Diner culture really took off in the U.S. during the ’50s, with restaurants becoming go-to places for good food or a hangout spot where you could share milkshakes with your sweetheart.
Over the decades, many businesses have incorporated the 1950s diner archetype, drawing customers in with mid-century nostalgia.
It can be fun to step back in time at these diners, back to a time when thunderbirds cruised down main street and it cost a nickel to play a song on the jukebox.
9 old-fashioned diners in Louisiana that look straight out of the ’50s
These nine diners are keeping the aesthetic of the 1950s alive in Louisiana, and here’s where you can find them.
Nifty Fifties Cafe in Houma
Nifty Fifties Cafe in Houma is a vintage-inspired ’50s restaurant that serves all-day breakfast and the “best burgers in town.” The Cafe is located within the High Rollers Casino. The restaurants atmosphere is definitely retro, as neon signs adorn the walls and tables feature “wall boxes,” which used to allow patrons to select songs on the jukebox right from their booth.
Lee’s Drive In in Hammond
Lee’s Drive In in Hammond has been around since 1963, serving breakfast, diner classics, family recipes and South Louisiana favorites. While it doesn’t look the same as when it originally opened, the drive in was renovated in 1996 and is characteristic of ’50s retro-futurism, with stainless steel and checkerboard details, as well as bold pastel colors and neon lights.
Louie’s Cafe in Baton Rouge
Louie’s Cafe in Baton Rouge has been a fixture of LSU since 1942, as its in close proximity to campus and is frequented by students for breakfast and lunch. The inside is reminiscent of the mid-century period, with checkerboard floors, teal-colored walls, metal tables and red leather-upholstered chairs. Here, patrons can enjoy classics like breakfast platters and burgers, or Louisiana fare like PoBoys and banana pecan pancakes.
Amjenns Soups & Scoops in Springhill
Amjenns Soups & Scoops is a casual diner nestled along storefronts in the small town of Springhill. The space is styled in 1950s fashion, with a plethora of Elvis, classic movie and other pop culture ephemera decorating the interior. From breakfast to lunch, Amjenns serves up classic diner foods and offers hand-scooped blue bell ice cream for a sweet treat.
Dots Diner (multiple locations)
Dots Diner was founded in 1996 and has multiple locations in Louisiana, including in River Ridge, New Orleans, Kenner and Luling. Here, you can get breakfast any time, order a classic burger and choose from an array of sides, or enjoy a hand-dipped shake. Dots has all the elements of a retro diner, with mid-century modern tables and chairs, tile floors and stainless steel details.
Drift Inn Diner in New Orleans
Drift Inn Diner in New Orleans is a classic neighborhood diner that serves up breakfast, burgers, daily specials, cocktails and ice cream. Nostalgia is in the air at this diner, with its semi-circle countertop with bar stools and high top chairs, round tables and leather-cushioned seats. If you’re looking to take it easy and enjoy good food, this diner is the perfect place.
Frosto Drive Inn in Crowley
Frosto Drive Inn in Crowley serves authentic diner food with a touch of Cajun flare. This diner originally opened in the 1950s and has kept much of its original charm. The interior still holds its ’50s-style, with tunes by Elvis playing throughout the diner and walls and table tops hosting albums and decades of memorabilia. Hamburgers and frosted Dr. Peppers remain the most popular menu items.
Mel’s Diner in Lafayette and Broussard
Mel’s Diner is a ’50s-inspired diner with two locations, one in Lafayette and one in Broussard. While the diner was created in 1992, the inspiration behind the diner was a lady named Mel, who grew up in Lafayette during the rockabilly days. Today, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean posters adorn the walls and you can order a daily blue plate special.
Strawn’s Eat Shop in Shreveport-Bossier
Strawn’s Eat Shop has multiple locations in the Shreveport-Bossier area, however, the restaurant’s original location in Shreveport has been open since 1944. The eatery serves up breakfast platters, signature burgers and sandwiches, as well as southern staples and daily lunch specials. Strawn’s is best known for its famous ice box pies, though. The diner has classic leather-upholstered seating and an expansive mural covering the walls…