BREWED AWAKENINGSAs winter term launches into full swing, the weather becomes bleak, and Downer fare seems even bleaker. For a pleasant, cozy relief from the familiar cafeteria menu, look no further than Brewed Awakenings, a relatively new caf and coffee shop at 107 College Avenue.
Brewed Awakenings offers breakfast and lunch as well as ice cream, baked goods, and a menu of specialty drinks, including Mexican Hot Chocolate and Iced Black Forest. Prices are middling for a college student; although most sandwiches are in the $5 range, if you’re looking for a meal alone, Erb’s and Gerb’s will give you much more sandwich for your money.
The sandwich that I test-drove, the Southwest Santa Fe, was fresh and filling. Most of the lunch offerings at Brewed Awakenings resemble the wraps, sandwiches, and melts offered at the Grill, Lucinda’s, and Downer, with an extra pinch of pizzazz.
Although the meals provide a welcome change for the palate, the real reason to visit Brewed Awakenings is the ambiance. The caf has a cozy, homey feel complete with bright artwork and one of the comfiest couches I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in.
In short, the food is delicious, but for most students the best way to escape to Brewed Awakenings is probably an afternoon sinking into that couch with a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or electric espresso.
Brewed Awakenings is open from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday, and from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday. Brewed Awakenings also offers live entertainment some evenings, so check out their schedule.
GYROS KABOB
Gyros Kabob has already become an off-campus institution for some Lawrence students. But for many of us, this Mediterranean pit stop has never caught our eye. Part of this problem comes from Gyros Kabob’s location: to the south of College Ave, accessible only from the alley behind Peggy’s. However, Gyros Kabob offers a hefty meal for a reasonable price.
Naturally, the gyro is the focus of the menu at Gyros Kabob, and for good reason. It comes loaded with lamb or chicken, fresh, crunchy veggies, and the traditional gyro sauce. Even better, a gyro order takes just a couple of minutes to fill, making it an ideal lunchtime break from Downer. The gyros cost $6.50, but by upgrading to the combo (fries and a soda) for just a dollar more, you get a real bargain.
The kabobs, which, like the french fries, are cooked when you place your order, can take 10-15 minutes to cook. This may be a small price to pay for food that doesn’t sit under a warmer, but given the cramped space inside Gyro Kabob, this can be a long 10 minutes. Both the gyros and kabobs are very messy; so make sure to grab a stack of extra napkins.
The biggest drawback of Gyros Kabob is the space inside the restaurant or rather, the lack thereof. Though Gyros Kabob makes a great place for quick takeout, there is very little table space. All the tables face a blank, white wall. Think of Gyros Kabob as a quick, filling, and very tasty place to hit for takeout, but steer away if you are on a more intimate outing. Still, you gotta love those gyros.
MUNCHEEZ PIZZA
Pizza is a staple of life. But in a world where not all pizzas are tossed equally, where is one to go for paragon pizza pie? The new Muncheez Pizza may be the place.
Located past the P.A.C. across from the Morton Pharmacy, Muncheez offers variety of food at hours calibrated for the college student (they’re open until 3 a.m.). Their pizzas came out of the oven perfectly, with a crisp crust and well-balanced blend of cheese and toppings. They also offer subs and salads for great prices if pizza just won’t hit the spot.
Inside, Muncheez has only limited seating and a dark green and black interior that may make patrons feel that they are eating inside of a large Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. This probably makes carryout or delivery (which is free with a $6 or more order) the better bet.
Muncheez will also take some green from your pocket *********- $8 for an 8-inch pizza, it is perhaps only out-priced by Frank’s. But in our opinion, it’s worth it. On taste, Muncheez puts pizzerias like Little Caesar’s and Papa John’s to shame, and gives Frank’s a serious run for its money (and quashes the Pizza Palace as far as customer service). If you want great pizza, this is the place.