I travel through St. Louis regularly and try not to miss a
visit to one of the famous O.T. Hodge Chile Parlors. These
parlors, in operation since 1904 are a true original, old
time diner, no frills, no excuses.
Fare is heavy and the Chile is not too hot. It is served
primarily as a topping over full breakfasts, or with
spaghetti and/or tamales. The feature dish is the "Slinger"
which consists of two cheeseburgers, hash browns, two eggs,
topped with Chile, no beans. This is delicious and only
$5.00.
There is a burger and sandwich menu, and the foods are
properly prepared and priced low. The atmosphere is
original, with lingo shouted from servers to cooks and vice
versa. Federal Court judges, city officials and businessmen
sit next to truck drivers and secretaries in close seating.
When full they announce that it is time to clear the
tables.
Mainly food is excellent, quick, and inexpensive. A few
laughs come with each meal. I think that they have four or
five of these left, from what was originally 30 or more
starting at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. The theme
is red, black and chrome, and the parlors are well
maintained.
|