Lou-Roc Award Winners
A diner “wins” a Lou-Roc award when its owner or steward opts to needlessly remodel or otherwise deface an original structure. In our considered opinion, every diner is a national architectural treasure and perfect in its design and intention. Anyone who attempts to “improve” upon its look or purpose does so foolishly and needlessly. In the face of this and despite all evidence that supports the viability of preservation and restoration, anyone who damages or improperly cares for their diner warrants nomination for this infamy.
Named for the horrendously bludgeoned diner of the same name in Worcester, Massachusetts. (Photo by Allen Fletcher)
189 Bank Street, Burlington, VT
Former Sadie Katz’s Delicatessen About a quarter of the original counter was ripped out and replaced by current owners. Formerly the Oasis Diner Reported in October, 2007 that a new owner will turn this otherwise pristine, beautifully preserved, a …
The “new” Hollywood Diner is a big dope-slap at all of us who have worked so hard to spread the good word about the special place the diner has in our culture. (Photo by Ida Doolan) Some people will look at these two photos and wonder why we picke …
Rt. 20 & 22, New Lebanon, NY
Originally one of the four Chief Taghkanic Diner’s and located on the Taconic Parkway at Route 295 by Burt Coons. Shipped up the Hudson River by barge in 1964. Moved to New Lebanon by Barney LaPlante in the early 1980s, becoming the Indian Head Diner. Sol …
1074 West Boylston St, Worcester, MA
Classic Silk City Diner, rare to Massachusetts, but completely encased in a box-shaped brick building. Interior still relatively intact. Difficult to tell that there is a diner inside. Featured in New England Roadside Delights, when still in original cond …
20th St. & Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Originally a stunning space-age style with folded plate roofline. Lou-Roc award winner. Second reno in 2007.
