August 08, 2008
Ruski's Restaurant & Pub
I love this place so much I almost don't want to write about it. Good publicity usually means more business, resulting in crowds of people (potentially undesirable ones) polluting my favorite bar. But I'm banking those people are illiterate.
Ruski's has seen several owners and is currently owned by Josh Whaley. It's the only joint where you can get a Hooker with your breakfast, served all day and night. It's small and quaint, but anything but boring. Any given day you'll find a number of regulars, myself included. (I've been known to spend an entire day in this place.)
I could make trite comparisons to Cheers, which would be warranted, but given my journalistic ethics I refuse to be so stale. The atmosphere defines Ruski's more than anything. The servers (who do, in fact, know me by my real name) are real people. Dominique will get you your drink when she's done with her cigarette, Griffin may or may not get you silverware and Diane will give you a the hairy eyeball if you ask for a glass of water.
And speaking of Diane, everyone's got a nefarious story about her. Some are petrified of her - as they should be - and some just love to hate her. Personally, I went down the hate road (we fought over nachos years ago), but wore her down with politeness and 20% tips. Now she's my best friend.
At any given moment you'll find the place packed or empty. You'll always find specials on the board - drinks, breakfast plates and dinners - and people you want to be around.
Amy Martin is a freelance writer.
Prices may have changed since this entry was posted.
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