Maybe we’re too used to crisp, high-definition pictures, but we swear, at some point in time, the checkered floors and chrome finishes on these old diners used to gleam.
For those who remember joyful dinners with the folks in these comfy booths, we bet you can still hear the jukeboxes humming and the sound of the waitress’ roller skates as she wheeled over your milkshake.
Modernized diners try to recreate the vibe, but these real-deal eateries were more than just places to eat. They stand as time capsules of Americana.
Today, we take a cozy look back on some iconic establishments and favorite local spots, where the neon lights once shined so brightly.
1
Red Lobster In The 1970s
2
World Pizza Day - 1962
Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-born Canadian, who created the first Hawaiian pizza at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada.
3
An Italian-American Cafe
MacDougal Street, NYC - 1942.
4
A busy night at Colonel Jim’s Tasty Thrill
A Drive-In Restaurant in Miami Beach, FL - 1952.
5
Delmonico's Restaurant in New York City - 1905.
Mark Twain celebrates his 70th birthday.
6
A restaurant built in an old shopping container.
Royal Oak, Michigan - Early 1930s.
7
Genie Boy’s Drive-In
Salt Lake City, Utah - 1950s.
8
A woman sips coffee in a Chicago diner - 1940's
9
Vince Lombardi Eating at a Lunch Counter - 1960s
Green Bay, WI (obviously)
10
The Orange Julep
Plattsburgh N.Y. - 1956
11
Windows on the World
The restaurant on top of the former World Trade Center - 1980s
12
A Bustling TGI Fridays Restaurant in the 1960s
13
Dom's Luncheonette
Dom in front of his restaurant in the Italian Market in South Philly - Late 1940s.
14
A classic lunch counter.
In the mid 1960s.
15
Lums Restaurant
Nassau, Bahamas - 1970s
16
Manual Air Conditioning
They used to provide cold air to your car at some drive-in restaurants - 1957.
17
Luby's Cafe
Bob Luby opened his first restaurant in San Antonio in 1947.
18
Classic Frisch's Restaurant Marquee - 1977
19
The Scandia Restaurant, Hollywood - 1951
Here, they held a party for the staff.
20
Training material for a fast food restaurant.
An example for employees of how to present themselves behind the counter - 1960s
