So I'll take it on credit that the Reuben is a good sandwich. I know the chili is terrific, spicy with a generous amount of ground beef. The Caesar salad is a good effort, presented prettily with shaved Parmesan. The house Caesar dressing, I thought, was too bland, though, just kind of creamy.
For a first visit, I'd go on a weekend, when you're not in a hurry to get somewhere. Howard's offers an all-you-can-eat brunch, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., for $12. (That sounds to me like the kind of thing that leads to lunchtime meltdowns.) Try something like the cookbook-classic version of French toast, or the crispy-edged pancakes with whipped cream. The egg preparations are what a friend of mine calls "hotel style," more fluffy than buttery. Bacon should be chopped, and not left whole, when put into an omelet, I think.
Good service makes a big difference - coffee refills keep coming, and if a courtyard table opens, the staff will help you move all of your plates and glasses outside.
