CONTRIBUTED BY MELISSA RUISZ
It’s worth sampling the appetizers, or rather, the “Nappetizers.” The Chili Cheese fries start with crispy waffle fries, then Texas chili, melted cheese, onion, and jalapeños are piled on. For something a bit more crunchy and filling, Nap’s Nachos are boss. These are not your average bowling alley nachos. A mound of tortilla chips is smothered in shredded cheddar, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, a choice of slow roasted pork, beef, or chicken, and then is drizzled in a creamy white sauce, similar to Ranch dressing. They’re meant for sharing, though it’s common to order them as an entrée.
As tempting as the Nappetizers are, many choose to start with the main course, with good reason– Nap’s likes to throw in lots of extras, like cornbread muffins and sides. (There are only so many notches in the belt, after all.) The menu has a good selection of Southern style chow–slabs of barbecue pork ribs, half pound and full pound burgers, and sandwiches with generous portions of blackened chicken breast, slow roasted beef or Alabama-style pulled pork. If that sounds like a lot of meat, Nap’s also offers wraps, which are perfect for lunch. The tasty Pork Slaw Down Wrap, for example, is a large tortilla filled with a smaller serving of pulled pork, barbecue sauce, sliced tomato and coleslaw.
Most entrées come with a choice of one or two down home sides. Waffle fries and macaroni n’ cheese are popular, and Texas toast, onion rings, corn on the cob, beans, rice, coleslaw, and potato salad are also available. My favorite is the fried okra, because I’ve convinced myself that the veggie’s calcium is not lost in the process of breading and frying–they’re, um, semi-healthy. It’s fun to dip these little nuggets into the sauces, and I like to mix the Sweet & Sassy and Hot Stuff together for my own concoction.
Speaking of desserts, if somehow you’ve managed to leave room for them at the end of your meal, there are an assortment of cakes, sundaes, and pies, including banana cream, chocolate, and apple.
My hubbie joked, as he was about to pay the bill at the cashier stand (lunch for two plus dessert was around $20), that maybe they call it Nap’s because that’s what you feel like doing after eating there. Kind of like Thanksgiving. I’m sure Napoleon, the founder of Nap’s, would be amused.
Payment: Dollars, Debit, Credit
Mama’s BBQ& Grill – Camp Shields
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Saturday & Sunday: Also open for breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 am. Closed Mondays.
Phone: 959-2779
Directions: From Kadena Gate 3, continue on the same street, crossing 74. Follow the curving road for less than a mile. Veer toward the left just after the Stray Animal shelter and when you see the fence with a blue and white sign that reads: “Bee Quick Shoppette / & Box Office Video / Camp Shields.” Follow the road into Camp Shields. Nap’s will be on the right side, in the same building as the Crow’s Nest Club, across the street from the Camp Shields Chapel.
Nap’s Southern Grill Express (with limited menu) at the Touch & Go Cafeteria, Kadena Air Base, Building 3674.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Weekends & Holidays: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Breakfast is 6:00 to 10:00 am.
Phone: 634-6501
Please note: a third location used to be open on White Beach, but has since closed.