Today’s time-traveling wheels take us back to the mid-century era, when Googie and Modernist influences had transformed roadside restaurants and diners into architectural attractions. It’s a destination we revisit every now and then, but how to avoid it? This was a time of futuristic flourishes and optimism, when clean-lined architecture met colorful, asymmetrical geometric shapes and bold neon signage built to catch the eyes of passing motorists from a distance.
Clearly, these are quintessential mid-century designs, from an era when cars played a central role in everyday life. Take your pick of these architectural time capsules, and park your time machine without a worry: parking was plentiful, and traffic was a whole lot lighter.
Our opening image is at Zinn’s Diner, Thorndale, PA.
Sills Drive-In, Las Vegas, NV.
Holiday House Restaurant, High Springs, FL.
Coker’s Restaurant, Big Spring, TX.
Chastain’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL.
Jolly’s Motel Restaurant, Cave City, KY.
Capri Restaurant and Bar, Minot, ND.
Algemac’s Restaurant, Glendale, CA.
Sauzer’s Waffle Shop, Schererville, IN.
Avalon Cafe, Gallup, NM.
The Parasol Restaurant Coffee Shop, Torrance, CA.
Gabes Restaurant, Owensboro, KY.
Shar-Be Restaurant, Ulmers, SC.
Mr. Lloyd’s Fine Food, Santa Barbara, CA.
How about Roy’s in Amboy, California? My own photo from 2024.
Photograph?
Dunno why it didn’t work. I’ll try again.
Ha! Great image. Looks like the last customer abandoned his car.
I just LOVE the mid century signage & architecture. Thank you for the great posts
The Capri Bar sign and building both still exist, though both have been altered, and the bar itself is now in a different building.
The current Capri Bar is located down the street from the original location – seems like the bar moved there in the early 1970s and has been there ever since. The “Capri” portion of the sign made the move too; here’s what it looks like now:
The original building still exists too, though it’s been extensively modified. Looks better now, in my opinion. At first, I was doubtful that it’s actually the same building, but the dimensions and the angled placement on the lot look similar, the covered side entrance is consistent, and Minot city real estate records show that the building was constructed in 1956, so I think it’s the same place:
Google StreetView link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/b25hynYGETNzzocG8
Used to eat at Algemac’s in Glendale! The facade was saved, it’s now part of an assisted living facility.
I went to the Tiny Naylor’s at La Brea and Sunset Blvd, during the 1980’s when I worked in L.A. Unfortunately torn down in 1985.