The Streamliner Diner was built in 1938, and was purchased
by The Savannah College of Art & Design and transported
from its original location in Pennsylvania to its current
location in downtown Savannah. Multiple reasons prompted
the college to buy the diner, the first being economic: As
the school grew, and it’s facilities began spreading
throughout the city, there was need for a place where
students, faculty and staff could get a quick bite between
classes. Another reason was a desire to enhance  the
nostalgic charm of downtown Savannah, as well as preserve a
vital piece of Americana.

The college has done a first rate job of historic
preservation, from the original mauve countertop to the
original stained-glass windows. Stepping into the
Streamliner oak interior is indeed like a step back in
time. Over 60 years have passed since the Streamliner was
built, so certain compromises have been made. The digital
jukebox includes Motown and other more recent classics.
Soft drinks are self-serve from a modern combination ice
machine/soda dispenser.

When the Streamliner first opened in Savannah around 1990,
I ate there often, as it adhered to traditional diner
service. Meals were simple but filling, specializing in
breakfast and lunch; supper was nonexistant as they closed
in the early evening. Burgers came served on kaiser rolls,
with a daily blue-plate special. The coin-op jukebox played
45s of Patsy Cline, Tommy Dorsey and Spike Jones.

As time went by, the college reassessed the diner’s
operating costs, and in effort to economize, certain
sacrifices were made: hours of operation were cut back
further, and the menu became limited to mostly sandwiches,
which were served wrapped in butcher paper. The  jukebox,
which contributed so greatly to the atmosphere of the
place, was disconnected.

I hadn’t eaten there in 5 years, until recently when I was
prompted to provide this review. Currently, the streamliner
still has limited hours, open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday
thru Friday, taking an extended break between college
terms. The menu has broadened somewhat, offering a daily
special that goes beyond the usual grill-type food.
Portions are ample, and prices reasonable.

We could have chosen a better time to visit. The diner had
only that morning re-opened for the summer term, so it	was
not quite up to snuff. The fryer was not yet operating, so
the fries that came with my burger were replaced with
potato chips. In all the burger itself was good, far
superior to fats food, but something other than the
standard hamburger bun would have added to the enjoyment.
To drink, I had Barq’s root beer, for which there were free
refills. 

My companion had a sizable salad. While generous, it
consisted of only lettuce, tomato slices, grated cheese,
and grilled chicken. Dressing came in a plastic pouch.
Service was attentive, though not quite as speedy as one
might expect. With the fryer being down, and compromises
being made on the part of the staff, who as I said had been
on hiatus, I feel this is excusable until such time as they
“get back in the groove.”

Overall, an occassional visit to the Streamliner is
worthwhile to a diner afficiando if they happen to be in
the Savannah area. Timing would be everyhting, as the hours
of the diner are ridiculously limited. The decor is a
visual treat to those of wishing to preserve diner culture.
The food is adequate, and the portions are ample. But for
those who would be inclined to visit repeatedly, I’m sorry
to say they may be disappointed with the narrow scope of
the menu.

p schweier
burbank309@hotmail.com