The door opens to a warm haven plastered with car-racing paraphernalia and smelling of deep-fried, home-style meals. Lisa Slade, owner of the small-town Hillsdale diner The Finish Line, glows as she greets the regular customers at their tables and new customers who are just passing through. Beginning in 1977, Slade was a night waitress at...
Year: 2012
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‘EAT’ at Spangler’s
The “good old days” for most people were much simpler times that are long past. There are certain places, however, where it is possible to return to that feeling for a time. Spangler’s Hilltop Diner at 524 W. Chicago St. in Jonesville is one of those places. Outside Spangler’s hangs a blue and red neon...
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Thai food and train cars
You may never meet Casper the Friendly Ghost, but Hillsdale has its own resident paranormal buddy. Her name is Agnes, and she haunts the Coffee Cup Diner, according to Kevin Murray, who has worked there since 2006. “She is like Casper, except a girl,” Murray said. Pai Ringenberg, the diner’s owner, only laughed in response...
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The Palace Cafe: home of the original ‘breakfast club’
Warm lighting, high-backed booths, drinks served in Coca-Cola cups, and a vintage counter lined with stools all give the Palace Cafe the old-fashioned feel of a classic American diner. The cafe on Howell Street has been in the Hillsdale community since the 1800’s. It has seen different owners, names, menus, and even different generations, but...
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Pizza wars: may the best pizza win
It is a commonly known fact that college students like pizza. Deciding where to get the pizza, however, can be such a hassle. Of course, some people know exactly what they want. “When I’m at home, I drive 30 minutes out of my way to get Pizza Hut for dinner, ” said senior Abigail Panabaker....