Might be of interest:
I never got to have the Automat experience in person, but I did dream about going to one once, as a kid.
I ate the Automat in NYC mentioned in the OP (near the Chrysler Building) on a class trip around 1988/89, shortly before it closed. I remember the Art Deco and the wall of “vending machines” along the back that you had to put tokens in to get food out. I can’t remember what I ate, I think it was a cheeseburger & fries, but I remember thinking the food looked gross and whatever I ate was gross. I was also 15 or 16 years old. But I was so thankful for the experience because my Dad had told me about them and said they were becoming a thing of the past. I think he was jealous. 
When I was a little kid, we lived in suburban Jersey. My dad would occasionally have business in the city, and would sometimes take me along. The highlight of the trip for me was always lunch at Horn & Hardart’s.
I understand they are now all gone. Makes me sad.
Just out of curiosity, was the food any good?
Actually, not bad at all (at least at H&H). Not a lot of variety, but mac & cheese, franks & beans, sandwiches, quite good pies, etc. Also, lots of hot coffee (not that I cared at that time, but the grown-ups drank it by the gallon).
Omigosh, the franks and beans were great, I had forgotten all about those!
Uncle Phaedrus? :eek:
Another reason I wish I had lived in another era. Going to H&H was something I’ve always wanted to do since seeing That Touch of Mink when I was in college.
UT
Mel Cooley is a total sleazeball, but Alice Kramden *does *deserve to get her ass fired.
lol - gotta agree, but for me, John Astin stole this entire movie…hook line and sinker.
UT
There was one in Dublin about maybe 5-10 years ago for about six months, ate at it a couple of times, it was all right like. It was part of a Dutch chain that’s still extant: FEBO - Wikipedia
Great site to wander through browsing old recipes.
LOL yup. The poor schmuck really shouldn’t hit on women that come into his office.