Lunching at the drug store

I’ve often noticed how the history of some institution or object does not quite mesh with the nostalgic haze that eventually envelopes it. To a significant extent this is true of now-vanished drug store soda fountains, many of which became places for lunches as well as for sweet fountain treats before they vanished.

Independent soda fountains date as far back as the 1810s. Decades later some…

Source: http://twitter.com/BoweryBoys/status/1038078596173242369

Here's to the ladies (and men) who lunch! In the new Bowery Boys podcast, a look at the history of automats, diners and luncheonettes in New York City: https://t.co/GllDGYOPMl pic.twitter.com/Cr7wuHW3Bt

— The Bowery Boys Podcast (@BoweryBoys) September 7, 2018

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What better way to celebrate the release of our new podcast on the history of New York diners, automats and luncheonette than a trip Lexington Candy Shop for a late lunch. PLUS a chocolate shake with real ice cream! #nyc #newyork #diners #uppereastside

Scenes of Madison: Ben’s Place (Image #S17273)

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The Cup & Saucer is at 89 Canal St. at Eldridge Street. (Photo: Jefferson Siegel)

Photographer Jefferson Siegel sends along a photo of one of my favorite New York storefronts, the Cup & Saucer Luncheonette on Canal Street on the Lower East Side.

This storefront gets everything right: The mix of fonts and signage, the Coca-Cola logos, and that name ... so evocative of a time when luncheonettes were a dime a dozen in New York.

Now, the Cup & Saucer, and places like it, are a treasure.