The History and Cultural Significance of New York City's Automats and Cafeterias
By
walterbell
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
The article explores the history and cultural significance of automats and cafeterias in New York City, which were once iconic dining establishments that predated modern fast food chains. Automats, originally from Germany, featured coin-operated vending machines where patrons could purchase fresh coffee, sandwiches, and other items. These self-service restaurants were considered cultural landmarks alongside the Statue of Liberty and Madison Square Garden. The article documents their rise and eventual decline, with the last automat closing in 1991, marking the end of an era in NYC's dining history.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled"Automats were right up there with the Statue of Liberty and Madison Square Garden," Kent L. Barwick, former president of the Municipal Art Society, lamented to the New York Times in 1991 when the country's last automat closed.
The automat, a precursor to today's fast food chains, was a staple of the New York City dining scene in the first half of the 20th century.
Originally conceived in Germany, the self-service restaurant featured coin-operated vending machines from which patrons could buy fresh coffee
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