Back in the 1970s, grabbing a bite was about way more than just food, it was about having an amazing experience. Restaurants had personality, gimmicks, and charm that today’s spots just can’t seem to replicate, no matter how hard they try.
Everyone remembers cracking peanuts on the floor at The Ground Round, and like it, there were plenty of other places that make us look back and wish things were still that way. These joints were full of character and helped defined what it meant to go out to eat in the '70s.
This gallery takes you on a nostalgic trip through the classic restaurants that served their food with a side of unforgettable memories.
1
The Ground Round
Peanuts on the floor, cartoons on the TV, and kids paying their weight. Literally.
2
Bennigan’s
Where first dates happened over bottomless mugs.
3
Roy Rogers
Roast beef sandwiches were a feast.
4
Swensen’s Ice Cream
You weren’t cool until you finished off a whole sundae here.
5
Red Barn
Shaped like a literal barn, impossible to forget.
6
ShowBiz Pizza Place
Animatronic bears and greasy tokens, every kid's dream and every adult's nightmare.
7
Friendly’s
Grilled cheese, and an ice cream sundae that could make kids quiet very fast..
8
Doggie Diner
That massive dachshund head out front was weird but beloved.
9
Sambo’s
Controversial and all but it once had over 1,000 locations making pancakes.
10
Chi-Chi’s
Here's where America's obsession for Tex-Mex started.
11
Lum’s
Tiki-decor and hot dogs steamed in beer were IN.
12
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor
Where banjo music met thin-crust pizza.
13
Bob's Big Boy
If David Lynch said this was amazing, trust.
14
Pizza Inn
All-you-can-eat buffet. Need I say more?
15
Howard Johnson's
28 ice cream flavors weren't enough.
16
Steak and Ale
A salad bar that felt like fine dining.
