Patty’s Mexican Kitchen to stay open until mid November
Two University of Idaho students clad in matching sorority sweaters share a smothered burrito. A young couple enjoys chips and salsa while rocking their baby in a cradle on the seat next to them. A group of women cheers to the end of the week, holding their beers high.
Jackson Flynn | Argonaut
From left to Right, senior Anika Svenson, sophmore Rihanna Lang and senior Jillian Greene are all employees at Pattys Mexican Kitchen and Catering.
Such is the scene at Patty’s Mexican Kitchen on a warm Friday evening in September.
Those evenings are coming to an end, however, as Patty’s will close for winter in the near future. Patty’s, which has been a Moscow restaurant staple since 2001, features a large outside seating patio adorned with picnic tables, colorful flowers, and fresh air — an environment not conducive to freezing temperatures.
Patty’s General Manager Tom LaCroix is hoping to extend the annual closing time this year. While he’s not sure when the official last business day of 2014 will be, he said he is hoping to stay open a few weeks longer than years past, and typically Patty’s doors close around Nov. 1.
LaCroix said the final decision would be based on the weather.
“At some point we would like to get some inside seating so that we could just stay open,” LaCroix said. “It’s in the cards.”
Since UI students returned to school, LaCroix said business has been consistent on a daily basis. But, that’s not to say summertime at Patty’s isn’t busy — with live music on Friday nights and Tuesday 2-for-1 burrito specials, the restaurant bustled with Moscow locals until classes resumed.
Friday evenings in the summer are quick to draw in a crowd at Patty’s, LaCroix said, live music, barbecue and a seasonal beer and wine list are a few of the things that attract people to the patio.
Matt Maw, a Patty’s employee, said the musical atmosphere helped to draw in a different crowd over summer.
“We had some hipper, younger music that brought in a younger crowd,” Maw said. “But we also had kids, families, professors. It was a good local scene.”
Maw is one of about 13 employees at Patty’s. Maw graduated from UI in the spring with an English degree and went to work at Patty’s for the summer.
“I’m pretty sure I went straight from graduation to work,” he said. “Grad weekend is easily the busiest time.”
LaCroix said rush weeks for Greek houses and the first week of school are also some of the busiest times of the year.
| Argonaut
The restaurant will be closing for the winter season in mid November, weather permitting.
In addition to the added business from the university, Patty’s also offers a catering service, LaCroix said. Patty’s has catered events for UI and Washington State University, as well as for local businesses, events and even the occasional wedding.
The catering service is just one of the reasons why Maw dubs Patty’s a “hybrid restaurant.”
“It’s a little different than other places around here,” Maw said. “It really keeps you on your toes.”
LaCroix agreed and said he doesn’t describe the restaurant as authentic Mexican food, but as “Patty’s Authentic.”
While the community waits for the official closing date, LaCroix said patrons could look forward to Patty’s burritos and cocktails until around mid-November.
Michelle Castleton can be reached at [email protected]