Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Diners & Drive-Ins
255
Taghkanic Diner
Underneath the Neon Sign
Ancram, New York
You can't miss that sign as you're whizzing
along the scenic Taconic Parkway, 2 hours
north of Manhattan—an American Indian
chief in full-feathered headdress, silhou-
etted in red neon, above the name WEST
TAGHKANIC DINER . It's the sort of place you
notice only after you've shot past the exit
turn, seeing it glow eerily against the dark
trees late at night, or through the dismal
gloom of an upstate winter drizzle. Maybe
you vow to yourself to stop in next time.
Maybe you never make it back.
But if you keep your vow, you'll be glad
you did. Alongside that landmark neon sign
is an equally classic 1953 chrome diner,
its sleek streamlined panels maintained in
tiptop condition. Inside, it's a retro vision of
stainless-steel counters and cabinets, spin-
ning counter stools, diamond-patterned
terrazzo floors, Formica table tops, and
blue vinyl booths (up close, you'll even see
a little glitter embedded in the vinyl).
Expansive curtained windows look out on
the wooded Columbia County landscape
bordering Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Given what an architectural showpiece
this is, you might expect that the food
would be merely routine—but you'd be
wrong. Although the huge menu lists what
looks like a standard lineup of diner fare
(the only exotic items are the ostrich steak
and ostrich burger), the kitchen here
The Taghkanic serves classic diner fare in a chrome setting from the 1950s.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search