Buzz
Diners have been a significant part of American cultural history, and they remain relevant today. These establishments offer delicious, affordable meals that evoke nostalgia for simpler times. From quaint small-town eateries to iconic city restaurants, here are the finest diners across all 50 states.
1. Alabama // Salem's Diner
Location: Homewood, Alabama
Since 2006, Salem's Diner has been serving up favorites like hot cakes and Philly cheesesteaks. Don’t miss their hashbrowns, praised by online reviewers for being perfectly seasoned.
2. Alaska // Sami's City Diner
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
With its delicious food, welcoming service, and retro '50s atmosphere, Sami's City Diner is an ideal spot for a laid-back meal. The menu features everything from blueberry pancakes and grits to corned beef hash and reindeer sausage.
3. Arizona // Coffee Pot Restaurant
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Inspired by the nearby Coffee Pot Rock, a stunning red rock formation, Coffee Pot Restaurant is renowned for its mouthwatering breakfast and lunch offerings. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Colombian coffee while choosing from their extensive menu of 101 unique omelets, ranging from classic ham and cheese to the unconventional peanut butter and jelly.
4. Arkansas // Neighborhood Diner
Location: Harrison, Arkansas
For classic, homestyle diner dishes, Neighborhood Diner is the place to go. Since 1952, this humble eatery has been serving up American favorites like meatloaf, grits, and Frito pie. Their hand-battered chicken-fried steak, served with hash browns mixed with onions and jalapeños, is a standout dish.
5. California // Marlene & Glen's Dead Fly Diner
Location: Plymouth, California
Nestled along Highway 49 in northern California, this diner offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options, including 12 varieties of eggs Benedict, an array of burgers, and irresistible jalapeño poppers. The retro diner ambiance, complete with a black-and-red checkered floor, red booths, and charming counter stools, adds to the experience.
6. Colorado // Sam's No. 3
Location: Multiple locations, Colorado
With spots in Glendale, Aurora, and Denver, Sam’s No. 3 offers an extensive menu of hearty, flavorful dishes. Must-tries include their breakfast burritos, country-fried steak, and pecan waffles.
7. Connecticut // Vernon Diner
Location: Vernon, Connecticut
While The Vernon Diner serves a variety of quesadillas, paninis, and wraps, their desserts truly stand out. From an array of cakes, pies, and cheesecakes to their unique espresso milkshake—featuring espresso, chocolate ice cream, syrup, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry—there’s something for every sweet tooth.
8. Delaware // Seaford Eagle Diner
Location: Seaford, Delaware
Seaford Eagle Diner is an ideal place for a casual, hearty meal with loved ones. Open every day, the diner shines with its comforting dishes like creamed chipped beef, cheese steak hoagies, and homemade rice pudding topped with whipped cream and raisins.
9. Florida // 11th Street Diner
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Housed in a vintage railroad car, 11th Street Diner offers all-day breakfast and a full bar. While it serves classic diner fare like hamburgers, fries, and shakes, the grilled honey barbecue wings and Argentinian skirt steak are crowd favorites.
10. Georgia // Marietta Diner
Location: Marietta, Georgia
This vibrant, 24-hour restaurant offers upscale dishes like lamb chops, chicken fettuccine alfredo, and broiled salmon, despite its colorful neon exterior. Since 1995, it has also been famous for its dessert case, filled with an array of cakes, pies, and cheesecakes.
11. Hawaii // The Other Side Diner
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
The Other Side offers classic diner staples like burgers and omelets, alongside Hawaiian specialties such as loco moco. It also caters to vegans with options like soy-based spare ribs and Beyond sausage breakfast burritos.
12. Idaho // Jimmy's Down the Street
Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Jimmy's Down The Street, a beloved diner in downtown Coeur d’Alene, started as a soda shop over 50 years ago. Today, it’s known for Southern comfort dishes like chicken-fried steak, pecan rolls, corned beef, and biscuits and gravy. Weekends often see long lines, so arriving early is recommended.
13. Illinois // The '50s Diner
Location: Peoria, Illinois
For a dose of Americana nostalgia, visit The 50's Diner, where oldies music plays and coffee flows endlessly. Daily specials feature comfort foods like meatloaf and beef tips with noodles, perfectly paired with gravy fries or a traditional chocolate malt.
14. Indiana // Oasis Diner
Location: Plainfield, Indiana
The Oasis in Plainfield, Indiana, epitomizes the classic diner experience. Famous for its pork tenderloin sandwich, it has been a local staple since 1954, when its prefabricated structure was transported by railcar from the Mountain View Diner Company in Singac, New Jersey. Restored to its original appearance, the Oasis offers an authentic retro vibe.
15. Iowa // The Bluebird Diner
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Since its opening in 2008, this Midwestern gem has been a favorite for comfort food lovers. The Bluebird Diner stands out with its inventive menu, featuring delights like buttermilk French toast and smoked pork green chili soup.
16. Kansas // Dagwood's Cafe
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast skillet or a comforting dinner of roast beef and mashed potatoes, this classic Kansas City spot has it all. The standout items are the Dagwood breakfast sandwiches, especially the Irish-inspired version with Swiss cheese and corned beef on rye.
17. Kentucky // Rick's White Light Diner
Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
Established in 1943, Rick’s White Light Diner is Frankfort’s oldest restaurant, beloved for its Cajun omelets, beignets, and jambalaya. Its cozy dining space fosters a warm, communal vibe.
18. Louisiana // Liz’s Where Y’at Diner
Location: Mandeville, Louisiana
After 15 years as a waitress, Liz Munson opened her own diner, Liz’s Where Y’at Diner. Popular breakfast dishes include three-egg scramblers, a range of Benedicts, and shrimp and grits.
19. Maine // Moody's Diner
Location: Waldoboro, Maine
Moody’s Diner has a rich history dating back to 1927, when Percy and Bertha Moody started with three cabins and a lunch wagon. Now run by their great-grandchildren, the diner serves classic fare like pastrami and Swiss on grilled rye. Their famous chocolate and pumpkin whoopie pies are so beloved that they’re shipped nationwide.
20. Maryland // The Blue Moon Cafe
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Nestled in Fells Point, The Blue Moon Cafe is known for its inventive breakfast offerings, like Captain Crunch French toast and bacon-apple pancakes. Their potato cakes, served with bacon, peppers, onions, applesauce, and sour cream, are a must-try.
21. Massachusetts // Mike's City Diner
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
For over 20 years, Mike’s City Diner has been dishing out generous portions of mouthwatering meals. The Pilgrim Sandwich, inspired by Thanksgiving and loaded with homemade cranberry sauce, is a crowd favorite. Don’t miss their exceptional French toast, made with diagonal slices of French bread soaked in a blend of egg, milk, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla, then topped with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.
22. Michigan // Good Truckin' Diner
Location: Lansing, Michigan
This cozy diner packs a punch with its bold flavors and extensive menu. Good Truckin’ Diner serves up a variety of breakfast and lunch options, from gravy-smothered breakfast sandwiches to savory tacos. Sweet lovers can enjoy “bonuts”—biscuit doughnuts and doughnut holes coated in cinnamon-sugar—or dive into inventive waffles paired with cereal-themed milkshakes. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
23. Minnesota // Duluth Grill
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
This diner has been a Duluth staple for more than two decades. Breakfast offerings range from classic biscuits and gravy to unique Asian-inspired dishes like miso pork belly Benedicts and Korean toast. The lunch menu boasts a variety of cheesy, spicy sandwiches and hearty bowls.
24. Mississippi // Ms. Candia's Café
Location: Foxworth, Mississippi
Ms. Candia's Café—formerly the Country Diner—is a beloved roadside spot for genuine, homestyle Southern cuisine. While unpretentious, its welcoming vibe and exceptional dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread make it a standout.
25. Missouri // Mel's Hard Luck Diner
Location: Branson, Missouri
For a unique blend of music and dining, visit Mel’s Hard Luck Diner. The waitstaff serenades guests while serving favorites like chili cheeseburgers and onion rings. Don’t miss the raisin toast, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, caramel syrup, and brown sugar, or the hard times patty melt with its secret sauce. Save room for their extensive ice cream menu.
26. Montana // Wolfer's Diner
Location: Havre, Montana
Wolfer's Diner captures the essence of the '50s with its jukebox and vintage film star posters. Each day, chefs prepare burgers using locally sourced beef, and the hand-scooped milkshakes are a must-try.
27. Nebraska // Lincoln Highway Diner
Location: North Platte, Nebraska
The Lincoln Highway Diner is a local favorite, known for its quick, friendly service and hearty meals. Whether you choose an omelet, breakfast burrito, or hot roast beef sandwich, every dish is a winner.
28. Nevada // The Griddle
Location: Winnemucca, Nevada
Since 1948, The Griddle has been a go-to spot for homemade meals crafted with high-quality ingredients. Be sure to try the pecan crepes filled with cream cheese, topped with chopped pecans, and drizzled with a savory-sweet bacon caramel sauce.
29. New Hampshire // Littleton Diner
Location: Littleton, New Hampshire
Since 1930, Littleton Diner has been a New England favorite, serving hearty, home-cooked meals. Notable visitors include politicians like John Edwards, Mitt Romney, John Kerry, and John McCain. Signature dishes include corned beef hash and the Yankee breakfast, featuring two eggs, baked beans, potatoes, toast, and optional apple pie with cheese.
30. New Jersey // Pompton Queen Diner
Location: Pompton Plains, New Jersey
New Jersey is home to many excellent diners, but Pompton Queen stands out. A must-try combo includes starting with disco fries, followed by crab cake sliders, and finishing with a decadent fudge brownie sundae.
31. New Mexico // The Pantry
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Since 1948, The Pantry has been adding a Southwestern flair to traditional American diner dishes. This family-run establishment is famous for its buttermilk pancakes filled with berries and whipped cream, as well as perfectly balanced huevos rancheros featuring eggs, fries, beans, chiles, and cheese.
32. New York // Roscoe Diner
Location: Roscoe, New York
A beloved spot for Hudson Valley residents and Manhattan visitors, the Roscoe Diner has been offering an extensive menu of diner classics and Greek specialties since 1969. Craving pancakes at any time? They serve breakfast all day, alongside a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta, and more.
33. North Carolina // True Flavors Diner
Location: Durham, North Carolina
This innovative diner near Research Triangle Park puts a modern spin on traditional diner fare. Its weekend brunch features Southern-inspired dishes like a blueberry and pork sausage biscuit with icing, a four-egg omelet packed with Cajun-spiced salmon, and spiced honey chicken and waffles.
34. North Dakota // The Shack on Broadway
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
For hearty diner classics, The Shack On Broadway is a must-visit. Try the "hooligan omelet" with homemade chili or enjoy a strawberry or blueberry shake. With options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even kid-friendly and senior menus, there’s something for everyone.
35. Ohio // Nutcracker Family Restaurant
Location: Pataskala, Ohio
This nostalgic '50s-style diner offers excellent coffee, homemade pies, and a collection of vibrant nutcrackers. Originally an ice cream parlor, Nutcracker Family Restaurant now serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Veterans eat free on Veteran's Day and the day after Memorial Day as a gesture of gratitude.
36. Oklahoma // Sid's Diner
Location: El Reno, Oklahoma
This no-frills diner near Oklahoma City is famous for its burgers, especially the fried onion burger—a beef patty with caramelized onions cooked right in, topped with pickles and mustard. Pair it with a thick milkshake and crispy fries, and admire the vintage photos of Oklahoma life adorning the walls.
37. Oregon // Punky's Diner and Pies
Location: Medford, Oregon
At Punky's, you’ll find a mix of hearty Southern dishes like chicken-fried steak with sausage gravy, alongside gluten-free pancakes and fresh salads made with produce from the diner’s garden. Be sure to try their homemade deep-dish pies, featuring flavors like huckleberry, peach-strawberry, and cherry-rhubarb.
38. Pennsylvania // Diner 248
Location: Easton, Pennsylvania
Diner 248 keeps things exciting with a rotating menu of daily specials. Try their egg and cheese sandwich paired with fresh-cut home fries, and don’t forget to indulge in a slice of their chocolate peanut butter pie.
39. Rhode Island // The Middle of Nowhere Diner
Location: Exeter, Rhode Island
The Middle of Nowhere Diner delivers on the promise of comfort food and warm hospitality. While their burgers and sandwiches are crowd-pleasers, the Belgian waffles—topped with options like blueberries, strawberries, peaches, chocolate chips, and bananas—are a must-try.
40. South Carolina // Early Bird Diner
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Situated on Savannah Highway, Early Bird Diner offers Southern comfort classics like steak and eggs, catfish po' boys, and chicken and waffles. Don’t miss the local artwork that decorates the diner’s walls.
41. South Dakota // Phillips Avenue Diner
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Phillips Avenue Diner in downtown Sioux Falls is a lively spot. Enjoy Burger Madness on Mondays, Waffle Wednesdays on Wednesdays, and watch milkshakes being made at the counter. Be sure to try the banana bread French toast, served with bananas and a sweet whipped topping.
42. Tennessee // Elliston Place Soda Shop
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
With over 80 years of history, Elliston Place Soda Shop offers warm biscuits and friendly service. Sit at the counter for a butterscotch malt, or enjoy fried green tomatoes with a special sauce and a pimento cheese sandwich for a hearty meal.
43. Texas // Original Market Diner
Location: Dallas, Texas
Since 1954, Original Market Diner has evolved from a drive-in to a burger joint and now a sandwich spot. Today, it serves timeless, hearty meals to Texans. Try an old-fashioned sugar cane soda and the Frito pie, topped with chili, cheese, and onions, served with crispy fries.
44. Utah // Ruth's Diner
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Founded in 1930 by cabaret singer Ruth, Ruth's Diner is a top spot for classic diner fare. The shaded outdoor patio offers ample seating, and the menu features standout dishes like pulled pork Benedict, cinnamon roll French toast, and Reuben sandwiches.
45. Vermont // Chelsea Royal Diner
Location: West Brattleboro, Vermont
At Chelsea Royal Diner, near Vermont’s Green Mountains, you’ll dine like royalty. The menu highlights eggs and vegetables from the diner’s own backyard garden, and the homemade ice cream—featuring flavors like blueberry and mocha malted milk ball—is a must-try.
46. Virginia // Metro 29
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Since 1995, Metro 29 has been serving up delicious meals and warm hospitality, embodying the essence of a great diner. Start with a basket of onion rings, then enjoy the chicken salad club sandwich, and don’t forget to explore the on-site bakery for pastries, cakes, and pies.
47. Washington // Hal's Drive In
Location: Sedro-Woolley, Washington
Nestled in northern Washington, Hal's Drive In offers classic diner fare with a nostalgic '50s vibe. Open for nearly 70 years, it’s the perfect spot for burgers, chili dogs, milkshakes, and more.
48. West Virginia // Mountain View Diner
Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
Run by a Greek family, Mountain View Diner offers classic diner dishes like omelets and corned beef hash. Don’t miss the in-house bakery, where you can grab rich chocolate, red velvet, and carrot cakes to take home.
49. Wisconsin // Miss Katie's Diner
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Named after the owner’s grandmother Katherine, Miss Katie's Diner is a '50s-style diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Located near I-94, it has welcomed politicians like Hillary Clinton, Howard Dean, and John Kerry. Favorites include the corned beef hash skillet, vanilla shake, and cinnamon rolls.
50. Wyoming // Johnny J's Diner
Location: Casper, Wyoming
In Casper, Johnny J’s offers a genuine '50s diner experience. Enjoy a French vanilla cappuccino alongside banana pecan pancakes, all while soaking in the vibrant retro atmosphere.
A version of this article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated for 2022.
