Update November 11, 2017:
I am sad to say that after 79 years the Olmos Pharmacy Diner has closed its doors as of Sept. 9, 2017.
It was a shock that shook the community, as there was no indication they were going to close, no notice was given, and one day they were just closed.
It was a very sad day for San Antonians who frequented the beloved diner. I apologize it has taken me a bit to post the closure for those Foodies out there who were interested in eating at this very delightful establishment.
Hello everyone! Today I am going to review one of my favorite diners to eat at. By now you no doubt have noticed a theme that I love old time diners and restaurants!
Here is a link to a local News Source with more information on the closure:
www.mysanantonio.com
The Olmos Pharmacy Diner
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| copyright 2016 Cynthia Zuehl |
They are located at
Address: 3902 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone:(210) 822-1188
Hours:
Open today · 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
History
This restaurant has a bit of a history and flair. Let me take you on the journey to Olmos Pharmacy Restaurants past. In 2005 the owner of the Original Olmos Pharmacy put his business for sale on Ebay. The Olmos Pharmacy was an actual pharmacy and a historical building that had been in business since around 1938. They were an actual to goodness honest Soda Fountain shop. They had a bar with stools and served burgers and soda pop. The dining bar Is still there (I believe that is the same one) and the soda fountain is still there. |
Pic courtesy of Flickr.com
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| Pic courtesy of Silvercreek78250 click to read article |
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| Pic Courtesy of The White House click to read article |
The building was re-purposed into a lovely Diner with a 1950's Soda Pop Sock Hop vibe. However, they have up-to-date and very clean furniture, beer taps, kitchen, and the like.
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| copyright 2016 Cynthia Zuehl No alcohol served but we do not know why. |
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| Copyright 2016 Cynthia Zuehl |
The prices are great, they are average price for burger and fries. Yes you are going to pay slightly more than McDonald's but the food and atmosphere are well worth it.
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| copyright 2016 Cynthia Zuehl Chicken fried steak, toast, mashed potatoes, and grilled veggies. |
Food
The food menu is vast and mostly home cooked comfort foods like the above chicken fried steak, burgers, fries, grilled veg, mashed potatoes, fired chicken steak, pork chops, mac-n-cheese, etc.
The Banana split can be made the way you like it and it is amazing!
They do have Coca-Cola products.
We love the burgers, fries, grilled veggies were amazing. However, our chicken fried steak was dry and tasted burnt and was over cooked. This is an amazing place for burgers and they are the best.
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| copyright 2016 Cynthia Zuehl Hot sauce? YES! |
Cleanliness
The restaurant is kept clean and looks clean. Keep in mind that it is an old building and there is some wear and tear, however, they did do some remodeling. With that in mind the bathrooms are small and look the age, however they are clean.
I noticed that on the side of the bar there is a stand where the bussers/servers but the dirty dishes in a bin for the dishwasher who is just in front. The wall behind the bin was filthy and the silverware for customers is right in front next to all of this. Not very sanitary.
Altogether it is really clean.
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| 2015 copyright Cynthia Zuehl Decision Decisions |
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| Copyright 2015 Cynthia Zuehl Clean Tables! |
Staffing
I accidentally knocked a very tall chair over, (that happens when you are small) and one of the guys behind the dining bar came over quickly and picked it up. Thank you!
We have been here a few times. One time only we got a lovely waiter who told us all about the place and was very kind and lively.
This time as well as the last time we were there the staff act like they have some where better to be and rarely smile. However, they did keep my fiancees drink well filled and as you all know by now, that is a biggie for him!
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| copyright 2016 Cynthia Zuehl The outside of Olmos Pharmacy with outside seating! |
Events
When we walked in they were having some sort of event. We could not tell what was going on. there was a guy talking and on a laptop sitting at a table, it looked like no one in the restaurant was listening. No one explained what was going on, and we felt like we were outsiders and did not belong there. I went to the restroom and found that they were having trivia night via a poster on the wall. When we left my fiancee said that he saw that the customers at two of the tables were teams and he saw them hand in sheets for a gift certificate they won.
If you are going to have an event please let customers who may be late to the game know what is going on, and let them know that maybe they are too late to participate but that you have the event every Thursday at 6:30pm. It is bad form to alienate your patrons.
Olmos Pharmacy has many events throughout the months. You may find their event calendar on their website. They include Trivia nights, Poetry, Live music and the like.
Conclusion...
We will go to the Olmos Pharmacy Diner again, but we will look at the calendar so we are not left out, and we will only order the burger!
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