August 2013 – just got word that the Elgin Diner, that had her grand re-opening just 3 short years ago, is closed again and will most likely be demolished to make way for a dollar store. Mod Betty is crushed. Absolutely crushed 🙁
I wasn’t about to let the fact that it was awful lighting for taking pictures stop me from doing my best to publicize the grand re-opening of the Elgin Diner in Camden NJ. This diner is too pretty to not share, backlighting or not!
We were in the neighborhood getting one of the Retro Roadcars prepped for our trip to Lake George, and this was a perfect excuse to check out the newly re-opened Elgin Diner. This wonderfully preserved 1958 Kullman diner, named after a watch, had been closed since 2007 but just within the past few weeks has reopened under new ownership.
I loved the vintage terrazzo floor, marble, woodgrain and sparkle formica and wavy glass table separators. But what I would love best is to see this diner filled up with customers – c’mon gang!
We almost had the place to ourselves at this odd afternoon hour, and I delighted in taking a few snapshots of the wonderfully clean vintage interior. Our waitresses were pleased and amused that us “out of towners” were so excited about the diner re-opening and kept our drinks and breadbasket full.
(study in beige!)
Our meals were large, plentiful and affordable – WAY more food than I could eat, even though I got what I termed the “old person special” portion of chicken croquettes. This came with mashed potatoes, a vegetable, soup or salad, dessert AND tea if I wanted it. I love the fact that I was asked if I wanted a bag to take home our rolls, since I knew they were just going to throw them away anyways. Nice touch!
Open 7 days a week from 6am -10pm, we’ll be swinging by the Elgin more! Since the Retro Roadmobile has hit 250,000 miles I think we might be visiting our mechanic more than usual. Here’s a photo of the beautiful red running through the stainless steel, this place must look gorgeous at breakfast time- why don’t you visit and snap a photo for me 🙂
Update 4/2012 – found this neat video of the cruise nights that used to take place at the diner – what fun!
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