2019: Hinkles has been remodeled and while still open has lost its authentic vintage charm.
2018 Update:
Many of us were rightly saddened to hear that Hinkle’s was closing in the fall of 2017, but I’m happy to report that the new owners are keeping the lunch counter open! I had a chance to visit in April 2018 and despite the temporary dividing wall, the lunch counter was up and running and my grilled shifter sandwich was delish!
2013 Update:
Below is my original piece on Hinkle’s written in 2010 shortly after I started Retro Roadmap. HOWEVER I have an updated version of it that I got to write for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s PreservationNation blog which includes updated photos and a famous sandwich served at their lunch counter!
Click here to read all about it:
[Retro Roadmap] Hinkle’s Pharmacy in Columbia, Pa.: Serving Sodas and Snacks Since 1893 – PreservationNation.org
When in Columbia PA do yourself a favor and check out Hinkle’s Pharmacy and lunch counter on Locust Street – still family owned and operated since 1893. For a more modern looking surprise, drive just past their big blue awning on the corner of Locust S. 3rd and check out their mid century modern mosaic on the side of the building!
OK so you may not need to fill a prescription, but I’m sure there’s something you can find to buy at Hinkle’s!
Need a greeting card? Head to the Thoughtfulness Shop:
How about a box of chocolates? Everybody loves a box of chocolates!
Or something for the man in your life?
( Retro Roadhusband was relieved when I came home with just a can of shaving cream for him!)
Or, if you are feeling hungry, sit down at the counter and have a snack or a meal. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week and specials daily!
They also have all your standard health and beauty items, pain relievers, gifts for every occasion, local brand snacks, toys for the kiddies and a bunch more. No excuse not to check out Hinkle’s!
Gunnar
May 14, 2010 at 5:01 pmThese places are the absolute best. You can always get a good grilled cheese at a drug store lunch counter. And rum next to The Dry Look? Sounds like trouble: friends don’t let friends style drunk.
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
May 14, 2010 at 9:50 pmI wish I had a couple of stomachs to come with me on these Retro Roadmap adventures, as I still was plenty full from the Neptune Diner AND had already passed up the Prospect Diner. Next time I’ll be sitting at the counter for sure!
rick
May 14, 2010 at 9:21 pmAmazing mosaic!
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
May 14, 2010 at 9:49 pmI know, isn’t it? Crazy thing is I almost missed it by parking in their parking lot. Now I know to “case the joint” looking for bonuses like this!
wendyvee
May 22, 2010 at 11:53 amI’ve driven by Columbia on the highway a zillion times but rarely been through the actual town.
I love how this is so “retro” yet it’s still just an average working business. I totally have to go try their lunch counter!
I’ve been meaning to visit the Clock & Watch Museum in Columbia anyway … now I can just pair the two 🙂
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
May 22, 2010 at 12:20 pmI want to go to the Clock and Watch museum as well, and think Retro Roadhusband will enjoy the visit – good excuse to get lunch at the lunch counter at Hinkles – there’s also a pretty large antiques’ co-op across the street from Hinkle’s and a few neat downtown signs as well. Worth the visit for sure!
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