My dine in experience at Runza in Lawrence has always been pleasant. The service is always friendly; bonus points for having employees who don't seem jaded taking orders. The interior is renovated, thus making the restaurant look more updated. The Runza (a.k.a bierock) is unique as it is a stuffed sandwich filled with a ground beef, onion, and cabbage mix- with your choice of cheese and/or mushrooms. It's great with a side of "frings" (onion rings and crinkle cut fries). They also have traditional items such as burgers and chicken tenders- but why order something you can get elsewhere? Recommendations- Runza with Swiss cheese and mushrooms, onion rings with barbecue sauce.
(4)
Lori N.
Food is good, love the french fries. Quick service, and the remodel looks nicer brings the restaurant more up to date. Thank you for good customer service.
(4)
Carmel U.
I've only ever used the drive though but I am sure this place is really nice inside. I come for the original Runza and have never eaten anything else. Runzas are deliciious bread pockets of magic. Filled with cabbage, ground beer and spices. OMG. My mouth is watering right now.
(4)
Marie F.
Came here for the runza, got distracted by the signage: "Chili and Cinnamon Buns", "Best Chili in Town"... what? Well, now it's on. The place is a fast food joint. Set up just like any other fast food place with the order counter, combo meals and a drive through. As a matter of fact, they offered mainly burgers. For a place called "Runza" I found it odd they only had 2 Runza options. Chedder or swiss/mushroom. I got the swiss mushroom runza. It was pretty good. More of a philly cheese steak kinda situation. The filling was really finely chopped... the mushrooms were like Green Giant buttons (which, I happen to like) and the cheese was like a thick paste that allowed my napkin to stick to my face (which I happen to like). The combo meal was REALLY filling. Mainly because I substituted chili instead of fries. It's good for dipping. I'm going to call this combination a "German Dip". The chili was cafeteria style. Just bland and basic. Reminded me of Wendy's. I don't know what goes on in town chili wise, but I would venture to guess that it is probably not the best in town. I was too full for the cinnamon rolls (they looked to to be bite size... like cinnamon nuggets). You can get a side order of 4 or a full order of a dozen. The staff was pleasant and all smiles. Not bad if you are in the mood for fast food and wanting something different. It's actually quite tasty. Not recommended as an introduction to runzas.
(3)
Alicia R.
Runza is so weird to me. Runzas are like if a White Castle slider got with a Hot Pocket and well, you know. If you don't like White Castle Sliders, this may not be for you. If you don't like Hot Pockets, well, I may not be for you. Frings (mix of fries and onion rings) are fun, except that last time I got mostly fries, and only a couple onion rings. Fries are crinkle cut, if you like that sort of thing. Eat this stuff right away, not so good if you wait half an hour to eat and it's stale-ish.
(3)
Brian A.
My first Runza experience was in 1988, while visiting friends in Omaha. LOVED them. Have been to the Lawrence store a couple of times since. Taste is an acquired one. Seasoned meat, kraut, onions and cheese nestled in bun-like shell. Afraid to say that my taste buds were not as stimulated this go 'round. The menu has dwindled to only two runza choice, and menu has fish sandwiches, chicken and a ton of burger choices....obviously bowing to the college crowd, who I'm sure prefer these choices. My Cheese runza was still good, but sadly has been changed enough to detect. Hardly any onions at all, kraut was very minimal and the meat looked like it had been on a steamer tray for most of the day. But Captain Mustard to the rescue!, enough mustard packets and some salt and we are chowing down anyway. I was all set for a bierock experience, but will have to revisit "You Say Tomato" for that taste sensation (a review for another day) Store was clean and neat, the staff was exceptionally friendly and polite, and the food was still good/okay, but not as good as I remember. Chalk it up to another learning experience!
(3)
Joe W.
My most awful meal in Lawrence was consumed here. A Runza and soggy fries. No texture, no flavor, greasy & doughy bread around flavorless meat. ek.
(1)
Suzy S.
Inevitably on every trip to visit my parents, as long as we're in Lawrence during the 11a-11p hours, we get Runza. As I know it, Runza's are of German heritage - known better as bier-rocks. They're basically a mixture of hamburger and cabbage (cheese, onions, mushrooms, etc are optional) wrapped in a crust of doughy goodness. I have a recipe to make Runzas, but they are never quite right. I did just manage to snag a Runza casserole recipe from a friend so I'm looking forward to trying it out and hoping it will satisfy my need for this delightful treat on long absences from the only one that is near my traveling path (most of the franchises are in Nebraska, with the lone one in Kansas in Lawrence and a few in Colorado). The fries are crinkle cut and go along with the "sandwiches" fabulously although the Runza alone is the star here. We've usually hit the drive through to pick up Runza for the family and in just 1 of many visits, something was left out. I can't remember if it was fries or an actual Runza, but we high-tailed it back to get the missing item and they were gracious and gave us the sandwich and a free dessert as well for our trouble. Even if you're not a big cabbage fan, a Runza is worth a try at least once and for the most part, cabbage is the only reason I've ever found for someone who didn't like a Runza (but their burgers are a great substitute).
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Michele I.
My dine in experience at Runza in Lawrence has always been pleasant. The service is always friendly; bonus points for having employees who don't seem jaded taking orders. The interior is renovated, thus making the restaurant look more updated. The Runza (a.k.a bierock) is unique as it is a stuffed sandwich filled with a ground beef, onion, and cabbage mix- with your choice of cheese and/or mushrooms. It's great with a side of "frings" (onion rings and crinkle cut fries). They also have traditional items such as burgers and chicken tenders- but why order something you can get elsewhere? Recommendations- Runza with Swiss cheese and mushrooms, onion rings with barbecue sauce.
(4)Lori N.
Food is good, love the french fries. Quick service, and the remodel looks nicer brings the restaurant more up to date. Thank you for good customer service.
(4)Carmel U.
I've only ever used the drive though but I am sure this place is really nice inside. I come for the original Runza and have never eaten anything else. Runzas are deliciious bread pockets of magic. Filled with cabbage, ground beer and spices. OMG. My mouth is watering right now.
(4)Marie F.
Came here for the runza, got distracted by the signage: "Chili and Cinnamon Buns", "Best Chili in Town"... what? Well, now it's on. The place is a fast food joint. Set up just like any other fast food place with the order counter, combo meals and a drive through. As a matter of fact, they offered mainly burgers. For a place called "Runza" I found it odd they only had 2 Runza options. Chedder or swiss/mushroom. I got the swiss mushroom runza. It was pretty good. More of a philly cheese steak kinda situation. The filling was really finely chopped... the mushrooms were like Green Giant buttons (which, I happen to like) and the cheese was like a thick paste that allowed my napkin to stick to my face (which I happen to like). The combo meal was REALLY filling. Mainly because I substituted chili instead of fries. It's good for dipping. I'm going to call this combination a "German Dip". The chili was cafeteria style. Just bland and basic. Reminded me of Wendy's. I don't know what goes on in town chili wise, but I would venture to guess that it is probably not the best in town. I was too full for the cinnamon rolls (they looked to to be bite size... like cinnamon nuggets). You can get a side order of 4 or a full order of a dozen. The staff was pleasant and all smiles. Not bad if you are in the mood for fast food and wanting something different. It's actually quite tasty. Not recommended as an introduction to runzas.
(3)Alicia R.
Runza is so weird to me. Runzas are like if a White Castle slider got with a Hot Pocket and well, you know. If you don't like White Castle Sliders, this may not be for you. If you don't like Hot Pockets, well, I may not be for you. Frings (mix of fries and onion rings) are fun, except that last time I got mostly fries, and only a couple onion rings. Fries are crinkle cut, if you like that sort of thing. Eat this stuff right away, not so good if you wait half an hour to eat and it's stale-ish.
(3)Brian A.
My first Runza experience was in 1988, while visiting friends in Omaha. LOVED them. Have been to the Lawrence store a couple of times since. Taste is an acquired one. Seasoned meat, kraut, onions and cheese nestled in bun-like shell. Afraid to say that my taste buds were not as stimulated this go 'round. The menu has dwindled to only two runza choice, and menu has fish sandwiches, chicken and a ton of burger choices....obviously bowing to the college crowd, who I'm sure prefer these choices. My Cheese runza was still good, but sadly has been changed enough to detect. Hardly any onions at all, kraut was very minimal and the meat looked like it had been on a steamer tray for most of the day. But Captain Mustard to the rescue!, enough mustard packets and some salt and we are chowing down anyway. I was all set for a bierock experience, but will have to revisit "You Say Tomato" for that taste sensation (a review for another day) Store was clean and neat, the staff was exceptionally friendly and polite, and the food was still good/okay, but not as good as I remember. Chalk it up to another learning experience!
(3)Joe W.
My most awful meal in Lawrence was consumed here. A Runza and soggy fries. No texture, no flavor, greasy & doughy bread around flavorless meat. ek.
(1)Suzy S.
Inevitably on every trip to visit my parents, as long as we're in Lawrence during the 11a-11p hours, we get Runza. As I know it, Runza's are of German heritage - known better as bier-rocks. They're basically a mixture of hamburger and cabbage (cheese, onions, mushrooms, etc are optional) wrapped in a crust of doughy goodness. I have a recipe to make Runzas, but they are never quite right. I did just manage to snag a Runza casserole recipe from a friend so I'm looking forward to trying it out and hoping it will satisfy my need for this delightful treat on long absences from the only one that is near my traveling path (most of the franchises are in Nebraska, with the lone one in Kansas in Lawrence and a few in Colorado). The fries are crinkle cut and go along with the "sandwiches" fabulously although the Runza alone is the star here. We've usually hit the drive through to pick up Runza for the family and in just 1 of many visits, something was left out. I can't remember if it was fries or an actual Runza, but we high-tailed it back to get the missing item and they were gracious and gave us the sandwich and a free dessert as well for our trouble. Even if you're not a big cabbage fan, a Runza is worth a try at least once and for the most part, cabbage is the only reason I've ever found for someone who didn't like a Runza (but their burgers are a great substitute).
(5)