James Lileks' The Diner

Chuck E. Diner 17.01.2026 26:49 ↓

Even the worst places can have good memories.

I Cried to Dream Again 10.01.2026 29:43 ↓

Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears; and sometime voices, That, if I then had waked after long sleep, Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open, and show riches Ready to drop upon me; that, when I waked, I cried to dream again. Wi...

A One-Eyed Jack 13.12.2025 28:00 ↓

Sometimes you just have to play the cards you're dealt - even if that card is a one-eyed Jack.

Dropkick Lileks Shipping Up to Boston 06.12.2025 31:12 ↓

The banalities of "Bob's" and a trip to Boston to clarify the mind. And stay in your lane!

Diner Hut 15.11.2025 24:27 ↓

It's the Tiffany lamps that really class up the Hut. That and the red plastic cups.

Fugitive from a Restaurant Chain Gang 08.11.2025 26:32 ↓

Take a snapshot with your Brownie. It won't last forever.

McDiner 01.11.2025 29:16 ↓

Soulless architecture with a decent cup of coffee.

Hey, Big Boy 25.10.2025 33:38 ↓

Looking for coffee in all the wrong places...

Warning Lights on the Dashboard of Life 18.10.2025 22:58 ↓

Ignore them at your peril.

Are You Here For Cheese Today? 04.10.2025 29:27 ↓

You can eat an entire meal for free at the supermarket...  Believe It Or Not!

Get a Grip 27.09.2025 31:24 ↓

This episode has a lot of things to unpack... which is what happens when you pack a lot of things.

Blighty Burgers 20.09.2025 27:42 ↓

Sit down, Old Chap, and celebrate the Great American Cheeseburger! 

An Apple for the Teacher 13.09.2025 28:13 ↓

Working under the influence... of the teachers you had in your youth.

Tool Time 06.09.2025 28:31 ↓

It's autumn. There's work to be done and you have to know how to handle the pressure of any situation.

Are You Game? 30.08.2025 36:14 ↓

Sometimes you just have to "immerse" yourself into another world.

Chicken Balls! 23.08.2025 29:04 ↓

Today's lesson: Don't let your wife go to the big box store or you'll be eating the same thing for a week. 

The Tipping Point 16.08.2025 30:30 ↓

The most gratuitous show to date. And if you tip your waitress, make sure you help her get back up on her feet.

Chez Barbara 09.08.2025 31:06 ↓

Sidewalk cafes and gracious living for all.

Good to the Last Drop 02.08.2025 30:55 ↓

An episode that's steaming hot and will get you going. Dare we say it? It's good to the last drop (and that's good, too!) 

Heeeeeeeeere's Lileks! 26.07.2025 35:02 ↓

An episode that was hermetically sealed and kept in a mayonnaise jar on the front porch of Funk & Wagnalls since noon today

Notarized Workout 19.07.2025 29:28 ↓

Retirement lets you do all the things you've ever wanted... provided you can get past the paperwork.

Carjacked 12.07.2025 28:27 ↓

Have you heard the news? No? Have a seat...

Chicken Laying Eggs 28.06.2025 30:54 ↓

Plenty of seats available in the Diner today because, well, you know why. Let's get ready for the big holiday weekend next.

16 Billion Passwords 21.06.2025 30:35 ↓

The cash is in the cloud - if you can get to it. Buddy, can you spare a five?

Take a Penny at the Apothecary 31.05.2025 34:17 ↓

Good health to all... from the Diner! And we may stop in at the drug store on the way home, that is, if we have enough spare change.