Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Wqed Multimedia
• VHS Release Date: June 18, 2003
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000A9GIE
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #126,612 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

In an age when every fast food place seems the same, diners have remained distinctive, fun places to stop, full of local flavor.

This program takes a look at several of the most interesting diners in Pennsylvania, and also considers a few other roadside restaurants (like the Midway Plaza on the PA Turnpike) that have interesting histories and reputations for good "home-cooked" food.

So get a cup of coffee. Have a seat. And come along as we visit great little restaurants from Wellsboro to Downingtown, from Milford to Conneaut Lake. Let’s go to Potato City, to the Melrose in Philly and to unforgettable little places from Pittsburgh to the Poconos. Whether it’s the middle of the night in State College or lunchtime in Smethprot, this documentary gives you an unusual taste of Pennsylvania and some of its quirkier cuisine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Video !, December 17, 2006

By 

Ross J. Trimboli (Mishawaka, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pennsylvania Diners and other Roadside Restaurants [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have owned this video since it was available and it is one of my favorite . I have played it so many times, I'm almost due for a new one. The subject just seems to take me back to my childhood of neighborhood grocerys, milk men and of course, mom and pop restaurants. Rick Sebak's easy narration style adds the right touch, making the whole documentary feel not so documentary-like. The soundtrack helps to enhance the old time feel of the subject. This video is a must for any diner buff or anyone that likes nostalgic trips back to a simpler time.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars always puts a smile on my face, March 10, 2005

By 

Counselor Kathy "Kath" (North Dakota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pennsylvania Diners and other Roadside Restaurants [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I remember the diner as an institution. Now, years later, this video brings back the memories of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that are unique to the diner experience. It does a good job of capturing the variety of diners within Pennsylvania, and includes the more noteworthy ones such as the Downingtown, Melrose, Midway, and others. While it tends to jump around and it tries to do too much in too little time (I would have liked to see more of some and included 1-2 less diners, for example), it is a fine production overall. Watching this video always puts a smile on my face.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable piece of Americana, March 8, 2006

By 

J. Mahon (Heartland of America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pennsylvania Diners and other Roadside Restaurants [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I've owned the VHS version of this PBS show since it first aired back in 1993 and have watched it regularly since.

I am a diner enthusiast and thank God for Rick Sebak (who sucessfully narrates too). He has captured a piece of Americana that is being long forgotten in the wake of corporate fast-food chain expansions that have the personality and taste of an unlit cigarette.

Once you watch this program, you will want to visit one of these unique and valuable family restaurants for yourself. Good, because they must be preserved.

Remember, before there were the megla-corporate food chains, there were the hamburger stands and diners. They all began in these humble beginnings. Rick Sebak has done a another fantastic job!