Most reviews I see for Teriyaki Park are full of disclaimers and excuses about Waco being too small to support 'good sushi'. So lets really be honest - mediocre food is mediocre regardless where it gets served. Teriyaki Park serves average quality sushi. It isn't terrible, but it isn't really great either. The people are nice, so that's a plus. The real deal breaker is how dirty the place is. The last 2 times I've eaten there have been terrible. Dead roaches on the floor (at least they are dead right?), rotten food stuck in the cracks and underneath the tables (don't spill your drink unless you want to be covered with spoiled food runoff).

I am a big supporter of local business, and I want to like Teriyaki Park, but it isn't healthy to exempt a restaurant from cleanliness standards just because its local.

To get it out of the way, yes, Newk's is a pricy sandwich shop. It is expensive when compared to budget sandwich / sub shops, but it definitely makes up for it in quality and variety. They have delicious sandwiches that you don't find in the common cafes, such as the Pesto Chicken and the Newk's Q. It has a diverse enough menu that we have a group from work that goes together weekly and everyone manages to find a favorite dish.

The portion sizes are friendly for those of us trying to eat healthy meals. I usually get a half sandwich and half soup and manage to keep the meal around 500 calories. If you are expecting a 2,000 kcal meal served on an 18" platter then I suggest going down the street to Don Carlos. The nutritional information for Newk's menu is available online and can be found in MyFitnessPal if you use that service.

So while it might just be another soup and sandwich joint right next door to Panera, it offers a lot in terms of a diverse menu with healthy options. If you are on a tight budget, then there are better choices for sure but if you are after a pleasant change of pace then I suggest Newk's. Just go early during lunch so you don't have to wait for a seat.