We started our first full day in Boston by wandering through Beacon Hill and down Charles Street in search of some breakfast. (Truth be told, we were also in search of Cheers, so that we could snap some touristy photos.) Not far from Boston Commons, we found a small but busy diner called the Paramount with tables in the front and an open kitchen and cafeteria-style line in the back. Spotting only one table large enough to seat the three of us, we had just begun to debate who would sacrifice an item of clothing to save the seat (it was summer, and we were lightly dressed) when we noticed a large sign that read, "Please Order and Pay Before Being Seated."

This request was certainly a test of our civic-mindedness. A long line was already forming in back, and surely one of the patrons would take our table. The sign, however, further explained itself, and I quote in full, "When the Paramount opened, its original owners enforced an unusual seating policy; customers were not allowed to sit before they got their food. We quickly learned that due to the high volume of customers and limited seats, saving a table disrupts the delicate balance of people to tables. Therefore, not saving a table ensures all customers (yes, you too) will have a table when needed. It may seem hard to believe, but it’s been working well since 1937."

We were unable to deny such an earnest request, so trusting the Paramount at their word, we kept our clothes on, joined the line, and witnessed short-order cooking at its best. The three cooks’ skills at multitasking humbled us. While taking orders and keeping the line moving briskly, they were simultaneously able to chop apples, toss salads, and perform one-handed egg flips without cracking the yolks. And since the restaurant provided no table service, we were more than happy to reallocate our tips to the cooks.

Plates in hand, we paid for our meals at the register, and sure enough, though our first table choice was gone, a new one had opened, and we took our seats. Still stuffed from our previous meals, I ordered a grilled apple salad with blue cheese and walnuts for $8.25 and quickly finished the whole thing. Maya chose blueberry pancakes for $4.95, and her brother combined eggs, toast, and home fries for $4.95, with a generous side plate of sausage for $2.75. Though diner food, all the meals were light, well-prepared, and delicious.

Overall, the Paramount was a good, inexpensive meal and is notable for serving breakfast until 4pm.