the Mecca

I first came here sometime around 2002, I think. and after I saw Lou Reed at Bumbershoot I had my first date with my future ex-husband here. I was here on my 30th birthday. more first dates. I may have once broken up with someone here also. i've definitely cried here, many times. you used to be able to smoke indoors; the ashtrays would get filled and emptied without my even noticing. they have amazing waffles and bring a bowl of individual creamers with your coffee. some guy on the bar side once put his hands over mine on the buttons to show me the proper way to play pinball, and i belligerently told him to not be so condescending. they have ACDC and Nina Simone and Journey on the jukebox, and booths with lurid interrogation-lighting, and I don't feel weird to sit by myself with a book. and they have some of the best fucking fries in Seattle.

-in the ladies' loo.
-crappy picture of one such interrogation light.
-looking west.
-last night's server.