Hall's Hollywood
For some really neat drive-in service, check out Hall’s Hollywood on 4416 Lima Road. Complete with curbside service and those nifty trays that clamp to the side of your car door, Hall’s restaurants have been in business in the Fort Wayne area since 1946. Hall’s Hollywood, located right next to the Roller Dome, opens at 9 a.m. every day. Curbside service starts at 11 a.m. If there’s a vintage car meet nearby, expect to see a hot rod or three parked at Hall’s Hollywood, reliving the good old days with hamburgers, shakes and fried chicken.
Cindy's Diner
If a small eatery with early morning hours is your thing, check out Cindy’s Diner. This lunch counter opened in 1952 and even though the building has had to move a few times, the style is still the same. Today you can find the diner on the corner of 230 West Berry Street in downtown Fort Wayne. “We serve the world, 15 at a time,” is their logo. The diner is long and narrow, with just room for the counter, stools and cozy shelves of plates and mugs. Look here for staple fare like their patty melt, ham and cheese or Reuben sandwiches. There is also a full breakfast menu. Cindy’s Diner opens early (6 a.m.) and closes after lunch (2 p.m.) Monday through Friday.
Power's Hamburgers
“We serve ‘em or sack ‘em” claims Power’s Hamburgers. Since 1940, this black and white lunch counter has been catering to the culinary needs of the city with eat-in or carry-out (that’s the sack ’em part) service. Now, they also offer delivery. Powers – the self-proclaimed Slider Capitol of the World – sells their cheeseburgers by the piece or by the dozen. You can also get root beer floats, malts, chili, cake and more (see the menu here). Hop along over to Powers Hamburgers Monday – Wednesday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight, 1402 S Harrison Street.
Coney Island
Coney Island is probably the most vintage of all retro places in Fort Wayne. The original shop opened in 1914 and is still in the same location, 131 W. Main Street. For years, this lunch counter opened at 6 a.m. to accommodate factory workers who wanted a bite to eat after working third shift. Check out their vintage photos and signage on the walls, and savor the original recipes still in use! Coney Island still chops 70+ pounds of onions and sells about 2,000 hotdogs every day. They’re open seven days a week, starting at 9 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. (Sunday) 9 p.m. (Monday – Thursday) and 10 p.m. (Friday-Saturday).
Lincoln Tower Soda Fountain
How about visiting a soda fountain? It’s one of Fort Wayne’s best secrets, tucked away in the Lincoln Tower at 116 E. Berry Street. Come here for lunch staples, breakfast sandwiches, cookies, and specialty sodas! The folks at the Lincoln Tower Soda Fountain mix their own flavors, like the Green River, and their breakfast sandwiches earn rave reviews. The original stained-glass sign is propped in one window, and an original soda machine is still there, although a newer one is used today. From Monday through Friday, the soda fountain is open to customers from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
