The windbreaker clad 50-somethings sitting at the Smokeroom's bar hate what's happened to Hattie's and the rest of the Row. They'll gladly rag on all these johnny-come-lately yuppies and hipsters at the drop of a hat. "These young kids spend money like it grows on trees! They never ask what a beer costs. They just order it and drink it! So of course all the bars want to cater to them." Good point! In fact, I'm surprised the Smokeroom's management hasn't 86'd all these cheapskates as well by now, and put a sign in the window saying "Yuppies and Hipsters Welcome!"

The old-timers know they're a dying breed though, especially in this part of town. Their numbers have dwindled greatly since the Honeywell factory closed down, and they mostly live way up north in double-wide country anyway (which increases the risk of a DWI when you have to drive this far for a drink or ten). It's a wonder dives like this still exist around here at all anymore. Old habits die hard, apparently.