As I trudged through the biting cold, my fingers growing more numb with each step, I questioned my sanity. With my breath visible in front of me, my mind raced with thoughts of whether anything could be worth enduring this cold. However, I courageously continued my trek with only one goal in mind: macaroni and cheese.
I was on a mission to find the best comfort-food-fast-food hybrid in Omaha, and my first stop was Panera Bread, located on 132nd and Center. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a sleek and modern interior, with two ordering kiosks at the front. I punched in my order of a single cup of mac and cheese, which cost me roughly $11, and eagerly awaited my meal.
My food was served to me in a sleek white bowl sitting atop a matching plate, which also housed a thick slice of baguette. I carried it from the counter to my seat, excited to enjoy hot food on such a bitterly cold day.
The flavor of the macaroni was phenomenal. Many fast food restaurants struggle with the taste of their mac and cheese, perhaps assuming only little kids will order it so it doesn’t matter, but that was not the case here. Not only was the flavor rich, but the consistency was also perfect, striking the balance between too runny and too solid. The meal warmed not only my mouth as I ate it but also my heart, giving me a wholesome feeling reminiscent of coming inside to a warm meal after a cold day as a child.
Overall, I gave my experience at Panera an 8/10. The food was delicious and the restaurant was clean. My only note was that the service could have been better, as the staff were mildly unprofessional and seemed reluctant to help their customers.
Leaving the establishment with a smiling face and a satisfied stomach, I looked forward to my next stop: Potbelly on 120th and Blondo. This interior had a slightly more rustic feel than Panera’s, making the atmosphere immediately more cozy and comfortable.
I approached the counter to place my order: broccoli cheddar soup, which only set me back about $5. This dish has been one of my favorites since early childhood, so I was excited to try it at a less popular restaurant and see how it stacked up against its more well-known counterparts.
Upon the first taste, the soup was perfectly balanced. The flavor of the cheese complimented the broccoli well, and the combination of the two made for the perfect texture that was easy to eat.
However, as I continued to eat my meal, I found it becoming less and less enjoyable with each bite. Not only did the texture devolve into something that reminded me more of a goop than a soup, but the cheese eventually began to taste unappealing in my mouth.
Overall, I rated my Potbelly meal a 6/10. I would return if my options were limited, but in the grand scheme of restaurants, it’s nothing special.
With that somewhat disappointing experience over and done with, I set my sights on my last meal: Kentucky Fried Chicken on 180th and Center.
As I was in a rush to eat and make it back to school before sixth hour began, I decided to put the efficiency of this restaurant to the test by using the drive-thru. Thankfully, it passed with flying colors.
Upon rolling my window down, I was greeted by the friendly voice of the woman taking my order. She was incredibly polite and attentive, making sure each detail of my meal was to my liking. With her help, I settled on a 2 piece dark meat combo, with a side of mashed potatoes and a biscuit, all for the low low price of $9.
The highlight of the meal was, without a doubt, the chicken. The meat fell effortlessly off the bone, and the flavor of both the meat and the breading was top-notch. It needed no gravy or hot sauce to serve as assistance, as it held its own phenomenally.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the sides. The biscuit certainly wasn’t bad, but it was nothing to write home about. All that could be said about it was the fact that it was relatively flavorless, and the texture was thoroughly astonishing. However, I am willing to concede that it may have been better had I not opted for the drive-thru.
The potatoes were worse. While this may not come as a surprise considering I ordered mashed potatoes from a fast food restaurant, I was not convinced that I was actually eating potatoes.
The texture was pasty, and the flavor of both the potatoes and the gravy was off putting at best. If I were to return, I would sacrifice the “comfort food” feel for taste and opt for the french fries over the potatoes any day.
Regardless of these sub-par sides, I gave my experience at KFC a 7.5/10. The quality of the chicken and the cheery staff made me realize what an underrated fast food option the restaurant is and ensured my return.
Overall, it’s safe to say that the winner of this comfort foods competition is Panera. Perhaps the best part about the restaurant is that they have so many options to choose from, so everyone is sure to be able to find something they like. However, for those who are looking for a bit more bang for their buck, I eagerly recommend KFC.
No matter which restaurant you visit, my only hope is that this article has given you some insight into the hearty fast food options around Omaha to help you make it through the winter.