Cheap Lunch With Betty: Rib-it • El Rodeo

Where To Find That $5.00 Lunch...

Rib-It
3315 Hartzdale Drive, Camp Hill
763-1662
Rib-It Hi, Betty here, and today I must confess that I’ve been to this restaurant before. I usually quest to find new culinary venues for this piece, but occasionally I go back to tried and true places. Such was the case with Rib-It. I was in search of a good lunch value and I knew I could count on Rib-It. With the not-too-obvious sports memorabilia surrounding the dining room, Rib-It has a masculine, yet comfortable, feel to it. I would feel equally at ease with my grandson in tow, or my attorney. The nice, high ceilings make you feel like there’s a lot of air and space and adds to my comfort level. I’m a sucker for a marquis that advertises a cheap lunch so this was a no-brainer for me. Lunch specials start at $2.99 for the B.L.T., but ultimately I was hungry for a grilled chicken filet sandwich ($3.99) served with seasoned steak fries and a pickle spear. My three options were BBQ, cajun, and herb grilled; I chose the latter. It was wonderful! The boneless breast meat was tender and juicy and perfect. It really hit the proverbial spot. My friend was also impressed with her choice, a grilled tuna sandwich ($4.99) served with herb mayonnaise and steak fries. She, however, substituted a salad and found the whole meal wonderful. The tuna was done well, not overcooked, and it had an incredible flavor. Some other choices that fall into the under-$5 price range include but are not limited to the buffalo chicken cheese steak sautéed in wing sauce, caesar salad, and the traditional soup and salad combination. You also have the added convenience of faxing your order in ahead of time for even quicker service. Betty highly reccomends Rib-It for a good, cheap lunch!

El Rodeo
4659 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg
652-5340
Bien Venidos Amigos (Welcome friend)! I did feel welcome at El Rodeo, where I was greeted by a Mexican server who was quick with the chips and salsa upon our arrival. El Rodeo caught my eye when I noticed their banner promoting their Tuesday and Thursday lunch specials. Here’s the deal — any lunch special costs $4.20with chicken or $3.75 with beef. I was impressed with the authentic flavor of El Rodeo (and I’m not even describing the food yet!). Authentic Mexican music complemented the restaurants décor rich with brick archways, and even parrots!. The menu features Mexican sodas along with full Mexican fare and even includes descriptions of basic entrées for those less familiar with south of the border terminology. I went with lunch special #6, which featured a beef burrito (flour tortilla rolled around with meat, topped with cheese and onion sauce) and a beef enchilada (tortillas rolled around seasoned fillings, topped with sauce and cheese). To be honest, I couldn’t figure out which was which, but to my delight, both were tasty, so it didn’t much matter. With a drink, my meal came to a mere $4.74. My companion took a chance on the chicken Chimichanga (one flour tortilla filled with chicken, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and guacamole — served with Spanish rice and beans). She said it was great! It had a nice texture and was really tasty! At first glance she thought the beans were mushy and weird, but after tasting them, she decided they were probably some of the best she’s had. Her meal came to $4.44. After a great tasting meal, I’d been completely satisfied, but she couldn’t resist the fried ice cream ($2.25) that was nicely presented with chocolate and cherry sauce and topped with whipped cream. El Rodeo, in my opinion, makes every effort to satisfy those in search of a good, cheap Mexican lunch. Mucha’s gracias por venir (Thank you for coming)!