Coulee City, Washington

At the end of a long day of driving, I stood at the counter at Big Wally’s. It was rumored to be Coulee City’s finest restaurant, though the title is not hotly contested. It also doubled as a Shell station and liquor store. I ordered my burger and gently inquired about an adult beverage to go with it. The lady at the till looked me over, slowly shook her head and said, “You can buy some beer, but you’re gonna’ have to drink it out in the parking lot like everybody else.”