Newk’s Eatery, a popular casual dining chain known for its sandwiches, soups, wraps, and salads, is stepping up its game with a new selection of menu items. On Jan. 21, 2025, I visited their Baxter Street location in Athens, Georgia, to try out two of their latest offerings: the Spicy Chicken Bacon Wrap and the Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Salad.
A Visit to Newk’s Eatery: A Cozy Atmosphere with Big Flavors
When I arrived at the bustling 700 Baxter St. location, I noticed the cozy, welcoming atmosphere right away. Though the restaurant was busy, the friendly staff made it easy to settle in. The dim lighting created a relaxed vibe, while sunlight streamed through the big glass window, offering a touch of warmth on an otherwise chilly day.
I was ready to dive into the new items, hoping for a satisfying sandwich-and-salad combo. For $20, I grabbed a large fountain drink to go with my choices, which seemed like a solid deal. The Spicy Chicken Bacon Wrap comes in at $10.99 with a choice of chips, fruit, or potato salad, while the Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Salad costs $12.79 but is large enough to share.
Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Delight
The Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Salad, one of the newest additions to the menu, is a flavorful, creamy explosion of ingredients. The fresh produce combined with a spicy, tangy jalapeño cilantro ranch dressing was a winning combination. The salad includes soft slices of avocado, black beans, romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, grape tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Each bite was a mix of textures and flavors that kept things interesting.
The tortilla strips, while adding a satisfying crunch, didn’t contribute much flavor to the dish, but that didn’t detract from the overall experience. The salad wasn’t overwhelmingly spicy, which I appreciated, given its fiery name. The only drawback? The tomatoes were not sliced, and the vegetables were served separately, rather than mixed. That said, the artful arrangement made it a visually appealing dish.
Spicy Chicken Bacon Wrap: A Disappointing Hit or Miss?
Next up, I tackled the Spicy Chicken Bacon Wrap. Despite its “spicy” label, I found the wrap to be lacking in flavor. The chicken and bacon were barely detectable, and the jalapeños and ranch dressing provided most of the heat. Although my mouth was left burning after each bite, I didn’t get the bold, balanced flavors I was hoping for.
That said, I’m sure spice enthusiasts would appreciate it more than I did. Ally Allen, the general manager of the Baxter Street location, mentioned that these new wraps have been popular with many customers, noting that they’re helping to broaden Newk’s appeal. “We’re not popping yet, and we’re trying to,” Allen said. “I think that these [new menu] items are really helping us broaden everything.”
Final Thoughts on Newk’s New Items
While I found the Spicy Chicken Bacon Wrap to be underwhelming in terms of flavor, the Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Salad was a delightful, well-balanced option that I’d happily order again. Newk’s Eatery on Baxter Street has great customer service and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a solid spot to grab a meal, even if some of their new menu items didn’t quite hit the mark for me. With some items earning praise and others leaving room for improvement, it will be exciting to see how the new menu plays out in the coming weeks.
