By Debra Gonzalez
A&E Editor
When a new restaurant comes to town, everyone and their mother packs up the car and heads over. That’s understandable.
Last Friday, we headed over to Waco’s new Quaker Steak and Lube to try it out.
I called ahead, as I figured there would be a wait, and I was told there was. I put my name on the list or at least I thought I did.
I got there and was told by the hostess, “Someone took a reservation? We don’t do that.”
I set myself up for disappointment, but it was once again understandable. It was only its third day open and people were learning the ropes, but it seems that anytime I have ever called a restaurant to ask a question, the host/hostess seems to know nothing about the menu or restaurant. Shouldn’t they have some sort of test?
But back to the restaurant. We finally just sat at the bar because there was no wait for seats there.
It was a little after noon, and the lunch rush was starting. Naturally, I chose the $9.99 lunch buffet, which is in the bed (the salad bar is under the hood) of an old-ish Chevy S-10. Pretty cool idea.
The food was ok. I had a small salad, which actually didn’t have many options on the salad bar, some wings, potato skins and macaroni.
The wings (golden garlic), which are one of “The Lube’s” signature items, were actually good. And that is coming from someone who does not particularly enjoy wings.
My favorite items from the buffet were the macaroni, which was a cheesy blend of amazing and well, cheese, and the pasta salad.
One item I went back for, and I’m not sure why, was the buffet burger, which was wrapped in foil, sitting in a pile of other burgers. Definitely not the best decision, but it was exactly what you would expect from a burger that’s been sitting wrapped in foil on a buffet for who knows how long.
Two of the bartenders (who also served as our wait staff) were particularly helpful, even in a crowded rush.
I have visited many restaurants in town but none has quite the décor as Quaker Steak.
The place is (obviously) car themed, but it is way more than I expected. There are actual, real, very heavy cars and motorcycles hanging from the ceiling. It looks awesome, but of course, I didn’t want to sit underneath one, just in case.
All in all, it was a decent experience. The food was nothing to write home about, but it was ok and edible. The environment was fun, and the staff was nice. It would be an awesome place for watching sports games. I think I would return for another visit.
Quaker Steak and Lube is located at W Loop 340, right off of State Highway 6 and Interstate 35.
