The J-TAC

Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Campus Life

Media Credit: Katy Thompson Jake and Dorothy's Cafe is located on E. Washington St. and boasts 1950s ambience and offers $1 hamburgers on Tuesday nights.

Tarleton has traditionally been an affordable institution and as such has always been a choice for students that lack a large amount of spending cash. For more than 60 years, Jake and Dorothy's Cafe has been serving up classic diner favorites at affordable prices. The pinnacle of their daily specials comes on Tuesday $1 hamburgers.

Today you could get a $1 burger at one of many establishments around town, but you would be hard pressed to find one that is as substantial as one you will get from Jake and Dorothy's. The burgers are old-fashioned, there are no pre-made patties used here... 100 percent real beef is formed by hand in the kitchen. You should also expect to wait for the homemade goodness, because it is not made until you order it, so allow 10 minutes or so for proper cooking.

When you order a burger, you should also consider getting a basket of Jake and Dorothy's famous waffle fries, you can read the story of the waffle fries' distinctive look inside the menu. They also proudly serve bottled Dr. Pepper, Coke and other soft drinks in an effort to keep the diner feel alive.

The true measure of the authenticity of a diner is, of course, their dessert selection. Here Jake and Dorothy's is unparalleled in the number of recipes, made from scratch every day. They offer a wide variety of chocolate, lemon and cherry pies, as well as several varieties of home made cheesecake. The ever-changing selection is limited to whatever was made that morning and chocolate meringue is a popular choice, so show up early to get a piece.

Almost as much of a draw as the food is the environment of Jake and Dorothy's. To step into the door is to step back in time. The '50s lime green walls are reminiscent of Dublin Dr. Pepper's once, and now again, signature look. The clocks, Dr. Pepper on one end, Coke on the other, are some of the best original kitchen pieces you can find in town, and the authentic coffee counter adds to the experience.

It is true that Jake and Dorothy's has done much to keep its flair intact, in my 24 years of patronage the biggest change came when they removed the little diner juke boxes from the booths in what is now the smoking section. Most recently, the kitchen has been entirely revamped with all new equipment, but don't worry, they still cut their waffle fries the same way.

The burgers are so good that on Tuesdays the place gets very busy with patrons, old and new alike, so it is suggested that you go around 5 p.m., or after 7 p.m. as seating and parking are limited. It may also be advised that Jake and Dorothy's will only take cash or check, so no Texan, ATM or Credit cards need apply. Otherwise, Jake and Dorothy's provides for an enjoyable and affordable dining experience for any Tarleton student, old or new.

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