Greasy spoon: Difference between revisions
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imported>AnomieBOT m Dating maintenance tags: {{Fact}} |
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A '''greasy spoon''' is a small, cheap [[restaurant]] typically specializing in [[Short order cooking|short order]] fare.<ref>{{Cite Dictionary.com|greasy spoon|access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref><ref name=caff>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30879406|title=Cafe culture: The survival of the traditional British 'caff'|author=Duncan Smith|date=13 February 2015|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref> | A '''greasy spoon''' is a small, cheap [[restaurant]] typically specializing in [[Short order cooking|short order]] fare.<ref>{{Cite Dictionary.com|greasy spoon|access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref><ref name=caff>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30879406|title=Cafe culture: The survival of the traditional British 'caff'|author=Duncan Smith|date=13 February 2015|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref> | ||
The term is also used in the | The term is [[Cafe (British)|also used in the UK]], along with the informal term "caff" for café, to refer to a small privately owned eatery that traditionally serves [[Full breakfast#England|fry-up]]s and other quick meals.<ref name=caff/> | ||
==Term== | ==Term== | ||
The term ''greasy spoon''—used to describe small and inexpensive [[diner]]s and coffee shops—became popular in the [[United States]] as early as the 1920s.<ref>"greasy spoon" entry, OED</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/greasy#etymonline_v_33790|title=greasy spoon|dictionary=[[Online Etymology Dictionary]]|access-date=2024-06-29}}</ref> | The term ''greasy spoon''—used to describe small and inexpensive [[diner]]s and coffee shops—became popular in the [[United States]] as early as the 1920s.<ref>"greasy spoon" entry, OED</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/greasy#etymonline_v_33790|title=greasy spoon|dictionary=[[Online Etymology Dictionary]]|access-date=2024-06-29}}</ref> | ||
Nicknaming cheap restaurants after an unwashed spoon dates back at least to 1848:<ref>{{cite book | Nicknaming cheap restaurants after an unwashed spoon dates back at least to 1848:<ref>{{cite book| title=Sand and Canvas: A Narrative of Adventures in Egypt, with a Sojourn Among the Artists in Rome| author=Samuel Bevan| publisher=[[Charles Gilpin (politician)|C. Gilpin]]|year=1849| pages=[https://archive.org/details/sandandcanvasan00bevagoog/page/n396 370]| url=https://archive.org/details/sandandcanvasan00bevagoog}}</ref> {{quote|The Gabbione [in Rome] ... has withal an appearance so murky and so very far removed from cleanliness, that the Germans have bestowed upon it the appellation of the 'Dirty Spoon'.}} | ||
| title=Sand and Canvas: A Narrative of Adventures in Egypt, with a Sojourn Among the Artists in Rome | |||
| author=Samuel Bevan | |||
| publisher=[[Charles Gilpin (politician)|C. Gilpin]] | |||
| year=1849 | |||
| pages=[https://archive.org/details/sandandcanvasan00bevagoog/page/n396 370] | |||
| url=https://archive.org/details/sandandcanvasan00bevagoog}} | |||
</ref> {{quote|The Gabbione [in Rome] ... has withal an appearance so murky and so very far removed from cleanliness, that the Germans have bestowed upon it the appellation of the 'Dirty Spoon'.}} | |||
The earliest appearance in print of the specific term "greasy spoon" was in 1906, in a story in [[Macmillan's Magazine]], referring to an eatery in Paris frequented for a time by [[Robert Louis Stevenson]]:<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Douglas |first1=R.B. |title=Stevenson at Fontainebleau |journal=Macmillan's Magazine |date=1906 |volume=I|page=340 |url=https://archive.org/details/macmillansmagaz06unkngoog/page/340/mode/2up |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref> | The earliest appearance in print of the specific term "greasy spoon" was in 1906, in a story in [[Macmillan's Magazine]], referring to an eatery in Paris frequented for a time by [[Robert Louis Stevenson]]:<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Douglas |first1=R.B. |title=Stevenson at Fontainebleau |journal=Macmillan's Magazine |date=1906 |volume=I|page=340 |url=https://archive.org/details/macmillansmagaz06unkngoog/page/340/mode/2up |access-date=30 June 2024}}</ref> | ||
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==Menu== | ==Menu== | ||
Many typical American and Canadian greasy spoon [[diner]]s focus on griddled, grilled, or fried food, such as [[hamburgers]], [[french fries]], [[Chili con carne|chili]], eggs and [[omelette]]s, | Many typical American and Canadian greasy spoon [[diner]]s focus on griddled, grilled, or fried food, such as [[hamburgers]], [[french fries]], [[Chili con carne|chili]], eggs and [[omelette]]s, [[bacon]], [[sausage]]s, [[pancake]]s, [[waffle]]s, [[fried chicken]], [[Spam (food)|Spam]], and [[fish and chips]].{{fact|date=December 2025}} | ||
[[bacon]], [[sausage]]s, [[pancake]]s, [[waffle]]s, | |||
[[fried chicken]], [[Spam (food)|Spam]], and [[fish and chips]]. | |||
Sandwiches are also popular, as are [[beef stew]], [[baked beans]], and hearty [[soup]]s. Regional fare is often served. Since the 1970s, many [[Greek Americans|Greek immigrants]] have entered the business. [[Coffee]], [[iced tea]], and [[soft drinks]] are the typical beverages, as alcohol is usually not offered due to the prohibitive cost of a [[liquor license]]. Pie, [[savoury (dish)|savouries]] and [[ice cream]] are popular snacks and desserts.<ref>{{cite web | Sandwiches are also popular, as are [[beef stew]], [[baked beans]], and hearty [[soup]]s. Regional fare is often served. Since the 1970s, many [[Greek Americans|Greek immigrants]] have entered the business. [[Coffee]], [[iced tea]], and [[soft drinks]] are the typical beverages, as alcohol is usually not offered due to the prohibitive cost of a [[liquor license]]. Pie, [[savoury (dish)|savouries]] and [[ice cream]] are popular snacks and desserts.<ref>{{cite web | ||
| url=https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_greasy_spoons_in_toronto/ | | url=https://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_greasy_spoons_in_toronto/| title=The Best Greasy Spoons in Toronto| author=Amy Carlberg| date=2017-04-03| publisher=Freshdaily Inc.| access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref> | ||
| title=The Best Greasy Spoons in Toronto | |||
| author=Amy Carlberg | |||
| date=2017-04-03 | |||
| publisher=Freshdaily Inc. | |||
| access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref> | |||
A typical American greasy spoon or diner may offer a full meal for a special price, sometimes called a [[blue-plate special]]. A British or Irish cafe will typically offer a "[[Full breakfast#England|full cooked breakfast]]" all day. | A typical American greasy spoon or diner may offer a full meal for a special price, sometimes called a [[blue-plate special]]. A British or Irish cafe will typically offer a "[[Full breakfast#England|full cooked breakfast]]" all day.{{fact|date=December 2025}} | ||
==Popular culture== | ==Popular culture== | ||
Although there are now far fewer establishments due to the dominance of corporate [[Fast food restaurant|fast food restaurant chains]], a certain nostalgia exists surrounding a greasy spoon. Evocative characteristics include "counter service", jukeboxes, and hearty [[comfort food|comfort cuisine]]. The greasy spoon as a setting is a common trope in movies and TV shows.<ref>{{cite web | Although there are now far fewer establishments due to the dominance of corporate [[Fast food restaurant|fast food restaurant chains]], a certain nostalgia exists surrounding a greasy spoon. Evocative characteristics include "counter service", jukeboxes, and hearty [[comfort food|comfort cuisine]]. The greasy spoon as a setting is a common trope in movies and TV shows.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.foodnetwork.ca/dining-out/blog/best-greasy-spoons-diners-across-canada-37133/|title=12 Great Greasy Spoons to Try Across Canada|author=Dan Clapson|date=2016-07-28|publisher=[[Food Network]]|access-date=2019-08-27}} | ||
| url=https://www.foodnetwork.ca/dining-out/blog/best-greasy-spoons-diners-across-canada-37133/ | |||
| title=12 Great Greasy Spoons to Try Across Canada | |||
| author=Dan Clapson | |||
| date=2016-07-28 | |||
| publisher=[[Food Network]] | |||
| access-date=2019-08-27}} | |||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
Restaurateur and television personality [[Guy Fieri]], on [[Food Network]]'s ''[[Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives]]'', pays homage to such eateries across the United States.<ref>{{cite web | Restaurateur and television personality [[Guy Fieri]], on [[Food Network]]'s ''[[Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives]]'', pays homage to such eateries across the United States.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives|title=Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: About the Show|publisher=Food Network|access-date=2019-08-27}}</ref> | ||
| url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives | |||
| title=Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: About the Show | |||
| publisher=Food Network | |||
| access-date=2019-08-27}} | |||
</ref> | |||
Comic strips and humorous magazines have often lampooned the greasy spoon diner. ''[[The Better Half]]'' had Bert's Beanery, and [[Dagwood Bumstead]] continues to eat at Lou's Diner in ''[[Blondie (comic strip)|Blondie]]''. The kitchen and mess hall in ''[[Beetle Bailey]]'' provide the military equivalent of a greasy spoon. Cooks featured in these tropes tend to be unkempt in some way – hirsute, unshaven, tattooed, wearing a stain-covered apron, or smoking a cigarette while working. | Comic strips and humorous magazines have often lampooned the greasy spoon diner. ''[[The Better Half]]'' had Bert's Beanery, and [[Dagwood Bumstead]] continues to eat at Lou's Diner in ''[[Blondie (comic strip)|Blondie]]''. The kitchen and mess hall in ''[[Beetle Bailey]]'' provide the military equivalent of a greasy spoon. The cartoon series ''[[Bob's Burgers]]'' takes place in a modern day greasy spoon. Cooks featured in these tropes tend to be unkempt in some way – hirsute, unshaven, tattooed, wearing a stain-covered apron, or smoking a cigarette while working.{{fact|date=December 2025}} | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Latest revision as of 08:48, 17 December 2025
A greasy spoon is a small, cheap restaurant typically specializing in short order fare.[1][2]
The term is also used in the UK, along with the informal term "caff" for café, to refer to a small privately owned eatery that traditionally serves fry-ups and other quick meals.[2]
Term
The term greasy spoon—used to describe small and inexpensive diners and coffee shops—became popular in the United States as early as the 1920s.[3][4]
Nicknaming cheap restaurants after an unwashed spoon dates back at least to 1848:[5] Template:Quote
The earliest appearance in print of the specific term "greasy spoon" was in 1906, in a story in Macmillan's Magazine, referring to an eatery in Paris frequented for a time by Robert Louis Stevenson:[6] Template:Quote
Menu
Many typical American and Canadian greasy spoon diners focus on griddled, grilled, or fried food, such as hamburgers, french fries, chili, eggs and omelettes, bacon, sausages, pancakes, waffles, fried chicken, Spam, and fish and chips.Template:Fact
Sandwiches are also popular, as are beef stew, baked beans, and hearty soups. Regional fare is often served. Since the 1970s, many Greek immigrants have entered the business. Coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks are the typical beverages, as alcohol is usually not offered due to the prohibitive cost of a liquor license. Pie, savouries and ice cream are popular snacks and desserts.[7]
A typical American greasy spoon or diner may offer a full meal for a special price, sometimes called a blue-plate special. A British or Irish cafe will typically offer a "full cooked breakfast" all day.Template:Fact
Popular culture
Although there are now far fewer establishments due to the dominance of corporate fast food restaurant chains, a certain nostalgia exists surrounding a greasy spoon. Evocative characteristics include "counter service", jukeboxes, and hearty comfort cuisine. The greasy spoon as a setting is a common trope in movies and TV shows.[8]
Restaurateur and television personality Guy Fieri, on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, pays homage to such eateries across the United States.[9]
Comic strips and humorous magazines have often lampooned the greasy spoon diner. The Better Half had Bert's Beanery, and Dagwood Bumstead continues to eat at Lou's Diner in Blondie. The kitchen and mess hall in Beetle Bailey provide the military equivalent of a greasy spoon. The cartoon series Bob's Burgers takes place in a modern day greasy spoon. Cooks featured in these tropes tend to be unkempt in some way – hirsute, unshaven, tattooed, wearing a stain-covered apron, or smoking a cigarette while working.Template:Fact
See also
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- Bar mleczny
- Cafe (British)
- Cha chaan teng, Hong-Kong style greasy spoon
- Coney Island (restaurant)
- Dhaba, an Indian diner
- List of diners
- Lunch counter
- Mamak stall
- Meat and three
- Mickey's Diner
- Nick Tahou Hots
- Pat's Hubba Hubba
- Public house
- Salisbury House (restaurant)
- Waffle House
References
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- ↑ Template:Cite Dictionary.com
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- ↑ "greasy spoon" entry, OED
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