The DINER.

[Retro Spectator]

Charlton, MA. It just re-opened under new owners, who did a great job cleaning the place up and restoring the fixtures.

I knew I saw it somewhere before. We drive past Charlton sometimes. I saw it on the side of the road.

 

[Matt Crunk]

There's this place I've been going since I was a kid: The Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville. A real genuine vintage soda shop operating since 1939. Still has wall-boxes at every booth that controls the main jukebox in back. It's become a hip and trendy place over the past couple of decades but I remember going there in the mid-to-late 70s when it was just an old dive diner. Many, many photo shoots and film productions have been done there, and it has even appeared on album covers. The great thing is, it hasn't changed (much). It's a little more crowded these days, especially for lunch, but the food and atmosphere are still just as I remember it as a child.

 

[Dinerman]

 

[Matt Crunk]

Ahhh, So I see you've been there. Fantastic! One of the coolest spots in Nashville.

 

[tropicalbob]

Dinerman -- I just saw your shot of the Towson Diner in Maryland. That's where my girlfriend and I used to go when we skipped church back in the '60's. Man.

 

[Dinerman]

Somewhere I have shots of the original Towson Diner, shots of it after they remodeled it in the '70s and then the new pics of the '90s replacement that I posted here.

 

[Dennis Young]

There's this place I've been going since I was a kid: The Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville. A real genuine vintage soda shop operating since 1939. Still has wall-boxes at every booth that controls the main jukebox in back. It's become a hip and trendy place over the past couple of decades but I remember going there in the mid-to-late 70s when it was just an old dive diner. Many, many photo shoots and film productions have been done there, and it has even appeared on album covers. The great thing is, it hasn't changed (much). It's a little more crowded these days, especially for lunch, but the food and atmosphere are still just as I remember it as a child.

Aw that is so cool! We have an empty building in town where I always thought would be a great place for an old-time diner. If I had the money I’d put one there. Good parking and a lot of business and city hall is right across the street. (Which means there might be a steady stream of customers at lunchtime).

 

[Dennis Young]

I took a picture today of the site I mentioned. This is our old bank building. Really old. Used to be offices, then apartments above. Vacant now. I think it would be a great place for a 50s style diner on the ground floor.

 

[Bushman]

Went to a place called Bogey's last night, out in the country - practically in the middle of downright nowhere. Had a great burger, though the drinks were only alright. Had a nice feel to the place, though.

 

[Dennis Young]

About the only places I know around here to find a decent diner these days is the Huddle House or the Waffle House. Not really the same thing I guess as a classic diner.
Johnny Rockets is an interesting ….I don’t know if you’d call it a diner or a malt shop.

 

[Fading Fast]

About the only places I know around here to find a decent diner these days is the Huddle House or the Waffle House. Not really the same thing I guess as a classic diner.
Johnny Rockets is an interesting ….I don’t know if you’d call it a diner or a malt shop.

I was really disappointed with the one Johnny Rockets I went to - the waiters broke into a 50s rock and roll song which felt very gimmicky, but since seemed kid oriented, I was willing to let it go, but I thought thought the food - the quality of the meat in the hamburgers - was noticeable inferior to places equally priced. If you are going to be a hamburger place, your hamburger has to be competitive in your price range.

That said, was glad they had a patty melt on the menu as they seem to be disappointed, just a shame the quality wasn't better. And I enjoyed the fountain vanilla coke - that was quite well done.

The Waffle House looks good.

 

[DJH]

Last time we went to a Johnny Rockets (Burlington, MA) we were entertained by a couple of mice running around the floor.

Left without ordering anything.

We used to like the JR on South Street in Philly.

 

[Dinerman]

The Road Island Diner, Oakley, Utah

 

[Dennis Young]

I'd have to stop there.

 

[Fading Fast]

I'd have to stop there.

Oh yea, that is one you turn back around if you were going to fast when you saw it.

 

[Bamaboots]

Don't know much about Johnny Rockets but as a cop for 25 years with several stints working midnight shift, I became very familiar with Waffle House as they were the only show in town after 1:00 AM. Open 24/7 365. I could quote the menu for a few years after retirement.

 

[Zemke Fan]

The Road Island Diner, Oakley, Utah

I got to say, D-Man, that is one HANDSOME diner... What was it like inside??

 

[2jakes]

Graf Zeppelin. 1930s.

 

[Benzadmiral]

There used to be a neo-retro diner on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, NM, about 20 years ago -- the 66 Diner (because it was on what had been Route 66). According to the fabled Internet, it's still there. And Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner is still on Colfax Ave., the old U.S. 40, in the western suburbs of Denver.

Plus there is the World Famous Anita's Grill on Tulane Avenue, in Noo Awlins proper. They'll probably get lots of business from the new medical center personnel around there. It doesn't look much like the traditional diner on the outside, though.

 

[Benzadmiral]

These photographs are not mine. However, I have eaten here before, it's really good and I imagine it's like stepping back in time.

Neil's Coffee Shop in Lexington Ave. in Manhattan.

I had the meatloaf for lunch the day I dropped in, last year at this time.

- Ian

Just the kind of place at just the time of day I'd like to visit. Only thing better would be if a light snow was falling, and I could come in off the street, snowflakes dusting my topcoat and fedora, to have a seat in the warm, well-lit dining room, and take my time with a sandwich and coffee. . . .