Brown-Gardiner Fountain — Restaurant in Greensboro

Brown and Gardiner’s is an interesting place. It is historically significant because it has been in operation since 1959 and is the classic soda fountain on one side and drug store on the other. This slice of Americana has been significantly fading from the U.S. economic landscape over the last several decades. This place is worth a visit if for no other reason than that!

But the utterly fascinating thing about my visit was the clientele. I expected a mostly local crowd of older country folk mixed with blue collar workers, all punctuated by an occasional tourist. The hoi polloi if you will. But the patrons were pretty much the opposite of this. It was filled instead with well-to-do people from the Irving Park area nearby. The country club crowd. B and G seems to be more of a social gathering, a place to see and be seen, rather than a stop for lunch. The patrons literally talk to each other across the restaurant, asking each other how awesome their lives are, what business trip their spouse is on, and what the kids are doing this weekend. It was as if they were LARPing their Facebook page. I can answer any number of questions about these peoples’ lives, including knowing their children’s names, 8 of which I learned in the 30 minutes I was there. And each name was more vomitrocious than the last. I inadvertently met Fletcher, Adelaide, Blaine, Flynn, Dylan, Tucker, Wade-William, and, brace yourself, Beasley.

Certainly they are not here for the food. Don’t get me wrong—it’s good, but that’s about it. My patty melt came out very fast, meaning it was cooked earlier. I don’t care for that. Instead of one thick patty, it was two thin ones. Nice grilled onions. It could have used one more slice of cheese. Overall, they make a competent patty melt with a pleasant flavor. The hot dog all the way was similar. Good. Passable. Dog itself had a decent taste. The chili needed a little more spice. Likewise, the slaw was good but unremarkable. I wish they had toasted the bun—that would have made a really nice difference. The ubiquitous crinkle fries were done right.

The servers seem to share all tables. I was visited by 3 different ones. 2 out of three were very friendly and cheerful. #3 was pretty deadpan. The price was reasonable.

Because the food is good but not great, I am going with 3 stars. But it’s definitely worth a visit if you are nearby. You can experience some nostalgia. Plus you can keep up with what the Greensboro haute monde are up to. And learn a few names to NOT use for your...

There's nothing like BG! But just when you think it couldn't get any better than a flat top grilled burger and crinkle fries, they start serving tacos and taco salads with slow-cooked beef on Wednesdays. Honestly, this is the best meal money can buy on a Wednesday at lunchtime. But, like I said, they were doing it right before the tacos, you can't go wrong with a club sandwich or a BLT with a friend chicken fillet added, and they will make your fries or tater tots extra crispy if you just ask! The staff is the best part, they're kind, get to know you, and even know what you're going to order before you...

Great inexpensive lunch counter food with a wonderful staff. My father and I eat here weekly for our lunch break. They usually have a good special written on the board. Our favorite is the Brunswick stew and grilled cheese. Also you cannot beat the hotdogs and hamburgers both of which you can get with chili and slaw. The only downside to the place is that it is small with very limited parking, but it being small is part...