Yale Street Grill & Gifts

The options for drugstore-counter burgers have become fewer through the years. Fortunately, one such place still exists at Yale Street Grill & Gifts. Walking into one of the oldest, if not the oldest, diner remaining in the city – it opened in 1923 – definitely took me back to the past. Everything about this diner is retro, as is the adjacent gift shop. While no longer filling prescriptions, Yale Street Grill can certainly fill mealtime needs, especially our burger needs. The old-fashioned cheeseburger was my selection, with onions, shredded lettuce, light mayo and smoky bacon topped on a grilled (top and bottom) bakery bun. It was classic in presentation, with hand-cut fries on the side. The meat was thin and mashed with a faint pink center, the lettuce was crunchy, the bacon was flavorful, and the evenly melted American cheese slice had a slightly sharp taste. For a true retro experience, Yale Street also offers fountain treats as well, including milk shakes and cherry-flavored sodas. The atmosphere is not fancy, but it is warm and inviting, and the burger was the comfort food that I needed.