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Hunter's

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By JEFF KORBELIK / GZO

Friday, Jul 18, 2008 - 12:47:11 am CDT

WACO — Brian Tomes grew up on a farm in Utica and remembers what a big deal it was to go with his family to Hunter’s in nearby Waco.

Who could have guessed that someday he would own that restaurant and lounge?

Sure enough, after almost seven years away from the restaurant business, Tomes, a former director of operations at Misty’s, is back at it again. In December, he purchased Hunter’s, which had closed a few months earlier. He re-opened it in March.

Story Photo
Hunter's Restraunt has four top sellers. One, the Tilapia Parmesan is baked with parmesan and an herb crust. (Cody Duty)
Hunter's

Waco

Atmosphere: Casual

Specialty: American grill

Payment: Cash, checks, major credit cards

Cost: Entrees, $8.95 to $18.95; sandwiches, $4.95 to $6.95

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday; bar remains open until 1 a.m. daily

Phone: (402) 728-5613

Web site: www.thehuntersrestaurant.com

Notes: On-street parking, smoking and non-smoking sections, alcohol, daily specials, takeout, children’s menu, keno

* * *

Food: 4 stars

Service: 4 stars

Atmosphere: 2 stars

Vegetarian friendly: 1 star

Rating system: Excellent 4 stars; Good 3 stars; Fair or uneven 2 stars; Poor 1 star

* * *

Directions: Take I-80 west to the Nebraska 93B Link (Exit 360). Head north 6 miles on the link into town. For a more scenic drive, take Nebraska 34 west through Seward.

Editor's Note: Ground Zero is road tripping to area restaurants this month.

Since then, Hunter’s quickly has become known for its tasty and inexpensive steaks — a 12-ounce New York Strip is $13.95 — and its prime rib on Friday and Saturday nights.   

Tomes said his older brother, who farms in Utica, approached him first about returning to the restaurant business.

“He told me, ‘You ought to look at it and bring it back to life,’” Tomes said.

The village, looking for someone to keep the keno operation at the restaurant/lounge going, contacted him next.

“I think they were starting to miss the revenue,” Tomes said with chuckle.

Tomes worked at Misty’s for 15 years and stepped away from food service in 2001 when Grace Milton sold the popular Lincoln steakhouse. Bob and Grace Milton opened Misty’s in 1962. Bob passed away in 1998.

“During my sabbatical, I realized how much I enjoyed doing this,” Tomes said. “The hours are long, but it’s fun.

“The real fun part is talking to the people,” he added. “I learned that from Bob and Grace, to get out there and say hello.”

Hunter’s is the only restaurant in Waco. After purchasing it, Tomes spent the next 2½ months in getting it back into shape. Most of the work was done in the kitchen.

The restaurant has two large dining areas, with one room quite a bit more loungier than the other — I half-expected the ghost of Frank Sinatra to pop up.

In building his menu, Tomes relied on his experience. He kept it small, offering two steak options (top sirloin, New York), a chicken entree and jumbo shrimp. He also has tilapia, but plans to replace it with a fresh fish of the day. Entrees run from $9 to $14.

Prime rib is available on Friday and Saturday nights, costing $14.95 (8 ounces) and $18.95 (12 ounces).

Tomes buys his steaks from the Utica butcher, and his prime rib is certified Angus beef from Pegler.  

His menu also features eight burgers and sandwiches, costing $5 to $7, and a variety of appetizers, including gizzards ($4.95) — a house favorite because they are breaded on site. My companions and I had some and highly recommend them.

We stopped in on a busy Friday night. Both dining rooms were nearly full at 6:15 p.m., so we suggest calling for reservations.

For entrees, we tried the prime rib, the New York strip and the night’s special: grilled wild salmon with homemade ginger sauce on the side ($11.95).

Each entree was served with a choice of soup or salad. The steak and prime rib came with a choice of potato.

I had the New York strip. Grilled medium rare, it was one of the best steaks I’ve had in awhile. I can see why Hunter’s is quickly gaining in popularity.

For dessert, we shared slices of homemade mixed berry and apple pie ($2.25 each).

Hunter’s doesn’t have a wine list, but it does have a variety of import beers, including Guinness, Bass and Heineken, as well several domestic choices. No beer is on tap, but Tomes is looking into that.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. It also was nice to see Tomes back in the restaurant business. I’m sure Waco is as glad to have him as he is being there.

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.


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Stop it please wrote on July 18, 2008 7:46 am:
" Ok, so July hits and the reviews of the ONLY restaraunt in Podunk NE are coming in. Seriously, gas is $4 a gallon, i am not driving outside the city to eat somewhere that servers glorified bar food. There are plenty of restaraunts in Lincoln, some of them are even new, like the Texas Road House. Although, it prob doesn't matter what you review, they are all the same, this is (owners name), they have a restaraunt, (next 20 paragraphs reserved for owners life story), a companion and i went there, we had food, it had a flavor. "

 Holmes wrote on July 18, 2008 9:20 am:
" Jeff, I just wanted to let you know, I read your restaraunt reviews every week, and thoroughly enjoy it. I am always looking for a new restaraunt to try out, i dont make it to all of your reviewed restaraunts, but i do make it to about 1/4 of them! anyways, thanks again. "

 wrote on July 18, 2008 10:34 am:
" Maybe people in Waco read the Journal Star! And should I ever pass by Waco and I'm hungry, now I know it's there, and that it's good. Get a life and stop complaining. "

 L wrote on July 18, 2008 10:44 am:
" For Pete's sake. No one is begging you to drive further than you want to. They are simply making people aware of a newly re-opened place for those who choose to go. And giving their take on the place. The rest is up to you. If you coose to save your gas..good for you. Personally I am glad to hear of this place and do intend on trying it out sometime. Even Podunk Ne towns need business to survive. Thank you LJS. "

 seward wrote on July 18, 2008 2:22 pm:
" Why do people assume that only people in Lincoln read these reviews! I appreciate the review, Waco is closer to Seward than driving to Lincoln. Thanks for the info.... "

 kroy wrote on July 18, 2008 6:10 pm:
" I'm from Lincoln and went through Waco stopping at Hunter's. Wonderful food, service, and of course beer. I would recommend to any of my friends. Do you honestly want a chain such as Texas Road House reviewed over a restaurant a Nebraskan started? For shame. "

 Dustin wrote on July 18, 2008 6:26 pm:
" The Journal Star is a local newspaper, therefore they are in the business of reporting local news - and supporting local communities and businesses. What good would it do for them to review a chain restaurant like a Texas Roadhouse? Unbelievable how short-sighted some readers are.

This review was outstanding and incredibly accurate, I have frequented Hunter's Restaurant and it arguable has a better steak and prime rib than any place in Lincoln. The article isn't suggesting you just drive there "because," (and by no means is it saying not to) but informing you that it is located in Waco and damn good - so visit it if you're ever in the area.

I personally enjoy supporting any and all local businesses wherever I am, and much appreciate reviews like this that support small/local businesses. It allows me to gain the knowledge of businesses in areas I rarely travel but may someday. Small/local businesses simply cannot put forth an advertising budget to get the word out about their great food and services like the mentioned national steakhouse chains. They must rely on word of mouth and respectable publications like the Journal Star to do so out of good will. Don't "stop it please" so to speak - keep them coming! Great article! "

 Nancy wrote on July 18, 2008 6:59 pm:
" I see they allow smoking. The food might be the best in the world, but count me out. "

 Boomer wrote on July 18, 2008 8:16 pm:
" Jeff, I appreciate your reviews. I'm from Lincoln, and I pay $4 a gallon for gas, but that doesn't prevent me from reading and enjoying your reviews each week. If I'm ever in the Waco area now I'll know where to get a great steak. Thanks again! "

 drifter wrote on July 19, 2008 10:37 pm:
" the ponderosa rocks we go there on our harleys all the time GOOD ON GAS TO "

 Another review.... wrote on July 21, 2008 10:42 am:
" at a smoking restaurant. Thanks Jeff for your great reviews lately! There are lots of restaurants in Lincoln that I am sure you have not reviewed for quite some time and have changed their menu. I understand the whole "community" thing but how many people do you really think are going to drive to Waco based on this review? The 4 down below? So worth it! "

 Get over it wrote on July 22, 2008 12:21 pm:
" Well if its warmed over bar food you want go to Lazlos. I think its great they review some places outside of the city. Will I make a trip just for it... No.. If I happen to be near by one day looking for dinner will I go? I will now. We need to get over ourselves, Lincoln dosent have to many places opening, and seeing a small town place, with some sort of steak, or fish, is far better than the latest hotdog stand or sandwich shop.Now a little off topic, in response to others about the smoking, this place has the right to allow smoking or not. You have the right to go or not. We in Lincoln took this right away from business owners and put it into the hands of the government in the name of the greater good. Even though I dont smoke, I think it should up to the fine citzens of Waco to decide, with there wallets, if they should allow smoking or not. "

 And to get over it.... wrote on July 22, 2008 4:00 pm:
" and that is exactly why this place won't succeed you think the people of Waco will be able to keep a restaurant like this afloat? Nope they hope to pull from Lincoln and judging by the responses below people are not going to go because of smoking. Someday you will realize how disgusting smoking in a restaurant is. Just like smoking in an airplane. Don't stand up for people who decide to kill themselves slowly and have not enough strong will to quit. And we didn't put it in the hands of the gov't we put it in OUR hands and the whole city decided how gross it actualy is. "

 ALB wrote on July 23, 2008 9:09 am:
" Why are we arguing about smoking? A state-wide ban takes effect next year. This point is moot. "

 I think my point was missed wrote on July 23, 2008 9:41 am:
" I personally dont like smoking, but the will of the many should not impede the rights of the few. Tobacco is legal, if you want to open a bar that dosent allow smoking, that is your choice, and I will decide if I want to frequent it. Free-will and free markets should decide on this. Bars were opening in Lincoln that were smoke free, and did very well. Many restarants were also going smoke free. I think by now there would of been a large part that would be smoke free or had outdoor patios (like Fireworks). Lastly, WE did take the rights of the business away by enacting a law that the government now enforces, just as the south voted for separate but equal, the will of the many dosnet make it right. "

 to I think my point was missed... wrote on July 23, 2008 10:21 am:
" I shouldn't have to sit on a patio to enjoy my food because of someones gross habbit. They should be the ones to have to always sit outside. How hard is it to get? Smoking is disgusting and kills why should I have to put up with it INSIDE an establishment. Most of Lincoln disagrees with you and by the way there were 2 bars that didn't allow smoking not nearly enough. "

 Former Lincoln Resident wrote on July 24, 2008 2:13 am:
" Well I would like to see the comments stay relevant to the review, but since it seems to be a "bashing point." I lived in Lincoln for 6 years. When the "smoking band" first came out, I didn't care either way because I didn't smoke - but after experiencing the band and then going somewhere outside of lincoln where it's allowed, I was totally on board for no smoking in public establishments and am still an advocate.

However, think back to how big of a deal it was for businesses and those who smoked in a town of 225,000 people. When talks of the law being enforced were surfacing, it was controversial to say the least. Talk that some business would not be able to survive. Could you imagine what that'd do to an establishment in a town like Waco? When the state-wide band goes into play it will be fine after the initial shock, because it's the law. However, if the owner mandates it, and you can smoke in all of the bars and restaurants in towns around it - it's going to kill their crowd. Not necessarily the family crowd (they'll appreciate it), but the Keno crowd ,which I imagine provides a great deal of support to the establishment.

Those of you in Lincoln please do enjoy what you have and be advocates for it, as it truly is a rarity and a benefit. But don't let it prevent you from venturing out - i'm sure you do plenty of other things much worse for your health than sitting in a restaurant for an hour with the chance of being exposed to 2nd hand smoke. "

 The Outsider wrote on July 25, 2008 12:17 pm:
" "The Lincoln Journal Star is the premier news and information source in Southeast Nebraska." Not just LINCOLN FOLKS- SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA!! When are you going to get it through your tiny brains that Lincoln is in-fact not the center of the universe!?!? (and if it is your center, than I will pity you from afar, whilst outside the city limits eating much better than you would ever hope to at one of your sorry-Lincoln-chain-eateries).

I appreciate the out-of-town reviews b/c Lincoln restaurants are quite lacking! At least an hour wait at every restaurant in town on the weekends for crappy food and worse service. Oh yeah – another chain restaurant, who the heck cares!?!?

I did not realize that Hunter’s had re-opened, so thank you JEFF KORBELIK. Lookig forward to taking your counsel and trying it again! "

 Keep them up wrote on July 25, 2008 2:05 pm:
" Well, I don't think Traveling to Waco is that big of a deal, How many people would travel to Omaha to eat, I know i have. But to say a $4 dollars a gallon who would drive their I guess i would be one.

I like the reviews of outside of lincoln Restrauants and wish they did more of them.

I will have to give this one a try as i am always looking to for a Great Steak place. As for Texas Road House, They are pretty good for a Chain place.

But one even better in Grand Island is Texas Tea Bone, They have Ribeye that is to die for. You need to eat their if you are out that way. "

 Sultrydayinne wrote on July 25, 2008 3:22 pm:
" I always want to hear about restraurants started by locals rather then chains and hell yes I love driving into the depths of podunk Nebraska many times there is more culture there then Lincoln or Omaha. Way to go Jeff. "

 Bill wrote on July 25, 2008 8:17 pm:
" I would love to venture out to a place like this. I am not worried about my health from the smoking; it ruins the meal, period. If Lincoln had an awesome waterpark with all kinds of slides and activities, I would love to go. But there is no way I would consider it if they allow peeing in the pool. "

 The insider wrote on July 26, 2008 7:50 am:
" Lincoln isnt the center of the Universe... Omaha is (LOL) anyway, I wouldnt call Lazlos a chain, nor Venue, Beacon Hills, Skrumpy Jacks, Sho-Gun, O Yummy, Windchims, The Oven, The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge, Mazitlan, etc... Most of these places have good to excellent service. Yes there are chain places, but for every Apple Garden, there is a place like Red Fox, Billy's, Fieworks, JTK, Bread and Cup, Dish, and South Side Char grill, that make up for it, with higher quality (most times), and better service. There are many wonderful places outside of Lincoln, although while here, if all you see are chains then you are blind to the obvious. Lastly a little tip for you, if you find yourself waiting for a table at The Parthenon, tell the Hostess you are going to Libations, Too, and they will call you when your table is ready... How's that for service? "

 missed the point wrote on July 29, 2008 1:19 pm:
" It's to bad that this nice review has been hammered by a few folks that seem to like their Lincoln location and food. That is great and fine with me. However as others stated Lincoln Journal Star is not just for Lincoln as it's circulation is a lot farther reaching then in town Lincoln. I'm happy to say that I am close to the Hunter's location in Waco and very glad it's opened up. Also I'm very happy to tell readers that I have heard of a large amount of customer coming from outside the local community to try Brian's great food and the super service you get there. So Thanks Jeff for bringing others out to try this place. Please continue to bring us reviews from these great out of the way places that so many can miss and at Hunters you are missing a lot if you don't try it. By the way... on the smoking thing... don't worry about it, because next year NO PLACE can have smoking in Nebraska.... Thanks to our wise?? lawmakers... "

 Welcome Back Hunters Lounge wrote on August 5, 2008 2:47 pm:
" Welcome Back Hunters Lounge and Brian! My folks love the food, can't wait to try it out. Best of luck to you! "

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