Counter Culture.

Egg Roll Hut Is More Than Just A Ridiculous Sign.

Egg Roll Hut
4509 Columbia Ave.
East Dallas

Ambiance: 1 out of 4 eggrolls
Food: 2.5 out of 4 eggrolls
Service: 1.5 out of 4 eggrolls

I haven't met too many people who haven't at least driven by the Egg Roll Hut on their way to or from Deep Ellum.

Maybe they don't exactly know it by name, but just start describing the '50s-era sign out front — the one with the giant soft-serve vanilla cone on top — and most people know exactly the place you're talking about.

It's an odd choice of signage, for sure. Especially for a primarily Asian food joint. But, then again, it gets the job done. It sure is memorable.

Considering how many folks I've heard make cracks about this sign, though, I've almost never heard of anyone actually daring to brave a trip inside the place. Too bad, too. As far as lunch options go, Egg Roll Hut is one of the most affordable establishments in town.

Granted, their Dairy Queen-like ambiance and inconsistent service probably don't put them high on the list of date nights or even just weeknight dinner spots. But their lunch specials are hard to pass up: For an average of just five bucks, you can get just about any standard Asian fare you want, and, considering they cost around a buck, their namesake house egg rolls are actually pretty tasty.

As decent as the quality is, it is the generous portions that have had us hitting them up regularly of late. For instance, my lunch portion of Szechuan shrimp (which included an egg roll and side of rice) was not only enough to leave me utterly stuffed, but I was able fill a large-sized takeout box with leftovers. In this world of $26 hot dogs, I am more than thrilled anytime I can eat all day for just a single Lincoln.

For those lucky enough to live within a two-mile radius of the East Dallas eatery, Egg Roll Hut even offers free delivery — even for menu items like shakes, provided you order at least $10 worth.

So next time you're cruising down Columbia looking for some fast-food-style fare, maybe consider stopping giving Egg Roll Hut a try. Hey, it's cheaper than McDonald's and it doesn't make you feel quite as guilty eating it, either.

Oh yeah: They also have a small section of their menu devoted to burgers, tacos and ham sandwiches.

But even I'm not that brave.