A sad night in Durham

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Tonight, New Year's Eve, is the last night for the Pizza Palace. They are closing the doors for good. :mad: Bad economy, you understand.

I remember buying half a dozen large (16") pizzas and bringing them back to the section for an informal rush party in the fall of 1973. I think they cost me less than $20, including sales tax, and they were GOOD!

I'm sure many of you have either eaten there or took out a pizza during your undergraduate days. If not, you missed something good.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

You can add Couch's Car Wash to the long standing Durham businesses closing now. For those who don't remember it, Couch's is near East Campus.

[duke74]

Tonight, New Year's Eve, is the last night for the Pizza Palace. They are closing the doors for good. :mad: Bad economy, you understand.

I remember buying half a dozen large (16") pizzas and bringing them back to the section for an informal rush party in the fall of 1973. I think they cost me less than $20, including sales tax, and they were GOOD!

I'm sure many of you have either eaten there or took out a pizza during your undergraduate days. If not, you missed something good.

Where is/was the Pizza Palace? I remember Bats for Pizza, but not the PP.

[merry]

Where is/was the Pizza Palace? I remember Bats for Pizza, but not the PP.

It was at the intersection of 9th Street & Hillsborough/Markham where Blu seafood is now. A few years ago they moved up to Guess Road north of I-85.

I'm sorry to her about this. I think they were the last Durham restaurant from my college days that was still here.

[sbpollo]

Didn't the owner in the 70's tool around in a wheelchair? Still my favorite pizza even though the first bite always burned the roof of my mouth!

[Indoor66]

The Pizza Palace of Durham, at 9th and Hillsborough Rd. was owned, for many years, by Harry Rohdenizer. He was an accountant in town and also served a couple of terms as Mayor of Durham in the 70's. Harry was usually in the restaurant in the evenings, along with his wife. I have no idea if the gentleman in the the wheelchair might have been Harry as I have not been there in many years.

[Olympic Fan]

I'm sorry to her about this. I think they were the last Durham restaurant from my college days that was still here.

Bullocks is still going strong ... they moved about 300 yards up Hillsborough Road (closer to Duke), but it's the same menu, run by the same family.

But in general, you are right -- Bats, the Ivy Room, Amos and Andy's and the rest of our institutions are all gone.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Bullocks is still going strong ... they moved about 300 yards up Hillsborough Road (closer to Duke), but it's the same menu, run by the same family.

But in general, you are right -- Bats, the Ivy Room, Amos and Andy's and the rest of our institutions are all gone.
When you list the great oldies, don't forget the University Grill, known and loved for years as the UG. Some still mourn the demise of Mayola's.

[merry]

Bullocks is still going strong ... they moved about 300 yards up Hillsborough Road (closer to Duke), but it's the same menu, run by the same family.

But in general, you are right -- Bats, the Ivy Room, Amos and Andy's and the rest of our institutions are all gone.

Funny but I'm not sure I ever went to Bullock's back then - we used to head to Parker's for bbq.

Also gone, the Student Prince/Rathskeller (or whatever it was really called between the KFC & the A&P), the Saddle and Fox, Somethyme, Darryl's, Subway (later Bull City Subs)...

No question about it though it's Bat's and the Ivy Room I miss the most.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Bullocks is still going strong ... they moved about 300 yards up Hillsborough Road (closer to Duke), but it's the same menu, run by the same family.

But in general, you are right -- Bats, the Ivy Room, Amos and Andy's and the rest of our institutions are all gone.

When did Bullock's move? Are you talking about back in the early 70's, or recently? They were in the same location I always found them at the last time I went by last year. OK, early last year, not yesterday :rolleyes:

I miss the Ivy Room.

[Acymetric]

When did Bullock's move? Are you talking about back in the early 70's, or recently? They were in the same location I always found them at the last time I went by last year. OK, early last year, not yesterday :rolleyes:

I miss the Ivy Room.

Must have been way back when, because I go a few times a year including once in November and its in the same spot its been for as long as I can remember.

[Cameron]

As long as Elmo's Diner is still kicking, I'm alright.

Best breakfast in the South.

[Devilsfan]

I wouldn't mind one establishment named after someones first name diappearing in 2009.

[DukeCO2009]

As long as Elmo's Diner is still kicking, I'm alright.

Best breakfast in the South.

Eek! :eek: Elmo's is good for a lot of things, but not for breakfast. I thought this was a universally accepted truth? ;)

[grossbus]

bat's was actually anna maria's, but everyone called it bat's.

what about foy's grill?

[OZZIE4DUKE]

bat's was actually anna maria's, but everyone called it bat's.

what about foy's grill?

And Nance's Cafeteria. Meat, potato and two vegetables, for about $1.99 (or something close to that).

BTW, we had this discussion a few years ago, but not often enough to have an HPR code for it :)

[DukePA]

The Pizza Palace was my family's favorite pizza place when I was a kid. It was such a treat to go there. I loved the Budweiser bar light with the wagon drawn by Clydesdale horses going around in a circle.

[Indoor66]

bat's was actually anna maria's, but everyone called it bat's.

what about foy's grill?

How about King's Sandwhich Shop on Foster St. near the old Durham Athletic Park?

And the Dody Di (Donut Dinette) near the Ivy Room and Bub's Drive In on Trent?

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

How about King's Sandwhich Shop on Foster St. near the old Durham Athletic Park?

And the Dody Di (Donut Dinette) near the Ivy Room and Bub's Drive In on Trent?
You're really bringing up some memories! Don't leave out the Blue Light! Don't know that the food was good, but the fights were.

[Jarhead]

Bullocks moved along time ago. It used to be the other side of Hillsborough Road just beyond the Cole Mill Road intersection. The car dealership and Miller's Restaurant were in the same vicinity. There were better BBQ places in Durham, back in those days. Dillard's comes to mind. Oh, yeah, the Saddle and Fox was simply the Saddle Club, a fine place for a pre-dance dinner date, as were Miller's and Hartman's.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Bullocks moved along time ago. It used to be the other side of Hillsborough Road just beyond the Cole Mill Road intersection. The car dealership and Miller's Restaurant were in the same vicinity. There were better BBQ places in Durham, back in those days. Dillard's comes to mind. Oh, yeah, the Saddle and Fox was simply the Saddle Club, a fine place for a pre-dance dinner date, as were Miller's and Hartman's.

Hartman's moved, and then closed two or three years ago. It was the first restaurant I discovered that didn't take credit cards. Carnegie Deli was the second.

Speaking of pastrami, some would sure taste good tonight! Guess I'll have to wait until CathyCA brings us some back in February.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

And Nance's Cafeteria. Meat, potato and two vegetables, for about $1.99 (or something close to that).

BTW, we had this discussion a few years ago, but not often enough to have an HPR code for it :)

Before Red Nance bought the place, the cafeteria across from the American plant was called A. B. Morrison's Cafeteria. I learned about it from some of the football players, guys who could spot a great deal for meals. A plate with meat, potato and two veggies was 85 cents then. The original building could be described as quaint. Red Nance built a new facility after a time. The food was still good, but the ambiance was changed forever.

[CathyCA]

Hartman's moved, and then closed two or three years ago. It was the first restaurant I discovered that didn't take credit cards. Carnegie Deli was the second.

Speaking of pastrami, some would sure taste good tonight! Guess I'll have to wait until CathyCA brings us some back in February.

Oh no! Are we playing in NY in February? I need tickets!

[Olympic Fan]

Before Red Nance bought the place, the cafeteria across from the American plant was called A. B. Morrison's Cafeteria. I learned about it from some of the football players, guys who could spot a great deal for meals. A plate with meat, potato and two veggies was 85 cents then. The original building could be described as quaint. Red Nance built a new facility after a time. The food was still good, but the ambiance was changed forever.

I should have mentioned Nance's (Morrison Cafeteria) ... It had just moved into the new cinderblock box when I was a freshman. At my frat, we used to jam 8-10 guys in one car to drive down for lunch -- this was late 1960s. I think the price then was 85 cents for a meat (fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, sliced ham, country steak or barbeque chicken) and three veggies. Great Southern Cooking. And, oh yes, a one-scoop ice-cream cone for desert for a nickel. Sweetened ice tea or lemonade to drink. Or you could buy a cola in a bottle.

The new Durham baseball part is sitting atop the site of Nance's -- I'd say it was about where the infield is now -- the rest of that block was a huge parking lot for employees of the tobacco factory.

Wondered if anybody remembered Amos and Andy -- in its original location. Served nothing but the best hot dogs in the world -- you could buy a bad of chips and a soda, but that was it. Later moved across the street and added burders and sandwichs and went downhill before the they died.

As for Bullocks -- yes, their move was in the early 70s. They were originally out Hillsborough where Morgan Motors is now. Their food hasn't changed much -- I agree that 30-40 years ago, they were challenged by the likes of Dillards on Fayetteville Street (the restaurant is gone, but you can still buy Sam Dillard's barbeque sauce in local grocery stores) and Turnages out Guess Road.

I also forgot Mayola's -- that's where I learned I couldn't gamble successfully -- Frankie the Bookie was always in the first booth, nursing a Pabst and taking bets. I lost about $200 my freshman year before I wised up and stopped throwing it away. Mayolas was a good place to drink beer ... great subs, plus they hadthe best french fries and the best juke box in Durham.

The Student Prince was a fun hangout, but the food was lousy.

I do recall one other institution that's still open -- Hartman's is gone, but the Angus Barn steakhouse is bigger and better than ever, out by the airport. Of course, that was a place to visit when the parents came down ... not for everyday eating.

One final note ... as someone who still lives in Durham, it's hard to believe how many Chinese places there are now. When I was in school, there was a period where the China Palace, across the street from Jim's Party Store on Hillsborough, was the only Chinese restaurant in town. One spring they had a fire and until they re-opened five months later, Durham was without Chinese food.

[devildeac]

Hartman's moved, and then closed two or three years ago. It was the first restaurant I discovered that didn't take credit cards. Carnegie Deli was the second.

Speaking of pastrami, some would sure taste good tonight! Guess I'll have to wait until CathyCA brings us some back in February.

I am glad you interpreted her post/offer the same way I did:D.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I should have mentioned Nance's (Morrison Cafeteria) ... It had just moved into the new cinderblock box when I was a freshman. At my frat, we used to jam 8-10 guys in one car to drive down for lunch -- this was late 1960s. I think the price then was 85 cents for a meat (fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, sliced ham, country steak or barbeque chicken) and three veggies. Great Southern Cooking. And, oh yes, a one-scoop ice-cream cone for desert for a nickel. Sweetened ice tea or lemonade to drink. Or you could buy a cola in a bottle.

The new Durham baseball part is sitting atop the site of Nance's -- I'd say it was about where the infield is now -- the rest of that block was a huge parking lot for employees of the tobacco factory.

Wondered if anybody remembered Amos and Andy -- in its original location. Served nothing but the best hot dogs in the world -- you could buy a bad of chips and a soda, but that was it. Later moved across the street and added burders and sandwichs and went downhill before the they died.

As for Bullocks -- yes, their move was in the early 70s. They were originally out Hillsborough where Morgan Motors is now. Their food hasn't changed much -- I agree that 30-40 years ago, they were challenged by the likes of Dillards on Fayetteville Street (the restaurant is gone, but you can still buy Sam Dillard's barbeque sauce in local grocery stores) and Turnages out Guess Road.

I also forgot Mayola's -- that's where I learned I couldn't gamble successfully -- Frankie the Bookie was always in the first booth, nursing a Pabst and taking bets. I lost about $200 my freshman year before I wised up and stopped throwing it away. Mayolas was a good place to drink beer ... great subs, plus they hadthe best french fries and the best juke box in Durham.

The Student Prince was a fun hangout, but the food was lousy.

I do recall one other institution that's still open -- Hartman's is gone, but the Angus Barn steakhouse is bigger and better than ever, out by the airport. Of course, that was a place to visit when the parents came down ... not for everyday eating.

One final note ... as someone who still lives in Durham, it's hard to believe how many Chinese places there are now. When I was in school, there was a period where the China Palace, across the street from Jim's Party Store on Hillsborough, was the only Chinese restaurant in town. One spring they had a fire and until they re-opened five months later, Durham was without Chinese food.
After their stint downtown, Amos and Andy had a place on Highway 54 in a former filling station near Parkwood. I think there was also a location on Highway 55. Their hot dogs were the kind that would tint the bun red. The chili for the dogs was fabulous. The current Dog House hot dogs are the nearest thing to the heaven of a hot dog from Amos and Andy.

Ever go to the Blue Light?

Did you have your shirts done at the Jack Rabbit?

[TheRose77]

Ahhh.. The Ivy Room. Good times. My sweetie hauled me back from there to East Campus in a shopping cart one night (circa 1974). I ended up marrying the guy.
Also, Hal Jarvis's Barn was great for late night burgers.
And The Waffle House is still around. Wonderful crowds. And great for after the pledge formal.

[DukeCO2009]

You're really bringing up some memories! Don't leave out the Blue Light! Don't know that the food was good, but the fights were.

Blue Light is now Sam's Quick Shop, home of the best beer selection I've ever seen. Everyone ought to check it out. If you can think of it, odds are Sam's has it.

[Kimist]

I have fond memories of AB's - apparently the "remodeling" was just before my arrival. They always had fried chicken, and BBQ, and the hushpuppies kept coming at you.

IIRC, a "meal" was around $1. The place also got a lot more Duke student business during The Vigil. I even took my dad there once or twice when he drove to Durham to pick me up/drop me off (car.....what car?!?)

While I'm here, I really would like to rewind the clock and visit the Dope Shop one more time (proud former resident of all-freshman Kilgo quad ;)). Best milkshakes anywhere, and I swear some of those ladies worked behind the counter forever in the years post graduation!

Best to everyone in 2009.

k

[devildeac]

Funny but I'm not sure I ever went to Bullock's back then - we used to head to Parker's for bbq.

Also gone, the Student Prince/Rathskeller (or whatever it was really called between the KFC & the A&P), the Saddle and Fox, Somethyme, Darryl's, Subway (later Bull City Subs)...

No question about it though it's Bat's and the Ivy Room I miss the most.

Are you referring to the Hafbrau(sp?)?

[rthomas]

We used to go to some place on Broad Street for burgers and beer that has since closed. Good greasy burgers. Kind of a dive. Down a few blocks from a since closed ice cream shop called Chocolate Smiles.

Sorry I can't remember the name. Anybody remember that place?

[Indoor66]

We used to go to some place on Broad Street for burgers and beer that has since closed. Good greasy burgers. Kind of a dive. Down a few blocks from a since closed ice cream shop called Chocolate Smiles.

Sorry I can't remember the name. Anybody remember that place?

The Top Hat. Walt was your smiling bartender/server, Owned by Maitland Nance of the Cafeteria fame and the son of Mayola Smith, of Mayola's fame.

[DukePA]

Are you referring to the Hafbrau(sp?)?

I remember that place. We used to go there after playing softball on Wednesdays with my Dad's work crowd. He was working at the hyperbaric chambers at Duke at that time. They used to have Navy Seal team and UDT divers rotate through for 6 months and these guys were nuts. One time they made a smart-"donkey" remark to Dad as he was leaving the Haufbrau. He was half way up the stairs when he mooned those crazy divers :o

[rthomas]

The Top Hat. Walt was your smiling bartender/server, Owned by Maitland Nance of the Cafeteria fame and the son of Mayola Smith, of Mayola's fame.

Right on!!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Are you referring to the Hafbrau(sp?)?

Ah, the Hafbrau House! Spent many hours there, eating and drinking. I was pretty fond of their roast beef sandwich (they didn't offer pastrami :mad:).

I'll never forget the night (in 1975?) that 6'5", 240 lb. John Ricca (DT on the football team, earned some All Conference honors) was out-chugged by 5'4", 125 lb. Mary Hook. Boy, could that girl chug a pitcher of beer! :eek:

[sbpollo]

Amazing what is out there: http://www.thedurhamnews.com/front/story/181329.html

We called it The Owl. Probably was there every Thurs. night 72-76! Quarts of Schlitz for 90 cents. A little guy peeled potatoes for the fresh fries. Freshman year at A&A's-4 all the way sitting on Coke boxes in the back. Ivy Room was for Sun. nights. Wow, memories!!!!

[sbpollo]

Oh yeah, didn't John Ricca get into trouble for hitting someone in the face with a shovel? Maybe just a rumor.

[alteran]

One final note ... as someone who still lives in Durham, it's hard to believe how many Chinese places there are now. When I was in school, there was a period where the China Palace, across the street from Jim's Party Store on Hillsborough, was the only Chinese restaurant in town. One spring they had a fire and until they re-opened five months later, Durham was without Chinese food.

The change that is the most stark for me the most is mexican food.

I've always loved mexican food. I used to have to drive to Chi-Chi's in Raleigh to get it in the early 80s. Chi-Chi's, for goodness' sake! Then Chi-Chi's closed in Raleigh, and I had to drive to GREENSBORO. I did it about once a year.

Mid-90s there was Papagayo's in CH and Durham and that was it.

Somewhere along the line, demographics caught up with the dearth of Mexican food here and now there's really good Mexican food everywhere.

[alteran]

Tonight, New Year's Eve, is the last night for the Pizza Palace. They are closing the doors for good. :mad: Bad economy, you understand.

I remember buying half a dozen large (16") pizzas and bringing them back to the section for an informal rush party in the fall of 1973. I think they cost me less than $20, including sales tax, and they were GOOD!

I'm sure many of you have either eaten there or took out a pizza during your undergraduate days. If not, you missed something good.

I vaguely remember going there as a kid with my parents in the 70s. IIRC, back then you could get (and this was an awesome even then) a pitcher and a pizza for $2.

My dad LOVED that place. He actually figured out who was making pizzas on any given night, because pizza quality varied wildly according to who was making the pizza.

[sbpollo]

The change that is the most stark for me the most is mexican food.

I've always loved mexican food. I used to have to drive to Chi-Chi's in Raleigh to get it in the early 80s. Chi-Chi's, for goodness' sake! Then Chi-Chi's closed in Raleigh, and I had to drive to GREENSBORO. I did it about once a year.

Mid-90s there was Papagayo's in CH and Durham and that was it.

Somewhere along the line, demographics caught up with the dearth of Mexican food here and now there's really good Mexican food everywhere.

In the 70's Tijuana Fats in Chapel Hill was one of the few reasons to go there. Salads were good and cheap at The Porthole.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

In the 70's Tijuana Fats in Chapel Hill was one of the few reasons to go there. Salads were good and cheap at The Porthole.
The first time I ate Mexican food (and it was under duress) was in 1985 at Tijuana Fats in Banner Elk, NC. I've been a believer ever since.

[aimo]

One final note ... as someone who still lives in Durham, it's hard to believe how many Chinese places there are now. When I was in school, there was a period where the China Palace, across the street from Jim's Party Store on Hillsborough, was the only Chinese restaurant in town. One spring they had a fire and until they re-opened five months later, Durham was without Chinese food.

It was actually called the China Inn, and it was the best! Before that, the only Chinese food in Durham was downtown. When I was little, it was the Canton Station and a "train" would go through every few minutes.

I read in today's N&O that Faye Rodenhizer hasn't ruled out a return to business in the future, so maybe a Pizza Palace will make a comeback when the economy improves.

Remember when birds got into the furnace or something at Dillards and there was a recall from all the stores b/c of feathers in the sauce?