Sure, short-order eateries can be found in various other chain retail shops — Target has one for example. But none that we're aware of can boast the anachronistic charm of the lunch counter in the Merrimon Avenue Rite-Aid. It’s equipped with not much more than a tiny deep-fryer, a griddle, a microwave, a hot plate and a number of counter-side stools, in use for more than 40 years.
Most of these drugstore eateries were phased out in the ‘70s, but this lunch counter held on, even surviving the transition of Eckerd's to Rite-Aid. The restaurant seems to have also held on to its prices, offering hot dogs with the works for $1.49, and egg, tuna or chicken salad sandwiches for $2.69. Want a veritable bucket of cherry-vanilla coke? You can get that here too.
The Counter is open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. (yes, they serve breakfast) until 2 p.m.
846 Merrimon Ave. 252-1866, http://www.riteaid.com
