The Diner Project

2008-12-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

Jack's Famous Diner
755 Us Highway 23 N, Delaware, OH
Diner Project Score: 8

This diner found me while I was driving to Michigan and I stopped on the way back. Their grilled cheese had both Cheddar and Provolone and the fries were tasty. They also have a jukebox (even if it has cds). Worth the stop if you're nearby!

2008-12-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

Northside Grill
1015 Broadway St, Ann Arbor, MI
Diner Project Score: 7

I've been to Northside Grill before but it was before The Diner Project was formalized. It was just recently mentioned on the Splendid Table for its potato pancakes.

If you have to wait for a table they have coffee outside.

A few of the many intangible factors: art on the wall, old jazz, coffee outside, there's a sandwich on the menu where the proceeds go to NPR.

2008-12-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

Bomber Restaurant
306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI
http://www.bomberrestaurant.net/
Diner Project Score 5 (with the new intangible factor category)

I have been wanting to go to the Bomber Restaurant for a long time. Joel and Amanda and I ventured here one morning. It was even better than I thought. All sorts of great paraphernali a on the walls. The intangible factor here being all of the bomber paraphernalia.

Tasty eggs and biscuit.

Joel suggested we add "the intangible factor" to the scoring system- something that sets a place apart, makes it unique, makes it memorable. I'll post an updated card and list sometime here.

The plaque (pictured here) outside is a nice touch.

2008-12-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

Eat Here Now
839 Lexington Ave, New York
Diner Project Score: 7

It was raining so I didn't snap a photo.
Tasty grilled cheese and zucchini sticks. Geoff had a burger that was good as I recall.

2008-10-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

Fleetwood Diner

300 S Ashley StAnn Arbor, MI 48104

http://jim.rees.org/fleet/

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=136320028

Diner Project Score: 7 (to be verified)

Signature Dish: Hippie Hash

In March the Fleetwood Diner turned 59 years old! I started the Diner Project after I no longer lived in Michigan so there are lots of great Michigan diners that await scoring. Supposedly there is even a Fleetwood branch in Lansing now.

Bruce sent this photo of the Fleetwood Diner.

If memory serves me right, the Fleetwood would receive a Diner Project score of: 7

(this score awaits verification)
A visit in November awarded the Fleetwood Diner a score of 8 since we added a new category of the intangible factor (see above). The intangible factor is that people will wait, and even eat!, outside when it's freezing cold.

The website states the following: "The Fleetwood was manufactured by the Dagwood Diner Company of Toledo, Ohio in 1948. Unlike most classic diners, it was shipped as a kit, not as a complete ready-to-cook unit. There is another Dagwood diner located in Erie, Michigan, but has been remodeled beyond recognition. The original Dagwood near the corner of Monroe and Secor in Toledo closed in 1963. There may have been as many as a half dozen Dagwoods. There is more about Dagwood at the Lake Erie Region Dining Car Companies page."

2008-10-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

At the Ackland Museum of Art today I learned that Robert Indiana's mother operated the diner on Route 66 with the infamous EAT sign on it.
http://www.rogallery.com/indiana_robert/indiana-biography.htm

2008-09-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

Waffle House Museum opens near Hotlanta!

Jen sent this piece of diner-y news.

The museum is located on "the site of the original Waffle House which opened on East College Avenue in Avondale Estates."

Details and a slideshow are online. In the pictures it seems there's not a lot of difference between an actual Waffle House and the museum, but then again I've only been to Waffle House once.
http://wsbradio.com/news/090308wafflehouse1.html

Story in The Atlanta-Journal Constitution

This seems to be the official website.

However if you want to visit the first story says, "The museum will only be open on special occasions and for corporate events. "

So what if it is open? You can look forward to this: "there was no hoopla when the first Waffle House opened in 1955. That made planning the exhibits a challenge.
“They didn’t save much of anything,” said Waffle House communications director Pat Warner."

2008-08-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Diners of the Northeast

by Donald Kaplan and Alan Bellink

This just goes to show the treasures one finds when you're looking for something else. This book would have been perfect to have when I lived in Massachusetts but perhaps it will result in further future exploration.

In perusing this the best part is the counter talk listed on the last page.

A few samples:

-Adam and Even on a raft- poached eggs on toast

-draw one- one coffee

-dress 'em up- an order to go

-eighty-seven- good-looking girl in booth (noted as probably regional to Maine)

-eighty-six- cancel order or throw customer out

-fish eyes in glue- tapioca

-juke box- microwave oven (noted as probably regional to New Jersey)

-two to trot- two coffees to go

-WPA customer- stands for water, piss and air, or a patron who spends no money (noted as probably regional to New York)

2008-08-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Diner Owner Serves Up Stability With Soul Food
NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93927132
Izola's
522 E. 79th St.
Chicago, IL 60619
773-846-1484
Someone needs to score this using the diner project scale.
Just another instance that shows how important diners are to our communities and lives.

2008-08-01T14:53:00.001-07:00

Just one more reason why The Onion is fabulous (and also Jen since she this to me).
Phantom Diner Appears Only To Those In Their Drunkest Hour
It's hard to tell its Diner Project Score, but it gets at least a 1 because it serves breakfast anytime.

2008-07-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ben's Chili Bowl

1213 U St NW, Washington DC

http://www.benschilibowl.com/

Diner Project Score- 8

Ben's Chili Bowl has turkey dogs. While most might feel this inauthentic, as someone who does not eat mammals, I appreciate this option even though I had a chocolate shake and the cheese fries were tasty too. Chili dogs were enjoyed by others. You order your food, pay for it and then if you sit at a table somehow they find you. There's an amazing choice of slices of colorful cakes to choose from and four flavors of slushes. Totally fabulous in so many ways.

I love diners that share their history with you. Usually this is on the menu. In the case of Ben's Chili Bowl there are sheets out on the table. Here are some highlights from it: Ben's Chili Bowl opened in 1958 and it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year on August 22, 2008 (I think this is why the sheets exist). The building used to be the Minnehaha silent movie house. This area at the time was known as "Black Broadway". Today its a short walk from the 9:30 Club. Ben's Chili Bowl survived the riots in the 60s and drug trade in the area in the 70s. Bill Cosby courted his wife there. The Metro's Green Line almost destroyed Ben's but luckily regulars kept it alive. (Photo here is from the reverse of the sheet.) Visited with Ben and his friends.

2008-07-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Waffle House

Somewhere in Delaware

Diner Project Score- 7

This was the first Waffle House I've ever been to. I now know what lies behind the yellow exterior and on the tables below the white spherical lights- mutiple options for hash browns. Visited with Joel and Amanda.

2008-07-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

Pete's Famous Pizza and Restaurant

116 N 21st St, Philadelphia

Diner Project Score- 5

Tasty pizza and salads. They have something called the Gizmo, which when we asked what it was, it was described as a poor man's pizza. I think it came without cheese or tomato sauce (I forget now). Pastries on the counter.

The Broad Street Diner in Philadelphia is not open. I think signs in the window indicated it might be for sale.

The Morning Glory is also a breakfast/lunch diner, not a dinner

option.

2008-07-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

A. P. J. Texas Weiners Restaurant

47 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia

Diner Project Score- 9

We ate breakfast so no weiners were consumed. Info on the Weiners can be found here. You can even get breakfast to go if you desire. We opted for the counter but sometimes its good to have options. In Pennsylvania Scrapple seems to replace grits and other such sides. Scrapple here was listed as a breakfast meat choice.

There seems to be another Texas Weiners diner in Philadelphia at 1426 Snyder Ave, but that's not the one we visited. http://www.texaswieners.com/ Perhaps this is similar to the Philadelphia Cheese Steak feuding? In case you were wondering what a Texas Weiner is and its history here's an essay about the Texas Weiner .

While dining here Joel suggested adding the category of pastries/desserts on the counter. I add to this that they can also be in a case behind the counter. While I love a dessert display case this is too broad since dessert cases can be found in family restaurants. On or behind the counter seems more diner since you have to have a counter, one of the other options for points.

So if you have a card add pastries/desserts on or behind the counter to you list for points.

2008-07-27T09:03:00.001-07:00

I am going to start a list of songs about Diners.
Feel free to post any you know.

Here's a great way to start:
"dinner in the diner, nothing could be finer, than to have your ham and eggs in Carolina...", Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Glen Miller

2008-07-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Chicago's fabulous Diner Grill (which scores an 8 on the Diner Project Scale) also seems to go by the name Dinner Grill.

This was one of the best diner experiences I've had in some time. When Dave and I visited in April we went at regular dinner time. The diner conversation about a El accident was inspired by the tv. Somehow the talk led to the new tv converter boxes (time will tell is one replaces the tape, wires and bunny ears at the Diner Grill). There seemed to be a consensus at the diner to wait to buy boxes (government coupons deemed overrated) until they're cheap and on the street. (They're probably right- I got the coupon and I still had to pay $20). The best part of this visit was the man who came in after work, sat down, no words exchanged. He received his chili and a specific number of crackers within minutes. Yummy Grilled Cheese (of course).

2008-07-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Golden Apple
2971 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
http://goldenapplediner.com/

Diner Project Score- 8

Mark always tries to get out of going to the Golden Apple. He thinks I just want to go because it was on This American Life (which is partly true). While I have been convinced to go to the Golden Angel (totally different but fabulous in its own ways) and Diner Grill (a favorite) instead, we made it to the Golden Apple in April. They have both the Golden Apple Special and a Hobo Skillet! Tasty dinery coffee.

2008-07-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

NC Diners

I still need to take photos of these.

Elmo's Diner
776 Ninth Street, Durham, NC
http://www.elmosdiner.com/
Diner Project Score- 5
I enjoy eating at Elmo's every time I've been. The last time was with Joel and Amanda. I was running late. They ordered for me and my sandwich was ready before I got there so the fine waitstaff brought me a new one when I arrived! Yummy grilled cheese indeed. Free crayons too.

501 Diner
1500 N Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC
Diner Project Score- 4
It's best to sit in the middle part of this diner since the other additions are less dinery. Joel said they have AMAZING bacon and my friend Megan loves the Corn Flake French Toast.

2008-04-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

Feasting on Asphalt, a new book by Alton Brown, stopped at diners among other eateries.
This is the best twist on Pickle Pops that I have seen lately, Koolickles. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89128508

2008-04-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

Penrose Diner
2016 Penrose Ave

Philadelphia

Diner Project score: 2

This also is more family restuarant than diner but it has the most innovative update to the counter stool, somewhere between just a stool with a back and a lounge chair. The dessert case looked amazing here. There was also a sighting of two women with dyed hair, that while red, reminded us of the Marge Simpson's twin sisters. The mugs here was classic diner style but printed with ads for local businesses.

Visited by Becca and Julie.

2008-04-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

Philly Diner

51 Industrial Hwy

Essington, PA

Diner Project 3

We were starving when we ate at this one and chose it because it was near where we were staying. We thought it would score higher on the diner project scale because it would employ the stock diner things inside. It did not. It did have an impressive amount of cookies bundled up and ready to buy at the cashier. They are possible still there. Coffee is served with a doily here. It's more family restaurant than diner.

Visited by Becca and Julie.

2008-04-06T19:21:00.001-07:00

Bob's Diner
6053 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA
Diner Project score 8.5 (half point for the clock out front even though there is no neon)

Philadelphia has many great diners. This helped get us started http://www.dinercity.com/paDiner/phila.html and led us first to Bob's Diner. This diner is located next to a cemetery, which I have to say I have not yet encountered at other diners. It has a classic streamline design and was designed by O'Mahony in 1948. They have a range of specials and the food was good. My lemonade was served on a plate! It was Agnus's (a cook I believe) birthday and everyone sang happy birthday to him. A fellow diner recommended Domino Diner and Manayunk Diner. She also felt New Ridge was good but there was some disagreement over that.

Visited by Becca and Julie.

2008-03-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

Empire Diner

210 10th Ave, NYC

http://www.empire-diner.com/

Diner Project Score 7.5

Chances are you know the Empire Diner. With its iconic EAT and exquisite chrome exterior it's across from the equally fabulous Printed Matter. While it has no neon, it has flashing lights that gain it half a point due to their inventiveness. It also has a wonderful streamline aesthetic, the type Jeffrey L. Meikle has written about. While other area diners

have disappeared in recent years, this 1946 diner holds strong.

Other elements of interest: you can order drinks at the Empire

Diner as well as a tasty traditional grilled cheese. There is a piano

near the bathroom.

Visited by Julie and Elizabeth.

2008-02-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

"Eventually I went out for a tuna melt and a chocolate shake at a greasy diner on Broadway."
Dean from Dean & Britta
http://www.mensvogue.com/arts/music/articles/2008/02/facingthemusic?currentPage=4

2008-01-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

Check out Calef Brown's poem about Weatherbee's Diner
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18162731

2008-01-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Chances are you've heard something about Hillary Clinton choking up (or crying as some have mistakenly called it) in New Hampshire. There are no tears but she was in a diner, or at least that how I have heard it reported by some media.
Video:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/07/an_emotional_clinton_reflects.html?hpid=topnews
The "diner" seems to be Cafe Espresso http://cafe--espresso.com/ in Portsmouth, N.H.
It is hard to tell from the website what its Diner Project score would be, but I think it might not be too high on the Diner Project scale. It sounds like they have a counter to eat at so perhaps its score is 1, 2 or 3.

2008-01-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

This diner project submission just came in from Kerry and Dave!

Wethersfield Diner Restaurant
718 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: (860) 529-9690

Diner Project score= 6

Stools that spin
Counter to eat at
Small jukeboxes on the tables or counter
Breakfast anytime
Neon clock or sign on the outside with neon
Seat Yorself

2007-12-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

It's primary season and what does that mean? Yes, political candidates visiting diners.

Sally's Diner, Forest City, Iowa
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17344722

Marianne's Diner, New Hampshire
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/diner-day-the-candidates-voters-dont-like/3250285163

Red Arrow Diner, Manchester, NH
http://www.redarrowdiner.com/politics.htm
and http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/diners/index.html and http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/24/AR2007072402051.html

Mel's Drive In, San Francisco
http://cbs5.com/local/Rudy.Giuliani.sf.2.608023.html

Blauvelt Coach Diner , Sparkill, NY
http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071101/NEWS03/711010394/1019/NEWS03

Drake Diner, Des Moines, Iowa
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/OPINION01/710230367/1035/OPINION

Tip controversy at Maid-Rite
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16143435

Becky's Diner, Portland, Maine
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/foreign/tobyharnden/november07/americaday1.htm

Another blog commenting on politics and diners
http://www.helium.com/tm/694930/politics-diners-fascination-politicians

An it's only just beginning!

2007-12-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

The National Gallery of Art has a segment online called a closer look at the quintessential painting of a diner, Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2007/hopper/acloserlooka.shtm
The Hopper exhibition is on view at the NGA through January 21, 2008 before Nighthawks returns home, along with the exhibition, to the Art Institute of Chicago, February 16-May 11, 2008.

2007-06-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Melrose Diner

1501 Snyder Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19145

"Good Things to Eat Around the Clock"

http://www.melrose-diner.com/start.html

Submitted by Jen because she is fabulous.

Diner Project score to come.

2007-06-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Golden Apple
2971 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago

This is another diner that needs to be scored too, but for now here's the fabulous segment This American Life recorded at this diner.
http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=172

2007-06-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

S & G Restaurant

3000 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago

Score: TBD

Best quote overheard: (Man to waitress) "Do you like dinosaurs?"

2007-06-10T16:30:00.001-07:00

Brownie's Diner

34250 Michigan Ave

Wayne, MI

Diner Project Score: TBD

Best bit of conversation overheard: "The incest isn't as bad as it used to be."

2007-06-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

Found them!

Photos of Jeri's Grill- where the Diner Project scoring criteria was developed.

2007-06-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Elwood Bar and Grill

300 Adams, Detroit

It is true this used to be a diner and its exterior is fabulous, but now on the inside it is very much a bar and a grill.

http://www.elwoodgrill.com/about.html

They did have a spam sandwich when we visited back in 2006.

Since the scoring system didn't exist then, here are some photos for now.

Score: TBD

2007-06-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

How the Diner Project began!

2007-05-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

With the series finale of The Gilmore Girls the Diner Project would like to say a fond farewell to Luke's Diner in Star's Hollow.

2007-05-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Miss Florence Diner revisited- new pictures from Jen and Julie's visit.

Note: This time the Seeburg Consolette played the songs were punched in though the handle was a bit sticky. The Unicorn by the Irish Rovers is an ok song. They also have prints and postcards of the diner for sale.

2007-05-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

Blue Bonnet Diner

324 King StreetNorthampton, MA01060
"Serving Great Food Since 1950"

http://www.bluebonnetdiner.net/

Diner Project Score: 10

Report by Julie and Jen

Notes: While there can be a line for the restaurant side there's usually space in the diner car. Good onion rings and cheese sticks. More pictures coming from Jen.

2007-05-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Article about diners in Rhode Island in today's NYT! (Thanks Elizabeth)!
April 27, 2007
Day Trip
Where No-Frills Fast Food (the Real Thing) Was Born
By JOEL KELLER
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/04/27/travel/escapes/27trip_ready.html

2007-04-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

The name your own life inspired pie feature is a good one.
New film coming out soon starring Keri Russell (Felicity)!
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/waitress/

2007-04-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Miss Florence Diner

Since 1941

"Ain't No Finer Diner"

99 Main Street, Florence, Massachusetts

Diner Project Score: 8

Notes: Wonderful tabletop jukeboxes- Seeburg Consolette. 1 parfait glass of green Jell-o was in the display case. I had a yummy grilled cheese and a slice of Coconut cream pie. Anna has fabulous vegetarian chili and a salad.

2007-04-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

The Food Network has a fabulous new tv show titled Diners, Drive Ins and Dives- check it out!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_sp/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9994_46726,00.html

More diner updates coming soon!

2006-07-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

After far too many months we finally ate at The Diner Grill located at 1635 W Irving Park Rd in Chicago.

The service was great and the food was very tasty! Another fabulous grilled cheese was consumed by me and arranged in the most artistic manner that I have ever experienced! Joel had some eggs and made this fun face.

The Diner Grill is notorious for a special called the slinger. Flyers on the wall advertise it though it's not up on the menu board. One of the men working had a description of it on a paper in his pocket and he let me read it. All I can remember that is in it are cheeseburgers and hashbrowns, but it sounded quite special . A woman leaving as we came in recommended it to us, though we did not experience this special. You can also played lotto but this is one more aspect that we failed to experience fully.

Diner Score- 8
(Revised scoring system)
· Stools that spin
· Counter to eat at
· Claims of specialties on the menu or the wall
· Tables or countertop has boomerang-like 50’s pattern or formica
· Small jukeboxes on the tables or counter
· Breakfast anytime
· Neon clock or the sign outside has neon lights on it
· Seat Yourself
· No one gives you a menu
· It is in a diner car
· You can eat in your car

The Diner Grill is FABULOUS!

2006-07-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

This past week was filled with fabulous diner experiences! We visited Superdawg to celebrate Mark's birthday. While this does not adhere as closely to the diner project format it is definitely worth posting about.

Superdawg is a drive in and located at Milwaukee Ave. at Devon and Nagle in Chicago. From the hotdogs on top of the building to the graphic design on everything this is one of the top diners out there.

I had grilled cheese, a chocolate shake, fries, and onion petals- all were delicious! The guys had hotdogs. Superdawg's slogan is "HIYA! From the bottom of my pure beef heart Thanks for Stopping"

We made fun video that notes when each of the hotdogs blinks, so that's one of the projects made on this outing. Mark's paper moustache is also another.

If you take photos people ask if you are from out of town. They seemed disappointed almost when we said we were from the city. One helpful diner gave me some photo advice which resulted in the cynatope photo.

Wonderful souviners such as t-shirts, keychains, postcards and other wonderful things are also available for purchase.

Diner project score: 4 (However, it seems this system might need to be adjusted to accomodate drive-ins).
· Claims of specialties on the menu or the wall
· Neon clock or the sign outside has neon lights on it
· Seat Yourself
· No one gives you a menu

2006-06-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

One day I realized how much I love diners. Perhaps its the people, perhaps its the atmosphere, perhaps its the grilled cheese. That being said it seemed like it would be a good idea to create a project around diners, thus The Diner Project was born.

Visit and diner and do something, anything while you're there to record the experience. You could draw something you see, take some photos (especially one of the outside of the diner), write down overheard conversation or something you heard while there, as my friend Kristin says, the limits are endless!

The first question to figure out however is, what is a diner? My friend Mark and I came up with the following criteria.

Diners- How to know if you are in one and how good it is according to the diner scoring system- 1 point for each
· Stools that spin
· Counter to eat at
· Claims of specialties on the menu or the wall
· Tables or countertop has boomerang-like 50’s pattern
· Breakfast anytime
· Neon clock or the sign outside has neon lights on it
· Seat Yourself
· No one gives you a menu
· It is in a diner car

This blog will document my diner experiences as well as ask you to walk into a diner and DO something and send it my way.