Does anyone have the inside scoop on the progress there? The sign said it'd be closed for 3 months but it's been more like 4. It's the only place to eat downtown that's open past 10 PM, not to mention the only place downtown that doesn't charge $10 or $15 for a hamburger. Sorely missed.

You are wrong - they are re-doing the place. Gutting it and making it better (I hope)

It looks like there was a fire at the Flamingo Diner. Am I wrong?

They're not exactly gutting the place and going with tablecloths and candles. I like the Flamingo, but all places can use a cleaning and freshening up from time to time.

New owners and basic improvements like jacking up the floor so its level.I dropped an olive once and it rolled all the way to the counter.It is like sitting in a fun house in there.Place could use a good cleaning for sure.

How about living history?

Flourescent lights, moldy ceiling tiles, exposed wiring, and broken furniture as culture? Interesting.

they have probably been pressured to remodel by the surrounding establishments that despise any signs of real culture

Yeah, there is really no need for a fancy, remodeled diner. It's a DINER. It SHOULD be old-looking.

The flamingo is the stereo-typical downtown diner that should never change (except the food from time to time) - its what a diner is all about......a place your parents went to and a place you take your kids to !

I hope the renovations is more a painting and cleaning update with only an improvement to the kitchen (prep area)and bathroom to meet health standards.

I hope they don't renovate their prices too. I love a place that I can get coffee and breakfast for under $5. I don't care that everything is yellowed from cigarettes circa 1974. It gives the Flamingo a little more character. JC doesn't need another cookie-cutter establishment.

it doesnt need renovations!

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Yeah, it's really sad.

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Say it ain't so!

When I walked by this morning on the way to the path I noticed the place was closed. A large sign in the window said they would be closed three months for extensive renovations.

I once sat at the counter there and there was a homeless dude next to me and as god is my witness I watched fleas jump from him to the counter and back again.

Haven't gone back since.

For the record the TV switch was pre ownership change.

And you forgot the new XM radio music. I hear they want to 'renovate' as well, which isn't cool.

I love how my food takes longer now they have computers.

I had lunch there on Saturday. Two Coronas, two glasses of wine and two sandwiches: $15.00 + $4.00 tip. I hope that doesn't change.

One used to be able to buy beer to go after hours there - no more. That's a big loss, as is the cigarette machine.

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The problem is that classic things are only "classic" to the outsiders. From an owner/employee standpoint, I'm sure they love the flatscreen over a green hued tube tv. Their "improvements" are generally our "sellouts."

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UGH, that greenish hue TV was so classic. Late at night/early morning, they would play classic old movies.

I hate when classic things change

Just a continuation, my friend who I was with last night wanted me to state that the food was still great, and it was a mouse, not a rat...so yes, the burgers were still great.

Cigarette machine=gone...as is the greenish hue TV...now a flat screen

I like that the rat was down at #6. Please tell me they didn't get rid of the olde tyme cigarette machine.

OK, stop the fu*king presses! Would someone mind telling me what the hell happened to the Flamingo? Me and a couple friends went in last night for a quick burger after a long rehearsal, and I was heartbroken at what I found. Now granted, I haven't been in here for a month or so...maybe 2 now that I think of it, so maybe the ownership changed or something, but....

What's the deal with:
1. The computers? Part of the charm was the human interaction between the cooks and the waitresses.
2. The multiple "eye in the sky" cameras that make customers feel as if they are eating in a prison cafeteria.
3. The lame-ass cook (not the amazing older guy) that made us wait 15 minutes for our burgers while he sat in a booth and perved out at a curvy female customer that came in for a couple drinks.
4. The new menus are more straight forward, but still remove some of the old-school feel.
5. The dessert case seemed abandoned and lonely--not usual.
6. The big rat that met my friend half way to the bathroom...really disgusting!
7. And finally, the waitress asking for her tip in cash. I understand why, being a waiter for 10+ years, but it's just weird to ask a customer for a cash tip....

This place is going down-hill and something should be done before it lames itself out of existence. Whoever bought this place, there was no reason to make changes to it...

I left sad.

...that the Flamingo has been sold. Anyone have any news on this event? I hope to god the new owners don't change a thing.

they microwave their french-fries. that, my friends, is not cool. but if you are there, order their 'lime-rickeys'.

Had a great diner experience at the Flamingo a few weeks ago, I'd recommend!

If you go there for lunch, you don't actually get to pick what you want. Sophie tells you what you want to eat. And then the food comes out freakishly fast.

I haven't been there for a few months, but I love it... nice char grilled burgers and the best BLT in JC.

Mark.