Cracking up at a Carson City favorite by Arthur Pines, Outpost Staff In this package: Day Tripping Chocolate Genoa Walley's Hot Springs Cutthroat Saloon Grover Hot Springs Overland Hotel   A Jack in the Box in similar red and white colors squats on the opposite corner from Carson Citys Cracker Box restaurant but doesn't draw nearly as many customers. Debbie and I stopped for lunch at the Cracker Box, a classic American diner that feeds an eclectic bunch of customers. Like Mel's of San Francisco, the Cracker Box of Carson City is a classic American diner. Photo by Arthur Pines. Everyone from everywhere stops by this joint to eat old-fashioned American fare. More interesting than the customers is the boisterous staff that cranks orders out faster than speeding bullets. The combination of a peppy workers and sizzling open grill and kitchen make the place loud, especially if you sit at the counter like we did. That's good because it woke us up for the day. The waitresses are professional, and you can tell they've been at their jobs a long time because they do so much. They toast bread, make salads, pour coffee, serve and take orders with smiles and deliberate speed. The cooks, dressed in multicolored chili decorated pants and caps, are busy flipping burgers and pancakes and making omelets. Occasionally when not too busy, one of the cooks disappears for a break. One of the cooks told us that Jerry Massad has owned the place for 18 years. Our cook has been there for 10, and the establishment has been there for more than 30 years. The cook said Massad expanded the interior of the restaurant to fit more tables. He pointed at the end of the counter and said the square hole in the wall used to be a drive-up window. If the coffee doesn't wake customers, the cook's chili pants will. Photo by Arthur Pines. What about food? Everything here ranges from $2 for a bagel and cream cheese to $8.25 or so for fresh fish. A huge omelet is served with spuds (fried potatoes) and toast for $5, Jerry's special of steak and eggs for $5.75, a cheeseburger and fries $4.50 and a tuna melt with choice of a side order for $5.50. I had the bacon ortega burger, fries and a salad for $5.75, and I was full for most of the day. I also had a deliciously smooth chocolate shake ($2.50). The Cracker Box doesn't skimp on servings. I practically received two shakes, the serving glass and an almost full fountain cup. To get there: From the Chocolate Factory head south on Highway 395 into Carson City, 10 to 15 minutes. It's 35 minutes from downtown Reno. The Cracker Box sits at 402 E. William Street (left from 395, one block over) in downtown Carson City. Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. (702) 882-4556. copyright 12/10/97 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost Nevada Outpost is produced by students at the Reynolds School of Journalism, University of Nevada, Reno Copyright 1999 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost  TOP