Typically, diners and alcohol have a close correlation. People flock there after last call, hoping to quiet their drunken stomach rumblings. Or on the flipside, folks crawl through the door in the early afternoon hungover, yearning for a cup of strong coffee. This is the usual crowd for any diner that stays open 24/7. Even with some of those usual patrons, Smith St. Diner, located at the intersection of Battleground Ave. and Smith St., is not your average grease-hole.

The diner’s exterior is a monochrome off-white, with humble signs advertising menu favorites and free parking on either side.

The dining room comes to us straight from the 1950s. It consists of a bar with spinning red chairs, a kitchen with a visible window into the chef’s world, and more syrup and butter than anyone could ever use.

This abundance of condiments, one finds out, is hardly excessive. The menu, in simple black and white, does not properly prepare the customers for what they are about to experience.

“I am from North Carolina, and have not found a better place for country cooking,” said senior Jason Straus. “Please don’t tell my mom though.”

Usually, an average sized person can order two eggs, one meat, and choice of grits or home fries, and still accept some pancakes from the person across from them.

At Smith St., they have this very combo, except, next to this plethora of perfectly cooked food, there is a biscuit that is nearly impossible to finish.

“The biscuits are a 15 on a scale of one to 10 – huge, not dry, perfectly toasted on top, with tremendous buttery flavor,” said Eugene Adkins, a first-time customer from Cedar Hill, Texas. “My daughter is a sophomore at UNCG, so I will be back here every time I am in town, for sure.”

It might be unfair to label items as favorites, because everything on the menu is delicious and reasonably priced.

“After looking at the prices on the menu, I did not expect to be so well fed,” said senior Ryan Hammond. “I practically had to be carted out in a wheelbarrow.”

In an attempt to be ironic, perhaps, the owners have organized a collection of art solely dedicated to pigs. This includes numerous paintings, a couple of statues, and different forms of collage.

“Initially, it is a bit strange, having pigs watch you as you eat,” said junior Rosa Mundy. “But, after a little, it is kind of endearing.”

So, when one leaves, after having gorged themselves on an array of breakfast options, they will not feel like the only pig in the place.