Restaurant review: University Kitchen
A garden burger from University Kitchen is composed of a blend of quinoa, black beans and fire-roasted vegetables topped with a three cheese blend, spring mix, and drizzled cucumber wasabi dressing. Photo by: Kaitlyn McCracken
By Kaitlyn McCracken// Staff Writer
Recently I had dinner with my family at one of High Point’s newest restaurants, University Kitchen, located on 2004 N. Main St. Those native to the area of High Point might recognize the building and remember it as the former location of Libby Hill – a local seafood restaurant and one I frequently visited when back in town from a childhood and early adulthood spent living in Connecticut. However, it is now completely revamped and suited for the college town High Point University has transformed the “Furniture Capital of the World” into. It is worth noting too that if one is familiar with Pizza Wing King in High Point, University Kitchen is owned by the same people.
Upon first arriving, the parking lot was almost completely full and it was difficult to find a space. A good sign though, of course! Once inside, it was not a very long wait. We were seated within the first five minutes of walking in the door despite the large crowd. The dining room was packed with customers who appeared quite satisfied and to be enjoying themselves. The bar area sported HPU on its walls and all of the staff wore their HPU purple. Some shirts featured cute slogans like, “A degree in taste.” It’s always nice as a HPU student to be greeted with the familiar image of Slane Center and Roberts Hall upon walking in, especially when such an establishment is named in honor of one’s school. The staff was friendly and service was fast and efficient even with the overwhelming number of people within the restaurant.
The menu is quite varied, so you’re certain to find something you like. From pizza and wings, to salads, Greek and Italian dishes, burgers and southern favorites like barbecue and country fried steak. While I was waiting for my garden burger, I took the time to ask some of the nearby customers about their dining experience. While most of the customers were pleased, and their reviews positive, there were a few negative ones thrown in the mix with one customer replying, “The other night when I was in, I had a really good experience. The food was great. Tonight, eh, not so much.” A hit or miss, perhaps? Others said they have already made several visits to the restaurant and enjoyed their experience each time.
I then turned some of my questions to the staff. One of the waitresses, Landi, when asked how she liked working there, replied, “I love it! It has a good atmosphere and everyone I work with is friendly and I love the clientele!” I asked her if it was usually this busy and she replied, “Most of the time” and that she had seen quite a few HPU students. I myself saw a few when I walked in.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience. I found the staff to be friendly and the ambience relaxed and welcoming. One could definitely sense the “University” around and the food was great. I must have come in on a good night. My parents, too, enjoyed their meal and felt that the place was indicative of HPU and set the mood nicely.
Therefore, I would recommend University Kitchen to anyone wanting to try something new. One can only eat at the Café or Chick-Fil-A so many times per week. So, next time you want to venture outside of campus, or run out of magic meals, make a trip down to University Kitchen and see the hype for yourself.