Germantown, Maryland is home to this interesting relic of the roadside. A great example of programmatic architure, the cider barrel was built in 1923, and sold cider, hence its name and shape. With a new development behind it, here’s how it looks today.
I ate lunch here today.
First things first- look back at the previous post. Do you notice any similarities between the Waffle Shop and Ollies? The unusual horseshoe counter is there, and while it is now standing room with a dining room adjacent, it’s obvious that it once had stools. There’s the same undercounter wire rack. The terrazzo floors are nearly identical, with the same tan floor and salmon foot rest. Both have a primarily glass facade (at least on the counter section). And both have similar tilework. Though the theme is different, the execution is very much the same, and it’s not something you see very much.
Was this originally a Waffle shop?
And for reference- here are two Ollie’s Trolley’s of the trolley sort.
Louisville, KY (c) Spencer Stewart 2005
Former Ollies Trolley in Virginia (c) Spencer Stewart 2007
I swung by the Waffle Shop in downtown DC yesterday, and was sad to see that the building was empty. The business has moved down the block a few doors to the left and is still operating, but no longer from their classic, horseshoe countered former home.
Look at the design of this place- the details.
See the iridescent gold and silver tilework wrapping around the corner of the building? How open the building is with the glass facade and thin, outward canted supports? The terrazzo floor? The repeating horseshoe shape of the counter with a hat/purse rack underneath? How the ceiling slopes towards the back of the building?
Yesterday, I hit up Curtis’ Coney Island Famous Weiners, a hot dog place located at 35 North Liberty Street Cumberland MD. It’s been around since 1918.
The outside. Faded Coke sign. Hand painted lettering.
Dogs in a row
Great signage. Look at the prices as well. You don’t see Cherry Smash or Chocolate Rickeys much; at least not where I live.
A good hot dog is a thing of beauty
Diner Hunter 