Ace Diner- Philadelphia, PA

Posted on by
1

I ran across quite a few diner photos which I haven’t published- I’m going to try to work my way through them over the next couple of months.

I visited the Ace in 2006 with my father and Randy Garbin, of Roadside fame.
The diner is an extensively remodeled Silk City. One listing I have for it says it was built c. 1938, the other that it is from the ’40s.
Though it was remodeled extensively, which outwardly conceals its true nature, inside it is all diner.

The fresh baked bread at the Ace would alone be worth the stop.

Photobucket

A picture, courtesy of Brian Butko, of the diner before it was remodeled. Please visit his website and his blog, Lincoln Highway News.

Little Tavern models

Posted on by
Reply

I built these for my ARCH 2000 “visual thinking” class.

I ran out of time with the big one, so the gable over the door and the rooftop sign were not added when the pictures were taken.

Small model, from the 1931 design

A quarter for scale

The big one

while still under construction

A rough, medium sized one, which I used to figure out some of the construction of the large one.

Capital City Diner, Washington DC

Posted on by
Reply

I visited the Capital City diner on May 24th, 2009, shortly after it arrived from Avoca New York to the Trinidad neighborhood of NE Washington. Since then I’ve been eagerly awaiting its opening.

Since I am currently at school in Halifax and could not make it myself, my father visited the Capital City diner this morning for breakfast along with a couple of his friends, fellow diner enthusiasts. The new owners, Matt Ashburn and Patrick Carl, have done an incredible job with the place, as you can see from the photos.

From Michael G. Stewart:
The breakfast was pretty good-Tasty & well prepared. The service was a bit spotty, but I guess to be expected this early on. The physical diner is pretty original, no silly updates or “Happy Days” isms. Despite being in a transitional part of town, there was a really good mix of young urban hipsters, some w/ families, professionals, & neighborhood locals. Good vibe, felt safe, fun & comfortable. So far, so good!

From SallyAnn Rogers:
We had a grand time at the Capital City Diner. My waffle was brown and crisp and not a bit mushy. The place is a little cramped, more like hobbit size, but it was filled to the brim and was a very nice experience. You are going to love it.

Red painted trimwork and roof really make the diner pop.

Blue and black


Silk City Diner manufactured by the Patterson Vehicle company of Patterson, NJ. Note that the background of the tag matches the tilework of the diner. I’m not sure if this is original, but it is a very nice touch.

The diner is located at 1050 Bladensburg Rd. NE washington DC
Become a fan of the diner on facebook.

Little Tavern- Washington No. 27

Posted on by
1

This former Little Tavern is located at the corner of 6th and Morse St., NE Washington, DC. It is now a Subway. Despite having lost its distinctive color scheme and signage, the exterior still looks as though it is fairly in tact. Washington #24 appears to have been built c.1948. It stands to reason that No. 27 dates from the late 1940s or early 1950s. I will try to find more documentation regarding the exact date of construction.

For pictures from 1988, taken while it was still operating as a Little Tavern, please click here.

For a in the process list of all Little Tavern locations, click here.

Little Tavern- Washington no. 12

Posted on by
1

This Little Tavern, the twelfth built in the district, located at 718 H. St, N.E. Washington DC, was built in 1935. My records show it was completed on November 11 of that year. According to building permit 183945, it was designed by Architect G.B. Wenner, and had an estimated cost of construction of $7,500.

The facade has been changed to accommodate floor to ceiling windows. The roof has been painted orange, though the original Little Tavern green is showing through in areas where the more modern paint has flaked off.

The current signage indicates it’s operating as “Super Nails”, though it is not clear if it currently in operation.

For a in the process list of all Little Tavern locations, click here.

Greetings from Washington DC

Posted on by
1

I got some photos today from my dad, who went down on a food and photo safari this morning. All photos are copyright Michael G. Stewart.

Golden Bull – Liquor

Ohio Restaurant

This building will become a trolley station for the new line.



Argonaut

My dad

Uneeda Biscuit

Atlas Theater

S and S shoe repairing

Hen Lung Laundry

Silk City Diner- near Carney’s Point/Deepwater, NJ

Posted on by
3

We saw this one in New Jersey, near Carney’s Point. It’s a Silk City. It’s hard to tell precisely what it is, I don’t recall there being any signage on it. A large porch has been added, as has a handicapped ramp, which in conjunction with the roof addition, obscures the majority of the diner. There’s an open/closed sign in the front door and tables on the porch, so I can only assume its still a restaurant of some sort.

Photobucket

A view from the side. It looks like the roof addition does not actually cover the roof or protect the diner, it’s just for the porch. The diner may have been painted that red color at one point.
Photobucket

A different day, in the pouring rain

Photobucket

Photobucket

Eulla Mae’s Cafe / Fatdog’s Hot Dog Bistro

Posted on by
1

The old Kullman at Adams Antique Mall in PA was moved to Washington DC in 2005/06 and never opened. It was later demolished.

Photos in Pennsylvania.
Photobucket

Photobucket

Trademark


It appears there is now nothing left.

According to their now non-existent website:

Opening Summer 2006

Fat Dog’s Hot Dog Bistro sells premium hot dogs with a variety of classic and creative toppings.
From our vintage bistro to our customer inspired menu, we are all about quality and excellence. At Fat Dog’s Hot Dog Bistro, we make good food that’s fast, fresh and fun!
We use only quality ingredients starting with an exceptional dog carefully selected for maximum freshness and flavor. Our dogs are grilled not boiled. Our veggies are fresh, not frozen. And our toppings are made to order. We make our twice-cooked Belgian fries fresh throughout the day. Our goal is simple – to serve the best hot dogs and French fries in Washington, DC.

Location
4903 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE
Telephone: 202-448-2875
Fax: 202-448-1390
Fat Dog Enterprises
2526 Pennsylvania Avenue SE #201
Washington, DC 20020z

Everyone loves a Fat Dog!

Start with one the most popular foods in America and then let imagination be your guide. Have your dog, the way you want it. Try a classic chili-cheese with loaded with diced tomato or branch out and try the “Dog of the Week”. Fat Dogs come in as many flavors as there are Americans. So don’t settle for the ordinary – “Build a Better Dog!”

Fries cooked in 100% Peanut Oil
Hand-cut Fresh Fries (Small, Large)
Chili Fries (Cheese, chopped onion no x-charge)
Shakes
Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry
Cones
Chocolate, Vanilla
Skinny Dog
Grilled beef hot dog
Fat Dogs
“Hot Mama” Chili, Cheddar, Chili, Cheddar (try it with crushed corn chips )
“Big Poppi” – Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Barbecue Baked Beans, Diced Tomato
“Bubba Hog” – Bacon, Sautéed Mushroom, Tomato, Cheddar or American Cheese
“So Fresh” – Cucumber, Pickle, Celery, Onion, Tomato, Red Pepper, Ranch Dressing
“Bam Yankee” – Sauerkraut, Onion Sauce
“Call Me Slaw” – Creamy coleslaw, Onion
Mo Bettah – Skinny Dog Plus Choice of Any Four Toppings
Fry Daddy – Deep Fried Pork/Beef Dog
Veggie Dee-Lite – Sautéed Mushrooms, Sautéed Onions, Roasted Red Pepper, Cucumber, Celery, Sliced Carrot, Tomato, choice of cheese
Extras
No Charge:Onion, Hot Sauce, Ketchup, Brown Mustard, Yellow Mustard, Sweet Hot Mustard
35¢: Sweet Relish, Tomato, Onion, Black Olives, Roasted Red Pepper, Sport Peppers, Jalapenos, Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing, Shredded Carrot, Peanut Sauce
50¢: Bacon, Chili, Sautéed Mushroom, Sautéed Onion, Garlic Mash
Soy Dog Available on Request ( add 50¢)
Sides to Go
$1.29: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Chili, Barbecue Baked Beans
Beverages
Stinking Strong Coffee/Tea….$1.09
Soda ….$1.38
Water ….$1.39
Country Lemonade …$1.50

The Summit Diner- Somerset, PA

Posted on by
13

While we’re on the topic of the Summit Diner, here are some photos, mainly of the interior, from the past six years.

July 2004- more or less as it came from the factory, with 40+ years of wear.
Photobucket

Jan 2007- ceiling beams painted black, some reupholstered stools

2007- original wallpaper on far back wall. Fits with the colonial/western interior theme

2007

Jan 2008- new stools, new counters, formica replaced with diamondplate or quilted stainless, clock covered over with stainless and retro coca cola clock. Doors to kitchen replaced with stainless. Wagon wheel light fixtures replaced with stainless.

Jan 2008 – middle row of booths removed, replaced with retro boomerang formica topped tables. Back wall with original wallpaper painted over black, copies of magazines mentioning diner framed. Formica replaced with diamond plate aluminum or stainless. Woodwork painted black.

December 15, 2009

2009

The History of the Summit Diner of Somerset, PA

Posted on by
8

Review of The History of the Summit Diner of Somerset, PA

Diner fans and those used to driving the Pennsylvania turnpike should enjoy this self-published booklet and labor of love by D.A. Florence, a.k.a. “Diner Dave”.
The 80 page book takes the reader on a trip down memory lane, recounting the history and the personalities behind this 1960 Somerset dining institution. Florence is a true fan of the Summit, and devotes a good deal of space to the folks who made, and still make this diner a pleasure to visit. The book is generously illustrated with archival photos, as well as many from the author’s own collection.
“Diner Dave” also includes a bit of general diner history, as well as local facts related to the Summit’s place in Somerset lore. The book also includes a thorough bibliography that will serve as a good starting reference for those just developing an interest in the joys of roadside dining.
All in all, this is one diner fanciers extended love letter to his favorite establishment. As Florence sums up in a line from a self penned poem at the book’s closing-
“….hold your heads high at the Summit Diner.
As their motto says, “There’s no place finer.”

Photos from a book signing at the Summit, showing the most recent interior renovation.

Review written by Michael G. Stewart, photographer