greasy spoon

plural greasy spoons · alternative rare greasey spoon

1. idiomaticinformalAn inexpensive diner or other informal restaurant, especially one specializing in frying or grilling.

   We found a good little greasy spoon down a side street.

   3 more examples

   I find that most gay men love to cook for others but would rather visit any greasy spoon than eat by themselves.

   1985 December 14, Robert Storem, “The Dating Game”, in Gay Community News, volume 13, number 22, page 6

   From the highway, Phil's looked like any other greasy spoon inviting the weary traveler off the road for a little indigestion and a cup of coffee — the same red booths patched with black electrical tape and faded formica counters lined with chrome-sided stools, a glass pie pin near the cash register, and coffee served in thick white mugs.

   1995, Sam DeSanto, The American Standard, East African Publishers, →ISBN, page 55

   Reward yourself for a week of healthful eating with breakfast at a greasy spoon. Nutritionists say an occasional cheat meal can make it easier to stick with a healthy diet.

   2008 January–February, “70 Ways to Improve Every Day of the Week”, in Men's Health, volume 23, number 1, →ISSN, page 135