Overview

The Town Talk Diner was significant for its Streamline Moderne style and as a unique example of infill development in Minneapolis. 

• Location: 2707½ East Lake Street
• Neighborhood: Longfellow

Historic profile

The Town Talk Diner was significant for its Streamline Moderne style and as an unusual example of infill development in Minneapolis. It was a narrow, two-story building, filling the space between two larger, older buildings. It was built in 1946 as former soldiers returned to their communities after World War II.

The storefront was designed in the Streamline Moderne style. It had several hallmarks of the style. The entire storefront was made of metal and glass. The metal framing had strong vertical and horizontal line patterns. The windows were flush with the metal.

The most striking feature of Town Talk Diner was its large sign. The sign was wider than the building itself. It had a teal background and rounded block letters filled with incandescent lights. Lake Street was an important streetcar route when the diner opened. The large sign helped the diner stand out with such a small storefront.

The Town Talk Diner was demolished after the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in May of 2020.