Bars rule game day

By Susan Kraus - Special To The Journal-World     Oct 7, 2005

Dining in Manhattan ranges from upscale and classy to down-home and funky.

At Harry’s Uptown (418 Poyntz, 785-537-1300) expect gourmet meals at reasonable prices served in a 1926 renovated hotel with linen tablecloths, chandeliers and an elegant bar. Whiskey Creek (200 Manhattan Town Center, 785-776-7300) has fall-off-the-bone ribs, brisket, steaks, seafood, loaded potatoes & more. Little Apple Brewing Co. (1110 Westloop, 785-539-5500) is a popular microbrewery that fills fast on game days. They serve salads, steaks, entrees, burgers: something for everyone.

Grizzley’s Grill (3003 Anderson, 785-532-9100) has a cozy Northwoods decor and satisfying, home-style cooking with ample portions (save room for the pie.)

For BBQ, my favorite is Cox Bros. BBQ & Smokehouse (corner of Ft. Riley Blvd. and 4th, 785-587-8566). It has a secluded patio, some live music & smoked-on-site meats that go so well with a brew. Pat’s Blue Rib’n Barbeque (1200 Moro, 785-539-7426) is a funky, Aggieville joint that can be a mob scene on game days. (Both of these places put together tailgate packages!)

The Little Grill (call for directions as it’s out toward the lake, 785-323-0112) serves authentic Jamaican food, a different style with Caribbean flavor. Meats, chicken, shrimp, veggies, frybread: it’s all delicious.

The book

Lawrence resident Susan Kraus is author of “A Game Day Guide to Towns of the Big 12.” The book is available in bookstores, Amazon.com and at a discount at www.gamedayguide.com. The Journal-World will feature an excerpt on the Big 12 city the Kansas University football team will play for its four conference road games.

Bob’s Diner (1103 N. 3rd St., 785-537-7776) is open 24/7 and breakfast rules no matter what the hour. Lines can form between 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. game nights. Early Edition (3210 Kimball, 785-539-3255) serves breakfast and light lunches with fabulous muffins and salads. On your way into or out of town, DK Donuts (2020 Tuttle Creek Rd.) keeps them hot from 6 a.m. to noon and then 6 p.m. until late at night.

For Mexican, El Cazador (3003 Anderson Ave., 785-537-8888), tucked away in a little strip mall, has a courtyard feel, cozy booths, cheerful staff and ample portions of delicious dishes. Hillside Cafe (2307 Stagg Hill Rd., 785-539-9815), perched above Brigg’s Central car dealership, has specials named for the customers who created them. Loyal regulars swear by their family-made food. Royal Thai (3003 Anderson, 785-539-0399) specializes in seafood (and everything else as well) and is first class all around. Hunan (1304 Westloop, 785-539-0888) has generated customer loyalty for over 25 years, and now offers primarily Mongolian BBQ and an expansive buffet.

There’s always a parade of sports bars in a college town. Willie’s Sports Bar & Grill (307 S. Seth Child, 785-539-6746) draws families and diverse crowd for food and drink. BoWinkles (3043 Anderson Ave., 785-776-1022), stuffed with purple and memorabilia, is a popular west side hang-out (and is the only bar with a TV in the bathroom so you don’t miss a minute of the game.) Bobby T’s (3240 Kimball, 785-537-8383) is big, with a big bar, big TVs, big portions.

Aggieville is the social hub of K-State, with over 100 bars, clubs, restaurants and shops (about 11th to 14th and Bluemont to Laramie). Rock-A-Belly Bar and Deli (718 N. Manhattan) is a retro, artsy, compact and wild little place (deserves a visit on a non-game day to really enjoy it), with back patio and shuttle stop in front. Coco Bolos (right behind Rock-A-Belly) has a trendy feel, wood fire grill, pizzas, Caribbean and Mexican food with a twist.

Pita Pit (1131 Moro) is all about stuffed pitas, mostly carry-out on game days. Hibachi Hut and Texas Star Cafe (608 N. 12th) are two restaurants with two distinct menus (steaks, burgers, Cajun to BBQ, Southwest, Mexican) that share a bar. So Long Saloon (1131 Moro) has an 1890s bar and decent food. Blue Stem Bistro (1219 Moro) is the place to stop for a latte and scone or wine and cheese plate. They have very fresh (yummy!) food and bakery items and a patio to watch the action.

But it’s the bars that rule on game day. Kite’s Bar & Grill (615 N. 12th) is where “Alumni come back because of old memories and students come to make new memories.” Auntie Mae’s Parlor (614 N. 12th) has music, two stories, laid back, good queso. Joe’s Tap Room (1127 Moro) is known for good drink specials and seats go early. O’Malley’s (1210 Moro) spreads over two buildings and a beer garden, and their “Belfast Bomber” is a killer. Purple Pig (1119 Moro) has purple pig concoctions, friendly staff, tons of memorabilia. Fat’s Bar & Grill (1209 Laramie) is home of the “Fishbowl” and “Lab Rat,” drinks that have made Fats famous. PJ’s (1129 Laramie) has live music or DJ, good food, lots of specials. Porter’s (706 N. Manhattan Ave.) is more upscale martini bar, leather booths, small front patio. Rusty’s Last Chance, Next Door, Otherside & Outback: 4 connecting bars (1213 Moro) with 4 different feels so walk through and take your pick. These are just a few. You’ll find more.

The KSU Student Union is a ‘living room for the campus community’ and it feels as welcoming. With bowling, arcades, billiards, bookstore, shops, food court to their own tasty made-on-campus ice cream at Chillie Willie’s, the union is a good stop. Tailgating is BIG and demand for space is high. Lots open about five hours before games, but lots closest to the stadium are donor only. If tailgating with friends, arrive together as you can’t save adjoining spaces for late-arrivals. One stall per car, and the official rule is no alcohol on campus. But, if you are discreet, mature, don’t advertise, and play well with others, you should be OK. There is also tailgating on private property and private lots. For groups of 24-50, reserve a party space in ‘Cat Town.’

A free shuttle service runs from Aggieville, with a stop at the Union, to the stadium, starting about 90 minutes before game until no one is left to carry afterwards. Party before, party after, party down!

That isn’t all there is, but it’s enough to get you started when you HIT THE ROAD for MANHATTAN.

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