By Jennifer Russo

The Blue Plate, which has been around since the 1930s, was once a stop for third-shift factory workers seeking a cheap plate of grub on the way home. Throughout the years, the place has been a fixture in Holden, reinventing itself through the decades but keeping its focus on providing quality food at decent prices (seriously, a cheeseburger with pasta salad and chips for $4 and a draught PBR for $2 ~ where do I sign up?). Tommy Smith, who has been the Plate’s head chef for more than 20 years, also offers a delicious chicken cacciatore and taco salad.

Since the 1960s, when rock ’n’ roll clawed its way into the open air, The Blue Plate has brought amazing talent to the area to tear up the stage. The crowd’s style has changed ~ from paisley and flowered shirts to bell-bottoms to butterfly collars to punk hair and neon to today’s simple jeans and T-shirts, but the goal has remained the same ~ bring in the bands, entertain the masses and do it all with a genuine and local flair.

“We feature bands of all genres ~ rock, R&B, blues, jam, hard rock, folk, country ~ you name it,” said manager Michael Stacy Jr. “We’ve just expanded our stage area to accommodate bands up to nine pieces but kept the great sound and acoustics of the room that we’ve been known for. My dream is to see us continue growing our fan base and get great entertainment in every week.”

Stacy’s Uncle Tiny ran the place until his death in 1994, and The Blue Plate went through a tough time for a while. However, over the past few years, the restaurant and venue has been revitalized, with the hiring of some friendly staff, the booking of high-quality entertainment and the help of social media outlets in promoting how great the place really is.

And it’s working. Recently, Duke Levine played the Plate with Cosmic Slim, and the line was out the door. The venue has hosted Shakedown Street, which Stacy said is “easily the best local Grateful Dead cover band around.” The Silverbacks (a show that sold out in record time), Bare Hill, Deborah McDonnell and many more acts have also played at The Plate. The Plate is also known for its Open Mic Night, which is taking a short hiatus until the fall, but will be back and better than ever. Stacy also said the lounge has “the cheapest drinks and the deepest pours around.” Well, I’m sold. What’s not to love?

The Blue Plate has kept its retro décor as a nod to its 80 years in the business and is planning some events this year to celebrate its long-standing tradition and thank its patrons, old and new, for being a part of its ongoing legacy.

The Blue Plate Lounge is a cash-only restaurant at 661 Main St. in Holden. It is open from 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and noon-11 p.m. Sunday. For more information, including a schedule of events, visit facebook.com/pages/Blue-Plate-Lounge/50677911497.