Kyla’s Kitchen

Just a couple blocks from the school, Circle 7 has been a popular pick ever since it opened – if you can get a table. The always-crowded sports bar has a wide variety of traditional bar food, with good service and good prices.

I’ve found that the best option for me is a call ahead and pick up, simply because the food is so sought-after. At any time close to dinner, it is almost impossible to get a parking spot, never mind a table. The pick up option is always convenient and simple, with little-to-no wait time.

However, Emma and I found a pause in between the lunch and dinner rushes, and got a table with relative ease during our trip to Circle 7. The happy hour prices drew my attention, with each

appetizer set at only $5. I opted for the chicken wings with teriyaki sauce, for some sweetness and some ranch for fantastic contrast. The sauces don’t stop there, however. They offer Circle 7 Buffalo Sauce, Fiery Honey Sauce, Grilled Memphis Dry Rub and Ghost Chili Mango. Teriyaki is top choice, but I also love the sweet and spicy combo of the Fiery Honey Sauce or the Ghost Chili Mango. There is also the option of one pound or two, depending on what you think you can tackle. Thankfully, the sides of ranch or bleu cheese go with every flavor combination.

Now for dinner, the “Jack Your Mac” options have always been a go-to pick for me, with plenty of different takes on the classic American dish. There is chili, sloppy joe and even vegetarian macaroni, all with a perfect cheesy base. You can even get the noodles as a side dish, topped with Cheetos. This crunchy topping gives a crisp texture to the creamy pasta.

Although we did not order any dessert, there are plenty of options available. Be careful ordering the cookie, because it fills up the entire plate. With cold ice cream and gooey chocolate sauce, it is the perfect ending to any meal. The floats are another favorite of mine, a great refreshing drink mixed with sweet and rich ice cream. If you still have room by the end of your meal, I highly suggest trying one out.

The atmosphere is great, even when the restaurant is crowded, because the waiters and waitresses always make time for you. So, even though It may seem a little cramped at times, the excellent quality in food makes Circle 7 worth the wait.

Emma’s Eats

Owned and operated by Pete Ferretti, a West High alumni and supporter, Circle 7 Ranch is one of the hottest dinner spots in West County. Any time you go there, you’re bound to run into someone you know, whether they be working or just eating. Don’t be fooled though, because Circle 7 isn’t just open for late-night big dinners, but also for lunch and any time in between.

On this specific outing, Kyla and I went to Circle 7 to get a late lunch after school. This is actually a very convenient time to go if, like me, you’re just looking for something small to satisfy your craving, because it’s happy hour so all the appetizers are only $5.  Happy hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

My favorite appetizer by far is the Dirty Fries.  Now, while these may be too heavy when getting a meal with them, they are perfect for a small meal on their own. The Dirty Fries consist of a large plate of fries covered in gooey cheese, savory bacon and crisp chives topped with a dollop of sour cream. This combination is great because the heaviness of the cheese and bacon is contrasted by the lightness of the chives and sour cream. The flavor profile is great because you don’t feel as weighed down when you eat them.

Now, being a busy West student, I know that not everyone has time after school to go during happy hour and get an appetizer. If you choose to go for dinner or anytime later my suggestion would be to get the frisco melt.

A frisco melt is basically a burger with Swiss cheese and special frisco sauce on two pieces of toasted sourdough bread. Now this may seem like a simple combination, but it tastes amazing. The frisco sauce is similar to thousand island dressing, so it’s sweet in comparison with the savory burger. The only issue is that sometimes they don’t give that much sauce so I would recommend asking for extra.  Not to mention it comes with a huge side of fries that I can never seem to finish.  Pair this with a raspberry iced tea and it’s one of the best meals ever.

Despite its great food, Circle 7 is often crowded and, especially on the weekends, the wait can get up to an hour or longer.  Along with this, if it’s busy sometimes it can take awhile to get your food and the occasional mix-up happens.  But, if you’re willing to wait the service is great, the house is staffed with plenty of friendly waiters and waitresses and the food is amazing.