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Update 18 December 2005: As someone said in the comments- it was good while it lasted. Al's is gone...or at least the owners portrayed in this article are gone. Too bad. I talked to someone who knows the owners, and he told me that business started dropping sharply as soon as the weather got bad, so they didn't see a way to survive the winter.
They had a huge lot- they should have sold Christmas trees- combined that with some sort of holiday food like hot cocoa, cookies, etc. and made it through December with that. At least that's what I would have done.
Well miss you Lee- thanks for the food. |
I was walking around downtown, waiting for my wife to get her hair cut before we went out to dinner. After about 20 minutes of looking in windows and trying to remember what was in the empty buildings, I started to get real thirsty. I thought to myself, "Boy oh boy, big fellah- this would be a great time for a nice big refreshing glass of horchata." (White people click here.)
So I walked into Paco's restaurant and asked "How much is a cup of horchata to go?" One of the women went over to the cash register, hit the horchata button, and told me "$2.50." "Is there tax on that? All I have is $2.52." "Yes, there is tax."
I stood there for a few seconds, hoping she would say something like, "Well, we can give you a smaller cup for $2.00" or something like that. I just wanted some damn horchata. But all I got was a look that told me I was out of luck. I didn't know what was worse: being embarassed about not having enough money; my pronunciation of the word 'horchata'; or the fact that I was still thirsty.
 I left Paco's and kept walking around, looking for something to drink. I ended up in front of Al's Drive In, a place that has opened and closed a few times in the past few years. I am never really sure what to expect there. What is the food du jour at Al's: burgers? Tacos?? You never really know until you walk up.
I stood in front of the menu for a few seconds before the the guy in the window said to me: "What can I get for you?" Knowing that I only had $2.52 in my pocket, I told him, "Well, I only have enough money for macaroni and cheese." (Mac and cheese? What happened to the horchata?)
The guy asked me, "But what do you want?"
"I only have enough money for macaroni and cheese."
"Yeah, but what do you really want?"
"Well, I really want meatloaf...and macaroni and cheese."
"Okay, that's what you'll get- a meatloaf sandwich and macaroni and cheese."
Then to the woman at the register he said, "Just charge him for the macaroni and cheese."
(The guy from Al's, and a random customer)
Hmmm...what just happened here? I went to Paco's for a large cup of horchata. I was 18 cents short, and they gave me nothing. I went to Al's, and I was about 5 dollars short, and the guy was willing to give me anything I wanted.
Of course I know that Al's is a new place and they are trying just a little harder right now to get customers. But I've never been treated like this before. The guy behind the counter really only wanted one thing- he wanted me to get what I wanted.
Because I had my camera with me (I actually planned on doing a story about the best horchata in town- Paco's lost.), I decided to take some pictures. The way I was treated at Al's Drive-In was a little different - something I've only found in Woodland, and nowhere else: People taking care of each other. So I started taking pictures and talking to the guy behind the grill to find out his story. I mean, I want to find out more about a man who gives me free meatloaf.
I found out that that guy is named Lee - and he is the new owner of Al's Drive-In. I started talking to him about all kinds of stuff: food, Los Angeles (we both escaped) and everything else. 15 minutes into our conversation my wife walked up and saw me eating my last bite of a meatloaf sandwich and said, "Hey, I thought we were going out to dinner?!?!"
Oh yeah...I was just looking for some damn horchata...
Because this is a restaurant, the first thing we need to know is what kind of food they serve. Click on the menu below to view a bigger picture. That will give you a good idea of what they serve- because I think everything is there.
Go ahead and click on the menu on the right.
I looked at the menu, and I thought - "Oh, Soul Food." But being that I have as little 'soul' as humanly possible (next step: vampire) I am not an expert.
So I asked Lee:
Do you call this 'Soul Food?'
No...we like to call it 'Southern Food.'
I asked Lee what his favorite item on the menu is- "I like the Roast Beef with Garlic Potatoes. That's the one item I knew I had to have. That's my signature item."
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Lee is making a hamburger - but that's not what the place is really all about.
Try all of the other food - do something different!
I need to go back to try the roast beef, and the pulled pork. A lot of people are talking about the pork. But for now I can vouch for the shakes and fries -both are very good. And the meatloaf sandwich was pretty good too. But I will say that the mac and cheese was a little bland. I was hoping for something more gooey- or maybe some crunchy bits on top. Maybe more pepper, or something else to add a little zing.
Everyone I talked to was happy that Al's was back in business.
Most lived right near the restaurant, and walked from home to get their food.
This is Jeff - He's 18, and his goal is to go into the military.
Maybe he'll kick a little ass, or meet some foreign chicks.
Jeff was eating some fries - which are double fried. He said they were pretty good.
This is Roscoe - Jeff's dog. He also likes french fries.
Believe it or not, Susan has an infant son.
This is Susan and Alex. They live nearby..."but we're moving to Madison Wisconsin- Unfortunately." "Why 'unfortunately?'" I asked. "We really like it here in Woodland." They are moving to Wisconsin because Alex got a new job as a copy-writer for the Land's End catalog.
I never really thought of clothing catalogs as having writers. But Alex told me that that Land's End has fifteen writers. How many different words are there for 'Wool sweater and Oxford shirt" ?
A few days ago Alex was going for a walk with their baby, and thought Al's Drive-In looked like a cool building. As he walked down the street, Lee (the owner) came running after him with a menu and told him to check the food out. So, Alex brought his wife down to have dinner. He ordered a cheeseburger. She ordered the pulled pork and collard greens.
This mural is on the back side of the building.
Hey look - it's Roscoe again!
Click on Roscoe to get a big picture you can use for your wallpaper! (Only if you like cute puppies)
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This is Elise - her parents own Al's Drive-In. She was sitting outside at one of the tables doing her homework. She goes to Dingle Elementary, and was working on Math, but that is not her favorite subject.
My favorite? Ummm...I really like to write. I like writing poems...and stories.
I asked her what her favorite place in Woodland is. "Umm...the Library." (Her dad told me that she reads a lot.)
But most importantly- I wanted to know about the food at Al's from an expert. What's your favorite food here at the restaurant?
I like the milkshakes. (which ones?) Vanilla.
Okay- what is your favorite food in the entire world?
Mmmmm...my mom's tacos.
(Are we going to see those
on the menu soon?!?!) |
Lee and his wife Gloria
Lee was really busy, cooking up all the orders that came in. Gloria was busy too, but she was working in the outside area with tables, so I was able to find out a little bit of information from her.
Gloria takes orders, and makes milkshakes. Her favorite food is chili-cheese fries. She works there about 10 hours a day. Her favorite part of owning the business is talking to the people, and seeing people from the neighborhood enjoying the food. (She secretly wants to add stringbeans with bacon and potatoes to the menu, but Lee hasn't done it yet.)
Finally Lee had a little break between orders, and he came out and talked to me for a little bit:
InsideWoodland: Why did you want to open a restaurant?
Lee: I live in the area, and I noticed this building was empty. I just wanted to participate in the community and I thought I could contribute with some decent food.
InsideWoodland: Do you like to cook?
Lee: I always cooked. I had a "Jazz Kitchen" catering company before in Southern California. It was great until it got too big, and got too serious.
InsideWoodland: You lived in SoCal? What city.? Why did you move to Woodland?
Lee: I lived in Los Angeles and it was too stressful- it was a bad, bad scene.
The first year after I moved to Woodland I went back down there a lot, and it was really bad down there.
InsideWoodland: What did you do for a living before opening Al's?
Lee: Well, I was a writer - self-help books about social issues.
InsideWoodland: Is there one last thing you want to say?
Lee: Come on out and give us a try - we hope you like it.
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From: Movie buff - Date: |
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They also have movie night on Saturdays - watched 'The Wizard of Oz' last Saturday and the night was beautiful.
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From: Duke - Date: |
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Great article...I'm definitely checking out Al's Drive-In! I moved to Woodland from L.A. a couple of years ago for some of the same reasons as Lee. Had a lot of fun down there for over 10 years, but eventually the stress and overcrowding got to me. I do miss all the food, though...
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From: Lu - Date: |
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You should have tacos on the menu. When it was Kents drive in the tacos were the best in town. The contents ran down your arms while eating them. Hi Karl
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From: Matt Rexroad - Date: |
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My family likes the pulled pork. Great stuff. We missed movie night but others in the neighborhood loved it.
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From: Angie - Date: |
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Al's Drive In is the best and the pulled pork is very tasty and hey they show a movie every saturday this week is greese
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From: Rachael - Date: |
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Where exactly is Al's? Looks like really good food and I can't wait to try it. Fun article.
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From: Rick Laughlin - Date: |
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Ask Lee to make you a Chile Pastrami Cheese Burger. It's not on the menu but it's quite tasty
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From: DC - Date: |
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Great Info! I'm in Davis & didnt know anyone has pulled pork in this area. Defintely will check this place.
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From: faithful reader - Date: |
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The people are incredibly nice and the food is good too! They even brought our dog a bowl of water. I hope they stay open.
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From: Business Owner - Date: |
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Karl I think that is unfair to slam Pacos. Many things have to be considered (even if you don't agree with them) 1. Was it an employee that waited on you? They are not allowed (just like most employees to discount anything. 2nd maybe they only offered one size. If so they can not override the item (damn computers know everything) 3rd Why should or he or she pay for your drink. Most waitresses or waiters are working 2 jobs just to make ends meet. So before you slam a business make sure that you are in their shoes.
But remember this most importantly, if they reduce it or give it at the price you want and they don't own the company (like Al's Drive In) it's called employee theft. Sorry if you don't agree with this. But I used to handle loss prevention for companies and that is the way it is. Free Enterprise isn't it great :) Other than that great story.
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From: Maria - Date: |
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To Business Owner- He can totally slam Pacos if he wants. Not only is the food bad, but it's his constitutional right to give his opinion about the service. Just like you can post your's on this site. Isn't it great!?
Besides, I think it you were proving his point that he was trying to make. He'd rather go to a restaurant that is small and get great service from the owners than go to a "bigger" (perspectively speaking), impersonal restaurant. I'm not doggin' out the waiters and waitress at all. I know how much it sucks to do that job sometimes.
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From: LJ - Date: |
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Paco's food is delicious. The owners are very nice & I think if Paco read your story he would give you a free drink next time you came in. I think the employee should have thrown in the tax to keep the customer happy
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From: faithful reader - Date: |
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Paco's Schmaco's. This is about Al's Drive-In. It's real good. What's the next movie?
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From: Seester - Date: |
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I'm sick of Italian food. I think I'll move to Woodland and open up a bowling alley. I'm hungry. Great article once again!
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From: Bottom Dwellers - Date: |
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HEY! The BOTTOM DWELLERS will be performing LIVE MUSIC THIS SATURDAY at Al's Drive In!!!!!!!!
Come on down and have some meatloaf, and enjoy the rip-snortin' swampy twang alt. country music of the Bottom Dwellers. Support local good eats and music!
6pm, Saturday evening
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From: Bottom Dwellers - Date: |
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LIVE MUSIC at Al's Drive In
Saturday, October 1st, 6pm
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From: Christian - Date: |
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Great article. I couldn't wait until Al's opened again and made a point to be there on opening day. Their food is excellent and Lee & Joyce are very hospitable. Last night we went down for dinner and listened to "The Bottom Dwellers". They were fabulous as always. Next Saturdays movie is 'American Graffiti"
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From: Bottom Dwellers fan - Date: 02-Oct-05 |
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The Bottom Dwellers show last night was knee slappin'. I love that band and the food.
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From: Johny - Date: 04-Oct-05 |
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Paco's food sucks and if they need to read an article to give customer service, than their service sucks too. I keep wanting to go to Al's but I can never find it open. Buisness hours? -J
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From: Brian Ash - Date: 04-Oct-05 |
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Went to Al's for lunch today. Had the pulled pork, collared greens, and cornbread. My friend had chili-cheese fries... Everything was great. the owners are friendly, and food is great, and reasonably priced. I can't wait to go to a movie night. The owner said that they will be serving BBQ ribs (maybe this Sat) - Should be good.
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From: chris e. - Date: 08-Oct-05 |
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It's Sat night, and I just had a very tasty pork rib dinner at Al's. Excellent BBQ sauce and the meat was extremely tender. Coleslaw and beans were served as sides and were very good too. If Al's decided to do BBQ as a main menu item, they would very easily be the best BBQ joint in town.
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From: Matt Rexroad - Date: 14-Oct-05 |
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Today I had the Gumbo. Excellent. This place rocks.
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From: Angela - Date: 29-Oct-05 |
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i think that al's drive in was better when brenda and allen loesr owned this place. we misss them.
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From: Katie B. - Date: 29-Oct-05 |
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Thanks for the article, I decided to give it a try. I had the rice and beans, and some collard greens. Wow, they were amazing.
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From: ss - Date: 30-Nov-05 |
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The food is great, and the people are amazing. I can't say how much they've improved Woodland's atmosphere.
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From: L.A.na - Date: 01-Dec-05 |
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Al's Drive In has gr8 food. I go there all the time after school 2 eat their yummy oreo milkshakes!
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From: - Date: 09-Dec-05 |
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Did they go out of business, it looks kind of empty
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From: Brian A - Date: 15-Dec-05 |
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Well, it was good while it lasted. Is Woodland incapable of keeping anything but Mexican and Chinese restaurants open? We all need to make a point of visiting our local restaurants, rather than places like Applebees, Dennys, Ruby Tuesdays, etc... Those places serve a purpose, but we really need to support our local hole-in-the-wall restaurants. I am so tired of every good restaurant going under. NV Vegetarian on main street and now Al's are prime examples of good, unique restaurants that did not get enough local support. Please help support Yala-Yala Egyptian next to Bel-Air, and Cafe Maya near Raleys, before they follow in the path of Al's and NV. They both have fantastic food, and are different than the typical Woodland fare, and have nice owners. Al's was excellent, and a fun place to go. PLEASE KEEP WOODLAND RESTAURANTS OPEN!
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From: Brian A - Date: 15-Dec-05 |
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Oops, that is Cocina Maya in the Raley's shopping center, not Cafe Maya....
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From: Christy - Date: 31-Jan-06 |
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To late Yala-Yala is out of business
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From: Jay - Date: 20-Mar-06 |
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This was a nice restaruant. I ate at Al's twice and my third trip their it turned Mexican? The food was GREAT and the prices were downright cheap. Al's could have been one of those favorite dining spots for Woodland. Sniff sniff.
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From: GJ - Date: 07-Apr-06 |
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I just came across this article because I wanted to run up there (I live in Petaluma) to check the Drive-In out. The movie Farewell Bender I acted in was filmed at the Drive-In last summer. I heard that it was open for business, so I was dieing to see the place in action. Can anyone vouch that it is 100% closed? I hate to drive all the way up there to be disappointed =(
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From: Response to GJ - Date: 07-Apr-06 |
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The Drive-in has reopened as a Mexican food joint. I haven't eat there, but I'm guessing it's not worth driving over from Petaluma. Not many restaurants in Woodland are worth driving that far, except maybe Tazzina's and some people would say Morrison's Upstairs. I KNOW you have much better, world-class restaurants even, closer to you.
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From: No Fool - Date: 06-May-06 |
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The new incarnation of Al's Drive-In is great! Great tortas! Fabulous quesadillas! Corn on a stick! Whether it's worth a drive from Petaluma depends on whether you got any good Mexican food over there. Woodland - the King of Mexican Food!
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From: Jeremy - Date: 03-Jul-06 |
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Im a server at Tazzina Bistro(our parking lot runs really close to Al's) Im happy to see that it has become a bit of a hangout spot. It seems that kids go and hang out there with their cars, enjoying the food and watching old movies on the side of the building. I've been there a few times and I have to say that they have a great cheese burger. As far as the whole Pacos argument... their food is okay, but hey its another mexican restaraunt in town. Their service is moderate to good, but Al's a good place for everyone to check out if you are tired of drive thru chains
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From: Wolfgang Buck - Date: 05-Jul-06 |
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To survive, I think a place would need character. Word of mouth becomes the best advertising. If someone opens a burger joint in Woodland, they should try making it the antithesis of In-n-Out...sloppy, slathered in chili, a slab of onion and tomato, with orange grease that runs down your arm, served fast and with a little Mel "kiss my grits" attitude on the side. "If you want foo-foo burgers or hockey pucks, go to In-n-Out or McDonalds...but when you want REAL burger, drag your butt over to (NAME HERE)'s in Woodland!"
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From: Cyndy - Date: 09-Aug-06 |
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I love it
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From: Karen - Date: 30-Aug-06 |
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This place finally have owners who can cook an awesome meal!!!!!
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From: Annie Wright Patno - Date: 03-Jan-07 |
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You mean the place isn't closed? I thought it has been closed for years now! I will have to check it out this weekend when I am back in town.
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From: Jolene - Date: 31-Mar-07 |
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I know Lee and his two kids yhey went to my school and your son was in my class but then he left
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From: raven - Date: 12-Apr-07 |
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good food !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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From: remmy - Date: 30-Apr-07 |
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there have the best food ever
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From: Jesse Madrid - Date: 15-Aug-07 |
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It's hard to believe they shut it down. Business was excellent after they filmed farewell bender.
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From: vzw - Date: 09-Sep-07 |
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I heard that the Al's drive in will now be another MEX restaurant there.. Oh Boy..
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From: a d i p e x e f f e c t s s i d e - Date: 26-Mar-08 |
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