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Zaxby’s on Northside BY KELLI J. COOK "Zaxby’s loves Macon loves Zaxby’s." As you slow down to enter the parking lot you can’t help but notice the marquis and its message. But the real question is, who loves whom more? My sons jumped at the opportunity to review this restaurant because they are chicken finger experts. I choose this restaurant because, as always, we were in a hurry to eat before going home to tackle homework. When we entered the restaurant the choices began. The menu is pretty comprehensive considering every item includes chicken fingers, chicken wings, or grilled chicken. The boys ordered chicken finger plates ($4.59), which are served with french fries, Texas toast, and coleslaw. I ordered the char-broiled chicken salad (also $4.59) based upon a friend’s recommendation. We also ordered a side of jumbo buffalo wings (10 for $4.59), since they are one of the restaurant’s specialties. Next, there were "sauce" decisions to be made. The chicken fingers automatically come with Zax sauce, a very unique-tasting dressing described by the staff as "similar to a tangy thousand island." The wings had a variety of flavors from which to choose: Wimpy, Tongue Torch, Nuclear, Insane, Original, Teriyaki, BBQ, and Hot Honey Mustard. Thank goodness I stuck to the Wimpy—they still had quite a "kick" to them. A friend had previously told me that Zaxby’s char-broiled chicken salad is one of the best in town and I heartily agree. Made with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, monterey jack cheese, and topped with grilled chicken, it was delicious! The boys’ chicken fingers were obviously great, because their mouths stayed too full to comment. The menu also includes a variety of tempting sandwich baskets, salads, and combination plates. All of these choices led my youngest son to "opt out" from ordering from the "Kiddie Corner." The menu for children under 12 was very limited. Kids have a choice of 2 chicken fingers and fries, ˝ grilled cheese sandwich and fries, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (all $1.89). Reasonable prices, but not nearly as enticing as the adult plates; and probably not enough food for children beyond the age of 5 or 6. We decided against ordering dessert. We were pleasantly "stuffed" and neither the cookies nor cheesecake was homemade. So we headed home with ample time to hit the books. Zaxby’s can be classified as falling somewhere in between "fast food" and a full-service restaurant. You place your food selections at the counter and it is then cooked to order. You are responsible for filling your own drinks, picking up your food, and cleaning up your dishes; but when your meal arrives, it looks like it came straight from a full service establishment both in portion size and quality. A great choice for those hectic weeknight dinners. Macon, and especially the Cook family, loves Zaxby’s! VITAL STATISTICS Cuisine: Chicken fingers and wings Locations: |
