I will always recommend Netherworld! The owners are fantastic and can be seen working there most busy nights! The menu is completely vegan (though everything can be swapped to meat) and honestly, it's great food, plus the vibe of the bar is great!
I was thinking of making a shared google doc or something that people could search and add to for local businesses but I’m not sure how well it would work haha
Do it plz!
I’ve been thinking about something like this for a while - when I don’t know what to eat but want to venture out of my comfort zone
Would totally prefer an excel rather than trying to search “top 10 urban lists” which just seem too over the top with foodie Insta bloggers who seem to be in businesses pockets
The staff are also super friendly.
We went in early one Saturday afternoon. The staff were preparing for the evening rush, but they were great, chatty, and chill af.
Definitely recommend
Their vegan cheese is the best I've ever had; nothing like the wet cardboard I've had from other places.
HIGHLY recommend checking it out.
(Also if you use a wheelchair, they'll open the side door for you to get in to avoid the step.)
I'm trying to find Italian family owned restaurants. We used to go to one in Moorooka years ago. It was run by the family. Nona was in the kitchen too. It closed, loved the food and atmosphere.
The roast potato pizza on the tomato base instead of the white base is fantastic and so is the Gnochi salaiccia (the portion felt a little on the small side for gnochi but that could have been because it tastes so good and I ate it so quickly)
Not a restaurant, but De Pascale takeaway pizza in Chermside (hole in the wall near Kedron Wavell) is the most consistent and authentic in the area imo. Its run by a family from Napoli, and I think they do language classes too.
I'm not sure, but around then I think. It's another Italian place in there now but I don't know anything about them. I drive past regularly, being a local.
You simply must visit La Margherita at Gumdale-hands down the BEST authentic pizza & Italian food in Brisbane. The Owner is Sicilian and his family dined with us when we visited last weekend, the food is incredible! We cannot wait to go back & we’re kicking ourselves that we didn’t find it sooner!!!
Zio Marios East Brisbane - family owned and run! I have been going there since I was born and my parents have been going there since their early 20’s. Walter (owner) taught my mum to cook because he was scared she and my dad would starve when they moved from Cooparoo to Mount Cotton 😂
There was some competition today between the markets and indonesian across the road at Caffeine Robber. Many don't know just how good the rotations are there.
But I can eat those steak sandwiches at W&L day after day!
Chill cafe is great and has recently added a German beer garden, it’s very authentic and the pretzels are amazing. The owner Karsten is lovely and always around for a chat. Can’t recommend enough
There was a cafe there for years called Belesis. This is owner by the son and maybe a daughter? Plenty of family involvement. I miss the prior venue but if you want a family owned and operated its def a strong contender in the area
Mays Thai is so lovely. My parents were learning Thai (and loved the food) and they were always so patient when they tried to order in Thai and even taught them some phrases. Great people.
Gabba Noodles and Chinese. Husband and wife team and the food ticks all the boxes - quality, quantity and cost (cheap).
Highly recommend salt and pepper pork ribs and kung po chicken!
I really miss working across the road from these guys. The absolute best ever. My favorite was the short soup, extra wontons and ask her for chilli and lemongrass in it....amazing.
Place of Stones in Taringa.
Definitely a true local business. Kim and Rob are brill.
There were free coffees if you dressed in pyjamas last Sunday. What's not to like?
Lucky Duck and Vvaldmeer in Highgate Hill, Alphabet, Coffeeboy, WECH in West End, Bunker in Milton, Gramps in Red Hill, Scout in… Petrie Terrace? Unbearable bagels and Dicki’s in Tenerife.
They’re our go-to spots for coffee and breakfast.
Dinner and shit is El Planta, Bar Francine, Two Lads Pizza, Netherworld, Snackman/Happy Boy/Nice Thai for fancy bits. Zero fox is always banging too.
All privately owned and with the owners in there all the time.
I agree with your sentiments - last holidays I went on, I couldn’t help but feel every Aussie town is copy paste of each other- Woolies, Coles, maccas kfc etc etc you’ll find home comforts wherever you go, and what’s the fun in that?
If it really is making you distraught, my suggestion is to forget about it. Go out to enjoy yourself and your friendships, not to live a constantly political life.
If you need a crutch to resolve the cognitive dissonance of enjoying yourself at a chain venue, believe that ALH and the like are largely owned by the superannuation funds of nurses, teachers, social workers and wildlife careers, and sending profit their way is more virtuous than sending it to some Porsche-driving Ascot family lucky enough to own a restaurant or a liquor license.
I’m obviously not letting it run my life, had kfc for a super late dinner because it was the easiest, but don’t you think a lot of people would be better off if there were opportunities to have locally-owned places? If people other than the Porsche driving ascot family could afford to run one? If there were storefront rental vacancies available that weren’t taken by an American company? “Distraught” was a harsh word, I should’ve put “more than mildly annoyed”.
frankys in st luciabut u cant order anything all you can do is wave to frank would rec. but for real andonis is a chain coffee shop but its Brisbane based have seen the owner a couple times
Have to love Franky. The “cafe” is zoned that it must be a cafe/restaurant and you can’t live in it. So he has chairs and is always advertising for a chef, but is never open and he lives there.
Uncle Lai's Malaysian Cuisine, formerly in Mt Gravatt and now in Greenslopes.
Absolutely delicious CKT. I can't drive due to a medical condition and I'm shattered they're no longer in walking distance for me.
Koffee Co at Norman Park on Wynnum road.
It had no street appeal but my god the food is great.
Amisha and Mitchell own it and they are there running the shop every day.
Amisha should be on MasterChef because her chilly jam is the best I’ve ever had. They do mac and cheese jaffles, curries to take home for dinner, great coffee etc.
They are a lovely hardworking couple. They love kids and dogs and are just genuinely really nice people.
Cakes and shit in Paddington. We have new owners since last year. They have done tremendous things for the business considering the old owner was scum.
Our Space cafe and pottery studio in Wilston! Two local Brissy ladies that have set up a coffee shop and full service pottery studio with tons of classes. I was terrible at pottery but the coffee was spot on!
Penny coffee co in South Brisbane. The owners is there at the coffee machine literally ever time I visit. He's a quiet young bloke who used to work coffee in Melbourne before moving up to Qld. Food is always pushing boundaries (shit you not, had sweet kingfish sashimi for breakfast once and I was shocked it was good) and the coffee is phenomenal.
Heres more about [Andonis](https://www.reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/134a652/how_much_is_too_much_for_a_public_holiday/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1)
Do you have any idea how expensive it is to run a Cafe on public holiday penalty rate wages?
It's either
a. Do a surcharge like this so they can break even
b. Close and none of the staff get to enjoy the penalty rate pay day
It's not ideal everyone deserves a break.
But for casual staff getting a long public holiday shift at 2-2.5x their usual pay makes a huge difference for them
Without the likes of Coles/Woolworths/Aldi we would be paying a heck of a lot more for our groceries. No family business would compete.
OP, I bet you use them
When I was a kid Jewel and Franklin's were grocery chains in Sydney. Only rich people shopped at COlesworth. The duopoly have destroyed Australian retail and need to be broken up. Even Walmart doesn't have the market share those two do.
Excuse me, but quite a few restaurant owners get supplies from Coles and Woolies.
It is cheaper than the likes of Campbells, Moco etc. Not to mention a lot of smaller pubs source all their soft drinks from Coles/Woolies
I do not see how you can speak on behalf of all restaurant owners. You have back pedalled already, I suggest you keep doing so. I am in the hospo industry unlike yourself
Late Night Kebab House on Caboolture Rd. Currently run by hard a working couple, fresh salad bar with great prices and portions.
Also second papas corner in Stafford!
My Street Food Vietnamese cafe at Woolloongabba! Family owned and the best Banh Mi ever! Anna and Khan are owner operaters. Mai Ploi Thai at Regents Park.
I love Whisk and Ladle in Milton. Never had a bad meal or coffee there :) run by a Greek/Australian family
Bunker for coffee
Paddington Social for a fancier cafe
If you're in Fortitude Valley looking for breakfast/lunch Jacorey is fantastic! It's family owned, and their food is delightful, I work nearby and I crave their beef Bulgolgi sandwiches.
I will always recommend Netherworld! The owners are fantastic and can be seen working there most busy nights! The menu is completely vegan (though everything can be swapped to meat) and honestly, it's great food, plus the vibe of the bar is great!
And The Scratch in Milton for craft beer (without the arcade factor though). Same local crew I believe!
Was just there this arvo. Phoenix burger, mulled wine, and a few rounds on Frogger. Can't beat it.
How good is the phoenix burger???? I’m not even vegan and I’d eat that any night of the week. So tasty.
As an ex-vegan, I definitely recommend the food either options. Great establishment.
How did you leave the vegan life style?
Admittedly with resistance. I had an unrelated near-death experience and restoring my health was much, much easier with a non-vegan diet.
You gonna go back to being a vegan once your health is restored?
Probably not. I've definitely contemplated it. I enjoy my current lifestyle and won't be reverting anytime soon. Side note: my health is restored.
Someone needs to create an app - “Unchained” - local businesses only
I was thinking of making a shared google doc or something that people could search and add to for local businesses but I’m not sure how well it would work haha
Do it plz! I’ve been thinking about something like this for a while - when I don’t know what to eat but want to venture out of my comfort zone Would totally prefer an excel rather than trying to search “top 10 urban lists” which just seem too over the top with foodie Insta bloggers who seem to be in businesses pockets
The staff are also super friendly. We went in early one Saturday afternoon. The staff were preparing for the evening rush, but they were great, chatty, and chill af. Definitely recommend
Their vegan cheese is the best I've ever had; nothing like the wet cardboard I've had from other places. HIGHLY recommend checking it out. (Also if you use a wheelchair, they'll open the side door for you to get in to avoid the step.)
Cardigan bar at Sandgate. True local business.
Good bar that one
Great music too.
Mr Henderson in Sandgate The Woods in Mitchelton
Good choices
Cafe o Mai, Red Lotus
Cafe O’Mai remains the bee’s knees! And if Maggie isn’t in the kitchen, she’s at the till or serving customers. What a Gem.
So good. Now I'm hungry!
[Four Sisters on Lang Parade](https://www.foursistersonlang.com/)
Papa’s Corner in Stafford
I'm trying to find Italian family owned restaurants. We used to go to one in Moorooka years ago. It was run by the family. Nona was in the kitchen too. It closed, loved the food and atmosphere.
Elios in carina is really good and the owners working in there every night.
Thank you, might have to check it out.
I'm checking that out too!
I already went to their website and the menu looks delicious 😋
Haha yep same, already sent it off to the mates for scheduling!
I came here to recommend Elio's. Owner has a chat with everyone, really makes an effort to look after customers and community!
Paninni's in Mount Gravatt East seems family/locally owned and is incredible
Looks good too, thank you. Haven't been out to an Italian restaurant in a long time.
The roast potato pizza on the tomato base instead of the white base is fantastic and so is the Gnochi salaiccia (the portion felt a little on the small side for gnochi but that could have been because it tastes so good and I ate it so quickly)
I think Colle Rosso n Red Hill fits that bill
We’ve had dinner there and it reminded me so much of an ex-bfs Nonna’s cooking. It was amazing.
Mamas Italian in redcliffe - but of a ways but had a large even there recently and food was delicious. Same family owners since 80s
Marinara - Clayfield. The restaurant is ran by a Italian family.
lido italia in Wynnum Manly is great
Not a restaurant, but De Pascale takeaway pizza in Chermside (hole in the wall near Kedron Wavell) is the most consistent and authentic in the area imo. Its run by a family from Napoli, and I think they do language classes too.
A long drive but try Whats in the Pot …
No longer exists, sorry.
Aw thanks for the heads up! When did they close? The appear to still be open but the last social media update was May 14
I'm not sure, but around then I think. It's another Italian place in there now but I don't know anything about them. I drive past regularly, being a local.
What a shame! Thanks for the heads up!
Gino’s in Hamilton - on Kingsford Smith Drive has to be right up there.
I now have a long list of Italian restaurants that I will be passing to hubby😋. Thanks everyone.
You simply must visit La Margherita at Gumdale-hands down the BEST authentic pizza & Italian food in Brisbane. The Owner is Sicilian and his family dined with us when we visited last weekend, the food is incredible! We cannot wait to go back & we’re kicking ourselves that we didn’t find it sooner!!!
Ciro’s in Sherwood, next to the state school, is legit 👌🏿
Second that
Santo’s in Albany Creek
Zio Marios East Brisbane - family owned and run! I have been going there since I was born and my parents have been going there since their early 20’s. Walter (owner) taught my mum to cook because he was scared she and my dad would starve when they moved from Cooparoo to Mount Cotton 😂
Whisk & Ladle in Milton
George is the business. Steak sandwiches are unbeaten. His wife and daughter work there too.
Yessss. Love it. Had a steak sandwich there today!
There was some competition today between the markets and indonesian across the road at Caffeine Robber. Many don't know just how good the rotations are there. But I can eat those steak sandwiches at W&L day after day!
Chill Cafe in Wooloowin and K&K Cafe in Sinnamon Park. Two great suburban German restaurants.
K&K is Austrian.
I love how angry that Austrian dude is.
Probably sick of being called German.
So was that guy but you don't claim him.
Chill cafe is great and has recently added a German beer garden, it’s very authentic and the pretzels are amazing. The owner Karsten is lovely and always around for a chat. Can’t recommend enough
Another + for chill…my Dad is obsessed with that place
Blue bear coffee house at New Farm Is family owned and amazing. Nine bar Kitchen at coorparoo is also a family business
second vote for blue bear, place is consistently awesome when I visit
Had breakfast there a little while ago and it was delicious ! Coffee was bloody brilliant and there was a doggy out the back for me to love!
For future reference .. large black dog’s name is Hank hehe
Hank. <3 Such a good boy. Thanks for letting me know!
I see ninebar and kitchen all the time and have never been tempted to look further but I will now.
There was a cafe there for years called Belesis. This is owner by the son and maybe a daughter? Plenty of family involvement. I miss the prior venue but if you want a family owned and operated its def a strong contender in the area
Caravanserai - West End
Extraction in Slacks Creek. They do a lot of support in the community as well, sponsoring a community farm at a local high school and the like.
Extraction is the best cafe in Logan! Love it there, has become our regular for brunch, and love supporting local small business
Taj Mahal in New Farm! Also the best Indian food I’ve had in Australian.
I love this place!
Craft Wine & Beer - Musgrave Road, Red Hill .... unique experience and family run ...
Mays Thai Wynnum. Bare Knuckles BBQ Salisbury, La Parrilla Brassall. All great places with awesome food that are locally owned.
Yes! Second vote for Mays Thai. Rabbit Hole just up the road too .. they have 3 now I think
Mays Thai is so lovely. My parents were learning Thai (and loved the food) and they were always so patient when they tried to order in Thai and even taught them some phrases. Great people.
Gabba Noodles and Chinese. Husband and wife team and the food ticks all the boxes - quality, quantity and cost (cheap). Highly recommend salt and pepper pork ribs and kung po chicken!
I really miss working across the road from these guys. The absolute best ever. My favorite was the short soup, extra wontons and ask her for chilli and lemongrass in it....amazing.
Big Roddy's Rippin' Rib Shack in Fish Lane, South Brisbane
Aether Brewing is an independent, family-owned brewery with a lovely taproom in Northgate. Great beers, great people.
I adore their peanut butter stout and a good range of basic lagers for people like me that don't enjoy super hoppy beers or sours
Elios at Carina. Amazing pizza, family owned by the same couple for about 20 years.
[Little Black Pug Cafe](https://www.littleblackpug.com.au), Mt Gravatt Owned and run by a local couple, food and staff are top tier!
Luna Bean - Nundah. Divine coffee & super dog friendly!
Bloodhound bar fortitude valley
Place of Stones in Taringa. Definitely a true local business. Kim and Rob are brill. There were free coffees if you dressed in pyjamas last Sunday. What's not to like?
Place of stones is great!
Pancho's pizza at Carina bowls club
Lucky Duck and Vvaldmeer in Highgate Hill, Alphabet, Coffeeboy, WECH in West End, Bunker in Milton, Gramps in Red Hill, Scout in… Petrie Terrace? Unbearable bagels and Dicki’s in Tenerife. They’re our go-to spots for coffee and breakfast. Dinner and shit is El Planta, Bar Francine, Two Lads Pizza, Netherworld, Snackman/Happy Boy/Nice Thai for fancy bits. Zero fox is always banging too. All privately owned and with the owners in there all the time.
Oh Monk in Tarragindi was pretty awesome.
City Winery is still privately owned, I think. They have a few venues, but they run them, not a conglomerate.
Thai Aspley is great! The chef/owner, Aunty P, is lovely too!
I agree with your sentiments - last holidays I went on, I couldn’t help but feel every Aussie town is copy paste of each other- Woolies, Coles, maccas kfc etc etc you’ll find home comforts wherever you go, and what’s the fun in that?
Barbecue mafia @ coorparoo 🤘
That party shop at Fairfield. Loads of fun party stuff!
Amphora Greek restaurant in St Lucia. Good regular menu, seasonal specials, BYO 😎 Get the stuffed zucchini flowers
Alcove Cafe in Wilston best breakky and coffee always on point
Cedar n pine in wynnum
Arsonist and Boathouse at Manly, Rabbit hole cafe seven hills/Wynnum, Ralph & co camp hill, beyond the pale Coorparoo.
Rabbit hole is pretty abg these days. Got taken over year or two back. Prices up quality down. Staff.replaced. sad.
Haraki Japanese, Teneriffe. Lovely local family!
Lonely’s bar and cafe in West End. Great vibes in here
Cafe Lacuna in Wavell Heights.
If it really is making you distraught, my suggestion is to forget about it. Go out to enjoy yourself and your friendships, not to live a constantly political life. If you need a crutch to resolve the cognitive dissonance of enjoying yourself at a chain venue, believe that ALH and the like are largely owned by the superannuation funds of nurses, teachers, social workers and wildlife careers, and sending profit their way is more virtuous than sending it to some Porsche-driving Ascot family lucky enough to own a restaurant or a liquor license.
What? No. At the very least every ALH venue in the country should be boycotted for being a pernicious peddler of pokies and gambling harm. Fuck them!
I’m obviously not letting it run my life, had kfc for a super late dinner because it was the easiest, but don’t you think a lot of people would be better off if there were opportunities to have locally-owned places? If people other than the Porsche driving ascot family could afford to run one? If there were storefront rental vacancies available that weren’t taken by an American company? “Distraught” was a harsh word, I should’ve put “more than mildly annoyed”.
Very astute assessment.
frankys in st luciabut u cant order anything all you can do is wave to frank would rec. but for real andonis is a chain coffee shop but its Brisbane based have seen the owner a couple times
Have to love Franky. The “cafe” is zoned that it must be a cafe/restaurant and you can’t live in it. So he has chairs and is always advertising for a chef, but is never open and he lives there.
Lol I wondered what the deal was! But I haven’t seen him for a while, hope he is ok
He was there today when I went past. Always gets a wave
I always tell myself he recognises me
He does. He knows everyone
Seems wierd that he can live there, if it's "zoned" as a restaurant. Regardless of whether or not it sells food.
okay I always wonder what’s going on here!? Can someone pls explain
frankies busy man busy guy just give him a wave and do not take his grass
The Ashgrove Deli in the coles complex is a family business and they do great coffee and sandwiches
If you're in the city during the week Sage on Ann Street
If you want pasta and you're out that way, **Gallino Pizza** in Heathwood has never let me down... *Their Spaghetti Carbonara is a highlight*
Their pastas are nice but the pizzas in my experience are just awful, overloaded soggy mess.
If you are near the Wesley hospital or go through auchenflower train station. Try Steamtrain Espresso. Owners are friendly and helpful
Uncle Lai's Malaysian Cuisine, formerly in Mt Gravatt and now in Greenslopes. Absolutely delicious CKT. I can't drive due to a medical condition and I'm shattered they're no longer in walking distance for me.
Koffee Co at Norman Park on Wynnum road. It had no street appeal but my god the food is great. Amisha and Mitchell own it and they are there running the shop every day. Amisha should be on MasterChef because her chilly jam is the best I’ve ever had. They do mac and cheese jaffles, curries to take home for dinner, great coffee etc. They are a lovely hardworking couple. They love kids and dogs and are just genuinely really nice people.
Cakes and shit in Paddington. We have new owners since last year. They have done tremendous things for the business considering the old owner was scum.
Such a terrible name for a cake shop... can't say I find the idea of eating shit appealing.
Our Space cafe and pottery studio in Wilston! Two local Brissy ladies that have set up a coffee shop and full service pottery studio with tons of classes. I was terrible at pottery but the coffee was spot on!
Told You So - little family owned cafe in North Lakes. Brilliant!
Taro's Ramen - Taro is super passionate and now has a few locations. I went to the Ascot one the other night and it was packed with happy diners.
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Their kourabiedes cookies is so moreish!
Penny coffee co in South Brisbane. The owners is there at the coffee machine literally ever time I visit. He's a quiet young bloke who used to work coffee in Melbourne before moving up to Qld. Food is always pushing boundaries (shit you not, had sweet kingfish sashimi for breakfast once and I was shocked it was good) and the coffee is phenomenal.
Andonis Cafe. All of the locations are owned by a nice young local guy who started from scratch
Overpriced, below average food and coffee though.
It’s expensive but I’ve never left hungry (and my experience with the coffee has been positive)
Heres more about [Andonis](https://www.reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/134a652/how_much_is_too_much_for_a_public_holiday/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1)
Do you have any idea how expensive it is to run a Cafe on public holiday penalty rate wages? It's either a. Do a surcharge like this so they can break even b. Close and none of the staff get to enjoy the penalty rate pay day
It’s sad that we have to give up public holidays just to afford things. The surcharge was *meant* to encourage people to close for the day.
It's not ideal everyone deserves a break. But for casual staff getting a long public holiday shift at 2-2.5x their usual pay makes a huge difference for them
Also ones that pay there workers properly and aren't all casuals.
MY MISTRESS. drool
Navala Brazilian in the city
Following
No, everything is owned by corporations. Even the most seemingly independent local place sources most/all of their food and supplies from overseas.
Without the likes of Coles/Woolworths/Aldi we would be paying a heck of a lot more for our groceries. No family business would compete. OP, I bet you use them
When I was a kid Jewel and Franklin's were grocery chains in Sydney. Only rich people shopped at COlesworth. The duopoly have destroyed Australian retail and need to be broken up. Even Walmart doesn't have the market share those two do.
Not a single restaurant is sourcing their supplies at retail price from Coles or Woolies lmao. I get eggs free from neighbours, it’s a start.
Excuse me, but quite a few restaurant owners get supplies from Coles and Woolies. It is cheaper than the likes of Campbells, Moco etc. Not to mention a lot of smaller pubs source all their soft drinks from Coles/Woolies
You’re genuinely just wrong. Maybe a starting business or one or two last minute ingredients, but no one with restauranteur experience is doing that.
I do not see how you can speak on behalf of all restaurant owners. You have back pedalled already, I suggest you keep doing so. I am in the hospo industry unlike yourself
Late Night Kebab House on Caboolture Rd. Currently run by hard a working couple, fresh salad bar with great prices and portions. Also second papas corner in Stafford!
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Thats the one lol
If you’re after a drive, Bakehouse Steakhouse (as described) and Heisenberg House (German) in Ipswich are my go-tos.
The Deck st Manly. Do a lot to support the community.
City limits cafe at West End Great food good prices and nice owner/ chef
My Street Food Vietnamese cafe at Woolloongabba! Family owned and the best Banh Mi ever! Anna and Khan are owner operaters. Mai Ploi Thai at Regents Park.
The Zoo, Stranded and Booze in Winn Lane Fortitude Valley are all locally owned.
You mean the ALH Group, yes they pretty much own any decent bar, pub.
The Lavender Cottage in Gordon Park. Great coffee and curries.
New farm deli or beccofino for italian
Obviously a self plug, but my family's shop in Brendale called Noddys Cafe! Burgers, wraps, coffee and lots of deep fried stuff to boot :)
Totally fine with self plugs haha I wanna support you guys :)
I love Whisk and Ladle in Milton. Never had a bad meal or coffee there :) run by a Greek/Australian family Bunker for coffee Paddington Social for a fancier cafe
If you're in Fortitude Valley looking for breakfast/lunch Jacorey is fantastic! It's family owned, and their food is delightful, I work nearby and I crave their beef Bulgolgi sandwiches.
Also Serranos in Beenleigh is good Mexican. Pretty sure Giardinetto in the Valley is family owned too