Big Al’s Texas BBQ

The saying that everything is bigger in Texas probably played a role in the naming of this restaurant. We definitely found Big Al’s to be big on taste while only having an average effect on our wallet. We heartily endorse many of the starters and sides, as they were some of the favorite items we sampled. We loved the Ultra Thin Onion Rings, the San Antonio Steak Fries and the Sweet Potato Crisscross Fries. The main meats, of course, weren’t bad either. Our favorite was the smoked sausage, and we also enjoyed the ribs and wings.The Big Al’s Fully Loaded Salad was exactly as advertised — fully loaded. We also suggest the Texas Wrap, which features a choice of meat, seasoned potato chunks, beans, cheddar cheese and dressings stuffed in a chipotle tortilla. Be sure to check out the “Necktie Party” board.

— 992 S. University Ave., Provo, (801) 373-0408, bigalstexasbbq.com

U-Swirl

U-Swirl, a national frozen yogurt chain that started in 2009 in Las Vegas, might as well be called Yogurt Picasso — because every patron makes their own masterpiece. U-Swirl is one of those places where you add as much yogurt and toppings as you possibly can — limited only by the size of the cup you choose — and then pay by the ounce (in this case 39 cents an ounce) at the final checkout. There is an incredible selection of yogurt flavors (18 different dispensers available) ranging from the standard (vanilla, chocolate, pecan pralines and coconut) to the exotic (snickerdoodle, root beer float, dulce de leche caramel and pomegranate raspberry sorbet). Then there are at least 50 different bins with topping options. At U-Swirl, you are only limited by your own imagination.

— 209 N.W. State St., American Fork, (801) 763-9563, www.u-swirl.com