Karen Runk couldn't have picked a better name for her Gettysburg restaurant, because her kitchen is really kickin'.
Runk's Kickin Kitchen, run by Karen and her husband Larry, is tucked away on Baltimore Street off Lincoln Square, and if you're not paying attention, you'll miss out on a great lunch.
The restaurant's original name was going to be "Fat Boys," which the Runks' daughter, as a child, called Larry, but an accountant came up with "Kickin Kitchen." At first, they were going to go with Karen's Kickin Kitchen, but later opted for Runk's.
Karen Runk has been in the restaurant business for most of her life - working 15 years at the Lincoln Diner and 16 at The Plaza. Now she has the place to herself.
Although a small location, Runk's has plenty of table, booth and counter seating options, all decorated with rooster-themed tablecloths.
Having been told Runk's had good soup, I opted for the cream of crab, which was one of the day's two soups, to go with my Reuben sandwich for $6.99.
The soup far surpassed any I've had to date. With the right amount of spice and chunks of crab meat, it really was kickin'. The soup is also Karen's personal favorite item on the menu.
The Reuben was good, but rather messy. If you're taking a date there to impress, I suggest staying away from the corned beef. It's slightly awkward when you have meat hanging from your mouth as your dining partner looks up. I'm just saying.
On top of the awesome food, Runk's had the best background music, playing back-to-back hits such as "Livin' on a Prayer" and "We Built This City," that kept us awkwardly dancing like college students at a fraternity party.
"It's like a dance party with my food," said a certain dining partner and FlipSide editor.
Runk's is currently open for winter hours, which include shorter business days and not being open on Tuesdays.
The restaurant is now also open Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
Karen Runk said she wanted to try the dinner crowd, but can't compete with nearby restaurants that serve alcohol. Being open late night might give her an advantage with the Gettysburg College crowd, especially because Runk's takes credit cards unlike some competing restaurants.
They also offer take out and have been known to deliver as far as Fairfield.
Ticket to Lunch is a weekly column featuring local restaurants' meals available during the lunch hour. Reach Katharine Harmon at kharmon@eveningsun.com.
If you go
LOCATION: Runk's Kickin Kitchen, 135 Baltimore St., Gettysburg
HOURS: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; Closed Tuesday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
OWNER'S PICK: Cream of crab soup
PARKING: Street
ACCEPTS: Visa and Mastercard
TAKE OUT: Yes
DELIVERY: Yes
DETAILS: 398-2034
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