Horn & Hardart Automat instructional postcard, 1930s

[booksandcheeses.livejournal.com]

I have always been fascinated with automats, but never had the luck to eat at one.

Comments

[danthered.livejournal.com]

The fun part about the Automat is that it was basically an illusion: on the other side were people stocking the compartments as they were emptied, one-for-one.

[ponitacupcake.livejournal.com]

I remember a lot of the front panels from the machines ending up in an antiques shop in Manhattan. They were big and deco and very impressive.

[roxymissrose.livejournal.com]

The food was mediocre,. but the entertainment value couldn't be beat. We used to eat at probably the last one active in Philadelphia because it was retro and cool, and I guess for the decade we were vaguely hipsterish. (1970s)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_nicolai_/]

FEBO in the Netherlands (Amsterdam area, maybe others) works like this, selling fast food.

[booksandcheeses.livejournal.com]

Now I have to go to the Netherlands!

[cuddyclothes.livejournal.com]

I remember eating at one in the 1970s. There is a landmarked building a few blocks down Broadway.