Section # 7 Michael's Family Restaurant & Diner
Hello everyone. My name is Olivia, my pronouns are she/her, and I am graduating this summer with a degree in Art History and Business. On this part of the walk, we are going to examine Michael’s Diner.
Family diners are an iconic piece of American culture. Almost every town has its beloved diner, where people from all walks of life can stop and be comforted with food away from home. With home-made food, affordable prices, and late night hours, Michael’s is a hangout for local families, seniors, little children, late night workers, and tired travelers just passing through.
Located just across from the college campus, Michael’s is also an integral part of the college experience for many Arcadia students. Whether they’re going there late at night on the weekends with friends, or early in the morning after their 6 a.m. sports practice, there’s at least one group of students grabbing a bite at any given time. They have a huge menu. Yes, we are talking about over 200 items. Every student has their favorite food and specific instructions. Following her best friend’s example, Tess always asks for her hashbrowns to be well done. This way, they come out darker and crisper, making everything even more delicious!
Like a lot of diners, Michael’s isn’t particularly known for its stellar decor, smiling staff, and spotless floors. But to me, that’s what gives it character and personality. There’s something homey and comfortable created by the familiar smell of burnt toast and fries, the one host who is always there to settle your tab, and the empty salad bar after midnight.
Lots of Arcadians eat at Michael’s for the first time on visits to the campus or during orientation, so by the end of four years, scooting into a booth at Michael’s at 2am is like coming home after a long day. When I think about Michael’s, dozens of happy memories come to mind: deciding what to order on my first visit when my mom dropped me off at college, writing my first research paper in a booth by the window, waiting an hour in the snow with my roommate for a table on a Sunday during the church rush, crying in the corner about a rejection letter from a dream job. But mostly, when I think about Michaels, I see my friends' faces. I think about the first group photo we have of the six of us, curled up in a booth and snapped by a Michaels’ waitress after a concert. I think about all of the hot chocolate, and fries, and secrets we shared here. One of us was up for Michaels’ at any given time, and the others would, without fail, put on their shoes and their jackets and follow along.
Once you are finished fantasizing about those wonderfully greasy late night snacks, let’s keep walking south on Easton Road for about 2 minutes. A crosswalk should appear ahead of you, next to the number 22 bus stop. Cross over; be careful with the traffic. We will meet you on the campus.
Family diners are an iconic piece of American culture. Almost every town has its beloved diner, where people from all walks of life can stop and be comforted with food away from home. With home-made food, affordable prices, and late night hours, Michael’s is a hangout for local families, seniors, little children, late night workers, and tired travelers just passing through.
Located just across from the college campus, Michael’s is also an integral part of the college experience for many Arcadia students. Whether they’re going there late at night on the weekends with friends, or early in the morning after their 6 a.m. sports practice, there’s at least one group of students grabbing a bite at any given time. They have a huge menu. Yes, we are talking about over 200 items. Every student has their favorite food and specific instructions. Following her best friend’s example, Tess always asks for her hashbrowns to be well done. This way, they come out darker and crisper, making everything even more delicious!
Like a lot of diners, Michael’s isn’t particularly known for its stellar decor, smiling staff, and spotless floors. But to me, that’s what gives it character and personality. There’s something homey and comfortable created by the familiar smell of burnt toast and fries, the one host who is always there to settle your tab, and the empty salad bar after midnight.
Lots of Arcadians eat at Michael’s for the first time on visits to the campus or during orientation, so by the end of four years, scooting into a booth at Michael’s at 2am is like coming home after a long day. When I think about Michael’s, dozens of happy memories come to mind: deciding what to order on my first visit when my mom dropped me off at college, writing my first research paper in a booth by the window, waiting an hour in the snow with my roommate for a table on a Sunday during the church rush, crying in the corner about a rejection letter from a dream job. But mostly, when I think about Michaels, I see my friends' faces. I think about the first group photo we have of the six of us, curled up in a booth and snapped by a Michaels’ waitress after a concert. I think about all of the hot chocolate, and fries, and secrets we shared here. One of us was up for Michaels’ at any given time, and the others would, without fail, put on their shoes and their jackets and follow along.
Once you are finished fantasizing about those wonderfully greasy late night snacks, let’s keep walking south on Easton Road for about 2 minutes. A crosswalk should appear ahead of you, next to the number 22 bus stop. Cross over; be careful with the traffic. We will meet you on the campus.