Mickey’s Diner

The article (March 30) concerning the resurgence of diners brought back many memories--some fond, some not so fond--of the original Mickey’s Diner in St. Paul, Minn.

When the original Mickey’s opened everyone “knew” it would fold in just a few weeks because the food was just too good and with such generous portions that no one could make out at the prices he charged. He was a godsend to those of us who worked in the central business district of St. Paul at that time.

As your article pointed out, it was still Depression times for most of us. When the boss said you had 30 minutes for lunch what he really meant was 29 minutes and 30 seconds, and if you weren’t back in that time there were four eager people waiting for your job.

So the fact that you could get in, get served, and get out and back to work was a real advantage. The menu was very simple.

As I recall, there were only a few items available, but there was always something that could be served up in just a few minutes. Naturally, corned beef and cabbage was a headliner, but stew, roast beef, potatoes and gravy, and sauerkraut with wieners were also standbys.

One of the biggest attractions, and one that kept malnutrition at bay was the Dunker’s Special. Every afternoon from 4 until 5 you could get a cup of coffee and a doughnut for 5 cents; yes, 5 cents, one nickel, the 20th part of a dollar.

They probably still have the Dunkers Special, but it might cost you a dollar.

So let’s hear it for the old-fashioned diner--long may it be remembered, and soon may it return.

WILLIAM J. CASEY

San Clemente