What Was A Blue Plate Special

Blue Plate Special

A Blue Plate Special was a type of meal that was traditionally offered at diners and casual restaurants in the United States. It was called a Blue Plate Special because it was typically served on a blue plate, which was used to distinguish it from other menu items.

The Blue Plate Special was usually a low-priced, hearty meal available for a limited time, typically during lunch or dinner. It typically consisted of a main course, such as a meat dish, and one or more side dishes, such as vegetables, potatoes, or rice. The Blue Plate Special was often advertised as a "deal" or a "bargain," and it was popular with budget-conscious diners who wanted a filling meal at an affordable price.

The origins of the Blue Plate Special are somewhat murky. Still, it is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, around the same time as the rise of diners and casual restaurants in the United States. The Blue Plate Special was a way for these restaurants to offer a quick, cheap, and filling meal to working people and travelers looking for a quick bite to eat.

The Blue Plate Special was typically offered as a daily or weekly special, and the menu changed regularly to keep diners coming back for more. Some restaurants even posted the day's Blue Plate Special on a sign outside the restaurant to attract customers and entice them to come in and try it.

Although the Blue Plate Special is not as familiar as it once was, it is still offered at some diners and casual restaurants in the United States. It remains a popular choice for diners looking for a hearty, affordable meal.

Where Did the Blue Plate Special Originally Start?

The origins of the Blue Plate Special are somewhat murky, and it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where and when it first started. However, it is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, around the same time as the rise of diners and casual restaurants in the country.

Diners and casual restaurants were a new and popular type of eating establishment that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, and they were designed to cater to a wide range of customers, including working people, travelers, and families. These restaurants typically offered a quick, cheap, and filling meal to their customers, and the Blue Plate Special was a way for them to attract diners and offer a "deal" or a "bargain" to budget-conscious customers.

The Blue Plate Special was typically offered as a daily or weekly special, and the menu changed regularly to keep diners coming back for more. Some restaurants even posted the day's Blue Plate Special on a sign outside the restaurant, to attract customers and entice them to come in and try it.

Although it is not certain where the Blue Plate Special originated, it is likely that it emerged in a number of different places around the United States at around the same time, as diners and casual restaurants became more widespread. It is also possible that the Blue Plate Special was influenced by similar concepts that were popular in other countries, such as the "table d'hôte" in France or the "menu del día" in Spain.

Why Did They Call It a "Blue Plate" Special?

The Blue Plate Special got its name from the blue plates that it was typically served on. These blue plates were used to distinguish the Blue Plate Special from other menu items, and they were often used to advertise the special to customers.

The use of blue plates for the Blue Plate Special was likely a marketing technique that was used to make the special stand out and to attract diners. Blue is often associated with feelings of calmness and reliability, which may have made the Blue Plate Special seem more appealing and trustworthy to customers.

It is also possible that the use of blue plates for the Blue Plate Special was simply a way for restaurants to differentiate the special from other menu items, and to make it easy for customers to identify. Regardless of the reason, the use of blue plates became closely associated with the Blue Plate Special, and it is now an integral part of the concept.

Items You May Have Found On a Blue Plate Special Menu

The items that were typically included on a Blue Plate Special menu varied depending on the restaurant and the time of year, but they usually included a main course and one or more side dishes. Some common items that might be included on a Blue Plate Special menu are:

• Meat dishes: roast beef, fried chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, etc.
• Vegetables: mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, carrots, etc.
• Starches: rice, pasta, potatoes (baked, mashed, or fried)
• Soups: chicken noodle, beef stew, split pea, etc.
• Salads: tossed salad, coleslaw, potato salad, etc.
• Desserts: pie, cake, pudding, ice cream, etc.

It is also common for Blue Plate Specials to include a drink, such as coffee, tea, or soda, as well as bread and butter or a roll. Some restaurants may also offer a choice of soup or salad as an appetizer.

Blue Plate Specials were typically priced lower than other menu items, and they were often advertised as a "deal" or a "bargain" to attract diners. They were usually available for a limited time, typically during lunch or dinner, and the menu changed regularly to keep diners coming back for more.