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All the United States Maryland Baltimore Papermoon Diner
Gastro Obscura

Papermoon Diner

This beloved Baltimore spot features caged dolls, a giant Pez collection, and many, many mannequins.

Baltimore, Maryland

Added By
Reina Gattuso
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  Franck Fotos / Alamy Stock Photo
  Coorsie/Used with permission
  Carolyn Joy/Used with permission
  Toriaroscuro / Atlas Obscura User
  Toriaroscuro / Atlas Obscura User
  Tameka N Malaree/Used with permission
  Jennifer Rustum/Used with permission
  Toriaroscuro / Atlas Obscura User
bathroom ceiling   teddrake / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

When restaurateur Un Kim took over a West Baltimore diner in 1994, the 24-7 joint's decor included simple booths and plastic plates. Over the years, Kim has transformed the eatery into a temple of kitsch, amassing a dazzling collection of pop culture paraphernalia.

Now, mannequins rule the roost. They lean against the walls, jutting out their flirtatious hips; they glisten in suits made of buttons and scales made of eyes; they twist under the weight of mobs of plastic toys; and they lounge on the lawn like psychedelic gnomes. Meanwhile, plastic limbs search for their owners and carousel horses hang overhead like the ponies of paranoid dreams. Quirky, at times creepy, Papermoon is definitely distinct.

Kim transformed the barebones eatery into a destination alongside her friend, designer David Briskie. They scour nearby second-hand shops to create an ever-changing display that Kim calls “living art.” Customers have gotten in on the game, with one former Pez dispenser manufacturer so tickled by the place, he gifted the diner his personal Pez collection.

There are plenty of offbeat favorites to be found on the menu, as well. Papermoon serves a lengthy list of sandwiches and snacks, Southern staples such as shrimp and grits, breakfast classics (served all day), and creative milkshakes, including bacon and Cap'n Crunch varieties.

Related Tags

Diner Unique Restaurants & Bars Art Collections

Know Before You Go

Papermoon is open from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. every day except for Tuesday. Papermoon also doesn't take reservations and will only seat a minimum of two people at peak times, so if you’re looking for some solo brunchin’ or aren’t down to wait up to 45 minutes, it’s best to go off-peak. While the festive atmosphere just begs for a birthday party, you can’t bring balloon party favors or noisemakers, so leave those kazoos at home. Not recommended for people afraid of mannequins.

Community Contributors

Added By

Reina Gattuso

Edited By

sadbread99, teddrake, Collector of Experiences, Toriaroscuro...

  • sadbread99
  • teddrake
  • Collector of Experiences
  • Toriaroscuro
  • elainemellis
  • chasepopt

Published

February 15, 2019

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Sources
  • http://papermoondiner24.com/media/PDF/Papermoon_Diner_Menu.pdf
  • https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/north-baltimore/ph-ms-papermoon-diner-0910-20150909-story.html
  • https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/papermoon-diner-baltimore?select=KtcEP-N-ZJlhk4P_NUcg6A
  • http://welcometobaltimorehon.com/paper-moon-diner
Papermoon Diner
227 West 29th Street
Baltimore, Maryland
United States
39.322435, -76.621229
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