Statistics say that you sleep for a little less than half your life. That's nearly 4,000 hours per year spent burrito-wrapped in blankets, dreaming of cheeseburgers and steamy affairs.
Despite the colossal size of that number, I'm sure I've spent just as many hours, particularly in the 21st year of life, endlessly circling Canton Square in murderous pursuit of a parking spot near Looney's Pub. And, I'm probably leaving out a few thousand hours.
Despite the almost embarrassing number of times I've visited the cozy neighborhood bar, I just recently (and by recently, I mean yesterday) discovered that Looney's is also a worthwhile restaurant. Sure, I'd walked past the dining room on my way upstairs, catching tables and chairs in my peripheral vision (perhaps even tripping over one), but I was probably on my fifth or sixth Long Island, and can't be held accountable for such tunnel vision.
Judging from the disturbingly low customer attendance during lunch, I am not the only person who just visits Looney's for the sheer delight of intoxication. Although, the midday lull was a blessing for the bartender, since she was running the whole place alone. The poor thing covered both levels of the fairly large bar, which includes a lower bar, two dining rooms, two upper bars and everything in between.
We sat down to a diner-style menu that was traditionally absurd in length and definitely the cause of at least three of the seven times I said, "I think we need another minute." With everything from wings and cheeseburgers, to filets and a raw bar -- I quickly realized how good branching out from booze can be.
I finally landed on the Looney Turkey Reuben Wrap, deliciously packed with turkey, cheese, coleslaw, Thousand Island dressing and lettuce all wrapped in a flour tortilla, and a glorious side of fries.
While the wrap was pretty amazing, it was totally overshadowed by the French fries, which were crunchy and wonderful in a completely unsurpassable way. They pretty much dominated my conversation for the rest of the day. Do yourself a favor, put your cup down for a millisecond the next time you're at Looney's and taste the fries. You're gonna be driving around searching out a parking spot for a day-and-a-half anyway, so you'll probably need to refuel.
Dish: In addition to its unbelievable fries, Looney's is best known for its wings and quesadillas -- probably because they go so well with a tall brew. My roommate opted for a cheesesteak wrap for $8.95, which she only ate half of because it was so plump. I sampled it all, and although I was never disappointed, I still couldn't get my mind off the fries. I think we might have babies together.
Damage: My wrap (plus the fries made by angels) were $7.95 and I washed it down with a soda for $1.65. That brought the total to $9.60 for all you frugal eaters, but remember -- food in general, with a particular emphasis on Looney's fries, is the object of most Americans' affection. No one can put a price on love.
Decision: Looney's is a hot spot for 20-something J. Crew-clad college students because of its cheap beverages and large billiards area, but don't be blind to the rest of its wonders. It is definitely multi-talented, and once you try the fries, (oh, yes, you will try them) you'll be able to skip the stop at that pesky pretzel place down the street which has been stealing your money for years.
Despite the colossal size of that number, I'm sure I've spent just as many hours, particularly in the 21st year of life, endlessly circling Canton Square in murderous pursuit of a parking spot near Looney's Pub. And, I'm probably leaving out a few thousand hours.
Judging from the disturbingly low customer attendance during lunch, I am not the only person who just visits Looney's for the sheer delight of intoxication. Although, the midday lull was a blessing for the bartender, since she was running the whole place alone. The poor thing covered both levels of the fairly large bar, which includes a lower bar, two dining rooms, two upper bars and everything in between.
We sat down to a diner-style menu that was traditionally absurd in length and definitely the cause of at least three of the seven times I said, "I think we need another minute." With everything from wings and cheeseburgers, to filets and a raw bar -- I quickly realized how good branching out from booze can be.
I finally landed on the Looney Turkey Reuben Wrap, deliciously packed with turkey, cheese, coleslaw, Thousand Island dressing and lettuce all wrapped in a flour tortilla, and a glorious side of fries.
While the wrap was pretty amazing, it was totally overshadowed by the French fries, which were crunchy and wonderful in a completely unsurpassable way. They pretty much dominated my conversation for the rest of the day. Do yourself a favor, put your cup down for a millisecond the next time you're at Looney's and taste the fries. You're gonna be driving around searching out a parking spot for a day-and-a-half anyway, so you'll probably need to refuel.
Dish: In addition to its unbelievable fries, Looney's is best known for its wings and quesadillas -- probably because they go so well with a tall brew. My roommate opted for a cheesesteak wrap for $8.95, which she only ate half of because it was so plump. I sampled it all, and although I was never disappointed, I still couldn't get my mind off the fries. I think we might have babies together.
Damage: My wrap (plus the fries made by angels) were $7.95 and I washed it down with a soda for $1.65. That brought the total to $9.60 for all you frugal eaters, but remember -- food in general, with a particular emphasis on Looney's fries, is the object of most Americans' affection. No one can put a price on love.
Decision: Looney's is a hot spot for 20-something J. Crew-clad college students because of its cheap beverages and large billiards area, but don't be blind to the rest of its wonders. It is definitely multi-talented, and once you try the fries, (oh, yes, you will try them) you'll be able to skip the stop at that pesky pretzel place down the street which has been stealing your money for years.
