessert, and it was also very tasty.

By far, the coolest thing about The Diner is the awesome pictures in their dining room of old Tyler restaurants. I didn’t get to look at them all, but I did see one that appeared to be the Jake’s building, and another that could have possibly been in the tall antique shop just south of the Square. I’d like to go back sometime and inspect the pictures more closely.

Overall, I think The Diner is a pretty great place. The food is good and reasonably priced, the interior is pleasantly decorated, and it’s conveniently located less than a mile from my new office. I feel confident in saying that I will be visiting again soon.

The Diner
7924 South Broadway Avenue
Tyler, TX 75703-5252
(903) 509-3463

Downtown Coffee Lounge

Tylerites 15 Comments

Anyone who feels the need to gain some cool points definitely needs to check out the new Downtown Coffee Lounge. I really don’t think I am actually cool enough to hang out there, but I can pretend, can’t I?

Located on the Square at the corner of Erwin and College, the Downtown Coffee Lounge sells coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, pastries, and smoothies. They even have a frozen espresso that tastes just like a Snickers bar. I must admit that I have not tried their coffee yet, but I’m not much of a coffee drinker.

Without a doubt, the coolest thing that the Downtown Coffee Lounge has going for it is it’s awesome decor. It’s laid out in a way that encourages guests to relax and stay awhile. It would be a great place to read a book or get caught up on homework. In the back, there’s even a nice boardroom, which should come in handy for all the legal offices downtown. I also love the art work displayed on the walls, which are oil paintings of Tyler by Jacqueline Chubirka and are all for sale.

Every Tylerite seriously needs to check this place out. Hopefully more businesses will follow suit and help revitalize downtown Tyler. For more info follow them on Facebook or visit www.downtowncoffeelounge.com.

Downtown Coffee Lounge
200 W. Erwin St.
Tyler, TX, 75702
(903) 266-9192

The Potpourri House

Tylerites 7 Comments

The Potpourri House on Troup Hwy. offers a unique experience for shoppers and diners alike. Food choices range from a variety of specialty salads to chicken fried steak to their famous Chicken Lou Al. My personal favorites are the strawberry salad and the pimento cheese spread.

In addition to the delicious food, the Potpourri House sells unique jewelry, home decor, clothing, and candles. Their holiday Christmas tree display is not to be missed.

One thing I will say is that this store caterers heavily to the female population. Though there are a few male friendly options on the menu such as chicken fried steak, a man would really need to be in touch with his feminine side to eat here. Nearly every day guests can catch a glimpse of a red hat lady meeting in the dining room or of a melodic trio serenading lunch guests.

Be sure to follow the Potpourri House on Twitter to catch special offers.

The Potpourri House
3320 Troup Highway
Tyler, TX 75701-8338
(903) 592-4171

Einstein Bros Bagels

Tylerites 14 Comments

A Formal Apology

I wrote before about my first impression of Einstein Bros Bagels restaurant and coffee shop. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it wasn’t good either. It would be fair to say that I thought it was just ok. I’d like to take this opportunity to say I was wrong, and I am sorry.

I have since been to Einstein several times, and have been happy with each of these subsequent visits. It turns out that my hunch was right – stick to what Einstein does best and order a bagel. Upon the recommendation of a friend, I ordered something I probably wouldn’t have ordered on my own, but I am thankful I was turned on to the deliciousness of the garden veggie spread on a toasted Asiago cheese bagel. They toast the bagel perfectly and don’t skimp on the spread, making each bite better than the last. Especially the bites in the middle where most of the spread seems to end up.

In addition to their fantastic bagels, the coffee is good too. I’ve ordered several of their pumpkin lattes, and they are hot and delicious each time. I’d like to try something else at Einstein, but now that I’ve found the Asiago bagel with garden veggie spread and their lattes, I doubt I will stray too far. I am happy I was able to make peace with Einstein and see what they really have to offer.

Einstein Bros Bagels
4500 S Broadway Ave
Tyler, TX 75703-1305
(903) 509-2929

Caffe Tazza

Tylerites 8 Comments

What’s the best place to go in Tyler for a light brunch and a specialty coffee or tea? Caffe Tazza, obviously. Located in the Harley’s shopping center next door to Garden Style (best florist in town, by the way), Caffe Tazza offers a selection of breakfast pastries, muffins, sandwiches, salads, and gelato along with gourmet coffees and teas, and a small selection of wines.

Caffe Tazza specializes in what my husband may call ‘chick food’, but that’s probably why I love it so much. One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday lunch is at one of their patio tables with my sister and a stack of magazines. We love to split the veggie sandwich on Ciabatta bread with a side of fruit and either a Chai Granita or a glass of Prosecco, and some days I like to indulge with a scoop of Spumoni gelato to finish things off.

Caffe Tazza is a great spot for unwinding with girlfriends or taking a break from a day of shopping. If your husbands or boyfriends are brave enough to come with you, they do have some delicious and hearty looking Belgian waffles and omelets, and a yummy turkey bacon avocado croissant that I would consider to be guy-approved foods. Coffee lovers must try Caffe Tazza’s signature drink, the cappuccino, with perfectly proportioned espresso, thick and creamy steamed milk and foam. Or, try a pumpkin latte if you are in a seasonal mood. Caffe Tazza is definitely a must-try for all my lady Tylerites.

Caffe Tazza
4815 Old Bullard Rd # 107
Tyler, TX 75703-1214
(903) 581-6601

Einstein Bros Bagels

Tylerites 4 Comments

Buffalo Wild Wings

Tylerites 3 Comments

Buffalo Wild Wings has many locations other than their new location on Broadway in Tyler, however the Tyler location has something all the others do not… it’s Tylerite patrons!

The food is the same delicious menu you would find in other Buffalo Wild Wings locations, including their gigantic hamburgers such as the Bacon Cheddar Burger, their rib and chicken tenders platters, and of course their legendary buffalo wings – with or without bone – in your choice from their selection of 14 sauces ranging from the tame Sweet BBQ to the mouth burning Blazin’ flavor. If you’re thinking no buffalo wing establishment is complete without a good selection of beers you need not worry. Buffalo Wild Wings has you covered in the beer department, with many varieties available on tap.

Yes, the food is great, but it’s not the best thing about Tyler’s new Buffalo Wild Wings. The best thing about this place is the crowd. Always busy, but never TOO busy, Buffalo Wild Wings is the new place in Tyler to see and be seen. Don’t worry about getting dressed up or getting your hair done though, because this place is casual with a laid back atmosphere. I do recommend however, making sure your face is wiped clean of wing sauce before chatting up that table next to yours.

Buffalo Wild Wings
7916 S Broadway Ave # A
Tyler, TX 75703
(903) 939-0698