As you drive through many U.S. towns, you will find replicas of the 1950s style diner. These diners are easy to recognize, with black and white exterior paint and huge neon signs advertising different food and drinks. Diners were the hot place to eat and meet in the middle 1950s, but toward the end of the decade when McDonald's and other fast-food chains appeared, they slowly disappeared.
The Fountain
Most 1950s diners had long counters, known as soda fountains, where you could drop in for a meal or drink. You could hear the whirring noise of machines mixing malts and milkshakes as you entered the restaurant. Surrounding the soda fountain were spinning chrome stools, covered in plastic, with or without backs. Many of these stools adjusted up and down. Counter-tops were different colors of Formica, and the sides were often made of glass blocks. The style of the diner counters were influenced by railroad dining cards during the 1950s.
Floors and Walls
Diner floors were generally covered with linoleum, in either black and white squares or a multi-color design. Walls were covered with posters of current movie stars and music heart throbs, leaving very little bare space on the walls. TIn signs provided by advertisers fit in between spaces on the wall. The kitchens were generally open for customers to view, with backsplashes of stainless steel.
Booths and Furniture
Booths found in most 1950s diners were covered in bright red naugahyde with tall, curved backs. Adorning each table were stainless steel napkin holders, sugar dispensers and ketchup squeeze bottles. Many of the diners included small jukeboxes installed in each table. Against the back wall of the diner, you might find one large jukebox. Tables were either small and round to serve two, or oblong, serving up to six or eight people. The chairs were covered in bright colored naugahyde -- both the seat and the back.
Diner Menu
The diner menu was covered in plastic. Pictures of menu items were in color, which is still popular today in many coffee shops.
Hamburgers and hot dogs ranked in first place on diner menus. Curlicue french-fries were a treat found on the menu. Pot roast, meatloaf, chicken-fried steak and fried chicken were a staple. Healthy or vegetarian choices were not found on menus. Milkshake flavors were mostly vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Coca-Cola and phosphates were the drinks of choice -- no diet cokes. Coffee was served in thick white mugs. Tempting doughnuts were encased in a large covered cake dish on the counter.
Related posts
Red-and-chrome barstools can create a 1950s diner vibe in any setting.If you enjoy all things retro, especially from the 1950s era, a '50s diner-themed kitchen may be ideal for you. Enhancing your...
Retro style phones go well in a 1950s style home.A 1950s style bedroom is truly reminiscent of a time that holds precious memories to many people. This was a era when classic rock bands, diners an...
Neon signs can be used to recreate a '50s style diner.You may want to build your own '50s style diner booth to brighten your kitchen or game room, or you may be planning to give your cafe or resta...
Recreate the feel of a diner jukebox with the 1950s playlist on your music player.A 1950s diner theme for a dinner party may seem like an informal approach. However, you can have a sophisticated m...
Plan the perfect '50s theme party for your friends and family.Step back into time with a '50s drive-in diner birthday party. A '50s party is perfect for adults or children of all ages. From drive-...
