ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Mickey's Diner is a fixture that people who visit downtown St. Paul can't help but notice.

There are no golden arches or double-lanes of drive-through windows though. It's an historic dining car pulled into downtown St. Paul in the late 1930s.

Its breakfast, burgers and baked beans are classic favorites for the maximum of 35 people who can cozy up to the counter for breakfast, lunch or dinner 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

"Our baked beans are the cult favorite here," said Bert Mattison, a member of the family that has owned and operated Mickey's since 1937. "We make them the same way as we made them in 1939."

This week, Mickey's Diner is at the crossroads of politics. It's located at the corner of West Seventh and St. Peter streets. Mickey's is just two blocks from the home of the Republican National Convention and just a sidewalk away from the most popular parade route for protesters.

"We are at the point where the demonstrations meet the delegates," Mattison said. (Police Use Pyro To Break Up RNC Protests)

Tuesday night, more than 2,000 protesters marched by on their way to the Xcel Energy Center where the RNC speeches were under way.

"It's a sight to see," Mattison said. "Sometimes I think when they get riled up, we get nervous about the crew. But for the most part, I think everybody is being peaceful and good. Some of them have even come in and eaten."

More than 10,000 people are believed to have taken part in protests over two days with 280 arrests by police.

Mickey's is protected from the crowds by police barricades and fences. Tuesday night, protesters and police clashed just feet away from Mickey's dining car door. Smoke from bombs and tear gas floated along the street in front of the diner as if a low-lying fog has moved into the downtown. A police officer in riot gear sat on top of the diner car with his legs dangling over the front.

"There was a time when we weren't taking customers. But everyone was OK." Mattison said.

The landmark dining car has welcomed more than protesters this week. Presidential candidate Ron Paul, Comedy Central host Jon Stewart and CNN anchor John Roberts have taken a seat at the counter this week, according to Mattison.

They join the ranks of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Willard Scott, Bill Murray, Peter Jennings and many others who have discovered Mickey's over the years.

"I think it's our people and our mix of culture that keeps people coming here," Mattison said.