In 1938, Gerry’s Coffee Shop opened on 979 Orange Ave. In 1952, it was sold and renamed Clayton’s Mexican Takeout. It was acquired again in the 2000s and since then, the owner opened Clayton’s Bakery and Bistro, a French-inspired vertical, down the street. But no matter what it has gone by, the restaurant has stood the test of time.
Walking into Clayton’s Coffee Shop is like stepping back in time. I was immediately greeted with a row of vintage milkshake machines, red vinyl seating and a jukebox, nailing the Americana diner aesthetic. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears blared over the speakers – not a detail was overlooked.
The menu consists of diner classics with malted shakes, burgers, a variety of fried items, soups and an all-day breakfast.
I was eager to guzzle down a greasy meal… maybe a little too eager. I started with the Dreamcicle Milkshake, a blood orange and vanilla icecream mix. Like every great diner, they gave me the metal cup with the extra shake. To eat, I ordered The Dewey sandwich, a grilled cheese with grilled onions and Thousand Island sauce on challah bread along with a side of onion rings.
It came out quickly, and it was marvelous. Each slice of challah was an inch thick and sauce oozed out of the sides. The pile of onion rings sat before me, so large it was nearly daring me to eat them all. A bead of whipped cream, stained pink by a sprinkle, melted down the side of the frosted glass housing the citrusy milkshake.
Happily, I accepted the challenge and began to eat. My blissful afternoon was cut short when I bit down at the wrong angle and my upper front teeth caught my lower front teeth. Crack. ****. The blood rushed from my head as I reached for my two front teeth. I was greeted with two teeth shaved down the front, enamel as sharp as a razor.
“You taking a break or slowing down sweetheart?” asked the waitress.
Trying to remain conscious, I nervously chuckled and replied that I was filling up quicker than I anticipated. I felt my once ghostly-white face turn red.
After some phone calls, Google searches and some desperate Reddit consulting, I learned no serious damage had occurred and it was a topical chip.
Any sensitivity to temperature is a concern. I took a big gulp of my milkshake to check. No sensitivity. I took another sip to be sure.
Any severe pain is a concern. I shrugged and took another bite of my sandwich. A dull pain yes, but nothing unbearable. The onion rings bore the same results.
Slowly and diligently I began to take more bites. Ultimately, I did have to get the rest packaged up since I was in a great deal of discomfort, but the fact I ate through two chipped teeth seems to be a significant testimony to Clayton’s Coffee Shop. I plan to go back, once I resolve my current circumstances, with a vengeance and an empty stomach.
Clayton’s Coffee Shop is located on Orange Avenue and is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
