Andisheh sends in this pic, which gives a good look at the interior renovations at the Decatur Diner.
(P.S. That starburst on the vinyl sign touts “360 menu items”)
Click to enlarge.
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Good grief. What an awful sign.
Are they serious? They couldn’t even get a nice Neon something? Or a cool font?
Did they just go to the sign store and ask for the cheapest letters?
Sorry….it’s just that bad.
Are you serious…? You’re complaining about the font?
Apparently you have even less to do right now than I do…
There’s no mistaking what to expect in that establishment.
I suppose “EATS” was taken.
the sign just lets me know there’s no bulls–t inside to add to the cost of the menu items; just good eats.
They’re leaving off the serifs and passing on the savings to you!
How about the green awning? Is there no effort to save this endearing historic artifact, a la Smith’s Shoes? C’mon, DM. That awning sure has seen some things…
I think they took the sign savings and put it into faux marble.
Seriously, I know it’s a diner, but this is Decatur. Why not do something in keeping with the area, instead of dropping in a design that would be undistinguished even in the boonies? And why the sign on the side of the building (noticed this last night while waiting for a table at Leons)? The trees almost completely obscure it.
[edited: these sorts of “predictions” are not allowed] That said, I’ve heard pretty good things about Marietta Diner, though that they may be relative to Marietta.
“If the signage and interior design in anyway reflect the food quality, this place will be gone within months.”
D00d, srsly? That’s a heck of an inference from a low quality pic. And besides, we’re talking about a diner here. Don’t they all have cheesy neon signs? Frankly, I welcome a little cheesy neon to break up the Decatur Chic.
“That’s a heck of an inference from a low quality pic.”
Not based on the pic. I walked around the place last night. The interior looks very cheap.
Thank you! Decatur CHIC is making me SIC! Doesn’t anyone remember the good old days of the Square Table, when you drove through downtown Decatur and missed it if you blinked your eyes? All of a sudden the young’ns get some money, come here in droves and dis the new old diner? I don’t think that’s ok.
C’mon guys, don’t be hatin! While they might not match the ambiance of Leon’s, et al, I get the sense that the idea here is to have a no-frills, ol’ reliable, late night diner. Dining out in Decatur is great, but we are really lacking in the no frills department, so to me, this type of design is a welcome difference. Hopefully its a place where people would feel comfortable and welcome who might not feel comfortable at some of our hipper eateries (and lets face it, everything we’ve got now is pretty darn hip).
I agree with the need for reasonably-priced, “no frills” options. But the opposite of “hip” is not low-rent. Besides, having perused the Marietta Diner menu (assuming Decatur’s will be similar), the prices are not especially reasonable.
Just drove past and thought the same thing about the sign: YUCK!
I really hope this will be a good place. We breed some more moderately priced places to eat downtown.
That interior wall looks like the U. of Tennessee endzone. Which makes it very welcoming and familiar for all, except UT fans.
If you look closely, you can see Ryan Williams scoring another TD.
…and Lane Kiffin bolting out the backdoor.
I hope the meat loaf is not too salty.
Meat Loaf at Marietta Diner is $11.95, one of the least expensive entrees on the menu.
Oh, you said salty,Taxus, not pricey. I was hoping it wouldn’t be too pricey.
i wish the decatur diner folks the best of luck! i hope their food is fantasic diner fare and that they become a welcome decatur institution. happy friday, everyone!!
Sheesh, all these complaints about signs and ambiance. I think going tacky is the right positioning for the diner. Offend the foodies that will complain anyway. A restaurant that will stay open 24 hours a day in downtown Decatur fills a niche. If the food is at or above the standard Waffle House level of quality, it should be a hit with the late night drunks, early morning risers, senior citizens from the surrounding condos and families looking for something kids will eat that doesn’t require a Happy Meal bribe.
All you haters will one day appreciate that sign when you stumble out of BSP at closing time and are jonesing for some diner food. Then you’ll blearily focus on those big bold letters and sigh in drunken contentment.
Seconded!
My friends and I sure coulda used the Decatur Diner last Sunday morning around 4 am. We were up early to watch the sunrise, as is our habit.
Even if the prices aren’t that cheap, it would have been cheaper, quicker, and way more convenient than that cab to Waffle House and back.
24 hour diners are GREAT. I don’t care what it looks like.
I hope that this diner will bring authentic decaturans/atlantans to downtown decatur rather than all the yuppies that have infiltrated our city over the last 10 years. I’m tired of all these insurgeons in my city trying to make it “hip” and “chic” and LAME.
Decatur Diner, we welcome you with open arms. Please don’t disappoint.
Signed,
Pre-2000s Decatur Residents
Ah, that clears things up. One’s authenticity is determined by the year they moved to Decatur.
Aren’t hip and lame opposites?
Whew. Made the cut-off date. That was close. Don’t want to be one of those post-2000 people, comin’ around, investing their money and sweat in the community. What a bunch of wanna-be’s.
Things sure were better when they were worse.
How ’bout all us pre-1990 residents? Can we pick on the “pre-2000″ group? Where’s Cranky??
Wasn’t your very first comment something like “if you don’t like it, move.”?
I think you’ve already been there, done that.
Damn, I am memorable!
Subtle difference- this is the oldish old timers attacking the new old timers for attacking the new timers!
Can you do a timeline with corresponsing old old timer/old timer/new old timer/old new timers/new timers/new new timeers— I’m not sure where I fit in on the “timer” list!!
We need an on-line calculator function!
Newtimers: post-2000; typically attacked with the comment “if you don’t like it, leave” because they might actually want to have a say in how their community operates. Sometimes do forget they didn’t discover Decatur, but that is merely youthful enthusiasm, not malice.
New Old Timers: 1990-1999, but most likely in the latter part of the 1990s; feel slightly threatened by the Newtimers but don’t fit in with the Oldish Old Timers and the True Old Timers because they don’t remember the Freight Room or when Eddie & John were bartenders at Trackside, the old Hardees, when the Kroger was the Big Star or even possibly the elderly food at the Big H, but they do remember when houses in Oakhurst were going for $60,000.
Oldish Old Timers: 1985-1989 Kind of confused like generation X because they don’t really fit anywhere and are prone to fits. (or maybe that’s just me).
True Old Timers: pre 1985; been there, done that and will be here forever. Love to Cranky.
Disclaimer: I made this all up; it’s a joke. Don’t get mad if my stereotype doesn’t fit you. Feel free to create your own.
When was the Li’l Kroger a Big Star? I remember back as far as the A&P, which must betray my New Old Timers status. Straight up 90s. Back in the day.
It was a Big Star before it was the A&P wasn’t it? That’s what I remember, but I have to honestly say that my memory is slipping lately. Kinda scary.
SCOTT!
I found a Big Star grocery ad from 1988 that listed the 720 Commerce Drive location! I am not crazy! A&P bought Big Star. Then I think it was a Harris Teeter for five minutes, wasn’t it?
The baby Kroger was indeed a Big Star, then A&P, then Harris-Teeter. It may even have started as a Colonial Stores, but I don’t go that far back.
Dang. That’s old-timin’! All manner of kudos and props to you on that one. You will be issued a laminated Long-Timers ID card, which you can present anytime you damn well feel like it when newbies ain’t with the program!
I feel soooo welcome being a post 2000 Decatur resident!
What’s an insurgeon?
I wondered too. I can’t tell if it is a purposeful invention–a new nominative noun that combines “influx” and “surge”, as in “there’s a surging influx of high-earning newcomers (insurgeons) which makes the established Decatur residents nervous about whether they will soon be able to afford to live in their own city”. Or it’s a mispelling of “insurgent” with a misunderstanding of the meaning of the word. Or a new surgical subspecialty as in “my insurgeon operates at DeKalb Medical but I’m having outpatient surgery with that new outsurgeon over in the mall”.
“What’s an insurgeon?”
A trendy surgeon?
Someone who does drastic repairs to hotels?
I wonder if we can institute a law to ensure that only documented Decaturites are wandering our streets. There’d be no profiling, because that would be unconstitutional, but if the police had reason to think you didn’t belong here, they could demand to see your papers. If you drive a hummer through Decatur, we’d check on you.
What do you think? Seems like a popular idea elsewhere.
Using the term “yuppie” in 2010 is almost as “LAME” as complaining about residents that chose to live here and help our community prosper.
BTW: Is an insurgeon someone who develops infill housing?
In any style, “Decatur Diner” looks better than “For Lease.”
What a bunch of complainers….
Thanks for saying that so I didn’t have to.
The past couple of months there have been a few places that were unable to stay open due to economic hardship. Seems a little strange to bash a business that’s willing/able to open before even trying it out.
If the food is good, it’s clean, price is decent, and it’s easy to get in and out of, I hope it makes it. I’m not that offended by the sign.
Sometimes the best places to eat can be the most random hole in the wall type places.
Google “Diner” and 90% of all American diners have letters like that…jeez….its a diner! not Chez Quis french bistro…
extra points if you know where Chez Quis is from…
Favored dining spot of the Sausage King of Chicago.
Abe Froman…party of three…
Glad some got that!!
The decor shouldn’t surprise anyone. It says, “I’m Greek.” What Greek establishment have you ever seen that was not white and blue on the outside and/or either marble (faux or not) or frescoed (the pantheon) on the inside? Doesn’t look like they plan to replace the awning. I hope they at least wash it.
And I hope the food is good since I know I’ll have to go there at least once whether I want to or not. I’m not sure how easy it is to master 360 different dishes.
The mention of 360 dishes scares the heck out of me. I’m sure it’s safe to assume there’s no way they could be offering fresh produce if they’re having to stock ingredients for that size of a menu.
I’m amazed at the complainers and the joints not even open. Met one of the owners the other day. He’s the real deal. Probably break your new caps when you complain about the font. Deservedly so.
“He’s the real deal. Probably break your new caps when you complain about the font. Deservedly so.”
I wonder what he would break for you describing him as such… If you are correct, can we expect to see an influx of suspiciously attractive European women in the vicinity.
knee caps, sorry
I’m intrigued to see what kind of niche they can carve out for themselves. I don’t think there’s enough of a “post 2am” crowd in Decatur to support a 24 hour operation. If it’s as pricey as indicated it won’t attract the bar & restaurant staff getting off duty on a regular basis. Same probably goes for the lunchtime courthouse crowd. I doubt the dinner crowd will be attracted by the “diner” tag even if the food is stellar, especially if it transpires they can go to Cakes ‘n’ Ale, Iberian Pig et al for roughly the same money.
Perhaps the upscale family demographic? The “married with children”‘s who want something better than McDonald’s or Pizza Hut and aren’t on a tight budget. Or possibly “Thumbs Up” patrons?
My feeling is that if the perception becomes their “quality vs. price” is off – in the same way that Tastings did, and that Farmburger may be on the path to – then they won’t last but a few months.
I agree, Cliff. I don’t believe there is enough wee-hour crowd here for a 24 hour diner. And diner food just isn’t going to cut it in Decatur for dinner, especially when the prices are not much lower than the trendy places. I think they will do well in the mornings and maybe for lunch, and among those looking for “breakfast for dinner” (no where else to get that downtown).
You think Farmburger is overpriced? I disagree.
Yes. And I’ve talked to others who’ve said the same. The charge for the basic burger may be okay, but with the $1 and $2 “upcharges” for special items you can easily spend over $15 when you’re done adding in fries, soft drink and tax.
Lunch at $8 with drink and fries before fancy additions is a pretty smart move at the Farmburger. What’s a McDonald’s Value meal go for these days? $5?
A friend of mine told me about this great little breakfast lunch spot in Decatur that had great lunch, so I went and I had an awesome quality cheese burger %100 fresh beef with Greek potatoes and my coke for $6.50 … they are not on the main street but l found it by their little sidewalk signs it was called Andryannis definetly worth finding and there Cappucino was the best I have had in Decatur..
The owners were so nice and they are Greek and they had lots of complete meal choices for $6.50. and &7.50 tops. My friends had a Gyro with Greek potatoes and drink for 6.50 and also Falafel and he said it was the best he ever had. I will go back there for sure to have lunch again and get some more good food.
I call B.S. 1) $6 for a burger is perfectly reasonable, especially when you consider you’re starting with a much higher quality burger (in terms of meat quality) than you’d get just about anywhere else in Decatur. 2) If the $1 and $2 toppings offend you, there is a very generous selection of FREE add-ons. 3) We’re about 3 weeks in and there are still lines out the door.
So perhaps I’m missing the signs that mark Farm Burger as doomed?
College and graduate students and single twenty-somethings ought to patronize a decent, reasonable priced, all-night diner. Someplace to go when you’ve got the munchies after late night studying or partying and you don’t stock much in your own kitchen or dorm.
Colleges and graduate students and single twenty-somethings . . . ?
What about cranks in their early 50s? Bitter divorcees? Chronic drunks? There ought to be an after-hours joint in Decatur for the profoundly angry and depressed. This just might be the place.
How about the mildly upset and the sorta sad? Where do they go to eat (sober up)?
My kinda place!
We’ll have to put it on the list for the Friday lunch bunch.
Grad students and the Emory undergrads with rich parents maybe. Sounds like it’ll be too pricey for the Agnes Scott undergrads to go there on a regular basis.
ASC costs about the same as Emory. I don’t understand your comment.
They could theoretically do a decent breakfast business, assuming Steak-n-Shake doesn’t come steal all their interiors back. Look on the bright side, at least it isn’t burgers or Thai.
Will the scrapple be locally sourced?
Only if the pig took a cab from Philly.
I think it’ll be a hit with families. If they make a good burger and shake, I’ll be there! I bet the 24 hours changes to staying open to 2-3am on weekends.
I with HARDEES- like a 24 hour version of the Square Table or Southern Star ( who remembers them?). Hey, can I get a Snickers and a pack of Kools when I pay at the register for my meatloaf?
Don’t forget the Chiclets!
I remember Southern Star…best “greasy spoon” around back then. Worked down the street from there and had lunch many a time!
Sorry, but I have to agree…when I drove past it yesterday the first thing I thought was “Wow, that was an opportunity wasted.” Too bad it’s right at a “gateway” to the downtown area. Call me a hater, but I agree the sign is atrocious. And the name too. It’s so ho-hum.
I am psyched for anyone that is able to get a new restaurant financed and create jobs in our 10%+ unemployment metro area. Fancy signs and overdone buildouts are the reason so many businesses failed once consumers were proven to have very little actual money. Welcome to the new austerity, my yuppie brothers.
I am withholding judgment until I’ve tried the food and experienced the service. Just because they’re not spouting off about farm to table nachos and poetry slam Fridays doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a fair shake.
Thought it was a laundromat at first glance when I walked by tonight. This place would look ok in a strip mall, but seriously, come on. This is downtown Decatur. Put SOME thought into the appearance.
I found a photo of the Marietta Diner to see if it showed the same lack of imagination on the design…. Maybe the chrome just hasn’t been delivered to Decatur yet:
http://foodblog.artmaggi.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/MariettaDiner.jpg
Or the American flags!
I love it. It’s not trying too hard to be something it clearly is not. Best of luck, Decatur Diner!!
Thanks for all the comments pro and con.
I’m part owner of the new Decatur Diner and wanted to add a few comments.
*It would be hard to please everyone on appearance but do give us a chance to complete set up. The sign on the side will be moved. Sorry, the green awning will be replaced. And yes there will be neon! Insided and out. After all it is a diner!
*The vegetables will be fresh I can guarantee!
*The prices will be very competitive for simular establishments. And wait till you see the quantity. You WILL get your moneys worth. Most people carry home a to go box for an extra meal or two.
* We won’t tolerate poor service. If you give us a try and aren’t satisfied please ask for Bill.
* There will be inside and outside seating.
* There will be many eat on the go items.
* Greek – Italian – American – Mexican etc.
* Family take home dinner specials.
*Best home made deserts ever!
* There will be daily (reasonably priced) specials along with regular menue items.
* My partners are Greek and are originaly from the North East and have opend many diners and other resturants from N.Y. to FL. since the 1940’s. They do know how to deliver great diner food at a reasonable price with that great diner experience!
*Local resturants owned by family members include, Marietta Diner-Marietta Fish Market-Cherokee Cattle Company-Pasta Bella. Marietta Diner was featured on the Food Network’s Dinners Drive Inns and Dives with Gui Fieri.
* We will also serve the dish featured on his show – Beef Stroganoff. To die for!!!
Watch for our discount coupons and free meal specials!
We’re still approx 1 month away from opening day but do stop by anytime and say hello.
Thanks again for your interest!
You’re welcome, Bill14, I am looking forward to the opening.
Bill,
I’m with Parker C. Thanks for believing in and investing in our little town, and I look forward to spending some of my money at the d-diner, serifed or not.
Bill 14 — Hey, we’re eagerly waiting for your diner to open. I expect nothing but GOOD food and service at this new restaurant, and I love the idea of 24/7!!! Some Decaturites evidently think they have savoir faire in criticizing your menu and your decor, but I think they should just stick with whatever ear-shattering establishment they are already so fond of. Maybe in your diner, customers can at least carry on a conversation with each other.
Hey Bill 14,
Thanks for the overview. On my two earlier comments; appreciate the reassurance I can get fresh veggies (my mother will be pleased), and that you confirmed my suspicion that we have a bit more to look forward to on the design (I’m pleased)….. BTW, nice to hear about the great deserts (my fitness instructor won’t be pleased).
Welcome to the area!
I am thrilled that a place like the Decatur Diner is coming to town. Bill 14, don’t let the views of a few make you think all Decaturites are so snobbish. In fact, the name Decatur Diner is perfect. Buckhead Diner has been around town for a long time, even with its “ho-hum” name. As for the signage, it looks just fine to me and my family. The only way that I will judge the diner is on the quality of its food. May the Decatur Diner thrive and prosper!!!!!
welcome to decatur, bill! i can’t wait to check out the place!!
Bill, if you guys can somehow track down & offer those mile-high cakes that the (now-definct) City Diner had, you’ll have at least one built-in customer. Oh, and a truly fab Greek salad– as well as an humble-yet-delicious tuna melt– would be appreciated. Lookin’ forward to it (and please ignore the potshots from the nitpickers/whingers/snotty aesthetes)!
OH YEA!! Got ya covered in all three of these areas. You won’t be disappointed! Promise!
YAY! *crossing fingers for Mounds cake*
After reading this today I was really curious-I mean it sounds like a real visual assault. Had dinner at Leon’s tonight and, really???? That’s what you were complaining about? Oy.
Good luck, Bill. We’re glad to have you in our neighborhood!
I have been to one of the establishments mentioned by Bill 14, and have to say that if the Decatur Diner is on par, it will be a welcome addition to our city.
JD
Welcome to Decatur, Bill! Thanks for the diner! Can’t wait to try your cuisine.
The sign didn’t bother me (although a cool retro diner sign would have been fun), but what is going on with that crazy stripey-faux-marble paint job on the Church St entrance ramp? Oy.
As soon as I heard that the Marietta Diner folks were going to open in the old ABC spot, my first thought was “I hope they call it the Decatur Diner!” Cakes and Ale, Iberian Pig, blah, blah, blah. What the heck do those names mean, anyway?
And DM, please make sure to archive this discussion. We will want to make sure 20 or 30 years from now when someone dares to take down that sign that the folks complaining about the loss of a historic landmark are not the same folks calling it gauche and out-of-place now!
Bill we welcome your business to Decatur. Some of us can be somewhat elitiest and snobby about food here in our little corner of heaven, but most of us want the best for you and your success in your efforts.
O.k. I think this is all a hoot. Sometime I think we ( Decatur) need to take ourselves a little less seriously. While, in my perfect world, there would be some level of aesthetic control, say in public financed spaces, such as the newly renovated plaza. But I just have to say live and let live with some individual establishments. Thank you for your investment in our community Decatur Diner! I’m sure the Decatur Diner renovations will all pull together when the Athena fountain is installed…… ( You do know that’s just a joke, fingers crossed!)
This is great! Finally!! Another place to go to besides Waffle House or Waffle King. I’m personally getting tired of ‘em -_-. I’ve been to other diners in Georgia and they were pretty good. Hopefully this one will be just as good.
The teenagers will have a safe place to hang out while waiting for their parents to pick them up, and they will spend money, too. I’d rather have them inside than on the streets or hanging at Java Monkey with the adults.