Looking for a 50s-Style Diner... (Arlington, Memphis: neighborhoods, pharmacy, live)

[majormadmax]

My wife and I were talking about diners, we used to frequent one in Laurel, Maryland near I lived called the Silver Diner that we loved. Then, last summer we were in Tulsa and found called the 5 & Diner that was very similar.

SAEats has a list of diners; some of which we've been to; but we are looking for a real 50s-style diner (i.e. booths, juke boxes, etc). There are some places that are close, such as the Pig Stand, which SAEats is claiming is closed but if that is true it must have been a recent development as we were just by there a few weeks ago; and we tried DeWese's Tip Top Cafe which was OK but not really what we were looking for. The 410 Diner was about as close as we've seen.

Does anyone know of any other diners in the local area that are a typical 50s-style? Moderator cut: blog site If there are any other suggestions I am all ears!

Cheers! M2

[wCat]

Olmos Pharmacy Diner is good, but very small. Pimento cheese sandwiches are fresh and homemade.

Broadway 410 Diner is great and probably close to what you're looking for. Very broad menu.....

But my fav is the Milam Diner in the Milam Building Downtown. It's a fav with downtown lunch crowds. Go early or a bit late after the rush. They have great grilled cheese sandwiches with dill slices and awesome fries. And of course a chocolate shake if you really want the whole effect. They also have great specials. It's one of those great historical buildings and I don't think the diner has changed much since the building was built. ok....maybe a little.

Although EZ's is now a chain and just has the retro diner look...they do have awesome burgers and shakes (with Blue Bell ice cream.....no fake shakes with dairy "food".) My fav is their rosemary chicken and steamed veggies.

OMgosh....almost forgot 50/50....yes to everything.

SC...I'll have to try LuLu's!

[miche111e]

If you're ever up in the Denver area, they have a local chain called Gunther Toody's. I don't know of anything in SA.

[CelesteDF]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

My wife and I were talking about diners, we used to frequent one in Laurel, Maryland near I lived called the Silver Diner that we loved.

OMG, THE SILVER DINER!!!!! I used to go to the one in Arlington (between Clarendon & Ballston) all the time!!! And occasionally I'd go to the one in Alexandria that actually was in an Airstream-type shell. Oh, so many things I miss about DC that I don't even realize until someone broadsides me with it.

Locally in SA, I'd have to go with the 410 Diner, Tip Top and the Pig Stand on Broadway. Lulu's just isn't the same anymore.

[googie2525]

Laurel Heights Pharmacy at 2602 N. Main Ave...a serious time-warp experience, 100% authentic 50's soda fountain/diner...although NOT a be-bop-a-lula jukebox kinda diner ala Happy Days - it's basically the clone o' Olmos Pharmacy before the B replaced the P. Swinging joint all the same, dig?

[OzzyRules]

Jim's is sort of a diner. Or maybe more of what they used to call a "coffee shop" (pre Starbucks).

[Paka]

The Pig Stand on Broadway has closed??? Please say it isn't so!! I LOVE their pig sandwich and that BBQ sauce that they put on it....OMG that stuff is GOOD!

[majormadmax]

Paka, don't get excited yet, that is unconfirmed information and I believe it to be incorrect. I am hoping someone will verify it soon...

CelesteDF, yeah, there are a few things we miss about the Washington-Baltimore area to not only include the Silver Diner but Red, Hot & Blue as well. The latter has been offset since finding Augies BBQ over by the zoo; but you still can't beat RH&B's pulled pork platter!

wCat, we'll have to try Milam Diner; but the Broadway 50/50 Diner looks like it may also be what we are looking for! Kori Ellis did a wrishort blurb on it during one of her "walkabout" articles. But from their web site, the pics make it look more like a bar than a diner. Is that the case? Either way, we'll definitely check it out soon!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

Cheers! M2

[CelesteDF]

Paka - the Pig Stand is alive and well... at the Broadway location (just past Pearl Brewery) only. As far as I know, all the other locations closed. This one was bought by one of the long-time employees and kept open.

MM - The 50/50 is more of a bar than a diner, although they've tried t give it a 50s feel. I liked it better before they got flooded and had to remodel... it was just a little bit seedier. And could you STOP with the reminders of stuff I miss about DC? Red, hot and blue is unparalleled NC/Southern BBQ... but thanks for the reminder that I've been meaning to stop by Augie's and try it out!

Googie, thanks for the info on Laurel Heights pharmacy... I live close by and will definitely check that out!

[majormadmax]

CelesteDF

Sorry about mentioning RH&B, my mouth just waters at the thought of the place! Memphis BBQ and blues, what an excellent combination! But do get by Augie's, as it is very close to the pulled pork at RH&B and much easier to get to quickly when you get the hunger for it!

Let us know how Laurel Heights Pharmacy goes, it sounds like a cool place as well!

Cheers! M2