Busy Night, Small Place

On Friday Sep, 19, at night I went down to this local Restaurant that has the best Mexican food in town, in my opinion. (besides home cooking) I am a usual eater at this restaurant, and am greeted by the friendly staff as I walk through the door. As I open the door a wave of smell hits me, Spanish rice. I here the cooks in the Kitchen and am asked to seat myself. I find a table in the corner of the restaurant, one of the last tables available, and start observing my surroundings. The loud music blast over peoples conversations. It is a full house as I notice a line forming at the door and leading outside.


There is a big group in the restaurant, Country personnel. They take almost half of the restaurant. Cowboy Hats all around. I notice all adults, Beers all around. Men and Women. Shouting about stories and laughing about things one another did. I see one or two people take a phone call, but step outside, as to not disrupt the happiness of company. I see an elderly couple eating and talking with one another. Next to me a group of college kids working on papers and studying for exams. The Servers are running around trying to clean tables while delivering drinks and taking food orders.


Once I get my order taken, I observe the line heading out the door. People are waiting for longer than 30 minutes just for a table. People are upset from standing outside for so long but find comfort and peace in staring at their phones. Children are upset from standing outside and not getting any attention except parents telling them to settle down. The Country table is still there with another round of beers and everyone happier than ever laughing and clapping and enjoying company. I receive my food and end my notes for a while...


Resuming where I left off. About an hour has gone by since I first got their and all other tables have new people seated, except me, the college kids, and the country table. I see that they have requested a third round of beer and dessert. Maybe they are getting ready to head out. The college kids look completely drained from writing, typing, and reading their material. I have finished my meal and am waiting for my check at this time. The Country table received their desserts, ate them quickly, then pulled out their phones until they received each of their checks.

The country table finally leave, some in silence others still laughing and stumbling about. The college group calls it a night, and I myself prepare to head out. As I say goodbye to the staff I walk out and see the traffic has died down and there is no line into the restaurant as people have either found a table or have given up on the long wait to get inside. Here I end my notes.