Comments on: This place is an institution!

Question: This place is an institution!

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 06:52:31 -0800

I like eating at classic, old-timey, been-there-forever and still as good as back-in-the-day, "this place is an institution" -type eateries. Point me to some new ones...

I'm looking really for old establishments, pre-war if possible but older than me at least (I'm 34). These can be dives or dumps. Examples:

- When I lived in NYC I liked going to Katz's Delicatessen.
- In Fort Worth, I liked going to Clown Burger.
- In Westchester, there was Walter's hot dog stand.
- DC has Ben's Bowl.
- I'm in Boston now and there are many: Pleasant Cafe, Union Oyster House, Woodman's up in Essex, etc.

What are some others where you live or grew up?

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 06:53:52 -0800

PS: If you know of any Shakey's that still make pizza the way they did in the 1970's, or any A&W's that still make root beer on site, I'd be obliged if you'd point me to them as well.

By: OldReliable

OldReliable — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:02:36 -0800

Santarpio's in East Boston. Head through the sumner and get off before you get into the airport. Its right at the end of the onramp. Get the sausage, then get pizza.

I would reccomend more, but quite frankly, its only so long before your cherished tasty institution becomes a loathesome tourist trap, EG: Union Oyster House.

By: MasonDixon

MasonDixon — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:05:22 -0800

As a Bostonian you probably know of these, but my first thoughts were of the original Pizzeria Regina in the North End and the old Kelley's Roast Beef at Revere Beach.

Not sure how old it is, but Red's Eats in Maine is certainly an "institution."

By: craven_morhead

craven_morhead — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:05:25 -0800

Mickey's Diner in St. Paul. Still amazing diner food, cheap, and made before your eyes.

Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown (minneapolis). Only open for breakfast, still a line out the door every day, but the interesting bit is that the line is full of locals. Best pancakes in the world.

By: MasonDixon

MasonDixon — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:06:31 -0800

I also second Santarpio's. My favorite pizza in Boston.

By: Clay201

Clay201 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:07:35 -0800

Well... not sure how far you're willing to travel, but you could check out Chris's chili dogs here in Montgomery, AL. You said dives and dumps were okay... but when you see the inside of this place, you might change your mind. Of course, once you have one of their chili dogs, you'll change it back.

By: Faint of Butt

Faint of Butt — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:08:01 -0800

Here in Baltimore, one of my favorite culinary journeys into the past is Benny Der's Golden Dragon Inn. Fifty years ago, Americans thought Chinese food was something crazy and exotic, and the whole restaurant reflects it.

By: Mister_A

Mister_A — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:09:29 -0800

Well, I can recommend a few in Philly. The Melrose Diner jumps immediately to mind (around 15th St. and Snyder Ave. in South Philly). And for seafood, go to Bookbinder's at 2nd and Walnut. Personally, I dig the vibe at Sansom Street Oyster House better, but I don't know if it's old enough for you (been around since 1947 according to their site). Cheesesteaks are one of the things we're known for, so check out Pat's Steaks and Geno's steaks at 9th and Passyunk/Wharton.

And finally, there's Nick's Roast Beef, 2nd St. between Market and Chestnut. This is kind of a rocker's landmark if you know what I mean - they used to do shows there in its heyday, but you can still get a good sandwich.

By: brujita

brujita — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:10:01 -0800

Musso and Frank in LA.

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:11:11 -0800

Thanks, MasonDixon. I love Pizzeria Regina and Kelly's. Been meaning to visit the original Revere location for years now. Maybe this summer.

By: AwkwardPause

AwkwardPause — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:13:57 -0800

I recently read an article on the Agawam Diner in Rowley, MA -- and if it is to be believed (I have not yet gone, but will definitely be going) it sounds like it fits the bill completely. Maybe other posters can weigh in with personal experience from it?

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:21:17 -0800

Here are some more examples of what I'm talking about:

- Ft. Worth's Old South Pancake House
- B & H Dairy in NYC
- Peter Luger's in NYC (not a dive, but...)
- NYC Pizzerias: Patsy's, V&T, John's, Grimaldi's, Joe's
- El Fenix in Dallas (the original)

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:22:27 -0800

Thanks, AwkwardPause. I dig the Agawam. MasonDixon take note: they serve a pretty okay chicken fried steak there.

By: otio

otio — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:23:30 -0800

Hot dogs in New England: Simco's in Mattapan and Roslindale; Lawton's in Lawrence; Olneyville New York System right outside of Providence (known there as hot wieners, of course).

Hot roast beef sandwiches: Kelly's in Revere Beach is the original, but I prefer Harrison's in North Andover.

Diners:Agawam Diner in Rowley and Pilgrim Diner in Salem are my favorites.

Subs: Goglia's in Bristol, RI has the best Italian subs in the world.

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:23:36 -0800

Also, the Agawam Diner is indeed worth the trip.

By: Green Eyed Monster

Green Eyed Monster — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:25:01 -0800

St. Louis

By: clavicle

clavicle — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:25:29 -0800

If you're ever in Ann Arbor, there's the Fleetwood Diner. Since you've been to DC, maybe you already know about Tastee 29 in Fairfax? But actually my first inclination was to point you toward Roadfood. I hear Jane and Michael Stern on NPR all the time and they usually make me hungry.

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:25:38 -0800

otio, thanks for Simco's. I live in Rozzie so I'll definitely check it out!

By: chuma

chuma — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:27:36 -0800

The Senator Diner in Toronto is not only an institution, but is actually the oldest restaurant in the city. Their burgers do not disappoint and they smoke their own salmon to perfection.

By: mjbraun

mjbraun — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:28:06 -0800

Chicago: Manny's Deli and Valois Cafeteria ("See Your Food!").

New York: Sammy's Roumanian.

By: Mister_A

Mister_A — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:31:05 -0800

Oh lord, how did I forget these?

Ralph's Italian Restaurant on 9th Street near the Italian market is a pretty standard red sauce kind of place, but it's worth the trip.

Dante and Luigi's, 10th and Catharine, has better food than Ralph's and was the scene of the infamous attempted hit on Nicky Scarfo, Jr.

By: Smart Dalek

Smart Dalek — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:35:48 -0800

The Poughkeepsie Diner, Acropolis and New Paltz' College Diner. (scroll down)

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:36:19 -0800

Anyone on here ever been to the Flash Inn in Manhattan? I'd like to eat there next time I'm in NYC.

By: Smart Dalek

Smart Dalek — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:42:57 -0800

Poughkeepsie also has the "lost Aztec temple", aka Alex's Restaurant. The outer facade and sidewalk have a deco-themed mashup of ancient South American style, you'd have to squint up in the sun or stare directly at the ground to notice. As Alex's is on a busy intersection, most folks are usually too busy staring at eye level to notice the intricate detail, which, from a distance, resembles ordinary cement and stucco.

By: Malor

Malor — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:42:58 -0800

The Varsity, in Athens and Atlanta, Georgia. It's a local institution. The burgers are small and not that great, but I like the shakes quite a bit, and the deep fried apple pie is something every human should try once.

By: bondcliff

bondcliff — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:45:52 -0800

Casey's Diner in Natick, MA.

Built in 1922, it's in the National Register of Historic Places.

By: orangemiles

orangemiles — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:47:14 -0800

Cristaldi's Pizza just over the Mass/NH line on 286, about 100 yards from 1A. Just fantastic.

Chicago - Ed Debevics been around for ever, making it a Chicago institution of sorts. Kind of touristy, in my opinion.

Baltimore - Cafe Hon is in the heart of Hampden. Must see.

Love this question-- I'll be thinking all day.

By: lisawin

lisawin — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:54:17 -0800

Shady Glen, in Manchester, Connecticut. There are two - one in a parkade, another is a standalone (also the one where they make the ice cream), and they're known for this cheeseburger (it's amazing).

(Fun fact: the guy who owns it now started out there in his early teens sweeping the floors.)

By: Amizu

Amizu — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:57:27 -0800

Some diners: Four Sisters Owl Diner in Lowell; Sparta in Bedford; Andros in Belmont. I don't know exactly how old they are, but they're great and it seems they've been around my whole life.

Also, Red Bones in Somerville comes to mind, although it's not as old as you'd like. And Anthony's Pier 4 is certainly a Boston institution. Also fancy but around forever (since 1883) is Locke Ober. I'm not sure how old Giacomo's is, in the North End, but you should definitely check it out, regardless. Expect a long wait, but fresh food and cheap prices. Also, Mike's Pastry in the North End was definitely around when my grandparents were young.

I'll see if I think of any others.

By: Eddie Mars

Eddie Mars — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:58:12 -0800

You probably already know this, but Pinks in LA would qualify.

By: MasonDixon

MasonDixon — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:59:33 -0800

Thought of some more:
The Beacon Drive In in beautiful Spartanburg, SC.
The Clam Box in Ipswich, MA.
Bert's on the Bluff in Birmingham, AL a fantastic, family-run Meat and Three.
The original Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa, AL (although the one in Southside, Birmingham is also a pre "going regional" location).

By: otio

otio — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:01:16 -0800

mds35, while you're over at Simco's check out Baby Nat's Fruitland on the next corner, which has good produce and my favorite sign in Boston. The name is painted on corrugated steel over the front but the roof is slanted making the sign trapezoidal so the letters get smaller and smaller from B to d giving it this foreshortened effect. Hard to describe and I can't find an image online but I'm fascinated by it.

By: craichead

craichead — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:07:34 -0800

I can think of some Chicago-area institutions at which you can indulge your sweet tooth.

Lutz's in Chicago just misses being pre-war, but it's a neat place. There are still lots of old people speaking German. Margie's Candies, which is a sit-down ice cream parlor as well as a candy store, has been around since 1921. Petersen's Ice Cream Parlor in Oak Park has been there since the 1910s and is very cute and old-fashioned.

None of these are dive-y at all. In fact, if you go to Lutz's, you should make an effort to dress reasonably nicely. And both Petersen's and Margie's Candies will be full of families with little kids.

By: kdern

kdern — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:10:18 -0800

Some St. Louis options:

Racannelli's Pizza
Carl's Drive In
Blueberry Hill
City Diner
Olivette Diner
Fast Eddie's Bon Air (nearby in IL)

By the way - Holly Eats has LOTS of great spots!

Also have to add my favorite Chicago hot dog: the Weiner's Circle.

By: mullacc

mullacc — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:22:12 -0800

Durant's is a Phoenix institution. It's an old school lounge and steakhouse near downtown. It has only been around since 1950, but that's saying something in this town.

By: paleography

paleography — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:22:21 -0800

Two other must-orders at the Varsity in Atlanta: a Frosty Orange and peach ice cream. Maybe not together, though.

In San Antonio: Casbeers for burgers and enchiladas. Schilo's downtown is an old German deli with delicious root beer that they brew themselves. Niki's Tokyo Inn has fresh, classic sushi and an interior that looks like 1965 (always with fresh flowers, though). And you can pretty much bet that any dive-ey looking corner taco place is a tasty neighborhood institution.

By: Kadin2048

Kadin2048 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:23:51 -0800

I can second Shady Glen in CT. The main location is the one in Manchester (840 Middle Tpke E, Manchester, CT 06040), and then they have a newer location in a strip mall over in East Hartford, if memory serves. Best chocolate malts I've ever had. Not much in the way of entrees if you don't like burgers, though; don't bother bringing your vegan friends, unless they're satisfied with just eating fries (although they are good fries).

Up in Ogunquit, ME, there is a place called Billy's Chowder House, where my family has been eating for at least 35 years. It started off as a real shack and unfortunately has become more touristified (along with the rest of Ogunquit/Wells), but the food is still good. It's a great place to go in the offseason, but stay away when the tourists are there (in fact, avoid that whole region).

In New Haven, CT, there are a number of fabulous wood and coal-fired pizza places in the old Little Italy section. Two of the oldest and most notable are Frank Pepe's and Sally's Apizza ("Pepe's" and "Sally's"). Both reviewed here. These get most of the press, but my favorite is Modern Apizza, which despite the name, got started in 1934. All of them specialize in thin-crust, quick-fired pizzas, where the large is usually the size of a full restaurant sheet pan. Come hungry.

By: limeswirltart

limeswirltart — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:25:40 -0800

In Milwaukee, Wisc.:

Goldmann's Department Store, which opened in 1896 and looks like it stopped remodeling in the '40s or '50s, has a lunch counter.

By: notsnot

notsnot — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:36:24 -0800

What's currently called Tiffany's, in Maplewood, MO, was Morgan's, and a few other names, but has the same people working htere for 40 years. Unfortunately, Rosie recently passed away...

By: hydrophonic

hydrophonic — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:38:27 -0800

Seconding Margie's Candies in Chicago. The Beatles ate there, look for the photo.

More in Chicago: Superdawg.

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:38:54 -0800

Great stuff, folks! Keep'em coming!

By: pardonyou?

pardonyou? — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:47:04 -0800

Roma Cafe in Detroit.

By: amyms

amyms — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:48:35 -0800

The Cozy Inn in Salina, Kansas. A tiny little diner that opened in 1922 and has been in the same location, with the same menu, since then.

By: GalaxieFiveHundred

GalaxieFiveHundred — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:01:08 -0800

The Majestic Diner, which opened in 1929, is another Atlanta landmark. It's a popular late night spot around here.

By: Mr. Gunn

Mr. Gunn — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:04:20 -0800

I wrote a long post about some of the New Orleans ones here, but I neglected to mention Frankie & Johnnie's, The Rivershack, The Bluebird, Mama's Tasty Foods, and I'm sure I've missed some still.

By: AwkwardPause

AwkwardPause — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:05:08 -0800

Another institution came to mind (and I do have first experience from this one): If you're ever in San Francisco, Swan Oyster Depot on Polk Street is a must.

By: dobbs

dobbs — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:10:18 -0800

Toronto:

The Senator (2nded)

Greasy Spoons that feel like they've been there all my life and/or are "institutions":

The Good Bite (Yonge, N of Eglinton)
Vesta Lunch (Dupont and Bathurst - open 24 hrs)
The Fry Basket (Yonge, N of Steeles)
the diner counter inside the store just north of (lower) Gerrard at Coxwell. I remember drinking a shake in there when it was a Woolworth counter when I was maybe 4--it's still there just not a Woolworth anymore (and the name is changing again in a month)
Mike's Fish & Chips - Danforth east of Woodbine
The Good Food Diner (aka The Goof because of how the letters burned out) in the Beaches

By: ejaned8

ejaned8 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:35:15 -0800

Chicago ... Tufano's - lemon chicken/italian. Lou Mitchell's, 1923 - diner. Lou Malanti's I want to include, but Lincolnwood opened in relatively recent 1971.

By: Eddie Mars

Eddie Mars — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:41:52 -0800

And the next time you're driving through Nebraska, stop off on exit 145 for Ole's Big Game Bar. Ole opened the place in 1933 after years of travelling the world hunting. It's the only place in Paxton, Nebraska (pop. 614) where you can eat french fries under an elephant's head.

By: hollygoheavy

hollygoheavy — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:42:54 -0800

This is in Toledo, but Rudy's Hot Dogs are hands down the best hot dogs I've ever had. When my kids still visited their dad up there, I had them bring me a dozen home from every trip. The original store was built in 1920 by a Greek immigrant and it's just a plain ol dive with fabulous hot dogs.

By: chococat

chococat — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:00:20 -0800

Schwartz's in Montreal.

By: look busy

look busy — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:01:30 -0800

Betty's Pies in Two Harbors, MN has great (you guessed it) pies. They did move into a new building in "Pie-2K" though.

By: domino

domino — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:01:57 -0800

Eischen's Bar, Okarche, Oklahoma. Oldest bar and best fried chicken in Oklahoma. They have about 6 things on the menu, if you count two variations of nachos. The most famous is the whole fried chickens which comes with sweet and dill pickles, sliced raw onion and white bread. Served on wax paper - no silverware. Eischens serves about 4000 chickens a weekend.

Jigg's BBQ, Clinton, OKlahoma. Great smoked meats. I once saw a tourist take a picture of his sandwich because he was pretty sure noone would believe the size of it. On old route 66. Looks like a backwoods shack, complete with a sign that says "ya'll come sit a spell" and plastic bags full of water hanging on the porch that supposedly keep flies away.

Neither have a website, but shouldn't be hard to find to find info on the internet.

By: 1f2frfbf

1f2frfbf — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:12:37 -0800

La Posta in Mesilla, NM.
Mary Mac's Tea Room in Atlanta, GA

By: ugf

ugf — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:13:01 -0800

In Milwaukee, WI:

Leon's.

It was the inspiration for Arnold's Diner in Happy Day's, how cool is that?

I will post more as I think of them, I like these kind of old long-lived places too.

By: lampoil

lampoil — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:21:56 -0800

Moody's Diner, Waldoboro, Maine. Est. 1927. Get beans and hot dogs, then strawberry shortcake.

By: mattbucher

mattbucher — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:27:41 -0800

In Austin TX: Texas Chili Parlor, Hut's
In Colorado Springs: Conway's Red Top
In Denver: Casa Bonita

By: patricio

patricio — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:28:09 -0800

There's Rules in London - established in 1798 and still going strong (-ish)

By: SBMike

SBMike — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:31:17 -0800

The Corner Bistro in the village is an old favorite.

By: candyland

candyland — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:56:21 -0800

Kansas City: Winstead's

By: Joh

Joh — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:03:48 -0800

Yong's Cafe on Nebraska Ave in Santa Monica. Definitely a bit of a dive, and the food is nothing to get excited about, but it has been here (with the same owners still cooking) since the 1960s. Its super cheap, and quite nice to sit in somewhere that feels so genuinely old and original.

By: DevilsAdvocate

DevilsAdvocate — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:04:07 -0800

Shapiro's Deli, Indianapolis. Been around since 1905. The corned beef is amazing.

By: Dizzy

Dizzy — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:05:42 -0800

*The Pantry and Phillipe's French Dip and The Original Tommy's and Barney's Beanery in LA.
*Papa Charley's deli in Williamstown, Mass. They tore down the old digs but moved much of the interior to the new spot.
*Coney's Hot Dogs in Worcester, Mass. Like stepping in to a Hopper painting.
*Suzy's Lunch in Bristol, Pa. Run by an Asian Mom and Daughter, it had The. Best. Meat-loaf. Ever.

By: birdie birdington

birdie birdington — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:20:47 -0800

I've eaten at Vic's since I was a baby, my mom ate at Vic's in the womb, my grandma and her brother would be sent to Vic's to pick up pizzas for my great grandparents who were busy at their shoe store.

My whole family, grandma on, grew up eating at Mom's Kitchen as well. I can remember the only waitress who ever served us, "Aunt Millie" -- bright orange, hair sprayed within an inch of its life teased up hair, was definitely not an actual aunt, it can't possibly be that she actually smoked while serving us and yet my image of her remains with a cigarette dangling out of her mouth with guest check pad in hand.

By: nnk

nnk — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:53:52 -0800

Did anybody mention Jacob Wirth's? I haven't been there in a long time but have found memories of sitting at the bar drinking Tremont Ale etc.

Also, there's a diner/roadhouse joint? restaurant? out on Rte 2 (or 2A?) near Lexington that serves a mean (and reasonably priced) lobster -- not what you'd expect around there, but the place is (if it's still around) old as dirt with lots of character.

By: stereo

stereo — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:56:34 -0800

Le Procope in the quartier latin of Paris. First opened in 1686. Benjamin Franklin used to hang out there with his macbook, blogging the US constitution.

By: hoppytoad

hoppytoad — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:02:58 -0800

There's a Shakey's Pizza just southeast of DC. I haven't been there since I was a kid, so don't know if they still make their pizza the old way.

Staying southeast of DC, Hovermale's offers yummy soft serve ice cream. Next door is Mac's Sunnybrook which used to just be a liquor store, but expanded years ago to include a deli and restaurant. And a bit farther down the highway is B&J's Carry Out.

By: mr_crash_davis

mr_crash_davis — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:23:37 -0800

Mom's Cafe, Salina, UT.

Burger Bar, Roy, UT.

By: mbrubeck

mbrubeck — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:28:39 -0800

Seattle:

Beth's Cafe - since 1954. Open all night; serves omelettes in 6- and 12-egg sizes. Great hash browns.
Ezell's fried chicken - since 1978, but definitely an institution. The original store is the one on 23rd.

By: jonmc

jonmc — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:32:57 -0800

Lombardi's Pizza, The Odessa, Fedora, Grey's Papaya, and Wo Hop, all in NYC.

By: slenderloris

slenderloris — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:39:11 -0800

By: mach

mach — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:45:48 -0800

The Pork Store in San Francisco (mainly for breakfast)

By: mds35

mds35 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:09:19 -0800

jonmc: Odessa is a good example but I'll never set foot there again. Last time I was there I had to intervene to keep the bartender from getting stomped by a junkie and her pimp. Then I helped him wrestle the dude out the door until the police came. As soon as things calmed down he gives last call -- and charges me for my drink!

By: otio

otio — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:09:29 -0800

nnk, Jacob Wirth's is still going strong, my favorite place for an afternoon pint when I'm downtown. And speaking of divey places with good lobster deals, The Mount Vernon Restaurant in Somerville has the best twin lobster special in the area. Can't be beat for value. "Somerville begins at the Mount Vernon Restaurant."

By: SBMike

SBMike — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:51:54 -0800

Also, they're a bit younger than what you were looking for (1979), but the Grease Trucks at Rutgers University are very much a local institution in the same vein. I recommend the Fat Koko.

And while we're talking central NJ, the White Rose System in Highland Park certainly fits the criteria (founded 1957). The preparation time for your burger will astound you, plus they have the benefit of being open 24 hrs. Of course, classic diners are a dime a dozen in NJ, but this was the one on my particular bit of stomping ground.

By: radioamy

radioamy — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:19:36 -0800

New Orleans: Camellia Grill, Central Grocery (purported birthplace of the muffaletta!). Mile-high ice cream pie at the Pontchartrain Hotel. Foodies.

Not sure if all of these places are still open. Especially Foodies---I think I heard they closed (or moved?) after the storm.

Camellia closed after the storm but was purchased recently and is supposed to be opening again. No telling if it will be the same but I think the new owner knows what an institution it was.

Foodies closed (before the storm?) but I would never have considered it iconic.

I wrote a long post about some of the New Orleans ones here, but I neglected to mention Frankie & Johnnie's, The Rivershack, The Bluebird, Mama's Tasty Foods, and I'm sure I've missed some still.

Oh yes, Bluebird. Ate lunch there today. Amazing. Frankie & Johnnies is also a neat neighborhood place. And of course the giant burgers at Port of Call are positively to die for.

By: toxic

toxic — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:34:06 -0800

In San Francisco: It's Tops.

In Washington, DC: Florida Avenue Grill. (MUCH better than Ben's)

By: HE Amb. T. S. L. DuVal

HE Amb. T. S. L. DuVal — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:49:54 -0800

The Apple Pan in LA and the Florida Avenue Grill in DC. On preview, half of what toxic said. My link is to a different review.

By: HE Amb. T. S. L. DuVal

HE Amb. T. S. L. DuVal — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:00:46 -0800

Sorry, the previous Apple Pan link is garbage. Not my best day.

By: oneirodynia

oneirodynia — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:37:16 -0800

Fior d'Italia, San Francisco is the oldest Italian Restaurant in the country. The Tadich Grill is California's oldest restaurant. I think both are more about the ambiance than the food, which tends to be consistently dull, but not bad.

By: everybody polka

everybody polka — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:02:57 -0800

Also in Los Angeles, Clifton's Cafeteria, and Canter's Deli.

By: meindee

meindee — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:34:28 -0800

Seconding DevilsAdvocate... Shapiro's in Indianapolis.

By: nakedsushi

nakedsushi — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:46:29 -0800

This sounds like a question that you can ask Chowhound. Post it specifically to the NY board and I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions.

By: sacho

sacho — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 12:03:06 -0800

if you find yourself in norfolk, virginia, DOUMAR's is an institution. before i became a veggie, their minced pork sandwiches (with slaw!) were to die for. now it's limeades and hot fudge sunday. sit inside amongst groups of seniors and teens or eat in your car. divine.

By: jarsyl

jarsyl — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 07:26:29 -0800

Here are a couple that came to mind.

S&S Restaurant (1919, delicatessen, Cambridge, MA)
Fat Boy (1955, hamburgers, Brunswick, ME)
La Fiorentina (1950's, Italian pastry, Springfield, MA)
Bart's Ice Cream (1976, ice cream, Amherst, MA)

Great thread by the way.