What Determines a Hole in the Wall??

[Becky Pruitt]

So.....the question has come up and I think it needs its own discussion....What exactly in your opinion constitutes a Hole in the Wall?? Does it have to be cheap or can it be upscale, too?? Is it totally off the menu, a buffet, or no menu at all?? What is the difference between a small independent restaurant and a hole in the wall?? Does the type and quality of food matter or is it simply ambiance?? Inquiring minds want to know.....

[Lalita Amos]

I kind of like not having a definition here. It leaves people open to looking, perhaps, more broadly in writing about their eating choices.

[Andrew Ball]

As I've always considered it, a "true" Hole in the Wall is a place my mother probably wouldn't eat at; but my dad would. It's a place where some people are going to love it and some are going to be appalled. It's a place which isn't trying to appeal to the masses but still could have a large variety on the menu. It might not have table cloths yet put out some white linens and china and it could triple the prices and be packed. It might be a secret or it could be jammed every day. But the one thing which our Holes in the Wall must have is that one of our members must think it has Good to Great Food.

[Michael R.]

Hole in the wall means just that--a hole or holes in the wall of the establishment which enables rodents to roam freely through the restaurant and scare the hell out of the patrons:)

[Jayne Benn]

A true "hole in the wall" is a place that leaves a lot to be desired relative to ambiance (i.e., you won't find cloth napkins, or table-cloths, waiters dressed in tuxes, fine china - in fact you probably won't even have a table cloth at all & more likely will use plastic utensils or "bendable" forks!) You can wear your raggedy old blue jeans or sweats or whatever you want - no one cares. The reason you go is because the food is outstanding and usually priced fairly cheaply. At least this is what comes to mind when I hear the term "Hole in the Wall" ...

[David Gordon]

Hole in the Wall is a place where the quality of the food and the customer service far exceed the physical charachteristics of the establishment (as long as it is clean). Let's face it, if the food isn't any good and the service is poor, then you won't be back.

[Danielle Havens]

For me, a "hole in the wall" is a "dive" or "joint" with good or great ___ (food, beer, billiards, live music —whatever you're looking for). A place that people might not even see/notice—or if it manages to register on their radar they would avoid it at all cost unless they hear some great reviews from adventurous friends. Sometimes a hole in the wall is so off the beaten path that only the locals can find it and appreciate it. What many don't realize is that the physical appearance of a hole in the wall, in particular the view from the parking lot or street, does not approach the quality of what is offered. So for me, just being a small, independent restaurant does not qualify. A hole in the wall is often unappreciated or unknown by the general public, who would prefer a more upscale place. So, going by my own definition, Sakura is a hole in the wall because it doesn't look like much and people drive by it daily on Keystone, either unaware of its existence or uninterested in trying it. On the other hand, Café Nora would not be a hole in the wall. (Is there a separate SI group for fans of independent restaurants so Café Nora, R Bistro, and other lovely independent restaurants can be appreciated?)

[Michael R.]

I wouldn't consider Sakura to be a holle-in-the-wall simply because it's been around for so long and plenty of people know it is there. It's one of the most popular Asian eateries in Indy.