Our latest "tourwing" of Lawrence takes us to a place we really should frequent more often. The Bird Dog Bar is located inside The Oread located just outside the North gate of the KU campus. It is an American sportsman themed bar featuring eleven 50 inch televisions and a menu that is a notch above your normal bar food. The limestone walls and columns, large windows, and an open terrace makes for an awesome setting to gather and relax with friends. The hotel also has fine dining, night club, and a pizza joint. But our favorite part about The Oread are the outdoor areas. There is a very nice terrace area located on the fourth floor level that is suited for private parties, wedding receptions, and the like. On the 9th floor you find the rooftop that has an outdoor bar and seating areas scattered around. On weekends there is usually live music to enjoy. But the views of the city and Campanile hill on KU's campus are the best part. The views are from a height and vantage point that many have never experienced before. We finished our evening off atop the roof watching the sun go down on the city and enjoying some cocktails.
To learn more about The Oread visit: http://www.theoread.com/#play_restuarants_FourSplitPage_Restaurants
But what about the wings? Well, they serve them two ways: "dusted" and Buffalo style. They come a dozen per order along with ample celery for $10.95. As the photo demonstrates they are healthy in size too. The dusted wings were very crispy but for some reason the buffalo wings were not and so the skin was a little rubbery. They make their own buffalo style sauce and the flavor is good, but very mild for what you would expect of a buffalo wing.
Wing Nutz judges gave them a 6.75 for appearance, 6 for texture and tenderness, and 6 for flavor. When we multiply each category by the appropriate weight, The Bird Dog Bar scores an overall 6.075.
And with that, we are down to one! Last on the great TourWing of 2013 is Henry T's Bar & Grill. Here is a recap of the rankings thus far:
15. 5.5 23rd St. Brewery
13b. 5.82 Paddy O'Quigley's
13a. 5.82 Wayne 'n Larry's
12. 5.9 Set'em Up Jack's
11. 6.075 The Bird Dog Bar
10. 6.08 Slow Ride Roadhouse
9. 6.53 Saints Pub
7. 6.67 Johnny's Tavern (Original)
6. 6.84 Yacht Club
4b. 6.9 The Jayhawker
4a. 6.9 Dempsey's Irish Pub
3. 7.825 Jefferson's
2. 7.94 Johnny's West
1. 8.325 Conroy's
Until next time,
Tailgate Ted
