Abi’s Diner – Soi Sukhumvit 38, Thong Lor, Bangkok
A picture of Mr. Abi’s Diner in 1994 (187 metres down the soi on the left, where the baby-blue shophouse used to stand under a flickering pink neon sign that read อาบี้ไดเนอร์ and, underneath, “American Food & Stuff”.) The place is gone now. The sign came down in April 2021, the griddle was sold for […]
A Retrospective Review of La La’s Diner: Steubenville’s Gem
Exterior of LaLa’s Diner A Retrospective Review of La La’s Diner: Steubenville’s Forgotten Roadside Gem Nestled along the quiet stretch of Sinclair Avenue in Steubenville, Ohio, La La’s Diner once stood as a quintessential slice of Americana—a modest eatery that embodied the charm and simplicity of small-town dining. Though now permanently shuttered, its legacy lingers […]
Come Again Diner: A Little Neon Beacon That Keeps Route 66 Weird
The Come Again Diner, Seligman, AZ If you blink on the long, empty stretch of Arizona Route 66 between Seligman and Kingman, you’ll miss it. But if you don’t blink (if you’re tired, hungry, and half-convinced the desert is playing tricks on you), you’ll see a low-slung building the color of a 1959 Cadillac tail-fin, […]
Hoboken’s Clam Broth House: A Century of Clams and Culture
In the shadow of Manhattan’s glittering skyline, across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey, stands a tale etched in sawdust, steamers, and the salty tang of the sea. The Clam Broth House, a ramshackle beacon of blue-collar revelry, wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a living monument to the city’s industrial soul. For over a […]
Packard’s: The Heartbeat of Hackensack – A Century of Shopping
1958 Packard’s If you grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, the name “Packard’s” likely stirs a whirlwind of scents—freshly baked bread mingling with the earthy tang of sawdust on wooden floors—and sounds, from the chatter of bargain hunters to the clink of shopping carts. For nearly six decades, Packard-Bamberger & Co., affectionately known as […]
Route 66 Alive and Well: My Enchanting Stay at The Monterey Motel
Monterray Motel Rt. 66 Neon Sign At Dusk Nestled along the legendary stretch of Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Monterey Motel is a beacon for the modern wanderer seeking more than just a bed for the night—it’s a portal to adventure, history, and heartfelt connections. From the moment I pulled up to this […]
Exploring the Legacy of Classic American Diners
A Nostalgic Window into America’s Past Step into a world where retro charm meets cultural heritage. The allure of classic American diners lies not only in their mouthwatering menus but also in the stories etched into every booth and counter. These iconic establishments have served as community hubs, witnessing decades of change while holding tight […]
Mary Ann’s Mexican Restaurant: From Chelsea to Port Chester
In the vibrant tapestry of New York’s culinary landscape, few establishments captured the essence of unpretentious, flavor-packed Mexican fare quite like Mary Ann’s Mexican Restaurant. Operating under the digital banner of maryannsmexican.com, this beloved chain wove a story of immigrant ambition, neighborhood loyalty, and resilient expansion across the tri-state area. Founded in 1983 by Eddy […]
Angelo Moriondo: The Father of Espresso
Angelo Moriondo (June 6, 1851 – May 31, 1914) was an Italian inventor and entrepreneur best known for patenting the world’s first espresso machine in 1884, revolutionizing coffee brewing by enabling the quick production of rich, pressurized coffee shots. Born into a family of savvy business minds in Turin, Italy, Moriondo’s innovation was born not […]
Ann and Hope: The Rise and Fall of a Retail Pioneer
In the heart of Cumberland, Rhode Island, stands a sprawling brick mill complex that once buzzed with the energy of post-war consumerism. This was the birthplace of Ann and Hope, a discount department store chain that redefined shopping in America. Founded in 1953 by Ukrainian immigrant Martin Chase and his son Irwin, Ann and Hope […]