There's nothing finer than having an early lunch (or late breakfast) at the Potao Shack, which serves from 7am-2pm weekdays and from 7am-2:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We picked out a table for two when we arrived around 11am - we chose one on the sidewalk, rather than any inside, as that area was full, and we prefered outside on a sunny day. Coffee arrived quickly and the server was attentive with two refills as we waited for our order. This is not fast food; everything is cooked after you order. My son had the Diplomat, a turkey and bacon sandwich on toasted sourdough bread (huge slices) accompanied by cajun potatoes(spicy swirls of the spud). I received the vegetarian burger with melted cheese(I selected Swiss) on a toasted bun and American potatoes(cubes of fried red rose potatoes).
Filling and very good, their sandwiches can be made with different kinds of cheeses, breads, or rolls. Similarly, there's lots of choices for their breakfast omelets, and their French toast orders come with blueberry or banana on top. Their massive pancakes cover a big plate. And all of their potatoes are cooked in canola oil only. This long-established, popular place is crowded at popular eating times, especially on weekends.
All kinds of people come here: young and old, and outside sat a few people with dogs. Two large black dogs were with their owners at the table next to ours; they were patiently waiting, on leashes (of course). Without staring, I noticed that one of the guys appeared to be tatooed all over - this was a typical sight.
When we got our bill for $17.08, we went inside to pay at the register. This place accepts cash, checks, or travellers checks, but no plastic. They are known to locals, many of whom are regulars, and the cute mural of potatoes on their outside wall is one of the landmarks in the downtown area.