I stopped by Werner's on the way into work for the last breakfast. The luncheonette (even the word sounds archaic) closes for good after it serves lunch today.

The reality is that Werner's had faded badly; the gleam was definitely off the chrome. 

What was impressive was how valiant the staff was. It sure looked to me like they'd been all but abandoned by the restaurant's ownership; lately, they'd been bringing in supplies -- and food -- themselves.

Not many customers were there at 8 a.m., when I stopped in. A handful or so. Pat Correa, who works in the building next door, was eating breakfast at counter. She told me the same thing I'd heard before, that the relocation of State employees from the building next door really took a bite out of Werner's business.

Correa said she she liked going somewhere where the staff knew her, and that she loved the way the waitresses bantered at Werner's - across the room, loudly.

A man no one knew had brought in a pot of coffee and even helped clean up the kitchen a little. Sheila Morris, the head waitress, was trying to figure out who he was.

Maybe more people will stop by at lunch to say good-bye.

Tell us about your last-day. Have you ever worked at a restaurant on its last day? Or made a point of stopping by somewhere to say goodbye.

Top to bottom: the original water fountain, Danny DeVito's chair, the interior.  More Werner's photos.

Baltimore Sun staff/Algerina Perna