Ask anyone in Somerset where to find a good burger, and they will point you to Lynn’s Lunchbox. Located in downtown Somerset, the burger joint dates back to 1922. From the 90-year-old seasoned grill to the original bar stools, Lynn’s Lunchbox rebirths the classic ’50s burger joint.
Originally owned by the Holsomeback family, the diner became popular for their mini burgers. New owners Sandi “Lynn” Simpson, 47, and her husband Dudley Simpson, 49, created their own recipe for the mini burgers, and regulars swear it’s the original recipe.
Original recipe or not, the Lunchbox is the spot for inexpensive burgers. Mini burgers cost 87 cents, big burgers cost $3.19. Regulars are greeted by name and the staff already knows their order when they walk in the door.
“The costumers are the reason why I come to work,” Sandi says. “Without them, why would I put up with this mess?”
The barber, the bankers, and the occasional judge from across the street are among the regulars. Costumers sometimes wait outside for the diner to open at 11 a.m. and will stay at their bar stools until closing time at 2:30 p.m. The diner has extended hours for special occasions, when crowds cram into the tiny diner.
“The chaos just doesn’t end on special nights we are open,” says Christy Todd, 31, a family friend.
The Simpsons get help from their family during lunch and special event dinner rushes. Summer is the peak season for the Lunchbox, with customers waiting in line for a spot at the original bar.
“When we are busy, we ignore the other person because we are so focused . . . We sometimes forget until we have just about ran them over,” Dudley says.
Lynn’s Lunchbox brings together the newer and the older generations of Somerset with open doors and a mustard, onion, and pickle topped burger in their hands.
