In a leatherette booth at the Arcade Restaurant downtown, Mr. Patterson weighed the pros and cons.

The interior was all yellows and scarlets, narrow black leatherette booths, wallpaper that looked inspired by parrot plumage, the uneasily coexisting odors of fried fish, pickle brine and overripe potatoes.

Plastic-looking red leatherette booths and red-leatherette chairs with chrome legs were mismatched with real mahogany tables.

The bar was gouged with initials and other penknife graffiti; the upholstery of the black leatherette booths had been eviscerated in places.

The walls are lined with photographs of Italian matrons from the 1920's, and brass lamps light the small black Formica tables and leatherette booths.

Louis M. Signer, a lawyer, looked up from his buttoned leatherette booth to suggest that the smoking section be moved out to the parking lot.

Atmosphere: A simple storefront, with leatherette booths, tables with the white, red and green of the Lebanese flag, Oriental rugs on the terrazzo floor and walls, plantings.

Brass lamps light the small black Formica tables and napped leatherette booths, each of which comes with its own portrait.

Eight shiny, red leatherette booths.

Neon lights, jukeboxes and red leatherette booths create a dinerlike decor and waitresses sport cheerleader costumes.