Diners lie smack dab in the center of the American heart. They’re a symbol of comfort and familiarity for our whole country—and Chicago, as the metropolis of the midwest, has been the location for plenty of them in the past century. In fact, our old-school, hard-working, down-to-earth city is a treasure trove of the diner tradition.
A super-short history of diners
Did you know that the term “diner” comes from “diner car”? These cheap eateries originated on trains, where their narrow, efficient design and basic food gave travelers and workers the energy they needed to traverse the states. The casual 24-hour service was a hit, and many small owner-operators opened up stationary iterations of these simple restaurants along roadways. Thus the diner was born. This trend grew, flourished, and was beloved by everyone: no matter whether on-the-go or ready to unwind.
The coffee overfloweth
If you close your eyes, it’s likely you can form a pretty clear picture of a stereotypical diner. Hamburgers, fries, malts that can’t fit into one glass, cherry pie. A somewhat elderly waitress in a dress who may or may not be constantly smoking a cigarette. Red vinyl booths and spinning stools at the counter. You might even have images from classic films and paintings pop into your head—the diner is an irrefutable fixture of American pop culture. The heyday of diners was the midcentury era in our country, a time when deep, lasting impressions furrowed deep into the American cultural milieu.
Famous Chicago spots
Starting in the 30’s with places like Diner Grill and continuing through the 40’s, 50’s, and into the 60’s, there’s been no shortage of classic diner spots in the Windy City. Take the Ohio House Coffee Shop, for instance. This legend closed recently in 2013, ending the 77-year reign of its $5.75 special, consisting of two eggs, two pancakes, two strips of bacon and two sausage patties. Black-owned Moon’s Sandwich Shop by the United Center has been in operation since 1933. And of course, there’s us! At Ed Debevic’s, you’re served diner classics with a side of sass… and possibly a dance number on the soda counter.