A few of my yelp reviews of late--The Toasted Traveler, Salathai--Closed, Moe's Southwestern Grill--Closed

Salathai--Mom and Pop Thai in Country Hearth Hotel

Moe's Southwest Grill--semi-fast burritos and such

Toasted Traveler--food truck

Taylor County Taphouse--Super Popular New Wave Comfort Food and Beer Garden

Taylor County Taphouse is the hoppin' place in town right now and they do live up to their name with a gargantuan list of beers to try both on tap and by the bottle.  The atmosphere is loud when the place is full (and it definitely was on a Friday night) but that goes along with the vibe they are cultivating.  We were seating within 10 minutes when we arrived at 6:30pm but shortly thereafter the small waiting area was overflowing. The dining room is average sized with tables close together. Not really a romantic date place but great for a fun night with friends. 

Thick cut chicken-fried bacon with mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy

We began with the deep fried thick-cut bacon, biscuits and gravy ($7). It was scrumptious! 

For dinner, my husband had the chicken fried steak ($15) and I ordered the green chile shrimp and grits ($14).  The portions were average but we weren't hungry when we left. The hubby enjoyed his CFS. The ingredients were top notch, though my grits were a bit on the clumpy side. There were about 6 good sized shrimp in my dish. They are still refining the menu, so what you see on their page online may not be what you see on the menu when you get there. Also, expect to spend some money. The starters range in price from $5 for deviled eggs to $15 for a charcuterie board (meats and cheeses with crackers and a honeycomb). Entrees start at $9 and go up to $32. Salads and soups also available for lighter appetites. If you are into craft and imported beers you could rack up quite the bill before it is all said and done. 

Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and stir-fried green beans with garlic

Our server was knowledgeable and attentive despite the place being jam-packed. The decor is dark wood and there is a large patio (curretly enclosed due to temperatures) that will be great in warmer weather.  The only blip during our visit was the fire alarm going off a couple of times. New cooks in the kitchen?

I think for me it will be apps and a cold beverage on the patio with my compadres once springtime gets here.

4002 Catclaw Dr.
325-704-2500
http://www.taylorcountytaphouse.com/

Hashi Teppan Grill--Fast and Flavorful Japanese

I think I have found my "go to" place for quick Japanese food.  Hashi is tasty and reasonably priced...just wish it was closer to my house! Me, my husband and son went by for dinner while out Christmas shopping. I had the hibachi shrimp with fried rice and grilled vegetables, my husband had the steak with double fried rice and my son had the salmon (he raved about it) with fried rice and veggies.  They also have chicken and Hashi steak which I believe has sauce on it. 

Steak with double fried rice

We also ordered a California roll for an appetizer. The roll was pre-made. They do not make the sushi in front of you, my only complaint. They do have a variety of sauces. The ginger sauce seemed to be homemade and was quite good. The fried rice reminded me of the now closed Fuji which made the BEST fried rice in town.

Meals range from $6.50 (hibachi vegetables) to $9.50 (Hashi steak). On the menu it states they you have a choice of a starch OR a vegetable but when we went they gave us two sides but then again they had just opened the week before and probably wanted to build up good word of mouth.

Salmon with fried rice and vegetables

The set up is that you go through the line and order. Pay the cashier and they will bring out your food packaged in take-out containers. Seating is limited, so you may not find a table during peak hours.

Service was very friendly and efficient. There is a cook at the hibachi making the meats after you order. The rice, veggies, noodles and appetizers are already made and you can see them dishing them up behind the glass barrier. There are also Asian salads and soups.

The decor is minimalist and the restaurant is very clean. I'm sure we will go back since it is less expensive and quicker than the sit-down hibachi places. However, the sushi won't be a draw since it is similar to what I can get at the grocery store.

Hashi

3388 Rebecca Lane

Abilene, Texas 79606

T: (325) 704-5388

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hashi-Teppan/1462333737380977