Lunch So Good You’ll Rethink Your Life Choices
Walking into Aaktun, I expected a typical lunch. What I did not expect was a mind-blowing culinary experience that had me contemplate canceling my dining plan and just moving in and living amongst the beautiful pink furniture and greenery. The vibe? Immaculate. I was shocked by the carefully thought-out layout and design of the restaurant. The nooks in the back of the place were beautifully lit and the perfect place to have dinner with a small group of friends while debating the merits of getting a second order of tater tots (spoiler: you should). The portions are generous, prices are fair, and the service is the kind that makes you want to tip your server your entire Duke tuition.
Now, let’s get into the important stuff: the food. I tried their classic burger and poke dish. Now I know what you’re thinking—“Poke and a burger? What kind of combo is this?” Let me tell you, this duo changed me. The freshness of the fish perfectly balanced the heaviness of the burger. I need to give a special shout-out to the tater tots, which complemented the burger and gave some nice texture to the meal.
I first have to talk about my favorite dish: The OG Burger. The burger consists of two perfectly cooked patties: tomato, lettuce, onion, pickles, American cheese, signature sauce, and a side of tots. Just listing out the ingredients doesn’t do the burger justice. I can’t even begin to explain how good it was: I was speechless after a single bite. You know that feeling when you hear your favorite song at a party, and everything feels right in the world? That is the OG Burger. The meat and other ingredients melted harmoniously in my mouth, and the savory taste made me question how vegetarianism exists. Even though the burger had a vibrant taste, it was lighter than expected but filling enough to require a post-meal nap.
I can talk about these tater tots all day, but I promise to keep my thoughts short. They were crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside, essentially cooked to perfection. There was no grease like the burger, just 100% crispiness. The dipping sauce was a classic that tasted like a leveled-up Cane’s sauce with a hint of sweetness. I would eat this sauce with anything or just by itself if I’m feeling crazy. Sandwiches. Fries. Anything and everything.
Next, but certainly not least, is the “L-SHOYU Poke.” This dish is perfect for the kind of friends that want to share everything. At $23, you get high-quality tuna, salmon, a breathtaking ginger sesame soy marinade, a mix of veggies, spicy mayo, nori, and sushi rice. What impressed me most wasn’t even the premium fish (which tasted like it was just caught) but the innovative experience. I was living out my childhood dreams of becoming a sushi chef and had fun assembling DIY hand rolls. It was a lot of fun, and even though mine did not look pretty, the process makes me want to order this the next time I go (which, to clarify, I am going back this week).
Final Verdict
Aaktun is not just a restaurant; it’s the kind of place you go when you need comfort food and want to feel slightly cultured. There is something on the menu for everyone, whether you are going through a breakup and want some comfort food, or want to become a chef for the hour and make some hand rolls. It goes without saying that I will be coming back very soon. Overall, these dishes were flavorful and interactive, making me question why I had not tried Aaktun earlier.