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Does Local Fast Food Exist?

The tagline for Unforked touts the use of locally source ingredients where possible. This intrigued us, as we believe the support of our small sized producers is key to a sustained economy. Most of us have or do visit local farmer’s markets. We do this because we can see, smell, and taste the difference in items that are sourced locally. This is why we usually seek out locally owned restaurants, as they are more likely to source from smaller scale producers. Now we are standing in a fast food type restaurant, reading about their commitment to these same principles.

Forked or Unforked?

The menu at Unforked is actually quite diverse. There is an assortment of tacos that have interesting names, and unique flavor combinations. Our visit was focused on the burgers, but we had the chance to spy some of the other creations. The tacos are quite pleasing to the eyes, and will certainly be on our watch list for a future visit. One that sounded especially tempting is the Surf and Turf. It combines shrimp and tri-tip steak, and tops them with roasted onions and poblano peppers. There are also varieties that feature chicken, pork or fish. For those wanting a meatless meal, they offer three taco versions, so you can switch it up. They also show three different quesadillas on the menu, but we didn’t see anyone order these during our visit.

Bring on the Beef

One of the people who had prompted our visit had gushed about the burgers. Obviously, I have a love for some good beef, and was hoping that this place would not disappoint. Crystal and I both chose the Pure Burger, which is made from Creekstone Black Angus beef. The standard toppings are lettuce and tomato, but you can also add on American cheese and Apple-wood smoked bacon. Not wanting to disappoint any of our readers, I added both to mine. After all, I felt the responsibility to truly test it all, and besides it sounded delicious.

The side dishes offered at Unforked include three kinds of fries, which we chose the standard ones on this visit. You can also have them topped with queso and bacon crumbles or tossed with truffle salt and parsley. Our meal selection ended up being perfect sized for our appetites. the burgers were delicious, and the toasted egg buns really add to the overall flavor. The fries soon disappeared, and a decision was made to add this Unchain restaurant to our “repeat visit” list. Next time I’m giving some of those tacos a test. If you have ever tasted them, let us know your thoughts. Thanks!

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For over 40 years Fric & Frac has been serving up good eats to the neighborhood. Opening daily at 11:00, they focus on a heavy lunch and dinner rush. They also have a good deal of business from the drinking crowd later in the evening. For this reason they stay open until Midnight all week, and 1:30 in the morning on Friday and Saturdays. Of course, having a full bar helps in attracting customers, as well. The kitchen area almost seems like an afterthought in comparison.

Seating space can become a precious commodity during busy sessions. Tables are arranged wherever possible, from the threshold of the door all the way into the backroom. Back there you will find a longer banquet length table, a couple large round tables, and even some recreational items. A few pinball machines, video games, and a pool table keep patrons occupied. This is especially helpful for those with kids waiting for their orders to be completed.

For singles or smaller groups, seating is also available at a portion of the bar. The bar also appears to be a catch-all location for condiments and other items. Although space is at a premium when they are busy, the customers seem to take this all in stride. For us this was a positive sign. If people are willing to wait in cramped quarters, then they must know something about the food. Now it was our turn to see if this was an accurate assumption.

The menu at Fric & Frac’s is an eclectic mix of greens, fried foods, and handhelds. An assortment of appetizers can become a side dish for one of the entrees that don’t have a side included. My choice fell into that category, so I added the tator tots, which were crunchy and paired well with my sandwich. Crystal ordered Chicken Ships (you have to ask the server about the name), which came with a side of fries. They were standard fare, but plentiful, and the fries were quite good. I have heard some qualms from others about the fries, but they worked well for us.

I have been trying to spread out of my comfort zone when ordering at restaurants that are new to us. One trick I have found success with is to ask the server what they like the best off of the menu. On this visit to Fric & Frac our server was adamant about “The Kelly“. He gave us the lowdown on the origin of the name, and said it paired well with the tots, which is another reason I ordered them. When it arrived I was taken back on the sheer amount of food stuffed between two halves of a bun.

Slice upon slice of smoked turkey is nestled on the bottom bun. This is topped with a pair of chicken strips, and some hot pepper cheese. Lettuce and tomato top it off, before the addition of the top of the onion bun. I felt like I needed to unhinge my jaw to take a bite. I was thankful that the cook had cut it in half, before sending it on its way to our table. My need to add tots to the order was based on an expectation of a normal quantity of food. When it arrived I realized that there is probably a good reason it doesn’t come with a side dish. Too late to worry about that, so I just dug into my meal. I have to admit that this sandwich caused me to overeat. The flavor was so good, that I just couldn’t stop taking bites.

In hindsight I know I would forego the side in the future, but then again I would probably order something different. I mean, if they make this sandwich so delicious, what else is awaiting our discovery on the menu? The only way to find out is to visit this hip and happening place just a stones throw from State Line. Be sure to ask your server for the lowdown on the menu items, and enjoy a game of pinball while you wait. At Fric & Frac it is all about being comfortable.

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This old school style diner opens at 5:00 on weekdays, and 6:00 on weekends to serve up a variety of meals at good prices. Diners have plenty of options to satisfy their hunger, including the Dagwood breakfast sandwich, which is made with eggs, cheese, hash browns, and a choice of meat. All of this is piled high on Texas toast, which is then smothered with gravy. Not a meal for the light of stomach or those watching their calorie intake. For those looking for something a tad bit lighter, the BLT Sandwich packs an appetite suppressing punch.

As the morning progresses, we come to that period around brunch when you find people at the same table ordering breakfast and lunch items. While the breakfasts are filling, it is the lunch items that I enjoy the most. They have a wonderful cheeseburger, and their onion rings are crispy circles of delight. Handhelds are some of their most popular items, and they offer up a wide variety. On Monday through Friday, they begin offering their dinner menu items after 10:00 am. Looking around you see plates filled with Chicken Fried Steak or Roast Beef dinners, mingling with the late comer breakfast crowd. Seeing the constant flow of customers tells you know the food must be good. After all, they have been in business since 1938. If you have never been to Dagwood’s Cafe, what are you waiting for?

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The inside of the restaurant is well lit, and the decorations take a backseat to the dining experience. The sleek interior design is pleasing to the eyes and leaves an impression of cleanliness. The seating selection is a mix of table-tops with bar stool height chairs, as well as a smattering of booths along the edges. On our first visit, we met CJ, the manager on duty, when he visited our table to welcome us. He explained the basics of the menu, as well as informing us that the restaurant featured a well-stocked bar with a good sampling of craft beers. We were pleased to hear that most of the sauces and dressings are made in-house, which is not always the case at other restaurants.

The menu at Mason Jar is very easy to read with clear explanations of the ingredients in each of the dishes. CJ pointed out a few of his favorites on the menu and shared with us that the burger patties are made fresh daily. After he left us, our server “T” stopped in to take our drink orders. This gave us a chance to find out her favorites, as well. After getting input from both of them, we set about trying to find a couple of items that would help us gauge the quality of ingredients, as well as the expertise of the cook staff.

After a lot of deliberation, we finally made our choices, and “T” set off to get them started for us. We were quite taken with our server, as she was more than willing to help us navigate the menu, and was delightful to visit with. Once again our choice of time to visit worked in our favor, as she was not so rushed by a crowd. She was able to deliver exceptional service without hovering. We have made numerous visits since they opened, and the wait staff has always been attentive. We have even had some great conversations with the bartenders when we chose to simply pick up a meal to go.

One of our favorites on the Mason Jar menu is the Bacon/Blue Burger. The juicy patty is topped with Swiss and Blue cheeses, as well as a Garlic aioli sauce. Some Applewood bacon, caramelized onions, and a sprinkling of greens help this burger pack a punch of flavor. Pony up the extra dollar for sweet potato fries, as they are very tasty. This meal also travels well, for those on the run. Another great handheld is the New York Stack. Tender pastrami and corned beef are piled high on marbled rye bread. The meats are topped with Swiss cheese and spicy mustard. Their fries are a great compliment, but so are the onion rings.

In Kansas City, it can be difficult to find good fish & chips. During our first visit, CJ had pointed out that they use a homemade beer batter, which features Fat Tire brand beer. This sounded so intriguing that I decided to give it a shot. When it comes to fried fish, most versions are greasy, oily, flavorless mess. They usually have to rely on the tartar sauce to impart any flavor. This was not the case with this dish. The batter was not too thick, which can allow for the collection of excess oil. The result was crispy on the outside with a delicious flaky fish on the inside. While I did share some with Crystal, at the end of the meal I made sure there was none left behind. The house-made tartar sauce was creamy but did not have any special flavoring that I could denote. This dish also included a small cup of coleslaw, which was a little more on the tart side than I prefer.

Our server, “T”, had also been quite helpful in describing the difference between the regular fries and the garlic version. In her words, the garlic version can become addicting. She was spot on with her description. The garlic fries certainly carry the garlic flavor without being overpowering. The sprinkling of some freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds another layer of flavor to the side dish. These were certainly a big hit with both of us.

Our overall experiences at Mason Jar have been positive. The menu, while decent in size, will hopefully expand in the future. Of course, as long as they focus on delivering delicious eats we will continue to frequent the restaurant. Perhaps we will make it to a Happy Hour event (they run from 3:00 to 6:00), where we can try a pizza with some homemade Lynchburg Lemonade. Will we see you there?

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Standing Room Only

Step inside, and you’ll find a no-frills, standing-room-only interior that speaks to the focus here: big portions and bold flavors. The menu is a love letter to classic drive-in fare, with oversized burgers, chili cheese dogs, and deep-fried delights that would make any diet coach nervous. Crinkle-cut fries and thick, creamy shakes round out the offerings, making it nearly impossible to leave without a little extra in your to-go bag.

Turner Tradition

Beyond the food, Christy’s Tasty Queen is a piece of local history. Generations of Kansas Citians have made it a go-to spot for quick, satisfying meals, whether after school or just for a weeknight treat. The unchanged charm of this family-owned joint gives it a nostalgic feel, and regulars will tell you that not much has changed over the years—including the long lines at lunchtime, a true testament to its enduring popularity. Be aware that they have changed their hours to only be open on weekdays, so plan accordingly.

Familiar Eats

While Christy’s does have a few picnic tables outside for those who can’t wait to dig in, we usually opt to take ours home—after all, we live just a short drive away! There’s something special about unwrapping our meal at the kitchen table, knowing it came from a spot that’s been feeding our community for years. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, Christy’s Tasty Queen is the kind of place that turns one visit into a lifelong craving.

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