The front of Thano's Lamplighter Restaurant in the spring of 2006.

Thano's Lamplighter was a diner located at 121 E. Liberty Street near the Michigan Theater. The restaurant specialized in Greek food and items available included spanokopita (spinach pie), Mousaka, Horiatiki, Horta, and Saginaki (flaming Cheese). During football season, the crowds would pack the Lamplighter seeking fullness through pizza and beer. In the 1960's, Hal Halbrook and Jimmy Stewart, among others would frequent the Lamplighter while they were in town for performances. With its proximity to the Michigan Theater, many musicians ate a meal or two at Thano's.

During the 1980's the Lamplighter was one of several restaurants that University of Michigan Basketball players could redeem meal vouchers at, which meant that after games, when campus cafeterias were closed, Thano's would frequently get a visit by half-a-dozen players who had worked up an appetite.

In the Bill Frieder era Thano's was the default dinner location for the Michigan basketball team.

photo: cocktails sign

The Lamplighter is no longer in business.

The owner now has a catering company.