Bonjour, friendly folks. You’ve probably been told you’re not a true Iowa Stater until you’ve gone campaniling, right?

Well, let me add one more requirement — partaking in the long-time tradition of buck burgers at Cy’s Roost & Don’s Deli.

Ok, most of us older folks know that Cy’s is a great bar to go to with friends. But this is no mere drinking establishment; Cy’s Roost & Don’s Deli serves double duty as a restaurant too.

In keeping their promise of serving great food on a student’s budget, the Campustown bar and grill offers a number of starving student specials. Monday you can get chicken for $2.00; Tuesday is $1.75 steak and Wednesday is the famous buck burgers.

So why is buck burgers at Cy’s so darn cool? Well for me, it’s been a ritual ever since I first “snuck” in last spring with a bunch of Daily ad reps.

The people I go with may change, but one thing remains a constant — what I order. “Hi. I’d like a plain cheeseburger on an onion bun, fries and a Pepsi. Make sure there’s nothing on it except for cheese, please.”

On Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. that meal sets me back a mere $3.00. But be warned — if you’re not there on a Wednesday, expect to pay $3.00 for a 1/4 LB burger and fries.

OK — my neighbor and I got there early to beat the rush last Wednesday. By 4:10, a line was already forming behind us.

I’d suggest getting there early not only for better service, but because it’s a heck of a lot easier to find a place to sit, and it’s not so smoky yet.

Stone Temple Pilots was blaring on the stereo as we passed by the cute table for two and made our way to a dark, corner booth. My neighbor headed towards the Stud’s room, and I went to powder my nose in the Babe’s room.

For being a bar, they weren’t in too bad of shape. But keep in mind, it was early in the evening.

Although we missed Picture Nite (and I’m not talking about beer here), I still left my mark. Someone has carved my name in several tables throughout the bar.

We barely had time to take in a game of 75 cent pool before they announced “Kim — food.” Nearly every week I order a delicious, thick and juicy, flame-grilled cheeseburger.

I have to confess something, though; other than buck burgers, I’ve never tried anything else.

I have my work cut out for me before graduation, ’cause Cy’s offers a full menu of tasty tidbits that are sure to tempt your tummy.

Cy’s has five unbelievably big salads, a large selection of grilled chicken and steak sandwiches served on hot hoagies.

Another great thing about Cy’s is that you don’t have to be a bar fly to feel welcome. I always run into at least half a dozen people I know during buck burgers. Case in point — the Tattooed Guru took my plain cheeseburger order last week.

Hey, for a buck, food and fun doesn’t get much better than at Cy’s. See you next Wednesday.

4 1/2 stars out of five

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Kim Zangger is senior in advertising from Mt. Vernon.