Cafe Manhattan, a culinary tribute to the 50s.
Happy Days at Arnold’s Drive In
Whenever I walk into Cafe Manhattan, I have the feeling that Fonzi and Richie might be sitting in the next booth. The Clayton diner, that’s been around since 1989, is a virtual museum of yesteryear, well, at least the fifties. Its jukebox, soda fountain, vinyl-covered seats and walls lined with Coke and Elvis memorabilia take me back to my teen years.
The sounds and menu remind me of the Hi Ho Club near my high school, where kids hung out after a grueling day of study, drinking Cokes and smoking Lucky Strikes.
My mother forbade my going into such a place, possibly because the smoke was so thick you could cut it with a knife, so my memories are few—but vivid.
Even the menu cover reflects the 50s.
When ordering, you can be as bold or as self-controlled as you like. The menu is that extensive. On my recent visit to Cafe Manhattan, I was in a burger mood, so I went with the mushroom burger. “
The Mushroom Burger
My friends split the Italian Meatball sandwich, which they declared “luscious.
When you’re wanting something healthy, but hearty, there’s always the tuna on whole wheat with avocado, tomato and sprouts.
Slurping a shake at the soda fountain is a step back in time
Looking at the friendly cook in the open kitchen, caused me to wonder who the cook was at Arnold’s Drive In. A quick Google search jarred my memory: Al Delvecchio.
For nostalgia buffs and foodies, this place is a blast out of the past. The pleasant service and classic diner fare make for a stroll down memory lane. If you feel like it, go hog wild and indulge in an old-fashion chocolate milk shake.
“Dearie, Do You Remember” (It was a 50’s ditty)
Now earn bonus points if you remember that two, well-respected gentlemen, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson, were our presidential candidates in the 50s and the new Swanson Frozen Dinners were the culinary rage. How times have changed.
Cafe Manhattan, 505 S. Hanley, Clayton. Open: 7 days a week, 11a-10p, because you never know when a wave of nostalgia will sweep over you.
(Updated from original post published: 06-22-2016)
