Save this place for when you just can't wait any longer to eat. The place is clean and the service is friendly. The food is edible but I would not go here as a dining destination. We were low on fuel and needed to make a gas and food stop. There were not many food choices so we tried this place out. It won't hurt you but it will not put it on your must return list!
(2)
Mikey A.
Real nice, very American kind of family restaurant. Waitress very nice and good humored. Food was fine, nothing frilly, just solid American breakfast fare.
(4)
Katie K.
Stopped here to eat today while driving back to Phoenix.. Huge mistake. The place is very very dated and the staff is very unfriendly (at best). She sat us and threw 3 napkins and 3 forks on the table can back 5 minutes later with 3 cups of water and said nothing left again.. Never took our drink order or asked what we wanted to drink. 10 minutes later she took our order and 30 minutes later I got an ice cold grilled cheese sandwich, cold BLT and nasty cheese burger.. I watched her walk around rolling her eyes at customers that got her attention and asked for their check. A "regular" asked what was in the fridge for dessert and she promptly told him to go look for himself. We will never ever be back. Ever!!
(1)
Local E.
They have a cooler by the entrance full of pies and cakes. What else do you need to know? Old school. The food is good and the service is just fine.
(5)
Edward M.
I really enjoyed my stop here.the chicken field steak was very tasty and a good size portion. The open face meat loaf sandwich was great. The bread pudding with lemon sauce was excellent. Our waitress was very friendly and very helpful. I'll be back.
(4)
Edward D.
What can I say! A lot of people are not going to like this place. Yes its very old, out dated, and not the most cleanest. There is a lot of business that are having a tough time. And it's not our job to bash them and even make it worse for them because they just dont have the funds, and the drive to excel. We stopped here on our way to California. Yes we were very hesitant to try it out. And I don't blame anyone for nit stopping by. This a local dive, they depend on the people driving by the 10 FWY, to eat there. So we did, only because I like to stop and eat at a restaurant. Not a fast food type of person. I had a chicken salad. Wife had a cheeseburger. Surprisingly I really liked the salad. Just for some reason, the old timers know how to make a salad? Wife enjoyed her cheeseburger. We also had a very good chili cheese fries with onions. Glad we stopped by, it was well worth it.
(4)
Danielle K.
So...okay normally i talk about the good stuff first but i want yelpers out there to seriously consider before they come here. THE BAD: SLOW!! We had 2 waitresses come by and ask if we had been helped-& we said no, so they walked away-WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING. The waitress who finally DID help us was friendly but new. We waited 30 minutes and all that had happened was my dad got his soup (our order was taken in that time) and we had drinks. Thank goodness it was a pay at the register place because i did not want to find out how long i'd wait for my check to be paid. In total the lunch took an hour. So if you have somewhere to be, i would give this place a pass. I also noticed another waitress who was not ours had her cell phone out. It's all about perception-if youre working, your cell should be put away. If you ARE on break, dont look like youre working. Thank you. Now the GOOD: my chicken sandwich was delicious! Pure white meat and no fat at all. The fries are different too, good and crispy. My dad enjoyed his standard club sandwich (the potato bacon soup was REALLY yummy!) & mom liked her rueben. And our waitress was friendly & got the orders right. The hot food was hot and the cold food was cold. The pie looked tasty if you liked pie but i dont.
(3)
Jorge M.
Driving back on Xmas day 2012 tired and hung over my family decided to pull in and hope it was open. It was and seated right away despite having a large party. Menu is up to par for a restaurant located in the middle of the desert. The waitress (can't remember her name) older lady was great on order taking and serving making sure our mugs were filled never empty. Although I did not order the pancakes my sister gave me a bite and it was delicious. I had the biscuits and gravy it was good not the best but it's the middle of nowhere. Great ambiance especially with the locals. And individual coffee mugs not just your plain white ones. Overall great experience for the day I stopped in and the location
(4)
Karen B.
Not as good as I wanted it to be. Service was good and the food came quickly. The eggs were perfect and the single pancake was enormous, but the sausage and hash browns were just slightly burnt. Still, it's good to see an independent restaurant still doing well in the age of Denny's. I would give it another chance.
(3)
Gary A.
We stopped by this place based on other Yelper's. This is one of the few times I wish I hadn't read them first. BAD CHOICE.....I'd give it 0 stars if that were possible. This place needed a MAJOR OVERHAUL about 30 years ago. Now it just needs to be torn down and rebuilt. We all felt like we had to wear Hazmat Suits. About the only thing good I could say is the food was barely acceptable and we didn't get sick; dodged that bullet!! DO NOT STOP HERE!!
(1)
Cristine P.
We went here because of the unique turquoise/blue decor and interesting shape of this place. When we looked up the positive Yelp reviews we were anticipating good food. Inside is a flashback to decades past and the place was filled with old Betties and Freds. The menu was simple and prices are affordable. It even had a selection for seniors and children while suggesting anyone really with a small appetite can order from that section (which I think is pretty cool!) I went to the restrooms and discovered that not only was it dirty with filled un-scrubbed toilets and the one stall with a door had a lock that was fitted incorrectly so I hoped nobody barged in. The disabled stall had no door... Instead it sported a shower curtain. I'm not from Arizona so maybe that's the law? Unsure. What I didn't like especially was this sign that read: "SMILE YOU ARE ON CAMERA." What the heck?!?! I looked for a camera. I found none but that sign was inappropriate at best and vulgar at worst!!! Not funny! The food was good but our server wasn't the best at handling plates and her thumbs & fingers touched our sandwiches. Meh. Not too keen on that but whatever it happens. Also I noticed cheese on my tomatoes when I asked for no cheese on my salad and even on the tomato on my sandwich. How does cheese get on tomatoes meant for a BLT? Hmmm! The salad is kept behind the counter and that's fine because it was on ice BUT that little area is a little hangout area for the servers and they were laughing and even coughing right over that open salad container. Ugh. I've been a server in California (maybe a food handlers permit isn't required in Arizona..) and I know that one shouldn't cough over food. She didn't wash her hands either.... Her cough could spread her mucus to the salad and make people sick. Not cool. Overall, good food, good prices but bad service/bathrooms!
(3)
Kate Y.
and always feel it is a wise choice. Yelpers, All your negative comments make no difference. It is full of locals. The cook does great breakfasts and price is great. Mature waitress that know what they are doing and are attentive. It is an older place so expect that. We love it here.
(5)
Dan S.
Save yourself the time and go to the Carl's jr. You'll be happier with your meal. The place is dirty and inefficient. Got 2 stars because I reserve 1 star for cases of food poisoning.
(2)
Dale P.
Was in Quartzsite again last weekend and stopped here to eat again. Nice to see the place is busy and appears to be doing well. Good food and friendly service is working for them. Worth stopping in for a good bite to eat and take a break on the drive from L.A. to Phoenix.
(4)
Teri P.
Waitress was very attentive. Plenty of good food and service. The restaurant was clean with sufficient parking.
(4)
Gilbert C.
Classic Americana style food. Loved atmosphere, food, and waitresses--all matrons with years of experience. fries with burger outstanding. taco salad good, but could have used a little more dressing. will stop in again next time next month. desserts in window looked, uh, dated. Don't recommend them. anything else on menu is unfrilly American & Mexican - American food.
(4)
Carol K.
Quartzsite Arizona and we are hungry. Skipped Carl's Jr, McDonalds fare and opted for a family owned non chain local restaurant. Could have been a gem in the rough. I kept wishing Robert from "Restaurant Impossible" would pop up. The whole place smelled like cigarette smoke although we couldn't see anyone smoking. Is someone smoking in the kitchen? Are the fumes coming off the feuding servers? The loud slamming of the used dishes almost covered up the snide remarks these raspy phlegmmy serving ladies kept flinging at and about each other. It took a fair amount of time to get our omelets. Or in my case a scrambled egg with cheese sprinkled on top. The food was edible, toast pre-margarined before served, the frozen hash browns grilled nicely, and the homemade salsa using canned or anemic tomatoes a tasty side. Why two stars? Because there arent half stas...The food was decent and the elderly gentleman who gave me a kiss (Hershey's) is presumably the owner. Liked the carpet and the commaraderie of the patrons.
(2)
Nick W.
That rare occasion where we go somewhere without checking the Yelp reviews first... I was scared, as after we sat down I saw the 2.5 star average, however I was pleasantly surprised with the food. This is clearly a place where all the old folk know each other and reminisce, except for the occasional burnt out truck driver whose stopping by for a bite. Facts: - If you're under 30, you'll be the youngest person in the restaurant by at least 20 years. - Not the friendliest staff (won't tell you their name, will put food / drinks down without making eye contact and walk away). - The food, however, is quality diner food. I got the Reuben, which was super tasty, fries were outstanding as well. Definitely get the fries with whatever you get.
(4)
Landon G.
Definitely a step into the past; a Sixties roadside diner. The food was good, but not spectacular. My wife had a grilled cheese sandwich with vegetable beef soup for $4.99. I had the ground round steak smothered in gravy, onions, & mushrooms. It was like walking into Mel's diner (if you don't get the reference--kiss my grits).
(4)
RoadRat F.
been here before. then, it was packed w/ tourists. food was ok. now, service was cordial but, once the orders were taken, non-existant. don't expect much.
(2)
Joseph V.
Out of Phoenix My brother and me get together once a year or so. For some reason we don't go to each other's homes but we meet somewhere. It's a long story. It involves places like Little Rock, Milwaukee, Palm Springs, Chicago and others. This time it was Phoenix. I dropped him at the airport just short of 7 am and wanted to run up some miles before stopping for coffee or something to eat. There was a wind storm today. The desert usually has a breeze but today the wind was predicted to be 60 mph: hurricane strength. It started early and buffeted the car like a dame being slapped, front-hand-back-hand, by some tough guy wearing a fedora, in a 1940's black and white. After a couple of hours of that I had to pull off. That's how I wound up in Quartzsite. There are two Quartzsite exits. I took the first. I like the business loops off the main road that go through towns like this. I'm always looking for a non-chain place. What used to be called a mom & pop. The kind of place that has almost disappeared, or have slipped further back inside towns where they can't be as easily gobbled up by the chains. They're predictable, they're cleaned up and presentable but the chrome edging on the counter doesn't shine up like it use to and the paint on the walls is far from fresh. Some of the booth seats are repaired with Mystic tape and the smell of thousands of meals and thousands of people linger in a pleasant way, a way no chain can match. I sat at the counter and ordered the usual, chicken fried steak and eggs, rye toast. Four men sat in the last booth along the wall not far from me. They talked the way small town men talk to each other; with a wry modesty. I've heard it in many places. Restaurants like this, cafes, VFWs. It might go like this. One will ask the other what they got this year and the other will answer, a little beans, a little corn. That can mean a single row or thousands of acres. The answer comes with a slight smile, a slow blink of the eyes-the modesty I mentioned. A fifth man came in and sat at the last counter seat facing the booth. What're you havin' here today? he asked. A meeting of the minds, one of the men said. Don't look to me like there's any minds to meet, chuckling to himself. They ignored him so he turned to the waitress who had come for his order and said. Don't look like there's any mind to meet, he repeated. Coffee? she replied. One of the four men, a tall scarecrow of man with an Adam's apple that had the shape and texture of a peach pit, stood up and put $2.00 under his empty cup. Better put some rocks in your pockets, Henry. It's windy out there, the waitress said. Big surprise today, the ignored man said. He was dressed a peg or two better than the booth crowd, not more respectable just less like he labored for a living. He carried a tablet computer crammed full of paper notes. He could have been the mayor, an academic or a newsman. Big surprise, he said again. The men from the booth looked at him but nobody asked him what the big surprise was, they just looked at him, unwilling to help off the hook he snared himself on. Finally he looked at me through his thick oval glasses and I looked at my coffee. It needed my attention. Big surprise, he said again. NPR's coming here. Finally one of the booth men asked, Coming where. Right Here! he declared, pointing down to the ground that lay between him and them. Right here today! What do they want? They want to know what we do in the summer around here. It's publicity for our town. He studied the men in the booth then asked. What'll you say? What are you going to tell them? I'm leaving, one said. Got to get back to work. These two hour breakfasts cut into my day something awful. Another made the universally recognized gesture for masturbation, including a bright toothsome grin and a sparkle in his eye. I hope you don't do that. It's a woman that coming. The tablet man said. He turned on his stool and pleaded with the waitress. I hope he don't do that. It's a female reporter. More coffee? she asked him. Maybe when you go NPR won't be about to show up but the foods good and the staff are nice people. It's called Times Three Family Restaurant. Quartzsite Az. Drive on.
(4)
Hairy R.
Drove from Phoenix AZ to San Francisco CA (15 hours!) and stopped in Quartzsite. Did not have much time but did not want junk. Walked into X3 and was pleasantly surprised. Okay service, a little slow, but the food was excellent. Coffee was decent. I ate the entire omelette, potatoes and toast. It was reasonable, the bathroom was also super clean, like a new church or library. I am so glad I found your restaurant.
(4)
Charity S.
It was barely edible...the hamburger in my taco salad tasted like pure salt & the salsa was flavorless. My husband's fries were burnt. Maybe that's what took them so long in the kitchen.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Dennis S.
Save this place for when you just can't wait any longer to eat. The place is clean and the service is friendly. The food is edible but I would not go here as a dining destination. We were low on fuel and needed to make a gas and food stop. There were not many food choices so we tried this place out. It won't hurt you but it will not put it on your must return list!
(2)Mikey A.
Real nice, very American kind of family restaurant. Waitress very nice and good humored. Food was fine, nothing frilly, just solid American breakfast fare.
(4)Katie K.
Stopped here to eat today while driving back to Phoenix.. Huge mistake. The place is very very dated and the staff is very unfriendly (at best). She sat us and threw 3 napkins and 3 forks on the table can back 5 minutes later with 3 cups of water and said nothing left again.. Never took our drink order or asked what we wanted to drink. 10 minutes later she took our order and 30 minutes later I got an ice cold grilled cheese sandwich, cold BLT and nasty cheese burger.. I watched her walk around rolling her eyes at customers that got her attention and asked for their check. A "regular" asked what was in the fridge for dessert and she promptly told him to go look for himself. We will never ever be back. Ever!!
(1)Local E.
They have a cooler by the entrance full of pies and cakes. What else do you need to know? Old school. The food is good and the service is just fine.
(5)Edward M.
I really enjoyed my stop here.the chicken field steak was very tasty and a good size portion. The open face meat loaf sandwich was great. The bread pudding with lemon sauce was excellent. Our waitress was very friendly and very helpful. I'll be back.
(4)Edward D.
What can I say! A lot of people are not going to like this place. Yes its very old, out dated, and not the most cleanest. There is a lot of business that are having a tough time. And it's not our job to bash them and even make it worse for them because they just dont have the funds, and the drive to excel. We stopped here on our way to California. Yes we were very hesitant to try it out. And I don't blame anyone for nit stopping by. This a local dive, they depend on the people driving by the 10 FWY, to eat there. So we did, only because I like to stop and eat at a restaurant. Not a fast food type of person. I had a chicken salad. Wife had a cheeseburger. Surprisingly I really liked the salad. Just for some reason, the old timers know how to make a salad? Wife enjoyed her cheeseburger. We also had a very good chili cheese fries with onions. Glad we stopped by, it was well worth it.
(4)Danielle K.
So...okay normally i talk about the good stuff first but i want yelpers out there to seriously consider before they come here. THE BAD: SLOW!! We had 2 waitresses come by and ask if we had been helped-& we said no, so they walked away-WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING. The waitress who finally DID help us was friendly but new. We waited 30 minutes and all that had happened was my dad got his soup (our order was taken in that time) and we had drinks. Thank goodness it was a pay at the register place because i did not want to find out how long i'd wait for my check to be paid. In total the lunch took an hour. So if you have somewhere to be, i would give this place a pass. I also noticed another waitress who was not ours had her cell phone out. It's all about perception-if youre working, your cell should be put away. If you ARE on break, dont look like youre working. Thank you. Now the GOOD: my chicken sandwich was delicious! Pure white meat and no fat at all. The fries are different too, good and crispy. My dad enjoyed his standard club sandwich (the potato bacon soup was REALLY yummy!) & mom liked her rueben. And our waitress was friendly & got the orders right. The hot food was hot and the cold food was cold. The pie looked tasty if you liked pie but i dont.
(3)Jorge M.
Driving back on Xmas day 2012 tired and hung over my family decided to pull in and hope it was open. It was and seated right away despite having a large party. Menu is up to par for a restaurant located in the middle of the desert. The waitress (can't remember her name) older lady was great on order taking and serving making sure our mugs were filled never empty. Although I did not order the pancakes my sister gave me a bite and it was delicious. I had the biscuits and gravy it was good not the best but it's the middle of nowhere. Great ambiance especially with the locals. And individual coffee mugs not just your plain white ones. Overall great experience for the day I stopped in and the location
(4)Karen B.
Not as good as I wanted it to be. Service was good and the food came quickly. The eggs were perfect and the single pancake was enormous, but the sausage and hash browns were just slightly burnt. Still, it's good to see an independent restaurant still doing well in the age of Denny's. I would give it another chance.
(3)Gary A.
We stopped by this place based on other Yelper's. This is one of the few times I wish I hadn't read them first. BAD CHOICE.....I'd give it 0 stars if that were possible. This place needed a MAJOR OVERHAUL about 30 years ago. Now it just needs to be torn down and rebuilt. We all felt like we had to wear Hazmat Suits. About the only thing good I could say is the food was barely acceptable and we didn't get sick; dodged that bullet!! DO NOT STOP HERE!!
(1)Cristine P.
We went here because of the unique turquoise/blue decor and interesting shape of this place. When we looked up the positive Yelp reviews we were anticipating good food. Inside is a flashback to decades past and the place was filled with old Betties and Freds. The menu was simple and prices are affordable. It even had a selection for seniors and children while suggesting anyone really with a small appetite can order from that section (which I think is pretty cool!) I went to the restrooms and discovered that not only was it dirty with filled un-scrubbed toilets and the one stall with a door had a lock that was fitted incorrectly so I hoped nobody barged in. The disabled stall had no door... Instead it sported a shower curtain. I'm not from Arizona so maybe that's the law? Unsure. What I didn't like especially was this sign that read: "SMILE YOU ARE ON CAMERA." What the heck?!?! I looked for a camera. I found none but that sign was inappropriate at best and vulgar at worst!!! Not funny! The food was good but our server wasn't the best at handling plates and her thumbs & fingers touched our sandwiches. Meh. Not too keen on that but whatever it happens. Also I noticed cheese on my tomatoes when I asked for no cheese on my salad and even on the tomato on my sandwich. How does cheese get on tomatoes meant for a BLT? Hmmm! The salad is kept behind the counter and that's fine because it was on ice BUT that little area is a little hangout area for the servers and they were laughing and even coughing right over that open salad container. Ugh. I've been a server in California (maybe a food handlers permit isn't required in Arizona..) and I know that one shouldn't cough over food. She didn't wash her hands either.... Her cough could spread her mucus to the salad and make people sick. Not cool. Overall, good food, good prices but bad service/bathrooms!
(3)Kate Y.
and always feel it is a wise choice. Yelpers, All your negative comments make no difference. It is full of locals. The cook does great breakfasts and price is great. Mature waitress that know what they are doing and are attentive. It is an older place so expect that. We love it here.
(5)Dan S.
Save yourself the time and go to the Carl's jr. You'll be happier with your meal. The place is dirty and inefficient. Got 2 stars because I reserve 1 star for cases of food poisoning.
(2)Dale P.
Was in Quartzsite again last weekend and stopped here to eat again. Nice to see the place is busy and appears to be doing well. Good food and friendly service is working for them. Worth stopping in for a good bite to eat and take a break on the drive from L.A. to Phoenix.
(4)Teri P.
Waitress was very attentive. Plenty of good food and service. The restaurant was clean with sufficient parking.
(4)Gilbert C.
Classic Americana style food. Loved atmosphere, food, and waitresses--all matrons with years of experience. fries with burger outstanding. taco salad good, but could have used a little more dressing. will stop in again next time next month. desserts in window looked, uh, dated. Don't recommend them. anything else on menu is unfrilly American & Mexican - American food.
(4)Carol K.
Quartzsite Arizona and we are hungry. Skipped Carl's Jr, McDonalds fare and opted for a family owned non chain local restaurant. Could have been a gem in the rough. I kept wishing Robert from "Restaurant Impossible" would pop up. The whole place smelled like cigarette smoke although we couldn't see anyone smoking. Is someone smoking in the kitchen? Are the fumes coming off the feuding servers? The loud slamming of the used dishes almost covered up the snide remarks these raspy phlegmmy serving ladies kept flinging at and about each other. It took a fair amount of time to get our omelets. Or in my case a scrambled egg with cheese sprinkled on top. The food was edible, toast pre-margarined before served, the frozen hash browns grilled nicely, and the homemade salsa using canned or anemic tomatoes a tasty side. Why two stars? Because there arent half stas...The food was decent and the elderly gentleman who gave me a kiss (Hershey's) is presumably the owner. Liked the carpet and the commaraderie of the patrons.
(2)Nick W.
That rare occasion where we go somewhere without checking the Yelp reviews first... I was scared, as after we sat down I saw the 2.5 star average, however I was pleasantly surprised with the food. This is clearly a place where all the old folk know each other and reminisce, except for the occasional burnt out truck driver whose stopping by for a bite. Facts: - If you're under 30, you'll be the youngest person in the restaurant by at least 20 years. - Not the friendliest staff (won't tell you their name, will put food / drinks down without making eye contact and walk away). - The food, however, is quality diner food. I got the Reuben, which was super tasty, fries were outstanding as well. Definitely get the fries with whatever you get.
(4)Landon G.
Definitely a step into the past; a Sixties roadside diner. The food was good, but not spectacular. My wife had a grilled cheese sandwich with vegetable beef soup for $4.99. I had the ground round steak smothered in gravy, onions, & mushrooms. It was like walking into Mel's diner (if you don't get the reference--kiss my grits).
(4)RoadRat F.
been here before. then, it was packed w/ tourists. food was ok. now, service was cordial but, once the orders were taken, non-existant. don't expect much.
(2)Joseph V.
Out of Phoenix My brother and me get together once a year or so. For some reason we don't go to each other's homes but we meet somewhere. It's a long story. It involves places like Little Rock, Milwaukee, Palm Springs, Chicago and others. This time it was Phoenix. I dropped him at the airport just short of 7 am and wanted to run up some miles before stopping for coffee or something to eat. There was a wind storm today. The desert usually has a breeze but today the wind was predicted to be 60 mph: hurricane strength. It started early and buffeted the car like a dame being slapped, front-hand-back-hand, by some tough guy wearing a fedora, in a 1940's black and white. After a couple of hours of that I had to pull off. That's how I wound up in Quartzsite. There are two Quartzsite exits. I took the first. I like the business loops off the main road that go through towns like this. I'm always looking for a non-chain place. What used to be called a mom & pop. The kind of place that has almost disappeared, or have slipped further back inside towns where they can't be as easily gobbled up by the chains. They're predictable, they're cleaned up and presentable but the chrome edging on the counter doesn't shine up like it use to and the paint on the walls is far from fresh. Some of the booth seats are repaired with Mystic tape and the smell of thousands of meals and thousands of people linger in a pleasant way, a way no chain can match. I sat at the counter and ordered the usual, chicken fried steak and eggs, rye toast. Four men sat in the last booth along the wall not far from me. They talked the way small town men talk to each other; with a wry modesty. I've heard it in many places. Restaurants like this, cafes, VFWs. It might go like this. One will ask the other what they got this year and the other will answer, a little beans, a little corn. That can mean a single row or thousands of acres. The answer comes with a slight smile, a slow blink of the eyes-the modesty I mentioned. A fifth man came in and sat at the last counter seat facing the booth. What're you havin' here today? he asked. A meeting of the minds, one of the men said. Don't look to me like there's any minds to meet, chuckling to himself. They ignored him so he turned to the waitress who had come for his order and said. Don't look like there's any mind to meet, he repeated. Coffee? she replied. One of the four men, a tall scarecrow of man with an Adam's apple that had the shape and texture of a peach pit, stood up and put $2.00 under his empty cup. Better put some rocks in your pockets, Henry. It's windy out there, the waitress said. Big surprise today, the ignored man said. He was dressed a peg or two better than the booth crowd, not more respectable just less like he labored for a living. He carried a tablet computer crammed full of paper notes. He could have been the mayor, an academic or a newsman. Big surprise, he said again. The men from the booth looked at him but nobody asked him what the big surprise was, they just looked at him, unwilling to help off the hook he snared himself on. Finally he looked at me through his thick oval glasses and I looked at my coffee. It needed my attention. Big surprise, he said again. NPR's coming here. Finally one of the booth men asked, Coming where. Right Here! he declared, pointing down to the ground that lay between him and them. Right here today! What do they want? They want to know what we do in the summer around here. It's publicity for our town. He studied the men in the booth then asked. What'll you say? What are you going to tell them? I'm leaving, one said. Got to get back to work. These two hour breakfasts cut into my day something awful. Another made the universally recognized gesture for masturbation, including a bright toothsome grin and a sparkle in his eye. I hope you don't do that. It's a woman that coming. The tablet man said. He turned on his stool and pleaded with the waitress. I hope he don't do that. It's a female reporter. More coffee? she asked him. Maybe when you go NPR won't be about to show up but the foods good and the staff are nice people. It's called Times Three Family Restaurant. Quartzsite Az. Drive on.
(4)Hairy R.
Drove from Phoenix AZ to San Francisco CA (15 hours!) and stopped in Quartzsite. Did not have much time but did not want junk. Walked into X3 and was pleasantly surprised. Okay service, a little slow, but the food was excellent. Coffee was decent. I ate the entire omelette, potatoes and toast. It was reasonable, the bathroom was also super clean, like a new church or library. I am so glad I found your restaurant.
(4)Charity S.
It was barely edible...the hamburger in my taco salad tasted like pure salt & the salsa was flavorless. My husband's fries were burnt. Maybe that's what took them so long in the kitchen.
(2)