The Delicious History of the Diner

[Michie]

Tom’s Restaurant, famous from the sitcom ‘Seinfield.’ / Roberto Machado Noa/GettyImages

The history of diners is, in many ways, the history of the United States in the second half of the 20th century. But some would argue that diners actually trace their lineage back through the kafenio, a Greek coffee shop with origins in the Ottoman Empire.

In this episode of Food History, host Justin Dodd explains how diners proliferated throughout the United States, and touches on what they mean to the country’s culture and cuisine.

Diners (then known as lunch wagons) began as mobile food wagons that would come out at night to serve simple meals to workers on the third shift. They were literal wagons—carts pulled by horses. Although street food vendors have existed as long as cities have, most had simple setups and sold only one kind of food—piesand baked potatoes were popular choices—–and they operated during the day.

From those humble beginnings, diners developed into an icon of post-World War II Americana, with a recognizable aesthetic and menus that can rival novellas for length and complexity. But what was so appealing about those vinyl booths and Formica countertops? And how did a mobile cart serving rough-and-tumble workers transform into a destination for family breakfasts?

Continued below.

The Delicious History of the Diner

In this episode of Food History, host Justin Dodd explains how diners proliferated throughout the United States.

www.mentalfloss.com

 

[Shane R]

I feel fortunate to live across the street from an independent diner. I was surprised to see them open Christmas eve. Once my girls got up we went over there for a leisurely breakfast. There's several others around town but this is the one in my neighborhood.

 

[Michie]

America’s classic diners through the decades | lovefood.com

www.lovefood.com

There are more than 30 diners on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit one this summer—just take the National Park Service's advice and call to confirm they're open before you hit the road.

Historic Diners

There are more than 30 diners on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit one this summer—just take the National Park Service's advice and call to confirm they're open before you hit the road.

www.foodnetwork.com