In the city next to the one in which I live, we still have a diner. Been there longer than I've been alive and still going strong. I think it's wonderful.
My goodness, it's seems like they about covered the earth but I never heard of it! Looks like they all started out as cute little saltbox or cape cod houses. Interesting link.
I was fascinated when shopping in the Vancouver covered markets next to the wharf to see lovely painted houseboats - similar design and color to those above - not sure if they ever left shore!
We never had diners in Sydney.. rather the milk bar. I suspect they were similar.. based on the American version. I had my first milk shakes at my local milk bar. The Sydney milk bar then and now.
There are fewer and fewer remaining. We would go to one and get a hamburger for 25 cents and coffee was 10 cents. A slice of pie was 15 cents. Fast food joints did not exist.
There was one in Daytona Beach that has a special menu for cops. There were always cop cars parked out in front.