Quick facts for kids Diners of Allentown, Pennsylvania |
Tom Sawyer Diner, 1962-2002
Moved in 2006, now located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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The city of Allentown, Pennsylvania has been famous for its unique diners since the early 1900s. Back then, many highways were built for trucks and long-distance travelers. Diners popped up along these roads to give hungry people a place to eat and rest.
Allentown was a perfect spot for diners because it sat at the crossing of several big highways, like U.S. Route 22 and US 309. As more cars hit the road in the 1920s and 1930s, Allentown became a popular stop for people traveling to New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Lancaster. Route 22, also known as the "William Penn Highway," brought many travelers right through the city on Tilghman Street. Later, a bypass was built, moving most of the long-distance traffic away from the city center.
What Makes Diners Special?
Diners are different from regular restaurants in a cool way! They were often built in factories as "prefabricated buildings." This means they were made in pieces and then put together quickly on location. Many diners were made from shiny aluminum or stainless steel, giving them a distinctive look.
Because they were built in factories, diners were often less expensive to buy and could be set up fast once a piece of land was ready. Another neat thing about them is that they could even be picked up and moved to a different spot! Large, bright neon signs often advertised these diners along the highways, grabbing the attention of passing drivers.
Inside, diners usually have a long counter where you can sit on stools, plus comfy booths in the dining area. The kitchen is usually behind the counter, with a window where food is passed through. Waitresses serve the customers, and the food is often prepared quickly. Diners are famous for offering breakfast all day, and they're often open 24 hours! Their menus usually have a wide variety of foods, like homemade meatloaf, open-faced sandwiches, gravy, french fries, and chicken. For dessert, you might find delicious pastries and pies. Diners have a relaxed, casual feel, and you can even get food to take out from the counter.
Allentown's Famous Diners
Allentown has been home to many memorable diners over the years. Some are still serving up tasty meals, while others have closed or moved. Here's a look at some of them:
- Charcoal Drive-In (Closed)
- This diner opened in the 1930s as the Park Valley Inn. In the 1950s, it became the Charcoal Drive-In and even offered "car hop" service, where waitresses brought food right to your car! The drive-in part closed around 1968, and the restaurant eventually closed in 2007.
- Chris's Family Restaurant (Opened 1992)
- This diner moved to Allentown from Hamburg, PA. It's a "Swingle manufactured diner," meaning it was built by a specific company known for making diners. It offers 24-hour service, and you can get breakfast anytime!
- City Center Diner (New) (Opened 1960)
- This diner has had many names over the years, including City Star Diner and All American Diner. It was even moved in 1971 to make way for a building expansion! It was renovated in 1993 and reopened as City Center Diner in 2010. It's open 24 hours and serves breakfast all day.
- Center City Diner (Old) (Opened 1953, Closed)
- This diner was built by Kaufman, another famous diner manufacturer. It closed around 1980 and was replaced by a parking garage, which is now the Allentown Transportation Center.
- (New) City View Diner (Opened 1960, rebuilt 1992)
- Originally called City View Diner, it later became a Dempsey's Restaurant. It was remodeled in 1992 and reopened as New City View. You can get breakfast anytime, as it's open 24 hours.
- Dina's Diner (Opened 1940s)
- This is the oldest operating diner in Allentown! It's a "Silk City manufactured diner," known for its classic style. It's been known by other names like Thomas's Diner and Kap's Diner. It offers 24-hour service and all-day breakfast.
- Golden Gate Diner (Opened 1964)
- This is a "Manno manufactured diner." It used to be called Wheeler's Diner before being renamed Golden Gate Diner in 1986. It's open 24 hours and serves breakfast all the time.
- Hamilton Family Restaurant (Opened 1959)
- This "Fodero manufactured diner" is often called the "Ham-Fam" by locals. It started as the Plain & Fancy Diner and has been remodeled and expanded. It's a popular spot, even for local politicians! It's open 24 hours with all-day breakfast.
- Izzy's Family Restaurant (Opened 1955, Closed)
- This "O'Mahony manufactured diner" was once known as Anderson's Diner and then Chris's Family Restaurant. It became Izzy's Family Restaurant in 2004 but closed in 2012.
- Lehigh Valley Diner (Opened 1957)
- This "Silk City manufactured diner" is currently empty and for sale.
- Nicks Diner (Opened 1956)
- This "Silk City manufactured diner" has also had several names, including Thomas's Diner and West End Diner. It was renamed Nicks in 2002 and has been completely remodeled. It's open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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- Peter Pan Diner (Opened 1956, Closed 1989)
- This "Mt. View manufactured diner" had an exciting history! The original diner was destroyed in a gas explosion in 1958 but was quickly replaced. It closed in 1989 and was actually moved all the way to Falmouth, Massachusetts, where it reopened as Betsy's Diner!
- Poodle Skirt Restaurant (Opened 1956, Closed 2001)
- This diner was once known as The Master Chef Diner. In 1997, it was remodeled with a cool 1950s retro style and renamed Poodle Skirt Restaurant. It closed around 2001 and was torn down.
- Queen City Diner (Opened 1970)
- This diner has also been known as Sunnybrook Diner and Parkway Diner. It's open 24 hours and serves breakfast all the time.
- Sabroso Restaurant (Opened 1930s)
- Originally built in the 1930s, this diner was once the Supreme Diner and then Paul's Gyro Restaurant. It was later remodeled to become a Spanish cuisine restaurant.
- Sunrise Diner (Opened 1960)
- This "DeRaffle manufactured diner" was renamed Sunrise Diner in 1989 and has been completely remodeled. It offers 24-hour service and all-day breakfast.
- Tom Sawyer Diner (Opened 1962, Closed)
- This "DeRaffle manufactured diner" closed in 2002. It was supposed to move to Milwaukee, then Cleveland, then Philadelphia, but those plans didn't work out. Finally, in 2006, it was sold and moved to Harrisburg, PA! It was completely renovated and now operates as "Sawyers," a nightclub that also serves grill food and breakfast.
- Top Diner and Cocktail Lounge (Opened 1953)
- This "Silk City manufactured diner" replaced an older diner from the 1940s. It's open 24 hours and serves breakfast all the time.
- Trivet Diner (Opened 1980, Rebuilt 2005)
- The original Trivet Diner opened in 1980. In 2004, it was replaced with a brand new, larger "DeRaffele diner." The old diner was sold and moved to Mount Joy, PA. The new Trivet Diner reopened in 2005 and is one of the newest and largest factory-built diners in Pennsylvania, with a modern, classic look. It's open 24 hours with all-day breakfast.
- West Side Diner (Opened 1947)
- This diner started as Hooks Diner in 1947. It was a classic American diner with a shiny stainless-steel exterior. In 1966, it was sold and greatly expanded into a brick building, becoming Saylor's Restaurant, famous for Pennsylvania Dutch food. The original diner part was bricked over but kept as a dining area. After several ownership changes, it reopened as "West Side Diner" in 2009.
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