greasy spoon

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Wagners relocated to Houston, and in 1928 Mary Kay’s mother opened a greasy spoon, where she worked seven days a week, leaving her 10-year-old daughter in charge at home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But even if that wasn’t true, the etiquette is the same at a high-end restaurant as it is at your local greasy spoon.

From Slate • Oct. 13, 2023

Casual diners ordered meatloaf and burgers at the local greasy spoon.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2023

Known as “pé sujo” in Portuguese, a dirty foot is a cross between a dive bar and a greasy spoon, where the grit and grime are part of the charm.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2021

So delicate a substance not only contracts any disagreeable flavour, but is rendered cloudy by the least touch of any greasy spoon, or by a stewpan which has not been properly cleansed.

From Nelson's Home Comforts Thirteenth Edition by Hooper, Mary