Nuway Crumbly Burgers
1416 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67203
Nuway Crumbly Burgers Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Wichita for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Wichita for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Wichita for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1416 W Douglas Ave
Wichita, KS, 67203 - Phone (316) 267-1131
- Website https://www.nuwayburgers.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Frank Z.
All I can say to those Yelpers (especially YOU Allie M.) who "don't get it" is please just stay away!!! LOL You NEVER WILL "get it"!!!! : ) Yes when it come's to Nu-Ways you are either a fan.. or you're not. Personally, having grown up in Wichita, and eaten at the original Douglas Street location (don't bother with any of the others) since I was a kid... These are PURE HEAVEN to me! Yes make mine a Deluxe (large), extra meat, cheese and extra grease with pickle mustard and onion only!!... along with some of your hand dipped onion rings and a root beer! There is a reason this place has been cranking out sandwiches for 80 years... and why people from all over the country migrate here for their "fix"!!! I DO NOT drive through Wichita without stopping here to eat.... and then again on the way out of town to get 8 of them to go! Pack em on ice in a plastic bag in a cooler and they make it to Dallas just fine!
(5)mary m.
I love this place and goes many times when I am in town visiting family, but all the sudden it has gotten expensive to eat here. Price is almost 4.00 for a large and now they rarely have specials like they used too. The whole group of us 20 people cannot afford to go out as a group and get nuways when we can get pizza or something for much less.
(4)Cassie B.
Eating at Nuway has been a family tradition. Almost every time I visit Kansas we have to go in here and have a Nuway with homemade root beer and either fries or onion rings which are both excellent. This is the original Nuway and the best!
(5)Leslie W.
Crumbly is good...I have to admit I do have a secret passion for needing my Nu-Way fix when I travel to Wichita. I've been a fan for years, they aren't as good as they used to be but I still give them three stars for a great sandwich. Wished it wasn't on the greasy side but hey what good burger isn't? I will continue to crave my crumbly burger.
(3)J.D. L.
I truly love NuWay! I have been a fan since I was a kid, and my mom ate here when she was a kid. The onion rings are fabulous - the kind where the coating crumbles because it's so crispy. Deluxe burgers (the ones with cheese) come in medium or large size. The buns are soft but solid enough to hold onto the meat without falling apart. And the homemade root beer is a must - it all goes together perfectly. The only reason I don't eat here more often is I'm watching my waistline. I used to love the pork tenderloin sandwich, too, but I don't think they have that on the menu anymore. They also have GREAT chili. The atmosphere at this location rocks because it is still in the same original building where it started, although they have added on to it over the years. There might be a wait at the door, either from those picking up to-go orders or waiting for a seat (the secret is out!), but it's worth the wait.
(5)Allie M.
Can't I give it less than one star? A half star? A fourth of a star? I know some people love Nu-Way. They must also like bland, unseasoned boiled chicken, cake made without sugar and dirt. You can experience Nu-Way at home, if you want. Brown a pound of hamburger in a frying pan. Don't season it in any way. Once it has browned, rinse it with water to remove all the fat (and flavor). Put the results on a bun. Add a little mustard and a pickle. Flavorless, grey meat on a bun.
(1)Carlos B.
Every time I come back to Doodah, a stop at the original Nu-Way shop is a must. This is the one. Forget those other locations. Part of the charm is eating here in the original building... A lot of people don't 'get' the Nu-Way sandwich itself. It's a greasy mess of boiled (I think) hamburger mixed with mustard and pickles. It's not a burger... not even close. It's messy and you will lose some of the contents onto the wrapper. The fries and onion rings are adequate. Nothing to brag about though. If you want something to write home about, try the homemade rootbeer! Oh.... My.... Make it a float for more yummy goodness. Bottom line: If you come with expectations of an old-style burger joint, you'll be sorely disappointed. The Nu-Way sandwich is probably not whatever you were expecting. A lot of us love it! Order a Rootbeer!
(4)Chase C.
We happened upon this place because our car was being worked on at the shop across the street. The line out the door peaked our interest. This place is fast food with a waitress. The root beer is made in house, and the burgers (add cheese) are what everyone orders. It's definitely a dive.
(4)Mikol P.
If you like it quick, pick one: a. Say "no way" to Nu-Way b. The "old way" had to be better than this! c. If "loose, mystery meat" is your thing... I wanted to love it. It's been in the same location since 1930, it was full of locals, it has this Mel's diner meets the first In-N-Out ever, sort of look to it, it was vigorously recommended by two different locals...all things I usually love about a restaurant. The only thing that stopped me from giving this place a rave review was THE FOOD! THE SANDWICH: I would say the sandwich was bland/tasteless but there was a faint hint of dishwater to it. Complete with really greasy buns and pickles that tasted like they were fresh out of a twenty year old MRE. THE FRIES: Question-How do you screw up fries? Answer-Under cook them in a grease that wouldn't pass Taco Bell standards. THE ROOT BEER: Um. very good! (the only reason the place received one star from me). They say it's made onsite and I believe it. If you do come here, get a wonderful root beer and get out. They even sell a to go 1/2 gallon at a decent price. Besides the decent root beer, there is one other piece of good news......I did not order cheese on my sandwich. The guy next to me did, and these people should be sued by the cheese family for calling that stuff "cheese". In a attempt to end on a positive note, the staff were nice.
(1)Tim D.
I read so much on this place and it being unique to Wichita we had to try it. We ordered the medium and the large with cheese. The Nu Ways were awful. All I could taste were the pickles. No flavor at all. I could not even taste the cheese. Bot the wife and I agree it was bad. My wife said it left a bad taste in yor mouth that she could not get rid of for a while. Never would I eat here again nor advise anyone to. As travelers that try new places all the time, this was a rare swing and a miss.
(1)David T.
Great place. Their burgers are amazing. One would assume that a crumbly burger would just fall all over the place ones you picked it up, but it didn't. It was amazingly tasty. I wasn't expecting much from this place, and I was quite surprised. What is even better than the burgers is their root beer. Also, I love the 1950s counter seating. I am a fan of this this place.
(4)Brad S.
It shouldn't be any surprise that between the bierock, the crumbly burger, and the taco burger, we are a city that's defined by our ground beef. It speaks to our down-home Midwestern sensibilities, and while the majority of Wichitans are more than happy to sit down and share a meal over browned bits of parts of cow that are otherwise too small or undesirable to sell as a whole cut, there is certainly competing emotions when it comes to the particular bits that comprise a Nu-Way. I've reviewed one of these restaurants in the past, but that was focusing on my personal experience and interactions of the time. As I start talking about my time in the ICT in terms of plural years, I've spent more time thinking about this loose-meat sandwich and why some people regard it with so much vitriol. It's no coincidence that the only other place in the country you can find sandwiches like this is in Iowa at the (not-so-popular-anymore) Maid-Rite franchise - Tom McEvoy was one of the pioneers of the sandwich back in the day, but decided to take the concept south, landing on Douglas Avenue, and proceeded to churn out crumbly burgers for the next seventy years. There's a couple differences between a Maid-Rite and a Nu-Way, though, and it begins with the name: up north they're most commonly referred to as a "loose meat sandwich" rather than a crumbly burger. I think that designation is important, because it doesn't set up as much of an expectation. In a city that's crawling with decent-to-very-good burger shacks, stands, and joints, to include a Nu-Way among them with an added qualifier of "crumbly" invites people to compare them to actual burgers, in which case the actual burger will always win. At least in the case of the taco burger, the first half of the phrase provides a way out for the inevitably disappointed: it may not taste much like a burger, but it tastes a bit like a taco, so good enough. With crumbly burgers, the only thing you have to latch onto when your burger (and dreams) literally falls apart in your hands is the adjective 'crumbly,' though it's an obvious one because a quarter of your sandwich already fell out. Yeah, it's crumbly, and water's wet. But it's not a burger, and any comparisons between Nu-Ways and burger restaurants are comparing apples to oranges. Or maybe apples to a large group of Nerds candy in the shape of an apple. The other major difference between Nu-Ways and Maid-Rites are the seasoning, in which the latter uses "something," and the former uses "nothing." I'm not even sure if they use salt. They claim it's supposed to be all about the beef, and I guess this accomplishes it, but they're relying solely on the grind of the meat and the cast iron cookery secret to give the sandwich its flavor. Oh, and the undrained fat, of course - you get that, too, though given how simple the meat is otherwise, it's probably better to have it, as it ensures the beef doesn't dry. So yes, you take that sauce-less Sloppy Joe, dress it up with the original Hamburger Helper - mustard, pickle, and onion - slap it between two buns, and call it a day. Sure, it's not as good as an actual hamburger, and sure, the loose, unseasoned, and barely-browned meat is hardly passable even by "single dad living alone" standards, but when you get right down to it, this sandwich has been here since the Great Depression, back when Wichitans rode their horses on ferries across the Arkansas to get to the Nu-Way in Delano (disclaimer: that may not have happened, as I made it up just now). I say, enjoy it for what it is: ground beef on a bun. In a way, it embodies much of what Wichita's all about: "nothin' fancy." Or to put it another way: it's ground beef on a bun - lower your expectations.
(3)Gary S.
I visited this place about a month ago and don't know how they stay in business. I grew up in Wichita but was never exposed to NuWay, which probably kept me from the sentimental draw people have to these really strange and unhealthy "burgers."
(1)Robert B.
I've eaten here twice now and I can't let go that even the things I enjoyed--the homemade root beer, the homemade onion rings--could not outweigh the utter awfulness of pretty much everything else. I don't get why this place didn't go out of business years ago; sheer nostalgia, i guess. Wichita has so many great burger & fries places--Walt's, SportBurger, TJ's Burger House, to name only a few--why would anyone eat this? Certainly not because it tastes good.
(2)William L.
Well I guess most people love Nu-way or hate it, well I guess I have to go with the hat side. Was unimpressed both time I was here with a burger that fall apart. I don't even consider them to be hamburgers, maybe closer to hanburger helper. A good Hamburger has to hold together, but the fries were not bad. Sorry, but I don't have any plans to go back soon.
(2)Greg F.
I was born in Wichita and moved to Phoenix in 1959. Nu-Ways were at the top of my family's (and visiting relatives) list. Back then, these sandwiches were to die for. I was a kid, but it seemed they were as big as a 45 rpm record and were so rich even adults had trouble getting a whole one down. A visiting uncle, who was a monster with matching appetite, once insisted he could eat two. After about one and a half, he became green around the gills. On Sundays we would drive down and order 4-6 to go, which they would package in a brown paper bag. The resulting "bleed throughs" on the outside of the bag were exquisite and quite appetizing. I was not able to get back to Wichita until 1997, and of course the Nu-Way on Douglas was high priority. To say I was anxious after 38 years would be an understatement. I decided to eat in the restaurant, marveling at the few changes that had occurred over the many years. Upon receiving my long lost Nu-Way, my first impression was that it had shrunk - and of course it had. Next, there was not an inch and a half between the buns - they also got 'shorter.' Ignoring these measurement changes, I went for a few bites. The flavor explosion I had waited for decades to be reunited with was not there. In fact, it sort of reminded me of "homemade" Nu-Ways, because back when just about everybody in Wichita was sure they had deciphered the recipe, which of course they hadn't. After I finished the sandwich I commented to the server that something was missing or different, and the sandwich tasted little like it did in the late 1950s. Stabbing in the dark, I told her they "didn't seem as greasy as they use to." She laughed and reminded me how "health concious" people were these days, then offered to make me another one with "more grease." I agreed and here came number two. Unfortunately, it tasted just like the first one only lard kissed. What confused me further, is that for a few years we had a couple of Maid-Rite franchises in Phoenix, and those reminded me more of the old Nu-Way than the modern day real thing. I'm still not sure what changed over those years, but if I was guessing I would have to say the meat, assuming the preparation and cooking process were the same. The sandwich is still very good, but pales to its predecessor. So, here comes the cliches: you can never go back and nothing good lasts forever. .
(3)Mama G.
As many of the earlier posters have noted re: Nuway, it was known as a great tradition and great sandwiches back in the day. I lived in Wichita from the 50's thru the early 80's. So Nuway was always on the list of treats when I had a few extra bucks and could splurge. The Royal malts were to die for too. Yesterday, I decided to stop in to hopefully rekindle that long lost memory . My heart and taste buds were broken! I've never had anything as tasteless nor as greasy as was the sandwich and onion rings I got. The Root Beer was the only redeeming factor in this mess. Literally, 1 bite is all that I could manage and the grease film that lingered on the roof of my mouth was disgusting. My childhood memories are forever lost in wanting a Nuway Sandwich. So sad! Now where can I find a twinkie in this town??
(1)Terry S.
What happened to good ol Nuways? No taste, no flavor, food not hot, barely room temperature. Started eating Nuways in the 50's. Were great then. Too bad a great product is now mediocre at best. Have tried several locations and none are good anymore.
(1)Kacie M.
My family history runs thick in Wichita, even though I don't call it home. I brought my husband and had my grandparents give him a grand tour of Wichita, and it included a stop at Nu-Way, which has been an institution since there were only two high schools in the whole city. Grampa talked up Nu-Way as an East High tradition, and what do you know - when we sat down the table next to us was there celebrating and East High 45th reunion, and the first place they came after their flight came in was Nu-Way. So - that kind of tradition means that this place deserves a whole star just for history and charm, and they do have charm. It's filled with old photos of Wichita and the original TINY diner area is still there. It takes no imagination whatsoever to see some couple from the '40's coming in for a root beer float. But it's not just the history that makes this place so fun. They are good burgers, and good root beer floats, and fries, and cherry limeades, and onion rings. They really are like sloppy-joes without the sauce. Yeah, it's simple and it's not the most amazing thing you've ever tasted (definitely fast food), but all things considered it's good stuff. Hey, they've been doing it for years, so why fix what ain't broke?
(4)Quinn H.
If you can eat a classic Nu Way sandwich, curly fries and a huge helping of their garlic salad, without throwing up, then you're a better woman than I am. Don't let the vomit episode fool you, Nu Way is classic Wichita, Kans. cuisine and is to be revered in the realm of food gods. Even more good news? They even open at 10:30 so you can get an early start on satisfying your root beer float cravings.
(4)Carolynne M.
Aaah, the Nu-Way. 77 years as a Wichita tradition. We had had had to stop here on our beginning of our road trip. And not just to say "I actually visited Wichita", but how can you go through this town and not visit a place that promotes an item termed "loose meat sandwiches"? Oh yeah, you heard that right. Loose Meat. mmmmm. The best way I can describe the Loose Meat is to imagine a sloppy joe without the sauce. Crumbly, rather grey meat (of which origin I can only guess. Not even on the company website does it say what kind of "meat" is used), is mixed with onion. There may be another ingredient as I found the sandwich to have a bit of a vinegary tang to it. If you get the Deluxe sandwich you get a slice of somewhat slick, rubbery cheese on top. I believe the sandwich also had pickles and maybe mushrooms, but I was too busy being amazed at such a creation and marveling as to why the top and bottom of the bun should have a greasy feel to it. I felt the taste improved dramatically with the addition of ketchup, which is something I almost would never say. However, the price is right ($2.89 for a large Deluxe) and the place seemed to consist mainly of townies, which I usually feel is a good sign. The onion rings, made fresh on premises, are big and have a delightful golden, crunchy coating which is probably the best I have ever had. Add a sprinkle of salt and dig in. Score a star simply for this part of the meal. (a order of these devilish creatures will run you $2.59). The root beer, also made on premises (I still wonder about that, as this place is pretty tiny) is very sweet and delectable. I normally don't like pop, but I found the taste of this to be very smooth and refreshing. A large mug will run you $1.49, or you can take a half gallon of it with you to go, which I declined. The place itself looks like a mix of a old time diner and a fast food place. Slightly run down with a series of booths on one side and a counter with stools on the other. The waitstaff was efficient, but not terribly cheery or amiable in any way. Maybe they suspected we were not from around here. Anyway, they also sell pork and chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and chili if you cant stomach the thought of Loose Meat.
(2)Sarah R.
I've gotta stand up for my hometown favorite here. I've since moved away from this neighborhood in Wichita, but every time my siblings or I go back to visit, this is one of the top stops. A "Nu Way" is a crumbled beef burger. I've never had deluxe because you don't need more than the onions, pickle, and mustard that the regular offers. The sandwich is small, so it doesn't hurt to order two if you're hungry... a lot of people do. Be sure to grab a fork/spoon because you'll want to eat up the crumbly leftover goodness left on your paper after you dig through the Nu Way itself. The curly fries are a must-have side. There's just something about them that is a perfect compliment to the Nu Way. And I highly recommend the root beer floats. The mugs are giant and come out perfectly frosty to keep everything in balance. The atmosphere is entirely local which just rocks. The original part of the restaurant consists only of the sit down bar stools, while the add on is a welcome edition of 4-seater booths with one that will sit 6. It's a tough place to sit a large group, especially during the lunch rush, but not a problem if you time it right. (We've moved tables together before.) The staff has that local flair: perfectly hospitable, but not out-of-the-way hyper friendly either. The food comes out quick and hot, the root beer frosty and cold. No complaining there! If you do "drive through" Wichita as so many tell me they do, take a break from the typical fast-food lunches and give this a try.
(4)