Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting up for breakfast at Laurel’s legendary Tastee Diner with Michael Stewart. Michael is an award-winning photographer and artist, and also happens to be the father of one of my favorite bloggers—Diner Hunter, Spencer Stewart.
Spencer had alerted me to some wonderful new etchings his dad had recently produced, capturing Laurel’s Little Tavern in its heyday. (Spencer has done by far the most meticulous research on Little Tavern I’ve ever seen—be sure to check out his extensive site!)
Michael has been getting back to his illustrative roots with a printmaking class at Montpelier, and he really caught the essence of the memorable little white building with the green roof.
1997. (Laurel Historical Society archives)
Of course, the building is still there at 115 Washington Boulevard—just across the street from the Tastee Diner. In fact, since it reopened as Laurel Tavern Donuts in 2008, it’s the only known establishment that still makes the famous Little Tavern Sliders from the original recipe, which was handed down by a former manager at the restaurant. Laurel’s Little Tavern first opened in 1939, and was among the very last to close its doors.
(Photo: © Michael G. Stewart)
After a great meal and wonderfully nostalgic conversation, (both of which are always enhanced by the Tastee Diner’s one-of-a-kind ambiance) I had my original etching framed before I even made it back home!
If you’d like one of your own, contact Michael at michephoto@msn.com or through Facebook.
Here are a few more photos from Michael’s archive, that he shot of the Little Tavern and Tastee Diner between 1987 and 2008:
Inside the Little Tavern in 2005. (Photo © Michael G. Stewart)
(Photo © Michael G. Stewart)
2008, after closing. (Photo © Michael G. Stewart)
An aerial view above Washington Boulevard. (Photo © Michael G. Stewart)
1987. (Photo © Michael G. Stewart)
The Tastee Diner’s Washington Boulevard sign in 1987. (Photo © Michael G. Stewart)
Oh, and I almost forgot—you can’t go to the Tastee Diner without enjoying copious amounts of good, strong coffee and a slice of pie, even it’s for breakfast.
(Photo: © Michael G. Stewart)
Lost Laurel 
Richard, I loved the Little Tavern! After my Junior Prom at Laurel High School, guess where we went? My date asked me if I was hungry and that’s where I wanted to go. The hamburgers were the best and the customers were always very interesting!
So much of my childhood was spent enjoying those little burgers, potato chips and a chocolate milk. I loved the little ordering room on the side with the turning window!!!
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