Greasy spoon facts for kids
A greasy spoon is a type of small, affordable restaurant. These places often specialize in serving fried foods. The name "greasy spoon" has been used in the United States since the 1920s to describe diners and coffee shops. Today, people in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland also use this term for their local cafes.
The Oxford English Dictionary says the term "greasy spoon" started in the United States. It is now used in many English-speaking countries. The earliest time this phrase appeared in print was in 1906. It was used to describe a restaurant in Paris that the writer Robert Louis Stevenson visited in 1874. People called it "The Greasy Spoon" because it was a simple, busy eating-house. The idea of calling a cheap restaurant a "dirty spoon" goes back even further, to 1848, for a place in Rome.
What's on the Menu?
Many greasy spoon diners in America and Canada focus on fried or grilled meals. You might find dishes like Salisbury steak, fish and chips, or deep fried chicken. Other popular items include sausages, bacon, waffles, and pancakes. They also serve Spam, fried or scrambled eggs, and omelettes.
Sandwiches are also a big hit at these places. You can often get hamburgers, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, and deli meats. These meals often come with sides like baked beans, hash browns, toast, french fries, onion rings, or coleslaw. You can usually find soups and chili con carne too. Some places even offer special local dishes. Since the 1970s, many Greek immigrants have opened these types of restaurants.
For drinks, coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks are common choices. For dessert or a snack, you might enjoy pie, savouries, or ice cream.
Special Meals and Locations
An American greasy spoon or diner might offer a full meal for a special price. This is sometimes called a "blue-plate special." In Britain or Ireland, a cafe will often serve a "full cooked breakfast" all day long. This is a popular and filling meal.
Many greasy spoon diners are found along main roads. They serve people who are driving by, especially truck (lorry) drivers. In Britain, these roadside diners are known as transport cafes.
See Also
- Bar mleczny
- Cha chaan teng, a Hong Kong-style greasy spoon
- Coney Island (restaurant)
- Dhaba, an Indian diner
- List of diners
- Lunch counter
- Mamak stall
- Meat and three
- Public house
