Working without a deep fryer and limited space, Smith had to be creative with the menu. Not wanting the typical bar food, he focused on bringing home-cooked meals to the restaurant.

Due in part to its lack of a deep fryer, the restaurant has developed a fairly extensive Tex-Mex menu.

“If anyone of Spanish descent came in here and someone told them we’re known for our Mexican food, I would be embarrassed,” joked Smith.

The one night that seems to attract more of the university crowd is Taco Tuesdays — where, after 4 p.m., patrons can get four beef tacos for only $2.86.

But, as Smith says, it wasn’t designed for students anyway.

“Students walk in here and say this is old and corny,” said Smith.

But old and corny is easily a synonym for nostalgic.

The interior of Ethel’s Lounge is a time machine of sorts. With posters from famous acts that came through Waterloo Region adorning the walls and other pieces of local history, one can get lost while looking at them. The one-time Kentucky Fried Chicken location is remembered through a plastic figure of the Colonel himself. Below that is a pair of John Belushi’s shoes and socks.

“I bought these from John Belushi’s ex-wife,” said Smith with pride.

While the world — and uptown Waterloo — has changed dramatically around the neighbourhood bar, time has essentially stood still at Ethel’s. Aside from some upgrades, including an extended patio and a facelift for the aging facade.

The bar’s name may have come on a whim, but planning for it was meticulous, said Smith.

“The location and where it was in the city was key,” said Smith, adding that despite it being close to the Wilfrid Laurier campus, it was not designed for students.

“We wanted something with lots of parking available,” said Smith.

To date, Ethel’s is only one of a few businesses in uptown Waterloo with dedicated parking; most rely on having patrons park on the street or municipal lots.

While Ethel’s is now considered an institution in Waterloo, Smith has been humbled by how long it has taken to become recognized in the city.

“Twenty years ago, I would get into a cab and ask them to take me to Ethel’s, and they’d have no idea what I was talking about,” said Smith.