Gus Junior No 14

Somehow, though my travels, I’ve developed a certain appreciation for the American diner. Perhaps it’s because I took a step away from the insider’s perspective and realized that there’s something deliciously American about them.
By true definition a diner is a pre-​fabricated restaurant with a counter, stools, and booths. Gus Junior doesn’t actually qualify by such a rigid and technical definition… but I don’t care. All of the key elements are there. An exterior boldly advertising their offerings based upon price… Several items plastic laminate stickered to their front windows for $.99 to $ 3.99. An interior that’s all function and no design, with bright colors and synthetic textures, clearly designed for longevity and not to be easy on the eyes. Portions which would overwhelm a 6’6 200 pound giant (me, for example).
On the morning of an interview with adjacent UC Riverside, my friend and I pulled into town early, so as to avoid traffic. We’re in a hurry, we’re not rich, and we’re looking to stay close to campus. Bingo. Gus Jr.
For less than $ 9 per person we had more food than we could handle, a generic white Styrofoam cup full of coffee, fast service from a bored waitress, and food that is tasty but responsible for at least 20% of childhood obesity in America.
This is the USA folks. It may be cheap, a little gaudy, and plastic, but take a look as a tourist and perhaps you’ll appreciate how unique the experience is, and how likely we are to take it for granted.