Redneck Heaven
It’s been said that in recent times, especially during our current economy, the food industry will try to capitalize on any gimmick to draw in the crowds. In order to bolster consumer spending in this area, the industry has been shifting their focus on venues designed to lift sagging consumer confidence by pairing spirits with appealing table-side visuals. Enter the “breast-aurant”. Once upon a time, the field was dominated by only one or two chains and a few local hangouts, Hooters being foremost in this category. Now the pool has considerably grown, especially in the DFW area, with the likes of Twin Peaks and Bone Daddy’s. Redneck Heaven joins the fray, featuring food, booze and games, served up by the requisite scantily-clad waitresses. Redneck Heaven recycles the old concept that bikes, babes and booze go well together, and gambles on this idea by positioning their restaurant in a family-friendly middle-class suburban location.
I must admit a bit of surprise when I first entered Redneck Heaven…I expected the pool tables and a boisterous bar atmosphere. What I didn’t expect was the barely-legal waitstaff, prancing around in skimpy attire, and at least one family with 4 children, lunching here. But I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised…the bar’s exterior vaguely gave off that “M for Mature” vibe. Or is that M for Mischief?
But my fiance and I were here for the food, and in particular, we came for the burgers. I am pleased to report that Redneck served up decent cooked-to-order burgers; no fancy sauces or exotic preparations here. They have a limited collection of condiments, since their burgers come sans dressings: ketchup and mustard, and if you ask nicely, they’ll bring out packets of mayonnaise. My burger was a grilled, medium-rare, hand-formed patty…I requested the bleu cheese burger with no pickles, extra onions and a cup of their broccoli cheese soup. The thick cheesy soup may have been overkill after our appetizer of chili cheese fries liberally garnished with jalapenos, which I’m happy to say tasted fine. The chili seemed to have been a house-made variety, with a good balance of ground beef and beans. A word about the beef–Redneck Heaven likes mentioning that they serve Nolan Ryan beef…and for a local eatery, I have to give them a thumbs-up for partnering with a home-grown legend.
Because the food seemed rendered capably, my dining companion and I both agreed that Redneck’s kitchen deserves a second chance despite the fact that this really wasn’t our type of venue. For those lonely male diners however, Redneck’s is sure to please. But guys, be sure to know your limits or you might just turn off that pretty waitress you’re trying to impress…the house special drink called Minnow Bomb does feature a live fish, and you might end up in the parking lot, hurling up said sushi and whatever meal that preceded it. Don’t say they didn’t warn ya–it’s on the menu.
My rating: stars
