Some ’50s style diners try to create an authentic mid-century vibe right down to the corned beef hash, but ‘Melanie Pringles‘ is a totally unique ’80s take on the classic diner experience. Many details of this restaurant are automobile inspired, like the Cadillac style font on the sign, the ice-cream truck the kids desert is served in, and the textured aluminum on the booths reminiscent of a vintage car dashboard. In fact, the restaurant is only 6 km from the historic GM Assembly Plant.
Established 38 years ago, ‘Melanie Pringles‘ doesn’t pretend to be an original ’50s diner. The restaurant is mid-century style as seen through a 1987 perspective. Architectural glass blocks, chrome trim and aquamarine turquoise colours are the ultimate in late 80’s cool. Combined with a vintage pinball machine a jukebox and half a ’57 Chevy on the wall, the look is retro and modern at the same time… if it was still the ’80s.
Like the Cafe ’80s in ‘Back to the Future Part II‘ the vibe of ‘Melanie Pringles‘ is a mash-up of period correct items like a Seeburg juke box, next to a reproduction Grundig radio in turquoise. Plenty of neon lights and an illuminated Shell gas station sign give the place a warm glow.
What makes ‘Melanie Pringles‘ unique is that it’s not your average bacon-and-eggs breakfast diner; in fact, the doors don’t open until 11:00 am. Steaks, ribs, pasta, fajitas and deluxe poutines make this a lunch or dinner spot disguised as a ’50s style diner. For those who love the aesthetic, but are looking for a late-night spot, this is the place. Apparently ‘Melanie Pringles‘ has been popular with high school kids in the area as an after-school hang-out for years.
A nice touch at ‘Melanie Pringles‘ is the strong focus on music. Each table has a mini-jukebox filled with classics, and there’s music from the golden age of rock and roll playing throughout the restaurant. Plus there’s some totally creative vinyl album artwork on the walls that stands out, as it’s beyond the usual portraits of Marilyn Monroe.
A couple weeks ago, the Tesla Diner opened in California and the owner has been getting credit for inventing things that already exist. One review praised Tesla for playing sound from its drive-in screens through an app, instead of loudspeakers. This has been standard practice at drive-in movie theatres since the ’70s!
While ‘Melanie Pringles‘ probably doesn’t get the credit, it seems to have invented a whole new niche in ’50s style diners. A family-friendly restaurant that hasn’t changed its style in four decades, because it is unique and original. No idea if they’re planning on installing EV chargers in the parking lot.
Totally retro! Nice.
Yup. I love 50s style diners, but the family is sick of them. This place didn’t even serve diner food, so it was a proper middle ground.
I rarely eat out, but I like to see the old-style diners. If your family is rebelling against retro-style dining, what kind of dining would they prefer?
Some of them mention avocado toast, some talk steak, others mention a place that actually has fruits and vegetables on the menu. Poor misguided souls.
¡Guacamole sí! Avocado toast, no! Steak? OK! Too many fruits and vegetables hanging out in restaurants as it is.
Ha!