Fifties Diners Then and Now

Fifties-style diners remain popular today as a nostalgicUnfortunately, this classic dining establishment is
style, but just after the end of World War II, theyslowly disappearing, being replaced by fast food
were actually considered the latest new thing. If youjoints and brick-sided restaurants as the "space age"
remember eating in a diner in the fifties, you probablydesign style used for fifties diners has been
remember sodas served in a classic Coke glass,overtaken by more current styles. According to one
home-cooked style meals, and warm apple pie forstudy, today there are only half as many diners in
dessert. Outside the diner would sit the cars driventhe United States as there were in the 1950s. Those
there by teenage boys on dates and fathers bringingthat still exist may not have their original shiny
the family for a meal, classic 1950s hot rods inchrome exteriors, vinyl bench seats, and Formica
turquoise and chrome. These cars would become socountertops that you remember from diners half a
well-loved that they would even inspire pedal-carcentury ago. Unfortunately, like so many classic
versions for their owners' children. Fifties dinerstouches of the 1950s, the diner is no longer as
incorporated chrome and steel in a "space age"prevalent as it once was, although it is still popular
design, and vinyl seats in turquoise, mint green, andwith fans that remember the diner at the height of
cherry red. Over the jukebox played the hottestits popularity or enjoy its now-retro ambience.
new rock n' roll hits as teenagers sipped onThe atmosphere in a fifties-style diner today is a
milkshakes and families ate hamburgers.throwback to a simpler time; diners from the fifties
The classic diner in the 1950s was actually built in astill operating today are known for their pie and
factory, and then transported to its location incoffee; many still have an old-fashioned jukebox
sections. These midcentury diners were characterizedwhere you can find rock and roll songs from decades
by their counters with tall stools and the boothspast. Today, fifties diners can still be spotted with
where countless teenagers visited on date night.their original styling both inside and out. Come on in
Diners were known for large portions, friendlyfor a traditional meal of coffee, milk shakes, hot food
service, and a comfortable and relaxed environment.and pie. It sure is a treat, whether you're old enough
Fifties-style diners are a uniquely American idea,to remember diners back in the 1950's or just love
although the idea of a diner restaurant actually goesthe retro styling. The diner was a popular hangout
back to the nineteenth century, when they wereduring the 1950s, and today it still holds a nostalgic
designed after railroad cars, albeit without theplace in the hearts of many, just like pedal cars and
chrome and Formica styling of the classic 1950s diner.rock and roll. If you like the retro look, you can even
New materials developed during the World War IIdecorate your home with diner-style booths and
timeframe, like stainless steel, gave the fifties dinerFormica tables with chrome legs.
its unique "modern" appearance.