BITE
DATING ON MASS
by Rachel Parker
The variety of restaurants on Massachusetts Street offer something for every couple.
The best way to snag a man is through his stomach. Dating can be a rough and tricky game to play,with obstacles that can complicate a student's already stressful life. Hit it off right by choosing wisely where to take a date for a comfortable evening.
Restaurant atmospheres range from relaxed — Milton's, Mad Greek and Jefferson's to more-sophisticated dining — Teller's, Café Beautiful and Pachamama's.
"If you're looking to impress someone, Teller's is a really good place to go," says Matt Hyde, general manager at Teller's, 746 Massachusetts St.
Lawrence restaurants accommodate a variety of daters who want to enjoy a meal. Whether your "perfect date," includes Thai food or an atmosphere that requires a tie, the variety of cuisine and environments downtown can suit anyone's taste.
Teller's is considered a more upscale restaurant, with romantic lighting and Italian cuisine. It has a comfortable setting with conversation pieces, including sculptures and paintings that can distract couples who need something to talk about. Hyde says. Diners can also make arrangements for a memorable evening such as surprise flowers and gifts at the table.
Café Beautiful, 730 Massachusetts St., has been open for less than a year and specializes in romantic dinners. Jaime Goddard, Logan senior, says her dinner there was the most romantic and beautiful she's ever had.
"You feel like you're the only people in the restaurant," she says. Goddard made reservations three weeks in advance for
her two-hour, eight-course meal. There are only four candle-lit tables in the entire restaurant.
Kendra Davis, Newton junior, would like to go on a date somewhere where two people can sit down and talk. She mentions both Wa and Milton's in her top choices to grab a bite with her boyfriend.
Massachusetts Street has a variety of food choices in a small strip. You can easily find a great place for sushi, Italian, Greek, Thai, coffee, brunch or an old-fashioned hamburger and french fries.
Some people feel more comfortable taking their dates to low-key restaurants. Cameron Geis, Topeka freshman, likes to take his girlfriend to Quinton's or Jefferson's because they have a local atmosphere and American food.
Jefferson's, 743 Massachusetts St., is a common hangout for students to get traditional American food that can also satisfy daters and take the tension out of a first date."It's a very relaxed place, without the pressures of fine-dating," Adam White, shift manager, says.
These restaurants are within walking distance of some of Lawrence's most popular bars, venues and parks. After dining, daters can stroll downtown, shop, see a movie, a concert or have a few drinks at a bar.
Katie Hobson, LaCygne freshman, says dates are an opportunity to try something new with someone new. She would like to be taken to Thai House for a date because she's never tried Thai food.
Whether you're a Lawrence veteran or a campus newbie, a sports buff or a romantic, Massachusetts Street will accommodate your dating and dining needs.
KIMBERLY WESTPHALL
Nick Ray serves Kevin Campbell, Leawood sophomore and Jane Nettles, Leawood sophomore at Milton's, 920 Massachusetts St.
PICK FROM THESE RESTAURANTS DOWNTOWN FOR YOUR NEXT DATE
A. B.'s Coffee and Crêpes 17 W.Ninth St.
Aladdin's Cafe
1021 Massachusetts St.
Buffalo Bob's Smokehouse 719 Massachusetts St.
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 1012 Massachusetts St.
Café Beautiful 730 Massachusetts St.
The Castle Tea Room 1307 Massachusetts St
Free State Brewing Company 636 Massachusetts St.
India Palace 129 E.10th St.
House of Chá
21 W. Ninth St.
Indo
125 E. 10th St.
Jefferson's
743 Massachusetts St.
Krause Dining 811 New Hampshire St.
La Familia Café 733 New Hampshire St.
La Parilla
814 Massachusetts St.
Local Burger
714 Vermont St.
Mad Greek Restaurant
907 Massachusetts St.
Massachusetts Street Delicatessen 941 Massachusetts St.
Milton's 920 Massachusetts St.
Mirth 745 New Hampshire St.
Ole Tapas Bar 1008 Massachusetts St.
The Orient Vietnamese Cuisine 1006 Massachusetts St.
Pachamama's 800 New Hampshire St.
Papa Keno's Pizzeria 1035 Massachusetts St.
PepperJax Grill 947 New Hampshire St.
Quinton's Bar & Deli 615 Massachusetts St.
Rudy's Pizzeria 704 Massachusetts St.
Teller's 746 Massachusetts St.
Ten
701 Massachusetts St.
Thai House
724 Massachusetts St.
Vermont Street BBQ 728 Massachusetts St.
Wa
740 Massachusetts St.
Wheatfields Bakery 904 Vermont St.
Zen Zero 811 Massachusetts St.
10. 05.2006 JAYPLAY <11