Some of the best laid plans happen while you’re sleeping, and so it went for the name of Jimmy Wong’s, Topeka newest late-night eatery and the only locally owned place where you can get a monster burrito after midnight.

“The name just came to me while I was laying down one night,” explained co-owner Chris Profitt. “It made me chuckle. Thankfully, it made a few others laugh – and they happened to be my partners.”

Chris’ partners include brother Adam “Pony” Profitt and Steve Brock.  Chris, the current co-owner of Tailgators was the brainchild behind Jimmy Wong’s and he had his eye on the clock tower building in Gage Center parking lot that Daddy Cakes used to inhabit, between New City Cafe and Annie’s Place.

Together, the trio knew they wanted to offer late-night eats to the growing bar crowd in the area – an alternative to Taco Bell and McDonald’s.  Once the location was for lease, the trio jumped at the opportunity.

“There is a crowd already built in,” said Adam.  “We’re sort of doing the city a service.”

Now late night-goers can sober up without driving or while waiting for a cab. Jimmy Wong’s is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 pm to 3 am.

The walk-up “burrito king” has three round tables in front which create a perfect third space. Go there early enough, and for same price as you would spend on door cover, you can have a grande burrito and listen to the music being performed on the patio at Live.

The flavors are a solid combination of beans, rice and marinated meat and topped with lettuce, cheese, sour cream and Jimmy’ s Special Sauce (hot or mild).  While it’s nothing that Top Chef Masters would four-star, it is quality, affordable and filling food offered late night.  It’s way better then the greasy alternatives and you are supporting three young entrepreneurs.

To end your meal, don’t forget to try a Misfortune Cookie.  If you thought adding “in bed” to the end of the traditional Chinese cookie’s generic message was funny, then try adding it to the end of a misfortune cookie. You will laugh until you hurt.

Jimmy Wongs Menu

[September 2010 | Kerrice Mapes | photos by Lydia Barnhart]