Willie Jak's

By Misty Smith

I didn't quite know what to expect when I walked in. Is it going to be the same as everywhere else? Is it going to be cliche? Will the people be snobbish and unapproachable? Is it going to look like a bar?

It's like a different world when you go in Willy Jak's, especially if it's still light outside. The setting is dark, but I like that. There are no harsh flourescent lights or lamps. The whole decor is great. Laid back, cool purples and teals. High ceilings and lots of booths. Lots of really cool beer and liquor memorabilia. I really loved that they were playing KGMO as the soundtrack to my first Willy Jak's experience. Every song that came on was mellow and easy listening. I really appreciated the "Seat Yourself" sign as soon as you walk in so that you don't have to wonder if you should wait for a waitress. When you choose either the long tables surrounded by stools or one of the private booths, you can see at least 5 TV's in your immediate view. Each one has a different sport: Nascar, 2 different baseball games, SportCenter and some were even playing movies. If you actually look around you, there are 4 huge projection TV's lining the walls. What a place to watch your favorite game.

You could smell the fresh hamburger frying. Our waitress was very helpful and prompt. We ordered Beer Battered Fried Mushrooms and the Deep Fried Cheese Stix as appetizers. I was curious to see if they would come before our food. They came suprisingly fast, and our meal not even 10 minutes after that. I had the Bacon Cheddar Burger - it was huge! I did not know it had two patties. I could barely eat it all, but it was all very good food. The burgers have to have been pattied by hand just then and fried. If not, they could have fooled me. One of the things that I look for in a restuarant is whether or not they have "Sweetened Tea". Not unsweetened and add your own sugar, but if they have an option. There is a big difference to me. I was thrilled to find out that they have Sweetened or Unsweetened. They also had a pretty tasty looking cocktail menu, which I would know nothing about. The overall price was pretty much what I expected - a couple could eat really good for about $15-$20.

After we ate our delicious food, we decided to play a game of pool. They have pool tables, dart boards, arcade games and those animated card games. The only thing I did not like about their billiards is that they did not have any hand powder for your pool stick, but that didn't stop me from beating my boyfriend. Maybe it's because they have blue felt tops and they want to keep them clean, I'm not really sure.

I don't know if everybody thinks about this, but I don't like to eat at places that have bad restrooms. I had to investigate for myself, just to find out. They were very easy to find and extremely clean. My favorite part was that they had the radio playing loudly in the restrooms instead of boring muzak.

I had a really good time at Willy Jak's and will definitley go there again soon. I would also like to encourage anyone who hasn't tried it to kick back and have some fun in their relaxing atmosphere. I can't wait to try the Beach Club.