My first Runza sandwich is difficult to rate since I don't know what a runza sandwich should taste like. The restaurant is neat and clean. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I decided to try the original runza and rings. Rings are okay. Runza has a strong onion flavor and served wet and greasy which was overwhelming for me. It's not for me but they do have a diverse fast food menu with burgers and popcorn chicken. It's a great restaurant but I'm just not a fan of the runza. read more

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In Kearney for business and thought I would try something I've never seen Open dining room and very clean. Order at the counter. Basic menu but the meal deals have very nice options for sides. ( fries - chili - onion rings) Got the chicken sandwich with onion rings. The actually brought my food to my table. Very nice. Sandwich was good and chicken was well cooked (not chewy like some places). Onion rings were great and they give you more than enough. Bag was overflowing. Very good rings. Would recommend for a quick meal and want something different from the big chains and you shouldn't leave hungry. Have to do the bathroom review - clean and maintained. Pleasantly surprised. read more

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Kearney Runza is awesome, great service. They always bring out order to the table and they are so pleasant. Food is consistently good and the place is clean and well kept read more

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It wouldn't be a proper visit to my home town and not stop here for lunch (I made two visits ;-) ) Runza is a state favorite and most of the towns with say 1,000 people or more will have one of these chains (my birth place is a population of 1,600+) check the menu for other items I think you'll be happy. They keep the place clean and neat, the service is prompt so if you're new and need time to view the menu just mention it and they'll give you all the time you need, it has been a few years since my last visit and i needed to catch up with the current menu I never walk away disappointed and I hope this is true for you if and when you visit, you can buy frozen Runza's from the store but fresh is best and besides I was traveling with no freezer in the car....lol read more

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Very clean inside, large dining area, very fast friendly service, everything came out in a timely manner, fresh, hot and tasty.

The runza is one of the nastier things I've put into my mouth, and I've eaten okra, hogshead cheese and durian. Still, as with those other things, people like runzas, and I can't say they're wrong, only that I disagree with their assessment. read more

My best friend and I are on a road trip back to Nevada. We got in to Kearney about 7:30 pm after about 9 hours on the road from St Louis. We just wanted to relax and find something quick and reasonable to eat and hit the sack. Neither of us have ever had it before and we both wanted to try something that we can't get where we're going. I got the Swiss & Mushroom sandwich and she got the burger both with frings. The staff was super polite and friendly. The food was hot and delicious. read more

Runza is one of the best (new to me) fast foods I've ever had. As we traveled through Nebraska, we wanted to try local food. Runza made me happy! It was tasty and fresh. Loved it! read more

I wish I had stopped at a Runza before I tried this one. These things are good! Kind of a loose meat sandwich in freshly baked bread. Nicely seasoned too. Good prices and a friendly staff. I'll be sure to stop next time I'm going through that part of that country. read more

Runza - Runza - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

The drive up has a sound system that allows clear communication with the very customer oriented. window server. The large runza has plenty of beef and cabbage to fill your palate. The menu servings are nice and hot! read more

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I can't say it any better than several others have said before but this is a MUST try if you happen to find yourself anywhere in the gigantic state of Nebraska! Especially along the I-80 corridor, these are almost as common as McD's. ONLY in the state of Nebraska though! The location I stopped at was clean, friendly, and fast. The Combo I got (Number 2) was hot and delicious! Really it was exactly how I expected it to be and I'm perfectly happy with that. It's a "fast food" place but it's unique, fresh, and fulfilling. Definitely worth a try if you happen to see one on your 12-15 hour drive across the heartland. read more

Runza - Cheese Runza Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

Sometimes a local favorite is just what you need on a roadtrip... We just happened to be driving through the mid-west when we decided we need some lunch and we wanted to eat like a local. Now I have never heard of a Runza before but now that I have had one I will never forget it. I likened it to a Philly cheesesteak hot pocket, but homemade. Eventhough this place seemed like a chain, it was very home like and the service was great. Prices were good for what you get and the food was fresh and hot.I am not sure if I'll ever be in Iowa ever again, but if I am you can bet I'll be having at least 1 or 2 more Runza's read more

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We pulled up to the Tesla charging station located in the back parking lot of Runza. It's nestled between your typical side-of-the-highway establishments, specifically McDonald's, Arby's, and a Super 8 Motel. Some loose laundry was inexplicably splayed out in one corner of the lot. We walked in with the intent to order some breakfast / lunch with no prior knowledge of what Runza served. The restaurant was sparsely populated at 11:30am on a Saturday and there was no line. The staff was very friendly and helpful, providing an informative menu when I asked about gluten-free options. We ordered the Cheese Runza, which had a meaty filling that tasted like something between a Philly cheesesteak and a Shepherd's pie. The bread was tasty - crispy on the outside. We also ordered a side of chicken strips, which had a crisp but fatty skin that was pleasantly spicy. At the cashier's recommendation, we got the ranch dipping sauce, which was great and not like the thick ranch you often get on salads. We also ordered the Sweet Berry Chicken salad, which was a good fast-food salad with dried cranberries, goat cheese, walnuts, and a (lime green colored?) poppyseed dressing. The chicken was really good - I asked for it grilled instead of fried. Finally, the homemade chili was comforting but lacked any flare or spice. I was shocked by how quickly the food came out - I was not even finished filling up the sodas (Diet Dr. Pepper and Diet Pepsi). If you're curious about the history of Runza, you can check out the wall near the bathrooms, which documents the history of this 70+ year old Nebraskan treasure. read more

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So, doing a road trip around the midwest, we found ourselves in Nebraska and spent the night in Kearney. Which, by the way, we have no idea how to pronounce as we heard several different ways to say it even from a couple of people we talked to in this town. Anyway. I had never heard of a Runza and had no idea what to expect, but it seems like between Nebraska north to the Canadian border, my fellow Americans like to have meat inside some sort of baked or fried dough. Perhaps this helps with those long winter nights? Not sure. This Runza location (as it seems to be quite the chain in this state) was very typical to most fast food chains with layout and cleanliness. The young guy who worked the register was SO good at his job! He was also really enthusiastic about the various menu items. I tried the Runza, I think I had cheese on it which isn't the original, but it's okay, I think it was still pretty authentic. We ordered our food, found a table and waited for them to be made (freshly) as I was told. Maybe 5-10 minutes later, we had our Runzas ready to eat and the food was fresh, I will certainly say that. The Runza was average. Not a terrible thing, but not something that would compel me to open a location in Southern California. I imagine if you were born and raised on these, they would be a comfort food and something you would miss if living elsewhere. I do recommend everyone trying this if they are in Nebraska and not from the state. It's unique and interesting to say the least. So when you're in Kearney and wondering how to pronounce the name of this town, Runza to Runza and enjoy a Runza while contemplating pronunciations! read more

Runza - Cheese Runza Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

Not sure why this place is so popular. The person taking orders was extremely unenthused to be at work, the Swiss mushroom was super salty and had almost no taste. However, the fries were decent and the onion rings were primo. I dined in and it was pretty clean. read more

Ordered a cheeseburger & frings. Took 13 minutes to receive in the drive thru. The onion rings were nearly frozen. SO cold. The fries were barely warm. The cheeseburger was decent but lacked condiments (two small blots of ketchup and mustard). The McDonalds next door would be cheaper and better quality which says something read more

My wife had a humburger. It was small similar to a McD. quarter pounder. The burger had no vegetables. Only meat, cheese and bun. I had nearly tasteless chicken nuggets and fries that were mediocre. The price was an expensive $18. I also had an ice cream that was not different from one that I would buy at McD. The drink and the ice cream were each $1.00. Bathroom was clean and cashier was pleasant. read more

Food fresh. Runza hot, salad cold. Adequate service. Ordered #3 meal. Asked if fries were ok, replied yes, he didn't ring them up. Didn't really want fries but this was first time at a Runza so I was going to try them. Did not pay for them, so no loss for me. Dining room mostly clean. Back of dining room roped off for security? I get that. Floor needed sweeping. Drink station clean. read more

Runza - Swiss Mushroom Runza Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

Me (after several hours driving through Nebraska): "You know what, Great Plains? I know we're all supposed to worship at the altar of Real Americans living in The Heartland. But there's a reason we call you flyover country. Maybe you SHOULD be flown over." The Cornhusker State's Response: "Whoa there, coastal elitist. Not so fast. Let me introduce you to a regional culinary offering we like to call THE RUNZA!!" It's a cross between a hot pocket and a loose meat Philly cheesesteak. And it's AMAZING. Still, this state just keeps going. Ugh! read more

Was told this place was unique to NE. Really enjoyed the onion rings and the sauce that they served with them. Runza's are a little different but really tasty. Soft and chewy dough with a warm and savory filling. I'm gonna grab a few before heading home to give the family a authentic taste of Nebraska. read more

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Fast food CAN be good food. In Texas and its neighboring states, that means Schlotzsky's. And in Nebraska and its neighboring states, that means Runza. A runza is like a Hot Pocket, only better. Not as greasy, and filled with meat and cabbage. I was introduced to runzas by some Nebraska natives, and when we crossed through the state recently, I knew we had to stop. These were even better that I had imagined! My husband got a traditional runza (just meat, cabbage, and onions), and I got one with cheese (tasted sort of like a Philly cheesesteak). And for our side, we split an order of Frings, which is half fries and half onion rings. I wonder why no other chain has hopped on that idea, because it was amazing! Besides Nebraska, Runza has locations in Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. So if you are ever in the vicinity, stop in for a tasty treat. I just hope that like Schlotzsky's, White Castle, and Steak & Shake, this regional favorite will make its way to Vegas one day! read more

Runza - Come on, Runza. Come to Vegas! - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

Runza is great! This location is close to the interstate and pry the best place to stop if you are in a hurry and traveling. The Original Runza sandwiches are usually so fresh, they'll burn your tongue if you don't watch out. And their fries are the best of all fast food places. Even better, do yourself a favor and order some ice cream to dip your fries ;) read more

Runza - Temperature Tuesday Boooooooooooy! - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

Love this place wish it wasn't only in Nebraska. Also wish they would have the chili and Cinnamon Rolls year round as they are soo good!

I love Runza!! I have to stop whenever I am in Nebraska! This location is super busy and seems to be the hangout for the local high schoolers. The staff is super nice and they got the good out quickly! Overall what I expect from every Runza restaurant in Nebraska! read more

Runza - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

First trip to this place. Cornholer coworker swears by them and took me there..decent sandwich. I got the #2 which is the original with cheese. I got the onion rings. Should have got fries. Decent rings just too thick and the onion slides out when trying to eat. Not a cabbage fan it gave it a shot. Decent..Arbys next door wish I had a brisket sandwich. Lol read more

Runza - The #2 meal. W cheese - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

On a road trip and we decided to try something different than the normal fast food joints. Ordered a cheese runza and my mom had the swiss and cheese one. While we both liked them, I wasn't prepared for the cabbage and onions in the meat. It wasn't bad, but not something I really like normally. The menu photos didn't show more than a couple small onions. The dessert ice cream sandwiches were really good! read more

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This is about as good as a fast food place can get. I was visiting Nebraska on business, and on recommendation of a friend of mine from there, I stopped in at a Runza location. My friend insisted that no trip to Nebraska would be complete without a stop at one. He was right. Friendly service, clean dining room, all the normal things you'd expect from a good fast food experience were there. . .but then you get to the star of the show, the Runza sandwich itself. Wow. They've been hiding these yummy little treats out there in the plains for a while apparently. It's a warm, crisp bread roll stuffed with seasoned chopped meat and sauteed cabbage (and cheese or other toppings available). . .and it's really tasty. Things this addictive are usually regulated by the Federal government. I only ate at Runzas twice while I was in Nebraska, and it's been months, and I still think about it often. It's a real shame they are a regional chain only, if there was one around my neck of the woods I think I'd eat there all the time. Seriously, if you're in the area, go there. If you're from out of town and never tried it. . .try it, you will NOT be disappointed. read more

Worst time yet again for the tenth or eleventh time in a month I've had this Runza mess up orders sending wrong things out not giving the proper amount of side for the number of orders giving sandwhich out with condiments that have been said to come off charging extra money that the cashier says is normal but can't explain where the extra "TAX" is for Isn't just one of these at a time either they can really put a damper on trying to grab a quick meal. read more

Don't be fooled by pics of a Runza sandwich. While tasty, the meat filling is not much thicker than the cheese. Not a good value.

I have no idea if anyone outside of Nebraska would find a Runza desirable. Or even edible. But I do know that any visit to my home town MUST include a visit to this restaurant. A Runza, for the uninitiated, is a mixture of finely-ground hamburger, shredded cabbage, and seasonings cooked into a plain bread crust. The cabbage is so well-cooked to be almost slimy, and while that might be offputting in any other context, it gives the Runza a mouth feel that is unmistakably Runza and 100% awesome. If this seems too exotic for you (but it shouldn't--dozens of cultures have their own version of "meat + veggie stuffed into bread"), they've got a good assortment of burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, and the like. And good fries. Definitely fast food, but the service is friendly, and the dining area is spacious and clean read more

Always the best original chain when you are in Nebraska!!! It is a unique sandwich. The original Runza is the best and the cheese Runza is good also. What is a Runza??? Think homemade hot pocket. read more

Runza - The Original - Fast Food Near Me - Kearney, Nebraska

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I like going to regional places when I travel, so Runza seemed like a good thing to try when we drove through Nebraska. I mean, if you're going to get fa(s)t food, why not get something you can't get everywhere else? I wasn't expecting much, fast food and all, so when I got a mushroom Swiss runza (it's the namesake so why get anything else?) I was moderately impressed. I like the bread the most, soft inside, crisp outside from the press. The filling is interesting, a mixture of savory ground meat and onions. It reminded me of SOS from the south, sans gravy. Processed swiss cheese was hot and melted, mushrooms were mushrooms. I also got a vanilla milkshake, cinnamon bun, and fries. The fries made me think of Wendy's, but thick crinkle cut, so that was fine, but skip the French onion dip you can add on- nothing special at all. The vanilla shake was good, pretty standard. The cinnamon bun was ok, but mediocre, I'd skip that unless I was craving sugary bread. Oh, also... Not healthy. At all. There's some trans fat, which is awful, and I'm unhappy that my lunch was a thousand calories. Definitely only a when-im-in-the-area-and-theres-only-drivethroughs kind of place. All in all, I was happy with this stop, though not the calories. Excellent? No, of course not. But as far as fast food goes, it's different and tastes pretty good. read more

As a firm believer in "when in Rome, do as the romans do," I always try to eat local or at a regional chain when I travel. I like to try things I can't try anywhere else. I was told to try Runza when I was driving through Nebraska. I have always considered Midwestern American food to be somewhat bland and flavorless, and I think this experience proved me right. There was nothing wrong with the service or the location, the food just wasn't good. First of all, there is nothing vegetarian on the menu except french fries and onion rings. Sorry, but I don't want grease with a side of grease. I do eat fish sometimes, but only when there is nothing else for me to order. I tried the Alaskan cod sandwich (which is a fancy marketing name for a cheap fish patty). It had a slice of american cheese and tartar sauce on it. I mean...I understand that Nebraska is landlocked and probably doesn't have much fish cuisine, but american cheese on a fish patty? I love a good tuna melt, but american cheese and cheap fish just don't mix well. No vegetables on the sandwich at all. It was just bland and....weird. The fries were chewy, not crispy. As for the runzas or whatever they're called, maybe they're better than the only pescetarian option? I don't know...Runza was nothing spectacular to me. read more

To the last person who drafted her review. The answer is NO. Anyone from out of town will never find Runza desirable. It's absolutely gross. Driving cross country from San Francisco to my hometown in Ohio, and all I look for is something different. I will try anything! I love the idea of loose meat (iowa's maid rite for example). The Runza is a dough ball that overrides any flavor except the fake cheese inside, which competes with this bread ball for all your tastebuds in your mouth. Meat, what meat?! It's lost inside. Yes, I know that wasn't real Swiss cheese in my Runza, Runza. I drafted a 3 star instead of a 1 - thats pushing it because it is not for the quality of food. I will forever love small local companies, and for that I want to love Runza. I understand the idea of "local" flavor, and if this is it, then I leave my, out of stater, bad review behind. The people working were absolutely a delight & fed our dog 2 bones! Back to the food. Ugh, the Pun Is intended! It will happen. But to try my best ill say the fries were good & the ranch was good too - id stick to the salads. The dog liked his cheeseburger - he had no complaints. It looked better than the Runza. read more

meh... it's a runza... adds a little variety to have when out on the road, but it's still fast food and not a healthy option- they have some veggie items on the menu but mostly different variations of the runza, lose ground beef burgers in a dough type bun. The service at this location was very friendly and the bathrooms were well maintained. read more

If ever in state of Nebraska or traveling thru you need to get Runza. Love to get the spicy jack or the original Runza both great options here. Fries and onion rings are also tasty here. Finish it off with either a cookie or shake and you won't need to eat for awhile. read more

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Excellent runzas. Very clean restaurant and very helpful and pleasant staff. Had a great experience while traveling through their town. We love Runzas when we can get them.! read more

Tried to get some quick food before getting on the road. Pulled up at 12:20 and ordered a couple of runza combos. They said it would be about 10 minutes, no problem. We didn't receive our food for 40 minutes after we arrived. If they had been honest about the time it would have taken, we would have gone elsewhere. Not only this but after getting on the road, our runzas were still very doughy and undercooked. Worst runza I've ever been to. read more

Good place for a sandwich. I cant eat fresh fruits or vegetables so it's a plain Jane for me. Still good!

It is now 6:00 pm on 08/22/2022. My wife and myself just left the Kearney Runza. We had been camping at Louisville State Recreation area and decided to stop for dinner on our way home to North Platte. My wife ordered a junior hamburger, frings and a diet mountain dew. I ordered a hamburger with pickles, lettuce, and ketchup, frings and water. My wifes food was ok but after taking one bite of my hamburger I almost pucked. It was ice cold and had a strange taste. I took it back, asked for another one and left for Nort Platte. The hamburger was ok and edible. However the fries were cold and also had a strange taste and I could not eat them. This was not the first time the food was bad however we were already heading west down i-80. We eat 2 or 3 times a month at the I-80 runza in North Platte and find them to have excellent food. My question is how can one Runza have such good quality food and another have such poor food? The employees at the Kearney Runza seemed very new and disorginized but where is the manager? Extremely disappointed!! read more