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One of my favorite diners around, with great food (pesto grits! steak and cheese omelette!), authentic atmosphere and a true RI history.

For food reviews and directions, visit www.quahog.org/cuisine/

History

Built by the J.B. Judkins Company of Merrimack Mass, the Modern Diner is one of the two remaining Sterling Streamliners, a line of customized, factory-built, “modernistic” diners manufactured in the 1930s and early 1940s. The exterior is made from vitreous enamel, pin striping and stainless steel trim. The interior has eleven counter stools, seven 4-customer booths and two 2-customer booths. The back bar is sheated in stainless steel. The above-bar bood is faced in mahogany-grained formica. Segmental arch ceilings covered with beige formica panels.

Anecdotes

Donna  My mom and her sister sat with their 17 year old brother for lunch in 1942. My mom was his legal guardian at the time. He begged her to sign enlistment papers for the Navy. She did, and she never saw her brother again. He was washed overboard somewhere near Itlaly. Every time we drove by that diner she would point and cry. Sorry about the sad memory. I wish I had a picture of the dinner in his memory.

Richard C Parker  My Granddad owner of EB Parker trucking of Amesbury MA delivered frieght to J B Judkins in the 1930 ies and 40ies and as a boy and teenager I was there with him many times. Fond memories.

Add your Anecdotes

The information about each building grows as visitors let us know about their experiences. Did you or a member of your family work here? Did you grow up near it as a child? Let us know. All entries will be moderated and may be posted in an edited form. We will use your name unless you tell us otherwise. We will not make your email public.