Olympia Diner
3413 Berlin Turnpike
Newington CT 06111
PH: (860) 666-9948
Having lived in central CT all my life I’ve driven past this diner, on the Rt.15 (the Berlin Turnpike), thousands and thousands of times. I’ve also eaten there on numerous occasions and always ordered a “breakfast” meal regardless of the time of day. I found the diner to be clean, the wait staff friendly, and the food delicious. The individual stereo units at each booth are a nice touch and bring you back to another era.
I photographed this diner at night because I wanted the glow of the big neon lights to be very prominent in my image. I think it worked! This is one of the most photographed spots in all of CT. Photographers, since it’s arrival 60 years ago, have taken pictures both of the inside and outside of this icon. I deliberately went there on a Sunday evening knowing this would be one of their slower times and I’d have less car clutter in the parking lot. I really wanted to show off this old time design which became prominent in the northeast during the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
Being in my mid-60’s I grew up around these silver narrow diners but it’s rare to see a new one going up these days. In 1986 a “party/banquet” hall was added to the rear of the facility. This is not visible in the image. It had the effect of doubling their size and allowed them to cater to private parties and the like. I hope this diner carry’s on long after I do because it’s a real treat for individuals and families both.
Photographed with a Sony A7RII, 42.4 MB mirrorless camera and a Sony 24-105, F4 zoom lens @ 37mm.
Aperture priority, ISO 100, 1.3 seconds, f8
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