Issue 195 | March 3, 2011

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 Best of Dining
Best Coffee Shop Sweet Eugene’s
Photos by Valerie Clark
By Mara Minsberg

A worthwhile departure
from ubiquitous corporate
chain coffee shops, Sweet
Eugene’s House of Java has
been a local staple serving
the Bryan-College Station
area since 1993. With its
eclectic ambiance, unique
décor, satisfying drinks,
and delicious baked goods,
Sweet Eugene’s provides the
ideal setting for visiting with
friends or studying for an exam.
Sweet Eugene’s high-quality coffee and espresso drinks are all brewed in-house with self-
roasted coffee beans and purified water. In addition to standard coffee options, they also
feature a wide assortment of hot and cold drinks, including fruit smoothies, java shakes,
chai teas, various cocoas, and many other enticing beverages. Their drink menu includes
a number of specialty espresso drinks in a variety of flavors sure to provide the requisite
caffeine to stimulate sluggish studiers. For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Eugene’s has
both hot and cold candy-inspired treats and blended shakes in tempting flavors like Heath
Bar and Mudslide.

Sweet Eugene’s features an extensive and varied food menu, boasting distinctive fare like
sweet or savory crepes, lunch wraps, panini sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. Appetizing
made-to-order crepes include imaginative options such as the Green Eggs and Ham
Breakfast Crepe and the Hot Granny in Caramel Apple Crepe for dessert. Sweet Eugene’s
also has a hearty selection of baked goods, including croissants, apple fritters, donuts, and
kolaches. Whether for a snack or for a meal, Sweet E’s offers a wide range of food items well-
suited to fuel even the longest of studying marathons.

In addition to the tempting food and drink menus, students and professionals flock to
Sweet Eugene’s for its distinctive decor and warm welcoming atmosphere. With multiple
rooms featuring comfortable and inviting furniture and attractive artwork, there are many
spaces conducive to studying or working. The shop also has outdoor seating perfect for
enjoying baked goods and coffee drinks on a nice day. Sweet E’s also sells specialty items
and novelties, including flavored drink syrups, coffee cups, art, jewelry, tea, and t-shirts.

Sweet E’s was also the recipient of this year’s Best of BCS “Best Wifi Spot” award. They offer
free Wifi to customers, making it an ideal environment for researching papers or surfing the
internet. Mindful of hectic schedules and heavy student workloads, Sweet Eugene’s opens
early and closes late daily to accommodate its busy patrons. The coffee shop opens its doors
at 6:00 am Monday through Saturday and at 7:00 am on Sundays, closing at 1:00 am Sunday
through Thursday and at 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. They are also open 24 hours
during particularly demanding study times such as final exams.

To indulge in Sweet E’s delectable food and coffee drinks or to cozy up to the perfect study
corner, visit their location at 1702 George Bush Drive East in College Station. For more
information, call (979) 696-5282 or check them out online at sweeteugenes.net.

4 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

 Best of Dining
Best chicken fingers Layne’s
Photos by Steven Heger Publisher
Mick Maynard
Caviar Dreams: Font
Business Manager
Andrea Maynard

Editor in Chief
Chris Shepperd

MANAGING EDITOR
Chris Zebo

Design/Layout
Cara Matocha, C2-Studios Inc.

writers
Kassie Cessna Sherrill Mogonye
Autumn Dawson Gabrielle Nguyen
Turner Dawson Brandon Nowalk
By Vladimir Amador Mallory Dykowski Erica Pitman
Josh Howell Megan Roiz
Nichelle Jaeger Ian Soares
Across from the A&M campus, there is an old, run-down looking building that gaggles of Aggies visit daily. Most would think that nothing Sarabeth Lacy Joey Trevino
incredible could possibly be produced in the unassuming place, driving past it on the way through town. And none would guess that an Mara Minsberg
Aggie cultural phenomenon could be established there, either. But…something’s been happening inside the place for years--the most
Photographers
delicious chicken and the most mysteriously wonderful, mouth-watering secret sauce are produced and sold inside every day of the week. Valerie Clark
Steven Heger
Sixteen years ago, Layne’s got its start in this small, rugged building and today the establishment is one of the most popular eateries in town
Distribution
and the winner of a Best of BCS award for Best Chicken Fingers.
Kyler Dillon
Andy Nguyen
Their famous chicken finger plate comes with 5 perfectly fried chicken fingers on a bed of crisp golden french fries. Though often quickly Becca Nelms
consumed, these 5 strips of fried bird heaven should be savored slowly for full finger-licking effect. The plate also comes with a delicious
slice of Texas toast, with just the right amount of butter and just the right amount of crunch. And, of course, there is the secret sauce. This interns
secret, concealed (must be top secret), inexplicably peppery concoction makes crispy chicken just that much better. (And its only 10 cents Vladimir Amador
Maggie Dotson
per extra sauce packet, so you will probably want to stock your fridge full of it!) Ryan Frische
Cameron Gott
Sometimes, great things come in surprise packages, and most Aggies and locals agree: Layne’s is a BCS institution and the best place in Lana Rothe
town for chicken fingers.

Best burger Koppe Bridge

Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-owned
By Vladimir Amador publication and is not affiliated with A&M University.
Maroon Weekly receives no student fees
or university funding.
A place that claims to be “Texas Paradise” must be pretty darn good. Koppe Bridge is more than
just good, though. Their burgers are raved about all over town and even outside of BCS. It should Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily
come as no surprise that Koppe Bridge beat out the rest of its competitors to earn the title of reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher
Best of BCS’ Best Burger. or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for
omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of
this publication may be reproduced without the
One bite of their signature half-pound, old-fashioned burger with mustard, lettuce, tomato, express consent of the publisher.
onion, and pickles will have you joining the fan club as well. Koppe Bridge offers other things
1st copy is FREE, additional copies
you can add on to your burger, too, like American or Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, or are $0.50 each
sauerkraut. And whatever combination you choose will be sure to leave your stomach happy.
Their menu also includes barbeque items, chicken, steak, fish, wings, and lots more, so everyone should have something they can enjoy. Maroon Weekly
While the burger is the star of the show, Koppe Bridge’s fries create just the right complement to make perfection even better! 110 Lincoln St. #107
College Station, Texas 77840
This traditional burger joint has been around since 1992, and some big names have stopped by to give it a try. The likes of Former President ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160
Bush and Governor Rick Perry have all left the establishment like every other customer, © Copyright 2010 Legacy Media Inc.
claiming they just enjoyed “The Best Big Burger in Town.”

If delectable burgers weren’t enough, Koppe Bridge also offers live music on select nights.
Customers can enjoy a burger and a drink while listening to the finest musicians around in
their beer garden.

If you have yet to try the pleasurable experience of dining at Koppe Bridge, make sure you
stop by either of their two locations in town. Your stomach will thank you and your first time
definitely won’t be your last.
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Best dessert
By Vladimir Amador
Dessert often gets a bad rep. Most people
see it as the unhealthy, fattening end-of-
the-day treat. It’s also the first thing given
up when people want to lose weight, get
healthier, or rid themselves of their bad
consciences. Lucky for us here in Bryan-
College Station, Red Mango has come up
with a solution.
As the pioneer of all-natural frozen yogurt,
Red Mango found a way to deliver all of
the tasty flavors and textures we have
come to expect out of dessert while also
packing in loads of nutritious goodness.
Not surprisingly, Red Mango is the winner of
Best of BCS’ Best Dessert.
Their yogurt is all-natural, nonfat, and
gluten-free, and they have a ton of varieties
to choose from. Part of the fun is to be
creative and enjoy your dessert; and not just
by eating it, but also by preparing it with all
of the toppings you can choose. You could
keep it simple by picking original yogurt
with strawberries, blueberries, and graham
crackers. Or you could be a bit daring
and choose pomegranate yogurt with
mango, mandarin oranges, fruity pebbles,
and mochi. Whatever the combination,
your bowl will surely be filled with lots of
scrumptious flavors.
If yogurt isn’t enough for you, Red Mango has
other equally satisfying options to delight
your sweet tooth. Their fresh fruit parfaits,
Best of Dining
red mango
Photos by Steven Heger
full of organic granola and omega-3s, are
so big and filling that they could even serve
as a nutritional meal replacement. They
also offer a variety of smoothies including
fruit & yogurt smoothies, fruit & tea infused
smoothies (the citrus green tea smoothie is
a must try!), power smoothies, and iced tea
chillers.
Of course we can’t forget about chocolate!
Red Mango is now promoting an all new
dark chocolate yogurt made with Ghirardelli
chocolate. Their new hot chocolate chillers
are described as “like indulgent hot cocoa,
but without the heat and guilt.”
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 Best of Dining
Best Ethnic Food
By Chris Zebo
Shiraz Shish Kabob is a family owned
restaurant opened in 2008 by a Persian and
Turkish family who decided to fill a void
in Bryan-College Station for good Eastern
Mediterranean and Eastern European food.
Believe it or not, before they opened their
doors, you would have to drive all the way
to Houston for good falafel and kabobs (and
that’s just not fair).
The sit-down or take-out restaurant quickly
became a staple of classic Persian and
Mediterranean specialties for two central
reasons. First, everything you order is made
from scratch; from their delectable hummus
and baba gannouj to their artisan flatbread
(which is cooked to order and always served
hot). Their marinated meats, like their beef
and game hen kabobs, are always high-
quality cuts and they’re always grilled
tender and juicy.
The second reason the restaurant became
so popular--especially being located across
from campus--is because of their price point.
It’s low. Real low. You can get two minced
beef or chicken kabobs with an order of
their famous bread for only $7. You’ll also
feel stuffed and have that feeling of dizzy
elation (in other words, food coma) that
only comes after eating something hearty
and filling.
But there’s one other characteristic of Shiraz
that’s probably taken for granted by patrons.
It’s a characteristic of all dining experiences
that we take for granted, actually--at least
when it’s done right. But sometimes
it’s done wrong. When you walk into a
restaurant, your eyes instinctively survey the
tables, the walls, the chairs, the floors and
even the menus. You subconsciously judge
an establishment for order and cleanliness
(it’s a natural defense mechanism that’s
been trained into us from our early days
as scavengers). If a place is unkempt and
disheveled, if the tables are sticky and have
a previous patron’s dirty dishes on them,
and if the food display cases have smudged
glass and rancid, leaking food product in
Shiraz Shish Kabob
them, then you know the food you’re about
Photos by Valerie Clark
to order is going to represent those qualities
in some way.
Shiraz not only displays their skewered meat
in a display case (and they don’t have to,
BTW), but they almost do it to show off. If
you could ever stomach eating raw meat,
then you might consider doing it at Shiraz.
We know that’s an overstatement, but you
can’t help but feel the level of pride the
family has for their food. Each tray of meats
looks tantalizingly fresh and succulent. And
because each skewer looks so appetizing,
you can’t decide what to order--you want
one of everything. (Interestingly, the
restaurant has recently changed its menu
and it now offers mix-and-match options,
probably as a result of customers wanting
one of everything.)
You might think the family is obsessive, and you’re about to enjoy.
in food industry terms, that’s a great quality
to have. Cleanliness and order implies, Message to Shiraz: We see the love and we
whether you realize it or not, that a lot of taste it, too. That’s why you’ve been voted
heart and dedication has gone into the food the best.

Best Pizza Antonio’s Best margarita

ninfa’s mexican restaurant
Photos by Steven Heger
By Ryan Frische By Ryan Frische

When I think of pizza, Antonio’s comes to mind When looking for
instantly. It’s the quintessential pizza parlor in the best margarita in
Bryan-College Station. Huge, savory slices, great Bryan-College Station,
service and perfect hours have transformed there are key factors in
Antonio’s from a typical pizza parlor to a landmark the selection process
in Northgate. that must be met:
price, taste, size and,
The key to great pizza comes in the form of flavor of course, is it strong?
and variety, and Antonio’s has perfected both. They consistently serve up unique types of Ninfa’s Mexican
pizza that push the limits of Italian cuisine. From buffalo chicken and bleu cheese to black Restaurant has
bean avocado quesadilla, Antonio’s delivers on creativity. perfected this recipe
for success with their
Located in the heart of Northgate, Antonio’s stays open until 3 a.m. for the late night crowds famous Ninfarita. Not
and stomachs that crave the toppings and affordable prices. only does the size and
strength match up with the price, but the taste is perfect to boot.
One online review sums up the allure of Antonio’s best: “If it’s 2 a.m. on the weekend
and you aren’t here, there is no excuse. The creativity they bring to the table can only be Located on Earl Rudder Freeway in College Station, Ninfa’s is a staple in the Brazos Valley
described as scrumptious.” for great fajitas and their infamous margaritas. Drink specials are a driving force for college
students, and Ninfa’s is no exception. Word of mouth and advertised specials have set Ninfa’s
have generated a lot of loyal and returning customers for the restaurant.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to taste a Ninfarita, Tuesday is the perfect day to
branch out and experience the flavor that garnered it a Best of BCS award. “Two for Tuesday”
takes place every Tuesday at Ninfa’s, with Ninfaritas and menu items on special. Happy hour
is another great time to sample the famed drink, Monday through Thursday from 2pm to
6pm. And Ninfaritas can be purchased for the low price of $3.50.

With so many opportunities to get the best bang for your buck, Ninfa’s has created a drink
loved for its strength and flavor. It’s not just a margarita, it’s a Ninfarita.
8 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com
 Best of Dining
Best Frozen Yogurt Spoons
Photos by Valerie Clark

By Chris Zebo

Do we even have to tell you that Spoons won Best FroYo? The place has lines so long out the door that they’re hiring a crossing guard on Texas
Ave. Seriously, look at Google Earth: You can see the line from outer space like the Great Wall of China.

Opened in the summer of 2009 and owned and operated by Aggies, Spoons’ self-serve and pay-by-weight concept gives patrons what they
want and how much they want of it. The self-serve frozen yogurt concept had been extremely popular in major cities across the US for a few
years prior to the C-Stat manifestation. But when it finally reached College Station, it took no time to take off. Who can resist filling their own
bowls with any flavor of froyo they choose and then dressing it up with any of the many toppings Spoons offers on the way to a weigh station?

In a sense, Spoons is the froyo that launched a thousand ships. If you haven’t noticed lately, the streets of BCS are now paved in yogurt cultures.
In the past year, in an attempt to mimic Spoons’ success, numerous other self-serve yogurt joints have clamored into place to placate our desire
for frozen yogurt. But Spoons has something they don’t: the heart of Aggieland.

In addition to being owned and operated by Aggies (the business model was actually developed by a team on campus), Spoons gives back
to the community by helping numerous student organizations in their fundraising drives. Spoons also holds a special place in Aggie hearts
because they’ve seen the place grow with their own eyes. Not only did they witness it, but they helped make it happen--giving Aggies a
strange feeling of ownership and pride toward the place that few establishments can claim.

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 Best of Dining
Best mexican food casa rodriguez
By Brandon Nowalk Photos by Valerie Clark

To be voted Best Mexican Restaurant in Bryan-College Station takes something truly special. With stiff
competition ranging from late-night taquerias to fancy sit-down restaurants, Casa Rodriguez managed a
true feat coming out on top with its blend of world-class recipes and small-town charm. But to those of us
who love a good enchilada and great service, it’s not really surprising.

At the heart of Downtown Bryan at North Bryan and 24th, Casa Rodriguez is elegantly tucked into a rich,
relaxing promenade away from university traffic and noise. With its classic storefront and simple decor, it
makes for the perfect spot to catch up with friends over chips and queso (and you can’t help but bump
into someone you know there).

Casa Rodriguez opened its first incarnation over a century ago, quickly becoming a popular stopover for
locals and railroad passengers alike. Since then, it’s transformed from the cantina in The Treasure of the
Sierra Madre to the local hotspot in Friday Night Lights. Opening its doors bright and early at 7am, what first
sets Casa Rodriguez apart is its diverse array of breakfast tacos, quesadillas, and spicy Mexican omelettes
topped with the restaurant’s trademark chili con carne made from the family recipe that’s been wooing
customers for decades. Served with fluffy tortillas, it’s a delicious way to start the day. But it wouldn’t be
the most popular Mexican joint in town if not for its traditional dinner offerings, which include enchiladas topped with onions and your choice of
sauces, succulent fajitas with all the usual fixings, and, of course, a hearty selection of signature dishes like the A&M quesadilla.

On the 30th anniversary of Casa Rodriguez opening at its current location, what better time for fans to show their appreciation by voting it Best
Mexican Restaurant and what better time for newcomers to taste the tradition.

10 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

 Best of Dining
Best place to eat after hours
Fuego tortilla grill
Photos by Valerie Clark
By Erica Pitman

Paul Moler created Fuego Tortilla Grill

with Mexican authenticity in mind, taking
inspiration for the popular restaurant from
the food carts found on the streets of
Mexico. He sought to bring that particular
taste of Mexico back to Texas and chose
College Station for the location of the first
Fuego.
A good crowd is to be expected anywhere
that is open 24 hours in a college town. But
Fuego has really experienced a boom in
after-hours dining. It has quickly become a
popular place for college students, and the
restaurant has been warmly welcomed into
the Aggie community.
So…it really shouldn’t surprise anyone that
Fuego took two awards this year: Best Place
to Eat After Hours and Best Breakfast Taco.
Fuego has set a new standard in town. First,
you don’t have to worry about breaking the
bank when you eat there. Their big tacos
start at $1.79 each, so they fit everyone’s
budget (especially broke college students’).
Second, they prepare incredibly fresh,
quality food and they have a model of
service and consistency that has raised the
bar not only fast Mexican food but also for
late night dining options. Fuego is always
making fresh food. No matter what time
you walk through the door, your food will be
made to order. And that’s a pretty amazing
feat, considering the place never sleeps.
Their breakfast options became popular
in a matter of months, soon after word
had spread that their portions were hefty,
flavorful and inexpensive. And it isn’t
grandma’s eggs and bacon we’re talkin’
about here, either. With a plethora of options
to fill their tortillas, Fuego’s breakfast tacos
are a fresh and savory way to start your day.
Whether for freshness, convenience, or
affordability, BCS is flocking to Fuego.

Best sandwich blue baker

By Brandon Nowalk

It’s hard to believe Blue Baker only opened

ten years ago and is already a BCS icon,
winning both Best Sandwich Shop and Best
Food Delivery. Then again, the bakery has
been so successful it ushered in a recent
wave of competition all over town--though
no one has managed to replicate Blue Baker’s special mix of
warm service, youthful style, and, of course, great sandwiches.

Any place can open a counter and some booths and sell
sandwiches. Blue Baker’s twist is right there in the name:
Blue everywhere, from the walls, the vinyl, the uniforms, to
the dynamic, multi-leveled setup--and even customers, since the store offers free food to
those who cover themselves in blue. Having participated in the tradition myself, I highly
recommend cashing in on the deal at least once. If there’s a more fun way to score free,
award-winning food with friends, I haven’t heard.

Baking the day’s bread in its gigantic brick ovens every day, Blue Baker boasts an artisanal
quality you can taste, from the pizza crusts to the salads (served in baked parmesan shells)
to the piping hot soups in their sourdough bread bowls. Also popular are the daily loaves
of bread for sale, which are baked on schedule, like pumpkin bread on Saturdays, zucchini
bread on Sundays.

But the highlight, naturally, are the sandwiches. From time-honored favorites like the Pesto
Azul (chicken and pesto on fluffy, herbed focaccia) or the Club Bleu (a flaky croissant with
everything on it) to the essential mainstays, like the Earl or the BLT.

You can’t go wrong with a Blue Baker sandwich. Visit the original on Dominik or the newer
location on University, or call for dependable delivery service, and you’ll see why Blue Baker
is the name for great sandwiches in Bryan-College Station.
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 Best of Dining
Best sports bar fox and hound
Photos by Steven Heger
By Ian Soares

In Aggieland, watching sports is more than just an

activity it’s practically a way of life. So, it’s no surprise
that when it came time for the voters in the community
to decide on their favorite sports bar that they chose
the one that takes it as seriously as them.

While some sports bars have a little bit of something

for anyone, The Fox and Hound prides itself on offering
the most to everyone. The Fox and Hound has over 70
types of beer on tap, giving it by far the largest beer
selection in the area and one of the largest in the state.

But The Fox and Hound is way more than just a bar,
it has taken the game watching experience to the
extreme. The Fox and Hound boasts some of the largest
projection screen televisions around, and wall-to-wall
LCD’s; so whether you’re enjoying a great meal, shooting pool, playing darts, or just hanging
out at the bar, every seat in the house is going to have a great view.

The Fox and Hound is known for its great atmosphere, incredible beer selection, and its
lovely wait staff known as the Fox and Hound “Foxes.” For these reasons it comes as no
surprise that it was voted the best Sports Bar in BCS.

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 Best of Dining
Best taco/burritos freebirds
By Vladimir Amador

A lot goes into a good burrito. You need the perfect tortilla. You need the perfect meat.
You need the perfect veggies. You need the perfect rice, beans, cheese and sauce. Not
just anyone can make this savory, rolled up meal. According to the voters of Best of BCS,
no one can make one as good as Freebirds, this year’s winner of the Best Burrito/Taco.

Freebirds’ mission has always been to “Feed your belly, feed your soul.” They have been
doing just that here in Bryan-College Station since 1991. Hungry customers flock to one
of their four locations in town to chow down on their tasty burritos, tacos and other fast
Mexican specialties. Their variety of selections may seem overwhelming at first, but the
diverse menu allows for people of all palates to be satisfied. The light eaters can order a
Hybird, the smallest of all the burritos, while the hungriest and the most daring diner can
indulge in the Super Monster Burrito (and good luck devouring one alone).

The size of the burrito isn’t the only thing that varies--the deliciousness that’s crammed
inside does, too. You can have your choice of meat (steak, carnitas, chicken, and even a
veggie option) and you can also choose from everything else the place has for you to
throw in there. You ask for it, they stuff it in the tortilla and roll it up, ready for you to enjoy
in minutes. Freebirds also won Best Taco in town, so you can have all of these options
inside 1, 2, or 3 tacos. The choices are endless and customers aren’t complaining!

Freebirds has been feeding bellies and souls for years, and the bellies and souls of BCS
have thanked them by rewarding them with the Best Burrito/Taco of Bryan-College
Station.

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 Best of lifestyle
best aggie gear aggieland outfitters

By Mara Minsberg

With its two convenient locations and wide selection of merchandise, Aggieland Outfitters is Bryan-College Station’s preferred
place to purchase Aggie gear. Aggieland Outfitters is a local leader in Texas A&M clothing and gifts, featuring exclusive designs
and licensed apparel in a variety of sizes and styles. This Aggie-owned-and-operated store has been serving the local community
with its coveted high-quality, licensed Texas A&M merchandise since 2000.

Aggieland Outfitters offers unique and stylish Texas A&M clothing and accessories for all ages, including Game Day t-shirts, dresses,
outerwear, hats, tote bags, and jewelry. They also carry an extensive stock of gift items, such as car decals, umbrellas, tailgating
supplies, and home décor. Whatever your clothing and gift needs, Aggieland Outfitters is an excellent source for all things A&M.

For all of your Aggie merchandise, gifts, and apparel, you can visit Aggieland Outfitters at either of its two BCS locations. The
Southgate location at 208 George Bush Drive in College Station is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Post Oak Mall store at 1500
Harvey Road is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Aggieland Outfitters also offers convenient online shopping via their website at
aggielandoutfitters.com. For additional information, call their Southgate location at (979) 680-8780, or call their Post Oak Mall location at (979) 764-4445.

best barber shop northgate barber shop

Photos by Valerie Clark
By Chris Shepperd

There are a lot of traditions in Aggieland. Everything from how you say “hello” to where you
spend Thanksgiving evening, are basic rituals to Aggies young and old. Who would have
thought where you get your haircut could take on the same meaning?

Northgate Barber Shop has been serving Bryan and College Station since 1935. When a
member of the Corps of Cadets needs to keep their cut clean they know just where to head.
But for Northgate Barber Shop it is more than just trimming the Corps. And it isn’t just about
the boys.

While Barbershops have traditionally been the proverbial water cooler of conversation,
Northgate Barber Shop caters to the entire family. With two great locations (107 College
Main, right across from campus, and 1506 Holleman Drive) and friendly, capable barbers
and stylists at both locations, Northgate Baber Shop can take care of all of your hair cutting
needs.

Don’t let the name fool you. They know how to handle all kinds of clients.
You can keep up with all the latest news and specials by following them on Facebook.

While ‘Old Army’ can certainly appreciate Northgate Barber Shop’s style, it is easy to
understand why ‘New Army’ voted them Best Barbershop in the Best of BCS competition.

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 Best of lifestyle
best hair salon chrome
Photos by Valerie Clark
By Kassie Cessna

Expressing oneself comes through many outlets, and for some people, it’s through their
hairstyle. This is why when choosing a hairstylist, one has to be conscious that the right
hairstylist has been chosen.

Attention to detail and never making the client feel uncomfortable

are two attributes that a hairstylist must have. At Chrome Salon,
all of their hairstylists fit into this category, and that’s what sets
Chrome apart from the rest.

Whether you need a simple trim, or to go from all over blonde

to dark brown, the hairstylists at Chrome can do it. Chrome’s
stylists have been extensively trained by the best of the best in
the hair industry. Chrome has eleven Redken Master Specialists and four Redken Certified
Hair Colorists and Designers. These titles aren’t easy to come by; they take skill and rigorous
qualification to earn.

Chrome has earned numerous accolades and awards to prove exactly why they are the best.
In fact, they were nominated for Redken’s Salon of the Year, and in years past, the salon was
one of the top 200 fastest growing salons in the country.

“Make BCS a more beautiful place,” is Chrome‘s motto, and this comes true each time a client
walks out of the building. Located on University Drive in the Gateway Plaza, it’s convenient
and easy to find. For more info and to book appointments, you can visit experiencechrome.
com or call (979) 268-1398.

best laundromat harvey washbangers

Photos by Steven Heger
By Erica Pitman

Located on Texas and Harvey, Harvey Washbangers is more than a laundromat. With their
customers in mind, the popular laundromat takes washing clothes to a whole new level,
offering multiple convenience services and having a bar and grill within the facility. While
waiting on laundry, customers can monitor their loads with a laundry “lightboard” and
sit and watch cable television with surround sound, all while enjoying some of Harvey
Washbangers’ homemade specialties, like their wings, the Banger Burger or some of their
mouthwatering desserts.

The laundromat, usually open from 9am until 11pm with the last wash at 9:30pm, is always
fully attended and has multiple-sized, front-loading washers and oversized dryers. There is
no longer a need to fiddle with quarters; all of Harvey Washbangers’ state-of-the-art front-
loading Speed Queen machines are operated with smartcards.

The Harvey Washbangers wash and fold service offers busy customers an alternative to
doing their own laundry altogether. Once a customer drops of their laundry, the staff takes
it from there; they wash, dry and fold the clothes (or put them on hangers) all in a 24-hour
time period.

Washbangers also goes the extra mile with its dry cleaning services. Not only do they have
low competitive prices, they also offer drop off and pick up times seven days a week. As
the only dry cleaner in BCS to offer that, it is easy to see why Harvey Washbangers took the
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crown as Best Laundromat.

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Going far and beyond the needs of their customers, Harvey Washbangers truly puts a new aro l
twist on an old concept. onweek

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 Best of lifestyle
best housing the woodlands of college station
By Chris Shepperd

Apartment complexes, a lot like life, are like a box of chocolates: You never know what
you are going to get inside. With so many choices in the Brazos Valley, it is not abnormal
to feel overwhelmed in your search for the right place to live.

The Woodlands of College Station takes pride in giving people exactly what most
people want; quality, comfort, experience and, most importantly, a nice place to call
home. It’s no surprise that The Woodlands was the number one choice for voters in the
Best of BCS’ Best Housing category.

Amenities are the name of the game when choosing where to live, and The Woodlands
rises to the top in every category. With a luxurious pool surrounded by spacious lounge
areas, recreation is just part of what you‘ll enjoy when you sign your lease. There are,
of course, other amenities, too--such as grilling stations, a 10,000sq-foot clubhouse, a
volleyball court, a tennis court, two weight rooms, a wifi
café, a billiards room, and a cardio fitness center. Oh--and don’t forget the movie room with
theater-style seating!

The Woodlands is an all-inclusive student living community. So, when you pay the rent, they
pay the bills (power, water, trash, sewer, high-speed Internet & cable). But it doesn’t stop
there. With The Woodlands, it’s more than just amenities. The staff hosts special events to fit
the individual needs of each of their residents. For example, they offer Yoga classes, fitness
classes and more to tenants.

With the list of amenities they offer coupled with their commitment to satisfying their
residents, it’s no wonder The Woodlands topped this year’s Best Housing category.

Best of lifestyle
best gym gold’s gym
By Megan Roiz

It’s not a secret that a large percentage of Generation Y folks are at least mildly concerned with physical health and appearances.
When it comes to going all out for the ideal body, Gold’s Gym is the place to be. Nicknamed “The Mecca,” the original Gold’s
opened more than 45 years ago in Venice Beach, California, jumpstarting a tradition of commitment, passion and dedication that
is now practiced at more than 600 locations worldwide.

Gold’s Gyms are built to help people realize and achieve their fitness goals. Each establishment is dedicated to the strength and
health of each individual member. With a premium combination of diverse amenities and top-notch personal training, “The
Mecca” is a suitable nickname.

Whether you are looking to train for a marathon, trying to shed a few pounds to fit into a bikini, or are just focused on maintaining
a healthy lifestyle, Gold’s offers staff and equipment to fit
your needs. Personalized fitness programs, customized
conditioning programs, and a wide array of heart-pumping
group exercise classes have been helping members reach their
fitness potential for over 45 years.

When you put on a Gold’s Gym t-shirt, it’s a credit to your

strength and well-being. You become a part of a tradition
of commitment and excellence that spans more than 30
countries, 40 states and has helped more than 3 million people
accomplish their fitness dreams.

Everyone has their own strength, and they come in many

different forms. The people at Gold’s recognize that, and strive
to help each and every member find it.
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22 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

 Best of lifestyle
best tattoo shop liberty tattoo co.
Photos by Steven Heger

By Vladimir Amador

Liberty Tattoo Co. is an exciting new company in College Station anxious to make its mark
in town. Only a few months into business, their level of needlework (the ink-filled kind, not
the threaded kind) and word of mouth that quickly spread once they opened their doors
quickly earned the new shop a Best of BCS award for Best Tattoo Shop.

One walk into their new, high-end shop and customers immediately know they are in good
hands. Their tattoo artist, Lee, has tons of experience and the talent to show for it. You can
go in with an idea and they can make it into a reality, a permanent one, actually. Or you can
walk in with a clean slate and, together with the consultation of an on-site artist, design a
masterpiece.

Liberty also offers awesome deals all the time! Their Facebook page details all of the specials
and promotions going offered each week, so be sure to add them on FB to get in the
know. Currently, Liberty is working on a tattoo happy hour for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and
Thursdays from noon to 5 pm. You can get all traditional tattoos for 30% off and all others
for 10% off. It doesn’t get much better than that!

www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 23

 Best of nightlife
best country dance hall Texas hall of fame
By Kassie Cessna

The Texas Hall of Fame is a staple dance hall in the Brazos Valley. Old and
young alike come to dance Thursday thru Saturday nights. Having one
the of the largest dance floors in town, this helps make the Texas Hall
of Fame the best country dance hall in the Brazos Valley.

Thursday nights is the locally famous College Night, where drinks are
cheap and people are plenty. They have great drink specials all night
long on Thursday nights, including $1.50 bar drinks, $2.50 Longnecks,
$3 Crown and Jaeger, and $1 Lonestar Pints among numerous other
drink specials.

In addition to great nights like College Night, and great drink specials,
the best live music can be found at the Hall. At least once a weekend
there is someone playing--someone up and rising or someone who has
a bigger following, like Aaron Watson. Local favorites like Granger Smith
and Stoney LaRue play at the Hall at least once a quarter.

While it’s mostly a country dance hall, on Thursday nights the music
playing isn’t only country. They play top 40 music as well. The musical
variety appeals to everyone and truly makes it a one-of-a-kind place.
The Hall is truly the Best dance Hall in the Brazos with a huge dance
floor, great drink specials and awesome concerts weekly. You cam
check out the concert calendar on their website at texashalloffame.net.

FOR NEARLY TWENTY YEARS

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24 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com
 Best of nightlife
best live entertainment hurricane harry’s
Photos by Steven Heger
By Sherrill Mogonye

Hurricane Harry’s is a staple for live country music in the Bryan-College Station area and that
is why they were voted “Best Live Entertainment” by Maroon Weekly readers. It’s no wonder
why Aggieland chose them since they regularly host such well-known artists as Wade
Bowen, Randy Rogers, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Roger Creager.

College students and citizens flock to Harry’s when the big country western artists are
putting on a show. With different levels of viewing and great acoustics, fans are never
disappointed the quality of Harry’s productions.

Harry’s is conveniently located just down the street from Texas A&M University. The venue’s
spacious dance floors and inexpensive drink specials also attract large crowds each week.
(At times, customers can purchase drinks as low as one dollar!)

Harry’s general manager, Lance Larsen, has led his business to be very successful over the
years. This is obvious by the full parking lot each week. Hurricane Harry’s has been that way
for decades, and there is no sign of the popular joint slowing down.

Their slogan, “Everything’s bigger in Texas, Better at Harry’s” is a testament to the way they
do business – one step above.

Hurricane Harry’s is located at 313 College Avenue in College Station. Call (979) 846-3343
or visit harrys.bcsclubs.com for more information on scheduled entertainment and drink
specials.

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 Best of nightlife
best of northgate the dixie chicken
Photos by Valerie Clark
By Chris Zebo

If there was ever a capitol of Northgate, practically

everyone would agree it would be The Dixie Chicken.
And not just because it’s a great place to grab a drink
and some food, but because it’s the reason Northgate is
Northgate as we know it today.

Some people might not know this, but when the

venerated establishment was put on the strip in 1974
by entrepreneur Don Ganter, Northgate was a very different place. At that time…let’s just
say it wasn’t the most boisterous dining and entertainment spread in Texas. Before 1974,
you couldn’t even buy a drink in Northgate; it was in a dry county (now think about that
for a minute). But when the “gate” opened to beer and liquor, new businesses flooded in to
revamp the district for students eager to socialize and to let off steam from their busy school
schedules.

So Ganter’s Chicken laid an important egg at just the right time.

Later, when the Dixie Chicken became incorporated, Ganter went on to open other
establishments in the area, like The Dry Bean, Alfred T. Hornbacks, Chicken Oil Co., and the
popular live music and dancing venue Shadow Canyon (now named Daisy Dukes). Each
of the venues would also define Northgate architecturally, with weathered wood walls,
sawdust-saloon style interiors and nostalgic antique signage that harkened back to the
Texas of yesterday. In a sense, Ganter was like the Walt Disney of College Station, with each
venue themed around the cultural imagination of fabled Texas lore.

If being one of the first wasn’t enough to gain The Chicken the Best of Northgate Award, one
thing certainly is. A few years after The Chicken opened in the late ‘70s, one of Aggieland’s
most famous traditions began. The Ring Dunk first started on the Chicken’s back porch over
30 years ago and to this day is still one of the most significant contributions to the roll call of
Aggie traditions. Each year, hundreds of Aggies still flock to The Chicken to drop their shiny
new rings into 32-ounce mugs and gulp all the way down till the gold prize is caught in their
teeth. (And we wonder how they can claim to serve “the most beer per square foot of any
bar in the US?”) Although Ring Day festivities have spread to other establishments around
town, it all started at The Chicken.

What place in Aggieland cannot only claim it’s a famous bar and restaurant but that it’s also
a rite of passage?

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 Best of nightlife
best dancing salsa at village café
By Chris Shepperd

By day, they serve coffee, tea and sandwiches; by night, they serve…salsa dancing?

Who would have thought Downtown Bryan’s Village Café would have won a Best Dancing
category, especially with so many spots to choose from in Northgate. But in just a year’s time
the venue has grown into one scorching hot night of dancing (and we stress the word “hot”
here, since you’re gonna sweat).

What began as a small and intimate salsa night last year has turned into a dance floor now
crawling--or we should say, dancing--with tons of Aggies and locals Wednesday and Saturday
nights. Their success is largely owed to a unique formula; unlike most dance clubs where you
walk in, drink, and dance, the Village Café’s salsa nights begin with a fun salsa lesson.

On Saturdays, for example, people arrive at 10pm and take the popular 30-Minute Crash
Course Salsa Lesson. And in just a half hour, you
not only learn how to dance but you also meet
tons of new people you’ll likely dance with later.
The energetic instructor makes you switch partners
regularly throughout the lesson, so breaking the ice
was never easier. And even if you’ve still got two left
feet afterwards, you’re going to have fun with others who are equally left-footed or just coming to party.

After the lesson, the dance floor opens up to a steamy night of dancing. And that’s…when it starts getting crowded.

For those who get addicted to salsa dancing (it happens), the Village offers a longer lesson on Wednesday nights from 8pm to 9:30pm followed
by dancing until midnight. The Wednesday lessons are also for beginners and you get to learn cool moves (and maybe learn how to trade one
of your left feet for a right one). More info about lessons and dancing at Village Café can be found at mambosentertainment.com.

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 Best of nightlife
best signature drink sonic
Photos by Steven Heger
By Vladimir Amador

Sonic has been America’s leading drive-in for 50 years now. Their endless selection of
goodness, ranging from juicy burgers to foot-long chili cheese Coneys and healthy and
delicious grilled chicken sandwiches, sometimes makes the selection process a tough one.
One thing is certain, though: After pushing that red button, a quality and tasty meal will be
delivered to your car with a smile on wheels (carhop wheels, that is).

What is the best way to wash down this delicious meal, you may ask? The answer is simple:
A cold and refreshing cherry limeade, the winner of the Best of BCS’ Best Signature Drink
category. This delectable concoction is made with real, fresh limes and just the right hint of
cherry to create the perfect beverage to pair with a burger or just to have by itself.

There are 4 different sizes to choose from, and during happy hour (2pm to 4 pm everyday)
you can enjoy this cup of deliciousness for half off! Yes, that huge Route 44 cup full of the
most popular drink in town could be yours for half the price! (Can you tell we’re a little
excited about that?) Not only will your wallet be happy, but that huge container should
keep you satisfied for hours or maybe even days. If you want to change it up, Sonic has
168,000 fountain drink and slush combinations to choose from. So mix it up! But then
again, you can’t mess with greatness…and only the cherry limeade can claim this year’s
title as Best of BCS.

32 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

 Best of nightlife
best of downtown bryan caffé capri

By Chris Zebo

In an era of cookie cutter chain restaurants when soul foods have been stripped of spirit by
corporate formulas, it’s become increasingly difficult to find those rare places where food
still comes from two hands, where recipes have been passed down by close-knit families,
and where ingredients are mixed in small, controlled batches under the watchful eye of one
cook. The privately-owned Italian family restaurant, once the bastion of authenticity amidst
the Olive Gardens and Sbarros, has suffered a lot over the years from taste buds straying
into Chef Boyardee cans. Unfortunately, after years of cheap and salty fast foods, the tongue
has lost its way. It’s been trained to salivate like a Pavlovian dog the minute a Romano’s
commercial illuminates the TV screen.

But there are still outposts of the real Old World tucked away in the new chain restaurant
landscape. In Downtown Bryan, one restaurant has continued to make fresh, family recipe
Italian food for over 15 years. Opened in 1995 by Rami Cerone, Caffé Capri seems like a
renegade restaurant ironically just for bringing food to your table that was crafted by hand
on site. But when you pick up the restaurant’s menu, the left side of the menu lists appetizers
and entrees taken directly from the Cerone family kitchen. And on the right side of the menu,
Rami Cerone took his own spin on classic Italian dishes and created new and “experimental”
offerings to keep pace with the modern world.

But like any true Italian family restaurant, Rami didn’t take liberties with the Cerone family
sauce. Caffé Capri’s marinara sauce is a secret recipe that’s been passed down by Rami’s
father’s family. It’s rumored that in the early days of the restaurant’s operation, Rami’s father
would actually go and make 30 gallons of sauce for him, but only if everyone in the kitchen
averted their eyes while he mixed and measured the secret ingredients. Business picked up
quickly and more sauce was in demand, so Papa Cerone could no longer keep the marinara
recipe a secret (but that doesn’t mean you’ll learn what’s in it any time soon).

A popular spot for lunch, Caffé Capri is surprisingly inexpensive--and that’s not always
possible for privately owned restaurants that don’t have the benefit of the bulk buying
power the big chain guys get to keep their prices low. At lunchtime, an order of fettuccine
alfredo or spaghetti with meatballs is only $5.50. At dinnertime, the same order is served in
a larger portion for only a few bucks more.

Originally a grocery store, the building on 22 N. Main was converted into a restaurant without
sacrificing some of the charm of the original structure. Walking inside is like walking into
Bryan’s past but with some modern embellishments peppered throughout, like beautiful
mosaic tiles installed on the walls near the open air kitchen. Also, in keeping with elements
of Downtown Bryan’s architectural history, the tables and columns were made of a stone
called rose travertine that was taken from the interior of an old Downtown Bryan building.

It takes a lot of ingredients to make a fine restaurant. And we don’t just mean what’s in the
sauce, or what’s behind the bar, or how the place is managed. In addition to being a leading
establishment downtown for their ambiance and food, Caffé Capri has also reached into the
community in various philanthropic efforts to improve the Brazos Valley. Through donations,
the restaurant has lent a helping hand to organizations such as CARPOOL, The Big Event,
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Texas, numerous elementary and middle schools, Keep
Brazos Beautiful, many TAMU organizations and countless others. Their attention not only
to what goes on inside the walls of the restaurant but also to the community outside has
forged a connection with the Brazos Valley that is nothing short of familial.

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maroon weekly gamepage

answers

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 Best of nightlife
best shot bar Dry Bean saloon
By Megan Roiz
Photos by Valerie Clark

On a weekend designated for celebration by

way of “adult beverages,” a shot bar is just the
place to start, continue or to end the night.
The Dry Bean Saloon on Northgate tops the bill
as this year’s winner of Best of BCS Shot Bars
category. Nestled alongside Bottle Cap Alley,
between the Dixie Chicken and Fitzwilly’s, the
Dry Bean is a spectacular place to go to get
your drink on (responsibly, of course).

The Dry Bean is little more than a hallway with

a fully-stocked bar and a big crowd of people
crammed together and looking to excite the
night with a bit of liquor. The little shot bar
(maybe named after a bean for its diminutive
size) features a rather impressive menu of
shots, most of which you are not likely to find
anywhere else in Bryan-College Station. As far
as in-and-out places go, the Dry Bean is ideal
for great service and their little delicious drinks
in shot glasses and shooters.

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