Pete's Restaurant

Pete's is a favorite place for my senior parents, who know the waitstaff by name, and come here, frequently.  They seem to enjoy it.

The decor is dismally dull, with white walls, no charm, and no style, but clean.  There's a stuffed marlin on the back wall.

The waitstaff are fairly good at keeping things going, but always seem irked, with a forced smile and minimal personality, which makes me feel uncomfortable, like I am putting them out to ask for something.  Perhaps the regulars feel differently.  Perhaps it's the work environment?

The portions are generous, the menu expected and mainstream, and the prices moderate.  Good for soul food favorites if you like greens and deep fried chicken livers in gravy and mashed potatoes on the side.  Rolls are supposed to be made locally, but look like packaged dinner rolls at any rate.  

On the positive side, there are daily specials that usually will yield a fresh fish or a comfort food favorite, and pasta choices.  

The ladies bathroom was ridiculous, with a tiny accent mirror over the sink as the only mirror.  Like Mary Poppins says, "I much prefer seeing my whole face at once."  

Hand written bills and calculations, so check your bill.

Because the area was such a dining desert, this becomes a "go to" restaurant for families with children and older couples who don't want to cook anymore.  Lots of repeat customers.

If stuck in Carthage, it's a safe but predictable choice, but rather blah.

This restaurant recently started charging for water, in an effort to force patrons into buying higher profit margin drinks. Sad for a restaurant that can't get a sanitation rating greater than 94.