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Friday, April 4, 1980
University Daily Kansan
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN the arts
For the past week, Kansan staffs have been combing the city in quest of the best burger, the best taco, the best pizza and the all-best last meal. Their results are listed below. These opinions Kansan staffs own and do not represent the views of the Kansan in general.
To make the results more complete, Kansan editors read the reviews, considered their own daily experience with last food in Lawrence and then assigned ratings of one star (poor) through five stars (excellent) to the various restaurants.
Wendy's Hot and Juicy used with the Vistaburger for best burger in town. Staffers like the quick service, freshness and the general warmth of Wendy's.
The best taco was a little more difficult to find. Evidently the
perfect taco just does not exist in Lawrence. But Taco Via, and Taco John's came close, each receiving four stars.
Godfather's Pizza and Gabriel's were the clear winners in the pizza category. Staters liked the generous use of ingredients. Dominna was rated high on service but poor on quality. And after a few weeks, the product is interior! (unless you have the munches, of course!)
As expected, Joe's was a winner in the miscellaneous category its hard to compete with near perfection. But the Great American Hofstadion did an admirable job, lying tje in the ratings, although it didn't either its food or its proximity to the local halls made it a winner
Mary Jo Howard, Entertainment Editor
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Burgers
Bucky's ★★★
Bucky's, 2120 W. 9th St., is a remarkably unpretentious and laid-back eatery with a devoted crowd of rowdies and jip-yaws who look like the kinds of people on the Bucky's sign.
The roast beef sandwich looks odd, but tastes more like beef than anyone else's. the burgers are gray and steamy, but better than the Union's at any rate. Stay AWAY from these juicy burgers in the store when they come out of the vat. Forrest it, otherwise.
The shakes rival McKenna's. And the pies, oddly enough, aren't far from something that Mom would come up with if she wanted it.
The service is OK if you don't mind waiting for it, the prices, average. The atmosphere is not culturally enlightening: While I ate at a table, a counter girl leered, "How much did those shoes cost $a" Greg Richards
Hardee's ★★★
"Hardee's, best eatin' in town . . . "
No way. Runner and his friend would do themselves favor if they stayed in their race car and cruised right on the road.
*rarrie's food isn't that bad. Roast beef is your best bet for sandwiches, but it's not that good for both offer variations from the standard hamburger and cheese sandwiches.*
The only advantage Hardee's, 2030 W. 32rd St., has over other fast food franchises is the lack of grease in Hardee's.
The breakfast biscuits, on the menu, tend to be a little dry but they are convenient if you are running late in the morning.
For about $3 a Hardee's meal will fill you up: That's all about you can say. *Bill Vogrin*
Henry's ★★★★
Henry's is a family business, and the employees are friendly and like to start conversations without sacrificing
Henry's Drive-In, Sikh and Missouri streets, is probably the best kept secret in town—good food, good service and lower than normal prices. Henry's offers the usual desserts like ice cream, whipped cream, hot dogs, chili—you name it. Its 74-cent deluxe cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, etc. should be held with two hands. You can get a regular cheeseburger and a small soft drink for less than a dollar. A pound of soft fries costs $1.99. The pink tender lettuce are especially good.
Henry's is part of a franchise, but reportedly the only one in America. Henry's is one of the reasons for its remission of the hamburger anywhere else. If you are not satisfied with Henry's, you've probably spent too much time on 21st Street. Henry's is open until midnight Fridays through Sundays.
McDonald's ★★★★
I had a Big Mac and a large order of golden french fries and a large orange drink. And I survived.
The best thing that McDonald's, 901. W 23rd St. and 1309. W Sixth St., is quality control. Every Big Mac tastes the same, unless it has been sitting on the shelf for an hour and I was lucky it was this time because my Mac was hot and tooood.
Never mind the nutritional analysis. For less than two bucks I filled my gut. The french fries were typically Americana in the Mickey Dee's tradition. And the large orange was—what else? Orange!
So if you've got room in your stomach for some fast food, why not to the leader in American cuisine?
Cheap, hot, quality controlled goodness. Nobody can do it like McDonald's can. Grant Overstake
Wendy's ★★★★★
Wendy's, $23 W. 23rd SL., is part of one of the nation's fastest-growing fast food chains. It now ranks third behind McDonald's and Burger King in number of stores and, but it is gaining.
The main complaint I had with Wendy's was lack of variety in its menu. It advertisements more than 400 varieties of cheese and yogurt that can be added—cheese, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, onions, lettuce and tomatoes. All it has is the burglar: mammoth triple. Other than that it has chili and what they call a Frosty, which is just a very thick shake that needs to
His latest ad campaign claims that his hamburgers are not made in the drive-through or eat-in. And they are juicy, but aren't even juicy at all.
Basically if you can't handle your burgers juice, avoid wendy's, but if you just want a good burger and nothing else, just go for it.
Vista ★★★★★
Your basic Vistaburst (as opposed to the common everyday hamburger, I suppose) is somewhat larger than the regular burger. Sixth St. big kicker is that it uses grain-fed Kansas beef. Sixth St. big kicker is that it uses grain-fed Kansas beef. Nothing strange or suspect—perhaps that's what fresh meat tastes like! The Vistaburst also was pretty juice—they don't reduce the meat to a smoldering mass of cinder, as in most grilled chicken.
In addition to the Vistaburger, which is 1/4 pound and $1,
there also is a Texasburger (1/2 pound, $1.75) and a Triburger
(3/4 pound, $2.55). Also there is the infamous
kgdburger, weighing in 1/8 lb. and costing $1.60.
Vista also offers a fish sandwich, pork fritter, chef's salad and a low calorie plate.
The actual eating environment is pretty much the same as the other fast food places—late 20th century tuckery. You know, in some restaurants, you swiveling idiot chairs screwed into the floor. There are numerous hanging potted plants, which add much to the atmosphere. The service was pretty good, considering they were all so beautiful. All in all, it beats McDonald's hands down. Tom Tendoschi
Tacos
Taco Bell ★★★
Taco Bell 108, W.23rd St., is a frustrating place to eat. The food, a wide selection of tacos, toastadas, enchilados and burritos, is remarkably good to eat, but so expensive that it's virtually impossible to fill up your stomach without your pocketbook. I rent $1.12 for one taco and a Pepsi's excelementI can助我 to me, whatever the cost of meat today.
It's too bad, really, because everything about Taco Bell is high quality. It's scrupulously clean and the service is fast and friendly. The tortillas are light and crisp, the meat is moist without being greasy and there are generous portions of lettuce and fresh cheese on the tacos. But for 59 cents, it expects something that takes me more than three minutes.
So if you come into an inheritance or something, go to Tace Bell. Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll try to force one
Taco Grande ★★★
Among the multitude of Lawrence's Mexican style fast food caterers, Taco Grande 847 Indiana St. and 172D W. Third Avenue, 65th Street and Madison Avenue.
It offers a basic menu, uncluttered by bizarre combinations of basic ingredients that other fast food restaurants offer.
Sour cream, a favorite embellishment of many Mexican food fans, is a recent addition to the menu. However, for the pasta dish, it is better to use white sauce.
The service and cleanliness of the establishments are to be commended. Obviously money is not spent on fancy pseudo-Mexican decoration. However, more time could be spent heating the food, which often comes cold.
The overly generous portions of fresh lettuce could be spared too, as much time was wasted off lettuce to cook.
Disguised by its box-like exterior, Taco John's offers Mexican food to satisfy all pleas, such as enchiladas, tacos and burritos.
If you're hungry for fast Mexican food, you may as well buy Taco Grandi, for the money it is as good a choice as any.
The orders also would be more appealing if there were more hamurger and cheese, both of which are nearly non-existent in the tacos. There is an additional cost for more meat, cheese or a dash of sour cream. Judy Howard
Taco John's. 1626 H. 23rd St., is a heavenly dream for those who have waited for dripping hamburger and can eat it at home.
Service is quick, although some orders are rushed. For example, a taco with less shredded lettuce and tomato is also served.
Taco John's ★★★★
Taco Tico ★★★
Mention fast Mexican food and what comes to mind? Taco Tico, the McDonald's of the Southwest.
Taco Tico, 2344 laurin St., has used the same formula that transformed the Golden Arches into the institution it is now.
And like Mr. Donald's, if the food isn't the best of them, they'll have it. "You $ with a drink, and you know what you're getting each time."
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The serving trays are also some of the biggest served in lawrence, and other plus. Preamble and stock up for next week.
Taco Via ★★★★
Midway through the meal, my companion looked over the pile of aluminum foil, napkins and Coke cups that littered the table and said, "Hey, they use REAL meat in this stuff."
Taco Via, 1700 W. 23rd Street, offer cleanliness,
and drive upward for those who want to eat at the car.
That is about the best review of a restaurant I've ever heard, anywhere.
The food, a wide selection of Mexican dishes, is fairly good, especially when compared with the offerings of other cities.
The portions are adequate and contain fresh lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.
And, of course, real meat. Rrian Von Revern
Pizza
Domino's has free delivery, and throws in a couple of coke to boot. Compared with its rivals, the business stays open later and the pizzas arrive sooner. A Domino's doorbell or your doorbell about 45 minutes after you place your order.
Domino's Pizza, 610 Florida St. and 1445 W. 28th St, may not stick up to course of the other pizzerias in town for qualification. Domino's Pizza is open at 9:30 a.m.
Domino's Pizza ★★★
So the pizza you will be warm. Unfortunately, there is too much else that's good to say about Domino's pizza.
The amount of cheese on one wouldn't feed a starving rat. The crust is fluffy, but it also too flat. However, it is sturdy enough to hold its shape and keep its pizzas with ingredients. Domino's pizzas may be less easy to use than a homemade pizza, but you're getting more for your money. No dice. Ben Jones
The prices at Gabriel's could make one think he was selling his soul, but a taste of Gabriel's heavenly pie is worth it.
Gabriel's ★★★★★
Gabriel's Restaurant, 2449 Iway St., makes the most heavenly pizza in Lawrence. Although the restaurant's atmosphere is more earthy than heavenly, Gabriel's pizza is divine. It is crammed full of angelic goodies and smothered with delicious cheeses. Gabriel's also serves its salad bar, which would please the devil himself.
The service is working on earning its wings. It is a little slow, but the employees are friendly and courteous.
Gabriel's even delivers its version the Great Pizza in the Sky. This service is good, to Gabriel's has earned its hail to fame.
Godfather's Pizza ★★★★★
The perils of eating at Godfather's Pizza, 711 W. 23rd St. make a fantastic pizza taste even better.
On a Saturday night, eating at Godfather's means waiting 15 minutes for a dirty table and eating from wet plates, but that doesn't lessen the glory of a freshly cooked Godfather's Pizza.
Prices at Godfather's may be a little higher than other pizza places in town, but the cooks pile the ingredients on top.
A small pizza is $15.50, 60 cents for each extra topping. A medium pizza is $4.85, 70 cents for each extra topping. A large pizza is $8.99, 90 cents for each extra topping.
The menu includes a mini-pizza, sandwiches, a salad bar and a buncon special that offers a mini-pizza, salad bar
Gofather's seems to suffer only from a much-desired disease of the food business, too many customers to handle.
Pyramid Pizza ★★★
"We pile it on."
Pyramid Pizza, 504 W. 14th St., one of Lawrence's two facilities; pick-up pizza establishment with no e-inclining fee.
The ingredients are abundant and taste good, although the pizzas usually suffer from too much crust.
As long as you're interested in only pizza, the menu has a large variety. Pyramid offers toppings from anchovies to burgers and more.
Delivery time ranges from sluggish—an hour and a half—to fairly good--48 minutes.
For the typical student on a night not destined for cooking or cafeteria dining, Pyramid Pizza offers a decent alter- ment.
You can't strike out with the Sports Desk, one of the few bars in town that doubles as an eatery. The Sports Desk, not for jocks only and located on a base hit away from the bar, has the basic lineup of beers. But the pizza is in another league.
Pyramid's pizza is relatively inexpensive, about $2 for a very filling noonton.
The pizza there comes in individual portions on a porch or countertop. The pizza is good for all-star caliber but good enough to hold it. And you don't need a big-leaguer's salary to afford it. A seven-inch can be copped for $2.30, the price of a few ball park
If you want to slam dunk a pair of beers or go for extra calories, a few blocks down in Iowa streets is the kick of a nightlight or nightmare.
Sports Desk ★★★★
The Sports Desk also has a borelan in its food lineup. Baiting cutlery is the gyro, a lamb sandwich of grectian meat.
Misc.
Great American Hotdog ★★★★★
It may not be the sands of Wakiki Beach in Hawaii, but it could be the sandy banks of Dog Corporation two spots in Lawrence for one-on-one sessions.
At the Holiday Plaza, 2116 W. 25th St., is the smaller garden located at the corner of a patio for sunny days in downtown Lawrence at 205 W. Eighth St. is another Great American eating place, which is conveniently placed between two taverns in case the weather turns cold.
Both places offer a choice of two-sized hot dogs, a polish dip and a canned soup for refreshment. Activity, toppings of cheese, chill or saurerkuech can be added.
The service is friendly, prompt and helpful. The food is hot and the buns fresh.
Jennifer Roblez
It's as close as Lawrence can get to beach life.
Rachel Baskin
Joe's Bakery ★★★★★
If you're tired of sweet stuff, you can buy one of Joe's sandwiches without fear. Especially recommended is the Sausage Sandwich.
A pastry heaven and dieter's hell. Joe's Bakery, 618 W Ninth St., is well known for its 10-cent, hot-glazed doughnuts. And as the more adventurous doughnuts come in, at Joe's spans a full range of pastries and sandwiches.
If you're in an experimental mood, try one of the fancier doughnuts. Their prices range from 20 to 30 cents apiece and they are easy to eat. They're a chocolate cream puffs. They tend to be soggy and the chocolate filling does not mix with the chocolate on the top.
The hot-gladized is the most economical buy on the menu, but only if it is fresh. It's if any older, you'll find enough oil and cream to make it a tasty dish.
A word about service. Usually it's pretty fast and can't beat it on being open 24 hours a day, except Saturday.
Schlotzky's, 23rd and Iowa streets, as the ad says, features just one sandwich . . . "it's that good." The sole entree includes a bick nick, available in small-friethe and mini-friebee size, salami, ham and spiced luncheon meat; the side includes pickles, potato salad, tomatoes, black olives and other garnishes. The regular sells for $2.50 and the large for $4.00 A bit steep, perhaps, but then so are hot dogs these days. A large is recommended only for the stout of stomach and for couples. Oh- maybe not? Either way, both variations on the main theme. But I opt for the full works—it's that good. Kevin Mills
Schlotzsky's ★★★★
Long John Silver's ★★★
I haven't seen so much grease since John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John been making movies together.
Actually, the fish is good (as fish in Kansas goes), although they shouldn't allow smoking in the place; one spark on a meal like that and the whole place could go up like the Hindenburg.
They do have a fair variety of seafood—scalops, oysters,
clams, and shrimp—and "peg-legs," which means somewhere there are millions of amputate chickens in wheelchairs.
Most of the meals are under $4, and the simpler ones (two pieces of fish, fries, hush puppies and something that doesn't involve raw meat) are under $2.
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The shrimp's your best bet, although the odds on gastrointestinal damage are quite high also. They could do without the juvenile pirate music piped in, but it does keep your mind off your stomach. Don Munday
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