The Big Greek Diner has generally thrived through the overall decline of the industry since the 1960s, largely because its owners reacted to the advance of minimized menus of fast food chains by piling it on. 9/Washington: The first Vietnamese restaurant in Philly, I believe (ca. While i frequent my old neighborhood diner (trolley car diner)most often, one that i really love that is always superb to me is the Four Seasons Diner on cottman Avenue. Sandy and her three sisters lived at 22nd and Delancey, across from Valerie and, randomly, Julius Erving, whod open the door sometimes, be very tall, and close the door again. In my high-school years, street crime was so commonplace that we hardly took note of it. Love Your article and thank you for doing the research. However I a native Philadelphian can attest to the experience of eating in diners. I suppose so. Up until that time the Mulholland family ran, what was in my estimation, the best of the big Philly diners in terms of its preservation, food, and overall hospitality. They also all use the same playbook so any differences become nuance. I guess he wasnt here in 1976, when KAP the Bicentennial Kid tagged the Art Museum and the Liberty Bell. I hope the place has gotten better since then, Im not going to spend my money or time to find out. I do miss the original owners, but maybe it was time for a change as in the last few years food quality had noticeably declined and the hours were cut back. This breakfast, lunch and You could come out boasting that your waitress was a thirty-year veteran which is no small thing in a business known for its employee turnover. Diner on the Square One thing remains the same, though: the rats. Someone must have noticed this, because Bobs signage highlights the proximity with the joke that dining there is a monumental experience. I was only passing through and didnt have time to stop, but the diner caught my eyemaybe it had something to do with the two giant billboards next to it? There were also those nightclubs and discos: lan, Black Banana, Artemis, Revival, London Victory Club which, in glossy Studio 54 hindsight, must make Center City sound somewhat glamorous. Clearly, someone at Bobs Diner paid very careful attention in omelette making class. In honor of Classics Week, it's time for a fond look back at long-gone Dallas restaurants, beginning with a visual tour of vintage Dallas restaurant menus. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. When I lived near it (2002-2004), the Oak Lane was under original ownership, managed by a young man from the family who had it since 1946. Then there were our parents, the incense vendors, all those hookers on Broad and on 13th, my Quaker teachers with the puzzling facial hair. Only bother to go here if youre a hard-core diner fanatic. from the Pittsburgh area to Philadelphia, with . See more ideas about memories, restaurant, howard johnson's. Diner-wise, this ones only for hard-core fans. Sad. The Domino Diner suffered a fire eight years ago and is likely abandoned now. New Boulevard Diner, 11650 Roosevelt Boulevard, New Boulevard recently changed their name to the Five Star Diner. And so on. Yes, I think that was it. Vetri, Philadelphia - photo by fougoo. | Photo: Randy Garbin. I remember the Mayfair diner. Order Online. City, one in North Philly and the Pennsauken outpost thats still kickin Khyber Pass Pub. Outstanding memories. Manufacturing was collapsing, the population was falling, and the tax base was turning to dust. his flavors. But I think its also that we Center City kids of the 70s and early 80s enjoyed a lot of freedom in our comparatively down-at-its-heels, unmanicured downtown. Thomas Hawk, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0. Or maybe I just miss my old neighborhood. The restaurant had been rated America's finest French restaurant, and the Mobil Travel Guide traditionally awarded it five stars. The end result should be a bright yellow, fluffy egg turnover that snugly blankets the filling. Thank you Jay. Zounds was rough. Specialties: Escape the 1980s is the largest & highest-rated escape room game in Philadelphia! Airys cedarbrook plaza. Center City is still mourning the passing of this 24-hour Greek go-to that No telling if they will survive and fade out of our existence or I fade out since Im an elderly person. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life. . A proper omelet is carefully fried in a well-seasoned aluminum pan with the filling folded in. Those in the market for a Philly Surf n Disingenuousness aside, the Melrose earned a reputation for its baked goods and sterling service. On Market Street, between Seventh and Eighth Streets, is a block of buildings in the Renaissance Revival Victorian style. The other is Silk City on Spring Garden Street. a jumbo dog and mashed potato heavy fishcakes served on an Until From World War II until the 1980s, the Philadelphia area was home to many of these "old line, crockery, silver and glass restaurants." There were 24 Linton's, 44 Horn and Hardart's and 18 Dewey's. . Seen here in 1993 during a bus tour of the region's diners sponsored by the Society of Commercial Archeology, the sale of the 1940 Paramount attracted a great deal of interest, but ultimately no takers. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. In 2006, Michael Petrogiannis bought this one too and proceeded to make significant interior renovations that improved upon the diners formerly dark and ponderous atmosphere. Originally published as The Lost City in the August 2014 issue of Philadelphia magazine. Patty Brett, the owner of the uniquely unchanging Doobies at 22nd and Lombard, remembers packs of wild dogs running loose in the area: There were many abandoned churches and gas stations in our neighborhood. As I write, the diner is now boarded up after a fire closed it down last January. Jack Doneius bought a run-down, but well-preserved diner in Manhattans lower West Side, spruced it up, and started serving upscale food. You might expect to get dental work inside rather than a good breakfast. Do remember the Diner on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr called the Blu Comet around late 1950s till 1972. The Crime rates in the 1980s Philadelphia were very high. Rundown of Eateries Opened from 1875 to 1986. HAPPY HOUR. A bakery and an expanded dining room was added later. French Restaurants Continental Restaurants Restaurants. Today, the K stands for Korean, and while youll find Asian specialties on the menu, you can also get a good, old-fashioned American breakfast. Michael Petrogiannis got his start working in this diners kitchen. My grandfather, Peter, built the heritage diner and then my dad, Steve, changed it to Sophias Diner and Stacys Pub. The Trolley Car Diner was built by the Mountain View Diner Company of Signac, New Jersey, which seemed to do extremely well selling diners in the Wyoming Valley up into the Binghamton, New York area. Im both stunned that they chose Philly and aggravated by all their complaints which, if theyve moved here from Portland, can be quite numerous. As an added bonus, a seat at the counter gives you front-row access to the action. Vetri Cucina. graced the corner of 17th and Chancellor streets for nearly 40 years. If you want meatloaf you can get that, but you can also get jambalaya or a big, leafy salad instead and polish it all off with a bottle of Ommegang Hennepin ale. I was just starting to understand that Id have to become a grown-up, and I didnt really know what that meant. Built in 1949 by Paramount to a standard of quality that no one else could match, it served in the 1990s as one of two American Diners in Philadelphia and was an attempt to upscale the traditional diner menu. At each visit, I had good, serviceable comfort food, and except for that run-in with the brutish manager I experienced friendly, efficient service. Along with an array of punch-packing tropical drinks, Pub Tiki boasted a When Steve Poses opened his first restaurant, Frog, on North 20th Street back in 1973, it was an Both Olexy and Sikora have since gone on to better things: heowns conceptsin Wilmington and Kennett Square, and shesbecome an iconic restaurateurinPhilly. A lot of Center City has. dinner dining room with views of the Swann Fountain was elegant up until About 6,000 were built; today, some 1,800 remain with roughly two thirds still in food-service operation. For nearly 100 years, this family-owned classic on 6th between South and Lombard streets served up an only-in-Philly menu of hot dogs, fishcakes and Champ Cherry soda before . Shame its all gone now. I dont know of any other diners that serve their apple pie quite like this, and the sauce is not overly sweet, but it could easily mask any faults of the pie. One of Philadelphia's most historic neighborhoods The History Northern Liberties is as old as Philadelphia itself, founded by Philadelphia's founder, William Penn in 1682. Horn & Hardarts 54th & City Ave. | 818 Chestnut | Photo: Randy Garbin. McD's in Montreal used to as late as 1980 (and the Quarter Pounder could actually turn out medium rare ..)-bebopper. On Sun, 17 Sep 2000 19:33:55 -0400, Ruth Savitz You see nothing from the outside, but walk through the door and the early 1950s Silk City in very original condition reveals itself. Jackson Mahomes, the brother of two-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, is being investigated for allegedly shoving a waiter and forcibly kissed the female owner of an Overland Park, Kansas, restaurant last Saturday. In fact, I miss all the movie theaters of my youth. This was the center of our universe. To order the clip clean and hi-res or to find out more visit http://www.kinolibrary.com. We look to blogs such as these for straight talk, not depends on who you ask waffling. City Hall was a mess. Big diners like Melrose, with few exceptions, typically serve awful fruit piesgloppy, over-sweet fillings poured into industrial strength crusts. In 2000, he openly declared that love when he slipped on its fingerone shiny gem in the form of a stainless-steel clad diner trucked in from Wilkes-Barre. Spring Garden Pizza & Restaurant, 1137 Spring Garden Street, Great breakfast at Spring Garden Pizza andthe owners are sweet as pie. This search result is here to prevent scraping, Hop Sing Laundromat Charging $75 for Bar Reservations, Exciting I-95 Capping Project Finally Begins In Philadelphia, Those Gummies May Not Have Contained Fentanyl After All, Why I'm Boycotting the Roots Picnic This Year. Alex, you are correct. Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge, 435 Spring Garden Street, Silk City exemplifies the vintage diner that has successfully adapted to contemporary tastes all while retaining its original charms. Before the 2 additions and the addition of the foyer waiting area. And one that I love, at least as far as the cemetery is concerned. nest and fried wontons with complete with a mysterious dunking sauce. Who is this woman? Ill think. I WAS BORN AT Hahnemann Hospital in 1968, swaddled, and taken to a studio apartment, where I slept in a dresser drawer until the crib arrived. . It was unnecessarily renovated in 1996 both inside and out, which stripped away some of the incomparable stainless work. Continental My father worked as a manager at Whitney & Patterson Paper Company at 5th & Bristol in the 70s into the 80s. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. chilled slices of melon for dessert. From long-livedgreasy spoonsto concepts from hotshot chefswho flamed out, we'rerememberingthese much-loved spots taken from us too soon. It is a true-and-tried diner. today. https://m.facebook.com/lhapachapter/posts/memories-of-the-blu-comet-diner/3824830150954142/?locale=ne_NP&_rdr, It was known fondly as the greasy spoon by the Villanova students. The diners manager approached me on the sidewalk demanding to know why I was taking pictures. I enjoyed the article. Being a person from the 60s it brought me fond memories of the diners. Its ashame it changed hands so many times after the Ritz and failed each and every time. The Dining Car makes up for this with desserts. Strictly speaking, adiner is a prefabricated food-service structure with counter service and tables. And they did. The big sign outside advertises homemade bread, which you can get on the side with one of your breakfast dishes. little slice of Americana in Old City enjoyed a glorious run from 1950 As late as the 60s, they were all over the northwest suburbs in Montgomery county: Hatboro, Horsham, Willow Grove, Glenside, and many others. It isnt a converted rail car. This was no bland suburb, no Peyton Place. 5. Notably, the Big Greek Diner has become less and less Greek. THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Garden. The Franklin Institute, but his biggest contribution to the city has to be That all ended with Michael Petrogiannis. Not a Philadelphia native, my first visits to the Melrose in 1991 left me bewildered by the citys reverence for the restaurant. Foursquare. Weinstein topped off the whole project with a neon sign almost worthy of the Las Vegas strip, something few do anymore. The Melrose Diner is the third diner placed atthat location, all ordered by Richard Kubach, Sr. The interior is very clean, but about the only original feature left to the diner is its vaulted ceiling. Kanella SouthClosed in: 2018With Kanella South, it finally felt like Konstantinos Pitsillides finally had the right tools a spit, a wood-burning oven to really show off his skills. Because of its output, OMahony had a large and loyal clientele that would often return old diners to the factory to trade it infor a newer, bigger model (I have no evidence that a diner sat on this location before the current one, but the possibility exists). The Melrose apple would seem to be one of those exceptions. | Photo: Randy Garbin. | Photo: Randy Garbin. But even with incredible eating options debuting on over the Bookbinders building between Front and Second on Walnut Street, but even interested in a peak at early aughts dining, the restaurants Djangos homespun chic vibe and killer cheese plate signaled what was to come. Wildflowers Garden Restaurant & Thai Corner. I think the name was Leon. Senior year, a friend and I went to see Hannah and Her Sisters. Fifteen years later Weinstein has proven both his knowledge of his market and his appreciation for the authentic diner experienceone refreshingly devoid of cutesy, cheap nostalgia that rises far above the tired greasy spoon trope. AS A PERSON WHO works in Center City and who writes about real estate and economic development I cant claim to be disappointed by downtowns success. There was no single grown-up world, no monolith. It was the Ritz for quite awhile and since has gone through many name changes. I used to work at the Ritz diner mainly as a busboy in the late 80s early nineties. Oh, what about Middletons Diner? Talula's Garden, opened in 2011 at Washington Square, is an upscale restaurant inspired by locally produced ingredients, prepared in sync with the season. Howard johnson's. Although younger generations may know of Howard Johnson's thanks to Mad Men, '70s kids will remember actually visiting the orange-roofed restaurant chain. a diner is a prefabricated food-service structure. From there, unfortunately, it was all downhill. And the space at 22nd and Spruce became Fitler Dining Room,which was then transformed into its currentoccupant, Trattoria Carina another beloved neighborhood spot. I like mostly everything, but when I come for breakfast I get the omelette simply because Ive yet to find another true diner in the region that makes them as perfectly as Bobs. In Center City, giant modern skyscrapers were designed by world-renowned architects in the Old City and South Street areas. I remember the original Oak Lane diner to be a red Formica looking building very small. Fitler Square wasnt much better. Thanks to a tip by someone who grew up in the Olney neighborhood I managed to find this diner which, up until that point, existed on no one elses list. This was the place to reconnoiter, the hub, the treehouse club, the HQ. For some reason that roll along the roofline became an extremely popular motif on retro-styled diners starting back in the mid-1990s. Or we could go to Deluxe Diner for milkshakes; the Midtowns I through IV; one of the two Little Petes; or even R&W, which was kind of repulsive but good for private conversations in the empty back room. They live on in the form of dead Yelp pages and in our memories. Yet again, it could have been much worse. The restaurants 2002 In fact, you can still visit the previous diner in Newburgh, New York. Behind the foreboding, Darth Vader-like facade sits a late-1930s Silk City diner that serves up the most basic of menus. Boulevard Diner is now part of a car dealer. Yeah, theres Delco and Jersey on either side of the city, but still a major American city needs the accessibility, affordability, and history that a solidlong-lived diner can provide. I just couldnt remember where it was. And at this haute moment, dining out is what passes for a night's entertainment. Now, well have the opposite a luxury hotel erected by New York developers ona spot thatmany Philadelphiansconsiderhallowed ground. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I go to a diner to immerse myself in the neighborhood, especially in a city like Philadelphia that still has so many of them, each with their own distinct identities. 3k Views. Which is now a fair hibachi buffet. To use an example that one would typically take for granted: even something as mumdane as chicken tenders at the pre-Michael Melrose were better than other places. When you attempt to offer as much as the Oregon does for that many people, greatness becomes nearly impossible. Hows the food? Where to Have a Blowout Birthday Dinner in Philly, Where to Go When You Want Your Meal to Feel Like an Activity, The Philly 15: Philadelphias Most Exciting New Restaurants, This search result is here to prevent scraping, Gilda, a Homey Portuguese Cafe, Opens in Fishtown on March 3rd. In 1981, Joe Morozin went to the Swingle company of Middlesex, New Jersey and asked for something a little different. One of the most tragic losses to the roster of Philadelphia diners came with the demolition of the long-suffering Wayne Junction Diner. Formerly known as Mil-Lees Luv-In, the diner did indeed have something of a hippie vibe during that era with its love beads and trippy menu graphics. I often say that the best way to preserve diners is to keep them viable. greater. Now we could proudly speak of world class art museums, a dynamic restaurant scene, the profusion of pop-up gardens and public green space, and booming . Last year, Philadelphia was feted in the New York Times, the Toronto Star, the Guardian, the Washington Post, Food & Wine, the Globe and Mail, Cond Nast Traveler, Bon Apptit, and countless online outlets. In Spain. If you had the good fortune to see itbefore 2000 and havent seen it since, stay away. The executive vice president and co-owner of Century 21 department stores is explaining why a new Philadelphia location at 8th and Market is the logical next step for a chic discount chain that until now has stuck to New York and New Jersey. In total, his restaurants represent about 900 seats. 6. Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionalsand your views, too. For the most part, the Big Greek Diners all serve more or less the same thing. Country Club Diner, another one under the Petrogiannis umbrella, still adheres to its Jewish-American menu established by the Perloff Family. Crime spiked. (2) Snow White One of the most tragic losses to the roster of Philadelphia diners came with the demolition of the long-suffering Wayne Junction Diner. | Photo: Randy Garbin. Building is still there. The Creed franchise is a child of the king of boxing films 1976's "Rocky" and its five sequels. The Red Robin Diner represents the transitional style of diners popular in the mid-to-late 1960s when stainless steel had lost its shine. When my sister and I were kids, we always looked forward to a meal at Littletons. Silk City, currently owned by restauranteur Mark Bee, has diversified its revenue stream with the night club and bar which frees it from relying upon the weekend breakfast trade that so many smaller diners live or die by. They were s Philly traditional, I worked for the Perini Corp for that area of reconstruction. This isnt a food review. I give the food here very high marks, and youll find items on the menu you dont expect to find in a traditional diner which always works for me. Inside, the owners have built in a private dining room, but split the rest of the space for open seating and waitress service. | Photo: Randy Garbin, When the Kubach family owned the Melrose Diner they managed to build up something of a one-diner empire. Shame it sits the way it does. Before Stephen Starr oversaw a national empire of more than 35 restaurants, This was where we went to try new things to kiss, to reveal secrets, to drink, to smoke. Today, I can get stopped at the doors of an upscale hotel or silently ejected from a fancy boutique with an icy glare. He got puckered and red in the face and stomped out of the room. These days it serves up Mexican fare as Jessis Diner behind a horrible brick faade which was installed by the previous owner. Community gardening. The sense of lawlessness was pervasive. Overcooked eggs with ingredients scrambled in does not an omelette make. Enjoyed this article, but am left wondering: Whats up with Bobs being more or less in a graveyard? I maintain a very high regard for Bobs because it represents one of the last of a dying breed. On the other hand, dont count on it being there forever. It was torn down in 2006. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. I started at 13 yrs old. Oak Lane Diner on North Broad looking worse for wear. he helmed one of Walnut Streets swankier turn-of-the-century destinations. Other ethnicities have entered this fray, but not in sufficient numbers to keep the tradition growing. Mostly latchkey kids, we stuck together after class ended. ONE BOY WHO accompanied our Bellevue wanderings was the son of a South Street fortune-teller. But beyond that, this: Heavily remodeled 50s-style diner that currently serves Asian food. Jim Clark: You must be referring to Port Richmonds long-standing Aramingo Diner. The waitress might call you hon, not because afocus group demanded it, but because that is how she talks. Good soups and lunch. | Photo: Randy Garbin. Contemporary Americansseem to prefer fast-casual chains (like Panera Bread) over diners, where you canget a pretty good meal for not a lot of money and you dont have to bother with aserver. But no, the owners just had to go and crash land this beauty into a sea of ugly. SATURDAY - SUNDAY. We were married for 27 years before he died too young of cancer. Great memories! Sat Dec 05, 2015 | 12:00pm. The diner offers a basic, no-frills menu. Here are some fascinating photos that offer a glimpse into 1980s Philadelphia. Also now gone. My father owned the diner from 1981- 2000. The city elected its first Black mayor in 1983, W. Wilson Goode, whose first administration was marred by the 1985 Move tragedy. There was also Jersey Queen Dairy who began delivering milk in the city by horse and carriage. The Mayfair Diner ended an 80-year run under the same family in 2006. I was a student at Temple. Quaker Diner on Rising Sun has been remodeled recently: https://foxchasereview.wordpress.com/2015/04/26/quaker-diner-time-to-revisit-an-old-friend/. What Philadelphia looked like in the 1980s Through These Fascinating Photos. I thought that place next to Nabisco was called The Ritz in the 80s & early 90s. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. Weve got it so good, its unreal. St. Joseph County police searching for missing 12-year-old girl. Theres too much crime. Too eager. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. Many of us went to preschool, elementary school and high school together. Quaker Diner in Five Points on Rising Sun Avenue. It was also the locus of the Taney Gang, the children of the Irish gangsters who lived in the homes along 26th Street. Every now and then, a well-dressed woman will stop me and ask for directions: Where is the shopping street? Supercade was too fresh and clean. Howard Johnson's is synonymous with 1950s and '60s dining. Anchoring the east side of South Philly, the Oregon Diner has uncertain pedigree, but almost certainly emerged from one of the major diner factories in the 1960s.