July 25, 2008
It seems, in a true display of Lawrencian spirit, that [Papa Keno's][1] has arisen from the depths of taxman hall to arise again. I waited to make this statement. The last time one of my favorite Lawrence shops [ arose from the dead][2], the rebirth was short lived. Not so much of a Phoenix, but more of the death ashes temporarily swirling around. During my first trip back to Papa's the person who was working the register lacked the skills to actually run the register. They didn't have my favorite pizza topping. They got my name wrong. (I heard them yell it wrong to the cooks, so I knew when Kevin was called that I needed to go claim my pizza.) It took about 25 minutes to get my pizza (even though I was the only person in the place who had an outstanding order) and they got my pizza order wrong. Yep, Papa Keno's is back, and I am happy. Based off the lines of people and cars it seems that the word is out that [ Five Guys][3] national hamburger chain (were #292!!) makes a pretty darn good hamburger. I have nothing against national chain restaurants; as a general rule I prefer to spend my restaurant dollars at locally owned places. I am not sure that Five Guys has a better hamburger than [Henry T's][4] or [Free State][5]. After tying Five Guys a good friend still swears that [Set'em Up Jacks][6] is still the best burger in town. On ½ price Monday's I would agree. Another thing we both agree on is that Five Guys fries may be the best fries in town. Idaho potatoes French fry sliced and fried to perfection. One order is more than enough for two people. Just like another one of my favorite new places:[Lone Steer BBQ][7].I grew up in BBQ heaven, I worship the tomato based BBQ that is Kansas City, but I really do love the Texas style BBQ of Lone Steer. Based off the empty parking lots and the people disguised as empty chairs I have witnessed in my numerous visits it seems that I may be in the minority opinion of appreciating Lone Steer's Texas style BBQ. I admit that I feel like I may be insulting the KC BBQ Gods (Gates, Arthur Bryant's, Jack Stack) each time I go to Lone Steer, but it is a long drive to KC and I am a Lawrence eastsider representing:and I really think the their BBQ is delicious. Now if we could just give Joe's a third chance. That is the charm number right? [1]: http://www.lawrence.com/places/papa_kenos_pizzeria/ [2]: http://www.lawrence.com/blogs/search_my_lost_blend/2006/aug/08/joes/ [3]: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/may/17/five_guys_burgers_set_31st_and_iowa/ [4]: http://www.lawrence.com/places/henry_ts_bar_grill/ [5]: http://www.lawrence.com/places/free_state_brewing_company/ [6]: http://www.lawrence.com/places/setem_up_jacks/ [7]: http://www.lawrence.com/places/lone_steer_bbq/
Comments
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ladylaw (Terry Bush) says...
I miss the REAL Paradise Cafe. Did Papa Keno's pay its employees for past wages owed?
July 26, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scary_manilow (anonymous) says...
No. In fact, Greg went on reocrd as saying that his ex-employees (all of 'em!) were ripping him off, which is what forced him to close in the first place. Had nothing at all to do with him squandering all the profits on his... AHEM... skiing habit, if you know what I mean.This guy is a waste of oxygen. I can't believe he hasn't been locked up yet.
July 28, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bugmenot (anonymous) says...
I agree with Scary 100%. Though Papa Keno's was my favorite pizza in town, there is no way I will ever go there again.
July 28, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lostblend (Keith Campbell) says...
Scary and bugmenot, I have heard some of these things before. I am begining to think more and more that I should frequent some of the many other fine pizza establishments we have in town...maybe I can find one or twenty that has better customer service.
July 28, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ihatejohntravolta (Laura Watkins) says...
love the food, too bad that kenos still owes one of my friends several hundred dollars and the owner has basically laughed at her every time she goes in to get it.
July 28, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softersink (Jackie Treiber) says...
Yeah, Keno's was SKEEZY. I always crossed my fingers for the employees that stepped into my financial center wanting to cash their checks. I hoped and prayed that after calling the bank that instead of a sigh, and a "Ugh, yeah, looks like the funds aren't available," I would get "Yes, give this human being their rightfully earned paycheck." 99.9% of the time I heard former. I don't live in Lawrence anymore, but I know that when I visit, I won't be hitting up Kenos for a slice.
July 28, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mitzibel (Misty Nuckolls) says...
So, is Keno's still under the same crap-assed management, or did somebody new take it over? I'll have to give Lone Steer a shot, although I have to admit I miss its former incarnation as Don's. It was the sort of mom'n'pop steakhouse I grew up eating in, and I've yet to find anything else like that in Lawrence. It's the redneck in me coming out, I suppose.
July 29, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )