With its retro red-and-white sign towering above the corner of Brookville and Graham Roads, Rock-Cola not-so-subtly invites passersby to step back to an era when life moved a bit slower and most everything was made in the shade. Inside, the 1950s lives on in the bubblegum-colored walls and checkered floors, all so reminiscent of Eisenhower's Oval Office decor.

Rock-Cola's food is just as authentic. Upon plopping down in a booth or sliding onto a stool along the counter, visitors fill up on hearty American fare, including massive sandwiches and original creations. The hawg dawg, for instance, features a fresh hot dog bun buried beneath a deep-fried jumbo dog, smoky pulled pork, and creamy coleslaw. The drink selection includes the ever-popular Choc-Ola—recently revived after decades off the market—and every Saturday, a breakfast buffet gives early risers the energy they need to tackle the weekend crossword puzzle.