If someone asks a Wichita native what restaurant is unique to their town, their first response will most likely be Nu Way Cafe. This local chain (there are now five locations) specializes in a loosemeat sandwich in the Maid-Rite style. The restaurant shown here is the original Nu Way near downtown. The building is a typical 1940's road stand with Formica and chrome in abundance. According to the historical pictures decorating the walls, the site was originally a White Castle.
The crumbly ground beef sandwich is served on a standard hamburger bun and is topped with pickles, diced onions and mustard. Other condiments are available but it is best to keep the sandwich simple so as not to take away from the perfectly seasoned beefy flavor. Also, the onion rings are not to be missed. They are lightly battered and cut to a medium thickness. This produces an excellent crisp crust and perfectly cooked onion. You will not find a super thick crust with a slimy undercooked onion here.
Finally, homemade root beer rounds out the culinary experience. The root beer is very creamy and has a richness that is difficult to describe. Of course it is served in frosty glass mugs. Root beer can be purchased in sizes up to a half-gallon, in a pitcher or a jug to go.
The restaurant also serves chili by the bowl or in quarts for take away, hot dogs, chili dogs, pork tenderloin sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, fries, a garlic salad, and the usual soft drinks and milkshakes.
"Great crispy rings with a nice light batter. "
Jeff Duncan
"Very creamy home made root beer served in a frosty mug. I couldn't resist taking a sip before I took the photo. "
Jeff Duncan
"Nu Way's loosemeat sandwich comes sliced in half, with pickle, onion and mustard as toppings."
Cliff Strutz
"Lots of different sandwiches are available, but everybody I saw was eating the loosemeat sandwich."
Cliff Strutz
"This is the original Nu Way Cafe. There are now five locations in Wichita. They specialize in loose meat sandwiches of the Maid-rite style. "
Jeff Duncan
