I do not think Buffalo had an automat but New York City had many. When we went to the “City” Gertrude would treat me to lunch at the automat. I was overwhelmed with all the choices and the food was fresh.
The automat took only coins. I remember there was a lady, who sat in the corner, who would make change for a dollar. Once we had our change, all we had to do was insert the money in the slot by the item we wanted, lift the glass and take out the food. It was a real plate, no plastic back in the 1950’s. It was hot because behind the bank of windows was the kitchen, where the food was prepared, and they replenished when an item was taken. Along the walls of the automat were sections for entrée, fruits, vegetable, salads, soups, breads, and one just for desserts.
My problem was it would take me awhile to figure out exactly what I wanted. That was my first experience with intolerant New Yorkers. I guess if you were a New Yorker and at the automat, it meant you wanted your food without waiting. But as a kid I had no idea what I wanted, so I took my time.
The automats went away with fast food establishments like McDonalds and the old fashion cafeterias, like Luby's. It was a wonderful experience for a kid from Buffalo.
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