Sixteen years ago, the first installation in the Duffett legacy of restaurant reviews was published in the Tattler under the name Duffett’s Buffets, written by my one and only brother Christian. I have decided to continue this legacy with one slight change: I don’t plan on ever reviewing or attending any buffets, as unlike him, I am not a high-school football player and such establishments, in my mind, are revolting.
For my first installment, I decided to make the lengthy drive up to Trumansburg with a couple of buddies to check out the Atlas Bowl Restaurant.
I had already been to the restaurant twice before to bowl, though this was the first time I had actually eaten a full meal. When you first enter the door, you are offered the choice between just dining and bowling. We chose the latter as it allows you to order food while you bowl. Tots and throwing a couple of strikes; I mean, who could say no?
What surprised me the most about the place is the fact that it provides an excellent bowling environment with a sort-of-totally-rad 70s discoesque decor, though it also has quite the extensive dining selection. The menu ranges from Totchos (tater tot nachos) and deviled eggs to pan-roasted salmon, all of which are prepared with wonderfully fresh ingredients. There are not many places in Ithaca that can combine entertainment and dining as seamlessly as Atlas does.
I decided to stick with the basics and ordered a cheeseburger topped with the usual lettuce, tomato, and onion, though I also went a little wild and added some crispy onions and avocado. They did not ask me how I wanted the burger prepared, but that didn’t end up being an issue, as when it arrived it was done medium rare: the way I like them. They forgot to add my avocado, though, which I also decided not to complain about, as I was able to fill in its absence with the Earth’s one and only blessing: Sriracha.
The meat itself was pretty average: a simple thin patty that I would have preferred to have been on the thicker side. However, what made the burger stand out was the bun, which had been perfectly toasted on the grill to give it a nice crunch, as well as some tasty kale and spinach.
Although my burger wasn’t completely amazing, the tater tots were really what hit the spot. If you are a fan of tater tots who even jumps for joy when the cafeteria serves them (like me), then you will absolutely fall in love with the tots from Atlas. They were crunchy and crispy with the correct amount of seasoning, leaving your stomach completely satisfied. My friends ordered the Totchos and Chicken Fajita Tacos, both of which seemed to be very well put together.
Overall, the food was rather tasty, though what really inclines me to recommend it is the fact that you can bowl at a place that has both a decent setting and pretty solid food, something I can’t say about the other bowling places in town—which either smell like pool or are highly in need of a renovation. The groovy tunes of the Arctic Monkeys and Passion Pit only added to the ambient atmosphere. So the next time you find yourself on the couch on a rainy day, call some friends and head over to the Atlas Bowl Restaurant; you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised.
Rating: 4.5 Duff Buffs.
