OPINION —
Are you an extrovert or an introvert? According to Google AI, “personality test data show a roughly even divide in the U.S. population with studies indicating about 51% of Americans are introverts, and 49% are extroverts. However, when specifically asked to self identify, national polls reveal a more varied picture, with many people viewing themselves as a mix of both.”
I am probably 99.9% extrovert; I am only .1% an introvert, when I wear a swimsuit, covered by a t-shirt, to the beach. Like Tom Patton, my funny daddy.
I am talkative, social and love to tell amusing family stories.
However, my wonderful husband Mike is more of an introvert; he is quieter and isn’t as social as I am. Barbara Patton, my sweet Mama (but not the former mayor of Opelika), was an introvert; she said as a young girl, she was very shy.
When my Mama and my Mike married into the Patton family, the introverts had to adjust. At Patton family gatherings, Mama and Mike had to learn to speak up; otherwise, they wouldn’t get to talk or have anything to eat.
In our 20 years of marriage, Mike has reeled me in a little, and I have loosened him up a bit; we complement each other well.
Since I like being around people, I knew that I had to dine at a restaurant called Social Bar & Grill, located at 1911 Century Blvd. A in Opelika. Social Bar & Grill opened on March 5, and is locally owned by Lee Gregg.
Mike and I recently met our good friends Jack and William at Social Bar & Grill for dinner (supper). Jack has just retired from teaching and has happily joined our club of retirees.
Social Bar & Grill had a bright, cheerful atmosphere, and the staff was very welcoming. Malerie, our server, was a delight, being enthusiastic, friendly and helpful. Jack, who likes extra ice, loved that Malerie gave him a glass of tea and a glass of ice.
For his meal, Mike ordered queso cheese dip with tortilla chips, which he generously shared with everyone, and six boneless Teriyaki wings.
William and I both selected the Social smasher handheld, which included double smashed patties, melty cheese, pickles and Social sauce; we also added a side of French fries.
Jack ordered the black bean burger, which consisted of a seasoned black bean patty with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle; he chose a house salad for his side.
For dessert, Jack selected strawberry cheesecake because he has been good about what he’s been eating.
I haven’t, so I abstained from ordering dessert. Besides, in a few weeks, I will have my blood drawn for Lynn Hudson, my fabulous diabetic specialist, and unfortunately, blood tests don’t lie.
Everything was really delicious. Social Bar & Grill is a definite do over for our group.
Besides Mike’s tasty queso cheese dip and chips, Social Bar & Grill offers a variety of appetizers, some of which include: breadsticks & Alfredo, Southwest egg rolls, firecracker shrimp, fried pickles and boiled peanuts.
The restaurant also offers diners wings with a large selection of sauces, salads, handhelds and build your own tacos, burritos and nachos.
Jack, this review was for you. May you have a long, happy, healthy retirement. Love you!
Social Bar & Grill is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the restaurant is closed on Monday; open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Social Bar & Grill makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
