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Me, I always look for the mascot at a BBQ place. If it's a cartoon pig gleefully serving you the corpses of his relatives, I know that's some good eatin'. Oh, and no cloth napkins. Ever. Roll of paper towels on the table or GTFO.

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Here in Seattle, the Elliott Bay Book Company is like a cathedral devoted to books.

The Fantagraphics Bookstore is my favorite comic book store in town.

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On our way to NW Arkansas to visit our son, we have stopped a few times at Hoots BBQ in McGehee, AR. It is in an old gas station. There are always a lot of cars in the parking lot. That for me is a sure clue that the locals like it. Fancy ambiance is probably not a good look for a great BBQ joint. I once stopped at a horrible looking place near Tyler, TX because the guys I was with wanted chicken fried steak for lunch. (I of course would have preferred salad.). The place was jammed packed and many of the patrons were in coat and tie. There was absolutely no ambiance other than friendly waitresses and large portions of delicious food. If it looks bad check the parking lot.

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E. Shaver Booksellers in Savannah is always a must-stop for us. Folks who work there are super friendly, they have a wife and great selection, and a few cats that roam the store and have made it their home. It’s also right next to Madison Square.

Two other favorites:

- Sundial Books in Chincoteague, Va.

- Flyleaf in Chapel Hill, NC

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You nailed this. I still dream about the years I called that town home, and many an afternoon were spent right on that balcony.

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