The ultimate family road trip experience in the 1950s included eating at one of the many shiny aluminum diners they encountered. While it was fun to eat there, diners provided a fun experience for the whole family. They captured a piece of time in American culture. Over a family meal, memories were made and good times enjoyed. Hop in and let’s travel back in time to visit a few of the diners that made history.
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1. Howard Johnson’s
The first HoJo’s diners opened in the mid 1950s and quickly became known for their fried clam strips and ice cream. Their signature orange roofs made them very easy to spot from the highway. Kids would anticipate seeing the orange roof so they could enjoy hot dogs and ice cream sundaes.
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2. Stuckey’s
Another very easily recognizable diner was Stuckey’s. Stuckey’s diners are famous for their pecan log rolls and their teal roofs. They could be found scattered throughout the southern and midwestern states. The combination of food, candy, and quirky souvenirs was always a perfect excuse to stop for a break.
3. Mickey’s Diner
When traveling through the Twin Cities, Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Art Deco railroad car diner is a famous stop. It has been open 24/7 since 1939 and is always welcoming hungry travelers with its shiny stainless steel exterior and eye-catching red neon signs. Families enjoy returning to eat the legendary homemade pie and hashbrowns.
4. Mel’s Drive-In
Mel’s was a classic California drive-in diner featured in the movie American Graffiti. With California girls on roller skates delivering burgers, and the famous neon sign, it was a huge hit with families and teens. They served famous thick milkshakes and the legendary Melburger, which set the West Coast standard.
5. White Castle
While on family trips it was impossible to drive by without noticing the distinctive white castle shaped buildings of White Castle. They served small square hamburgers, known as sliders, and 5 cent burgers making them an affordable quick stop. The unique castle design was loved by kids while parents appreciated the low prices.
6. Toddle House
Starting a road trip at legendary waffles from a diner was a tradition for many families. The diner was located on the highway and there was a familiar sight of twin porcelain enamel buildings. Inside you could find perfectly cooked eggs, hashbrowns, and all breakfast items served 24 hours.
7. Valentine Diner
With a steel and chrome design, diners spread across the highways in the Midwest. Each one was identical and feature a counter, a few booths, and stools. They served blue plate specials which while simple were popular with many families on road trips.
8. Big Boy
The chiming roadside sight of the chubby boy in checkered overalls became famous for the family dining restaurant known for hot fudge ice cream cakes and double decker big boy hamburgers. Kids loved taking photos with the big boy statue located at the front of the restaurant.
9. Jerry’s
Jerry’s restaurants, featuring a striking orange mansard roof and a large letter “J” sign, became a favorite along the southeastern United States. Meals consisting of fried chicken and the company’s own Double-Cola became road trip classics. These spots celebrated family dining.
10. Denny’s
The diners offered under the Danny’s Donuts brand became a success in the 1950s. The combination of their Grand Slam breakfast and all day every day service was unbeatable. It also meant they catered well to families traveling together. Their unique boomerang style architecture and towering yellow signs made them easy to spot along the road.
11. Tastee-Freez
The soft serve ice cream and quite literally ‘cone with eyes’ logo were a familiar sight to families driving down the road. The Tastee Freez restaurants also served chili dogs and hamburgers, making them a perfect dinner stop for families traveling together.
12. Chicken in the Rough
These chicken dinner restaurants used to hold the title for the largest chain in the country. Their signature golden fried chicken was offered with honey and a paper bib that sported a rooster cartoon. Families loved the western decor and rooster logo that stood out on the side of the road.
13. Dog n Suds
With a menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, and root beer floats, Dog n Suds was famous for their root beer served ice cold in glass mugs. The red and white striped buildings and large sign served as a beacon for hungry travelers looking for a meal.
14. Royal Castle
Florida’s Royal Castle was a southern institution. They served small square hamburgers along with birch beer that customers could order in frosted mugs. Customers liked their castle-themed architecture and memorable slogan “Fit for a King.” They were also known for their fresh-baked rolls and round the clock service.
