I wasn’t a regular at the Kingston Inn. Living on Bainbridge Island and in Poulsbo, Indianola and now Hansville since moving here seven or so years ago, it was always a bit out of the way to travel for breakfast.

That’s all I ever ate there and I tell you, they made a mean one. Good coffee, too. For me, the Kingston Inn was a great place to stop, chat and get a pretty square meal at an honest price. I didn’t know the owners and didn’t stop by often enough for the waitresses to know me by name or ask me something small townish like, “The usual?”

But it always struck me as that kind of place.

It was homey and had a vibe that only old fashioned “greasy spoons” — and I use that term with utmost admiration and respect — seem to put forth. They represent a slice of America that is slipping off the plate and onto the floor as society makes its continual push toward two choices: fast food or high-end eating.

Middle of the road places, like the Inn, are simply getting undersold or outclassed.

It’s a shame because they’re great fun.

They’re the kind of places you take the kids on a lazy Sunday morning, when the chef of the household would rather shell out 15 or 20 bucks than wash a sink full of dishes. In fact, I can’t recall eating there and not seeing a family or seven enjoying themselves.

Was the Inn for everyone? No way. Many passed it by, put labels on it and never took the time or money to experience what it was all about. They don’t know what they were missing or missed, as the case may be.

The loss of the Kingston Inn is certainly being felt much more by many in North Kitsap than it is by this part-time patron but it’s a loss I feel nonetheless. I’ve had some very memorable meals there with some even more memorable people.

It was a truly an unforgettable place.

It was a community place.

As we sift through the ashes, looking for answers, I take solace in the fact that at least I had the pleasure of enjoying it while it was here and that a few of our breakfast dishes were spared the sink thanks to the folks at the Kingston Inn.

Joe Irwin

Editor