Fast Food Talk Thread

[ChadJK]

I’ve always been of the mindset of eating out to have something I can’t readily make at home. I can wrap a hotdog in a slice of cheese and a tortilla at home, and for a lot less.

Honestly, that's most restaurant food that's consumed every day. With the exception of the stuff that requires complex cooking methods or hard to source ingredients, you can do 90% of it at home. It's probably best not to "tug at the thread" of things we pay others for that we can do ourselves. lol

[nativeomahan]

The Yankee Burrito is back at Amigos for a limited time:
"An all-beef hot dog and melted cheddar cheese rolled in a soft flour tortilla, then fried crisp for a golden, crunchy bite."

https://www.amigoskings.com/menu/yankee-burrito

I’ve always been of the mindset of eating out to have something I can’t readily make at home. I can wrap a hotdog in a slice of cheese and a tortilla at home, and for a lot less.

That is our philosophy. My husband and I love to cook, but we prefer to head out to a restaurant when we are in the mood for most Asian food (we will cook Indian), as well as French cuisine, and during the winter time for steaks and burgers, when our patio grill is not utilized. And sometimes you just want to relax and be waited on. We tackle Spanish and Cuban cooking at home in Omaha only because Omaha lacks credible restaurants cooking those cuisines. We will tackle simple Mexican staples like chilaquiles, moles, some tacos and quesadillas in our kitchen but prefer to let the experts handle most Mexican dishes.

[Stan]

The Yankee Burrito is back at Amigos for a limited time:
"An all-beef hot dog and melted cheddar cheese rolled in a soft flour tortilla, then fried crisp for a golden, crunchy bite."

https://www.amigoskings.com/menu/yankee-burrito

I’ve always been of the mindset of eating out to have something I can’t readily make at home. I can wrap a hotdog in a slice of cheese and a tortilla at home, and for a lot less.

That is our philosophy. My husband and I love to cook, but we prefer to head out to a restaurant when we are in the mood for most Asian food (we will cook Indian), as well as French cuisine, and during the winter time for steaks and burgers, when our patio grill is not utilized. And sometimes you just want to relax and be waited on. We tackle Spanish and Cuban cooking at home in Omaha only because Omaha lacks credible restaurants cooking those cuisines. We will tackle simple Mexican staples like chilaquiles, moles, some tacos and quesadillas in our kitchen but prefer to let the experts handle most Mexican dishes.

I wish we could trade 50% of all the mexican restaurants we have for some Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican.

One of the reasons I like visiting my uncles in Fort Myers is all the caribbean variety for those types of food. I never had picadillo until I was fully an adult and I feel robbed.

[nativeomahan]

Yes Cuban cuisine is one of my favorites, and we eat it several times during our annual trip to the Florida Keys. I wish we had a bakery in Omaha that baked true Cuban bread. You absolutely need it if your Cuban mix sandwich is going to taste authentic. Same story for the bread used for Banh Mi sandwiches. Last I heard our favorite Vietnamese restaurant here imported their bread from a bakery in KC. (There are some interesting breads and pastries sold at the Asian Market off of 76th and Cass, btw.)
I’m fortunate that we have a wonderful Jamaican restaurant in our neighborhood in PV, and a super fun Cuban spot not far away. And a popular Spanish tapas place. And multiple Argentinian restaurants, including one directly across the street from our home. I do get my fix of world cuisines when we are at our home in México. Maybe in time Omaha will up its game.

[remline]

Last I heard our favorite Vietnamese restaurant here imported their bread from a bakery in KC.

Which Vietnamese restaurant do you recommend? I've been meaning to check out more Vietnamese places in Omaha.

By the way, when I lived in KC, there was a nice Salvadoran restaurant that I really enjoyed (in Overland Park).

[ChadJK]

Maybe in time Omaha will up its game.

I feel like there's been more Central and South American restaurants opening the last 10 years or so. Unfortunately, none of them really do it for me. The menu could be 6 pages long and it would all essentially be very slight variations of Grilled Meat + Beans + Rice (maybe + Pupusas/Arepas + Plantains). I just need more variety on a menu than that. Surely the cuisine in those countries is more varied than that.

I do love some Peruvian Ceviche. I went to CVI.CHE 105 in Miami several years ago and fell in love with the stuff.

[nativeomahan]

Last I heard our favorite Vietnamese restaurant here imported their bread from a bakery in KC.

Which Vietnamese restaurant do you recommend? I've been meaning to check out more Vietnamese places in Omaha.

By the way, when I lived in KC, there was a nice Salvadoran restaurant that I really enjoyed (in Overland Park).

The restaurant simply called “Vietnamese” near 83rd and Giles has excellent Banh Mi sandwiches, along with great noodle dishes and also delicious Thai food. Saigon restaurant near 122nd and West Center Rd is probably the most upscale Vietnamese restaurant in town. I highly recommend it. Expect a wait on weekends.

[nebugeater]

Anyone ever go to QS Grill Steak near 168th & Harrison? Nicaraguan-based food.

We like it, but do not go as often as we should

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id ... e_internal#

[ChadJK]

Anyone ever go to QS Grill Steak near 168th & Harrison? Nicaraguan-based food.

We like it, but do not go as often as we should

I dig that place. Their steak is so tasty! Everything else is mostly just okay, but I could eat like six of their steaks.

[Stan]

Anyone ever go to QS Grill Steak near 168th & Harrison? Nicaraguan-based food.

We like it, but do not go as often as we should

I dig that place. Their steak is so tasty! Everything is mostly just okay, but I could eat like six of their steaks.

Weird question, but how's the smell inside the restaurant? Since it's grilled, do they have good hood vents so it's not overpowering when you walk in?

[ChadJK]

Weird question, but how's the smell inside the restaurant? Since it's grilled, do they have good hood vents so it's not overpowering when you walk in?

I have never noticed it. The kitchen is behind a door and it's never been smoky or smelled strongly of charred meat.

[nebugeater]

Anyone ever go to QS Grill Steak near 168th & Harrison? Nicaraguan-based food.

We like it, but do not go as often as we should

I dig that place. Their steak is so tasty! Everything is mostly just okay, but I could eat like six of their steaks.

Weird question, but how's the smell inside the restaurant? Since it's grilled, do they have good hood vents so it's not overpowering when you walk in?

Never had an issue with smell and I am sensitive to smells fairly easily

[thenewguy]

As I finish my Frisco burger from Hardee's, I have to pause and reflect on which marquee burger I think is best. While I enjoy the frisco, i will say that the patty seems to have changed over the years...but is still one of my favs. the fries are 'meh'

The whopper is bigger now than it had been, which is good, and I'd say it's probably the best overall.

The big mac tastes good, but there's just not enough goin on to justify the cost. The patties are small, not many pickles, not enough sauce. Basically 3 buns and a quarter pound of meat. I usually go filet o' fish instead

Arby's is great, and their fries rival Runza (but come up juuuuust short). Roast beefs are about perfect, and tri-tators are awesome.

Swiss mushroom from Runza is right there at the top for being the best, but i do like that it's actual beef so that may push it over the edge. Add in their fries and it is game over.

[CrankyOldDude]

As I finish my Frisco burger from Hardee's, I have to pause and reflect on which marquee burger I think is best. While I enjoy the frisco, i will say that the patty seems to have changed over the years...but is still one of my favs. the fries are 'meh'

The whopper is bigger now than it had been, which is good, and I'd say it's probably the best overall.

The big mac tastes good, but there's just not enough goin on to justify the cost. The patties are small, not many pickles, not enough sauce. Basically 3 buns and a quarter pound of meat. I usually go filet o' fish instead

Arby's is great, and their fries rival Runza (but come up juuuuust short). Roast beefs are about perfect, and tri-tators are awesome.

Swiss mushroom from Runza is right there at the top for being the best, but i do like that it's actual beef so that may push it over the edge. Add in their fries and it is game over.

I have to say the frisco burger is very tasty. The Steak n Shake Frisco melt is also. Maybe I just like melts.

[Busguy2010]

Hardee's definitely isn't what it used to be 15-20 years ago. They used to tout the 1/3rd pound char-burger, and that thing was *chef's kiss* with the big red onion, ketchup, mustard and pickles. Last time I had Hardee's a few years ago, I was just like "what is this?" It's pretty obvious they went through some corporate streamline, customer focus hocus pocus.

Right now the Whopper probably is my favorite, as you do get that char flavor, along with whatever variations they come out with. The Maple bourbon BBQ Whopper is VERY good. Big Mac is next, though I can eat two in one sitting, and yes, the price would not be worth buying two. Maybe $7 for two, yeah right. The grand Mac was the right idea, all the fixings of a big Mac, just in quarter pounder format. That didn’t stick for some reason.

Runza, Don & Millies, though still very good, rely a little too much on salt for my taste

[thenewguy]

Hardee's definitely isn't what it used to be 15-20 years ago. They used to tout the 1/3rd pound char-burger, and that thing was *chef's kiss* with the big red onion, ketchup, mustard and pickles. Last time I had Hardee's a few years ago, I was just like "what is this?" It's pretty obvious they went through some corporate streamline, customer focus hocus pocus.

Right now the Whopper probably is my favorite, as you do get that char flavor, along with whatever variations they come out with. The Maple bourbon BBQ Whopper is VERY good. Big Mac is next, though I can eat two in one sitting, and yes, the price would not be worth buying two. Maybe $7 for two, yeah right. The grand Mac was the right idea, all the fixings of a big Mac, just in quarter pounder format. That didn’t stick for some reason.

Runza, Don & Millies, though still very good, rely a little too much on salt for my taste

I think the grand mac just should have been a big mac with quarter pound patties. I've subbed them in before, and it's honestly a game changer. Granted it's like 11 bucks, but if you add tomato too, it's gooooood

[remline]

Swiss mushroom from Runza is right there at the top for being the best, but i do like that it's actual beef so that may push it over the edge. Add in their fries and it is game over.

Every time I'm at Runza, I feel like ordering a… Runza. But I really should try their burgers some time.

[Busguy2010]

Hardee's definitely isn't what it used to be 15-20 years ago. They used to tout the 1/3rd pound char-burger, and that thing was *chef's kiss* with the big red onion, ketchup, mustard and pickles. Last time I had Hardee's a few years ago, I was just like "what is this?" It's pretty obvious they went through some corporate streamline, customer focus hocus pocus.

Right now the Whopper probably is my favorite, as you do get that char flavor, along with whatever variations they come out with. The Maple bourbon BBQ Whopper is VERY good. Big Mac is next, though I can eat two in one sitting, and yes, the price would not be worth buying two. Maybe $7 for two, yeah right. The grand Mac was the right idea, all the fixings of a big Mac, just in quarter pounder format. That didn’t stick for some reason.

Runza, Don & Millies, though still very good, rely a little too much on salt for my taste

I think the grand mac just should have been a big mac with quarter pound patties. I've subbed them in before, and it's honestly a game changer. Granted it's like 11 bucks, but if you add tomato too, it's gooooood

Funny thing about the Big Mac is when it first came out, it's size was the remarkable thing about it. Fast forward 60 years and the darn things are tiny lol. I don't think they ever changed size or anything, just interesting how fast food and people have changed since then. Like I said, its not hard to eat two of them. Back when they had deals, I think they were doing 2 for 6 or maybe even better. I'd get two and eat them both fairly often. I have a normal BMI, but would probably be considered a pig back in 1967.

[thenewguy]

Swiss mushroom from Runza is right there at the top for being the best, but i do like that it's actual beef so that may push it over the edge. Add in their fries and it is game over.

Every time I'm at Runza, I feel like ordering a… Runza. But I really should try their burgers some time.

they are so good, you really can tell the difference between theirs and the big chains

[ChadJK]

BK has released a selection of Star Wars themed items for May the 4th:

BBQ Bounty Whopper
Grogu's Garlic Chicken Fries
Imperial Cheddar Ranch Tots
Grogu's Blue Cookie Shake
Four Collectible Cups

https://news.bk.com/blog-posts/burger-k ... -and-grogu

[Busguy2010]

I don't think I've ever gotten in on any of their gimmicky promotions because its usually unimaginative like just a colored bun or a different cheese. But this one actually sounds good. The garlic chicken fries stand out. I think I must try.

[Busguy2010]

Ill report that it was worth it! I buckled down and just got the whole meal (ended up almost $25), but hey it was kinda fun. Even though im not remotely a Star Wars fan. The food just sounded good. And it was! I loved the whopper so much, I said darn, I could probably eat two! The special BBQ sauce is the BOMB. I took it home and added onion to it though. I couldn't really taste much garlic actually in the chicken fries, so I wonder if they really mean the garlic just comes from the dipping sauce. Didn't really want the tots, but they're good. The shake is the bomb too. Its like birthday cake cookie. Overall, I'm rather satisfied. Not only that its over 2,000 calories, but it was worth the buy. I will most likely have the whopper and maybe the shake again while they have this out.

[nebugeater]

Haven't done much fast food lately, esp. at Arby's. On my way back to work around noon today, I stopped for a quick lunch at Arby's

Tried the Smoked pulled pork sandwich. I was surprised how good it really was. listed as 1/4 pound and there was that much or more on it. Good-sized piece of pulled pork, and not something that is all shredded to nothing. Had pickles on it too.

Had the Sweet BBQ sauce instead of the Spicy, which were the two options. Will go back and try it again with the spicy sauce next time.

Exceeded my hope for a fast-food pulled pork sandwich.

[ChadJK]

The Enchirito returns to Taco Bell on June 18, 2026, for a Limited Time Only. They last brought it back in 2023.

[Padre]

The Enchirito returns to Taco Bell on June 18, 2026, for a Limited Time Only. They last brought it back in 2023.

Apparently, there are people complaining that this version won’t have the three olive slices on top, like the original did.

[ChadJK]

The Enchirito returns to Taco Bell on June 18, 2026, for a Limited Time Only. They last brought it back in 2023.

Apparently, there are people complaining that this version won’t have the three olive slices on top, like the original did.

Yes, those three olive slices make a HUGE flavor difference. lol

The original was made with a burrito-sized tortilla (10"). Every comeback since they took it away the first time has used the taco-sized tortilla (6"). That seems like more of an egregious change than the decorative olive slices, but I'm guessing there aren't too many that remember the Enchirito from the 80s.

[Greg S]

The Enchirito returns to Taco Bell on June 18, 2026, for a Limited Time Only. They last brought it back in 2023.

Apparently, there are people complaining that this version won’t have the three olive slices on top, like the original did.

Yes, those three olive slices make a HUGE flavor difference. lol

The original was made with a burrito-sized tortilla (10"). Every comeback since they took it away the first time has used the taco-sized tortilla (6"). That seems like more of an egregious change than the decorative olive slices, but I'm guessing there aren't too many that remember the Enchirito from the 80s.

The first thing I would do with an Enchirito back in the day was remove the olives....

[ChadJK]

The Enchirito returns to Taco Bell on June 18, 2026, for a Limited Time Only. They last brought it back in 2023.

I saw an amusing post today, "$3.99 for a soft taco with sauce on it." lol

[ChadJK]

The Fazoli's in La Vista near 84th & Giles is permanently closed. I can't say I am surprised. I am frequently in that vicinity at lunch and the place always looked dead.

A sIgn taped their window says, "We regret to announce that Fazoli's in La Vista is permanently closed. We want to thank our guests and our community for your business."" Exterior signage and branding has already been removed.

[almighty_tuna]

What a wasted opportunity not to post "Pasta La Vista"

[damonhynes]

What a wasted opportunity not to post "Pasta La Vista"

Ba-dum-tis. Tip your waitstaff (but warn them first!)

[ChadJK]

I saw from Grow Omaha that the KFC at 175th & W Center Rd has closed permanently. Again, not surprised. If you've eaten at any of the Omaha area KFC locations in the last 10 years you know how consistently horrible they are. I can't think of one that has a decent meal crowd anymore.. Now, the furthest west KFC in Omaha is the one at 137th & Q.

[djc311]

I saw from Grow Omaha that the KFC at 175th & W Center Rd has closed permanently. Again, not surprised. If you've eaten at any of the Omaha area KFC locations in the last 10 years you know how consistently horrible they are. I can't think of one that has a decent meal crowd anymore.. Now, the furthest west KFC in Omaha is the one at 137th & Q.

I feel like we'll end up losing all of these along with Long John's... their furthest west location is 108th & L/Q St. TBH, I eat there maybe once a year - I enjoy it, but feel pretty gross afterwards.

Not sure what the problem is with them. They should certainly have the financial resources to keep them in good shape given the Yum Brands group behind them. I know they just sold off Pizza Hut, perhaps their other fast food brands are next and they'll move to only drinks and snacks under Pepsi.

[skinzfan23]

I had KFC just a few weeks ago in Bellevue. The service was pretty slow, but the food actually tasted great.

[ChadJK]

Not sure what the problem is with them. They should certainly have the financial resources to keep them in good shape given the Yum Brands group behind them. I know they just sold off Pizza Hut, perhaps their other fast food brands are next and they'll move to only drinks and snacks under Pepsi.

Part of the problem is the franchise model. You could usually tell, almost immediately, whether you had walked into a corporate-owned location (where the chain operates the restaurant directly) or a franchised one. Corporate stores tended to be cleaner, better maintained, and staffed by employees with a bit more polish. They seemed to understand that spending some money is part of making money.

Franchise locations often felt like the opposite. Many seemed to be running an experiment in how little they could spend without risking their franchise license. The result was rundown stores and lower-quality staff, which makes sense when they’re often paying minimum wage while corporate locations are paying closer to market rates.

Over time, chains have shifted away from corporate ownership and now rely heavily on franchisees. They don’t want to be in the business of running individual restaurants. For example, all twentysome Taco Bells in the Omaha area were owned directly by Taco Bell (Yum! Brands) for decades, but about 10 years ago, the company sold them all to a large Texas-based franchisee.

I had KFC just a few weeks ago in Bellevue. The service was pretty slow, but the food actually tasted great.

I heard the Bellevue KFC location is also closed.

[skinzfan23]

Yes, the Bellevue location closed a few days after I went there last.

[djc311]

Not sure what the problem is with them. They should certainly have the financial resources to keep them in good shape given the Yum Brands group behind them. I know they just sold off Pizza Hut, perhaps their other fast food brands are next and they'll move to only drinks and snacks under Pepsi.

Over time, chains have shifted away from corporate ownership and now rely heavily on franchisees. They don’t want to be in the business of running individual restaurants. For example, all twentysome Taco Bells in the Omaha area were owned directly by Taco Bell (Yum! Brands) for decades, but about 10 years ago, the company sold them all to a large Texas-based franchisee.

Makes sense because we pick up Taco Bell every once in awhile... and I've noticed they suck lately. I use the app so we can customize our items and they'll give me a pickup time that's say 10 minutes after I submit the order. I go to the restaurant when they say it's ready and end up standing there for another 10-15 minutes even after the app says it's ready. My guess is that they must meet specific metrics to stay within spec of the parent company, so they simply lie. And, the staff never seem to care. The model of not placing orders at the counter, etc has really removed employees' ability to show like they give a |expletive|.

Next time it happens I'm going to submit feedback online - I wouldn't care if their food was still reasonably priced, but it's ridiculously expensive for what you get. Bring back the $0.59/$0.79/$0.99 menu (LOL, I know that can't happen). It's crazy what they get for their food now especially for what they give you. I think we spent $35 for 3 people and none of us ordered something from their "fancier" items.

[ChadJK]

Is the Taco Bell/KFC combination location in Plattsmouth still both a KFC and a Taco Bell?

[skinzfan23]

The one Taco Bell that I never seem to have a problem with is 108th and Q. They are pretty fast too. I use the app and use the Build Your Own Cravings box and its only $5.79 for a crunchwrap, taco, chips and cheese and a drink.

I do laugh b/c once the gave me cinnamon twists but still gave me the nacho cheese cup.

[nebugeater]

Is the Taco Bell/KFC combination location in Plattsmouth still both a KFC and a Taco Bell?

Isn't there a combo location near 144th & Maple, too, near Target?