After being seated at most restaurants, you are given the menu and a wine list. The first thing I do is to look for a wine that I am familiar with, and see what they are charging.
Why? I can tell what type of markup they are charging. Restaurants pay approximately 60% of the retail price that you and I pay for a bottle of wine and then mark it up to their sale price.
That is why I enjoy dining and supporting the local restaurants that are BYOB. BYOB’s offer a combination of great food and a bottle of wine at my price. The following are my five favorite BYOB restaurants:
Covino’s Pasta and Pizza – Covino’s has been serving its Plano neighbors since 1990, and on the weekends, the place is jammed with families waiting patiently for solid pizza, calzones, and hearty pasta dishes served by sweet-natured high schoolers. The Abruzzi bread—perfect flour-dusted pizza dough stuffed with sausage, pepperoni, provolone, and fresh spinach and then sliced—is worth that weekend wait. The family runs the place and make you feel like your dining at home. How well do I like it? I have celebrated 3 of my last 4 birthdays at Covino’s. Tell Joe I sent you!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Covinos-Pasta-Pizza/189960311077186
Simon’s Sushi – Located just off the intersection of 75 and Plano Parkway in a strip center, you will find an incredible family-owned sushi restaurant. Simon is the head sushi chef, greeter, and entertainment all wrapped in one package. Sit at the Sushi bar and get to know Simon, he is always up to the conversation and will gladly join you for a drink if you offer. Ask for the special menu, that is where you find his creations and original sushi offerings, and in my opinion, the best items. Try the “BTS” roll and see if you don’t agree.
https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Sushi-91793981244/
Thai Thumbz – A new entry into our rotation, in the east side of Richardson in the Shire shopping center, is authentic Thai with fresh ingredients, served in an enjoyable setting. The portions are shareable. Be careful when you order your spice level as the Thai chefs are liberal in making your meal enjoyable and hot.
https://www.facebook.com/thaithumbz/
20 Feet Seafood Joint – Hidden in East Dallas off Peavy Road is the best Lobster Roll in Texas. You might recognize co-owner and chef Marc Cassel and have experienced his food in Dallas at Baby Routh, The Mansion, Star Canyon and The Green Room. Try the daily specials and enjoy the music when you go. Just remember to get their early or plan to bring an extra bottle as you wait for your table.
https://www.facebook.com/20FeetSeafoodJoint/
Urbano Café – Tucked in Esat Dallas and right next door to Jimmy’s Food Market. At dinnertime, the white tablecloths come out, and the kitchen turns out fairly priced fine dining options, many prepared using fresh produce from Tom Spicer’s shop next door. The menu is small, with a rotating selection of blackboard specials Fine dining and BOYB.
https://www.facebook.com/UrbanoCafe/
These are my Top 5 – What are yours? Got a favorite? Leave a comment and then let’s find a time to go together. I will bring the wine.
Thanks again for all the comments and feedback.
Michael Tannery CPA, CDFA® AIF®
Registered Principal
Tannery & Company
Tax – Accounting – Wealth Management
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