RD.COM Food Food Tips
ByAmanda Tarlton
Updated: Jul. 01, 2024
We're sharing the best diner in every state so you don't have to search for one yourself!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
RD.com, via tripadvisor (4), via Home grown GA/facebook.com
The best diners in the U.S.
We all have a favorite local restaurant—the place that’s seen us through late nights, early mornings and emergency pancakes. Plus, we can’t forget about our 15 cups of coffee in a row. From 24-hour breakfast to cozy retro booths, a good diner isn’t just an integral part of your community. The best diner is also the place where life happens.
So if you’re looking for the best diner, specifically the best diner in your state, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in Alabama or Wyoming, we’ve rounded up the top choices in the country, where you’re sure to find that state’s signature dish. Sure, fancy coffee shops have their place, but so do greasy spoons—and these will hit the spot. We compiled this list after thorough research, including customer ratings, Tripadvisor scores and local gossip. Our goal: to find the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger cravings, day or night. Dig in!
GetReader’s Digest’sRead Up newsletter for more food tips, travel, holidays, fun facts, humor, cleaning and tech all week long.
The first thing you’ll see when you walk into City Cafe Diner in Huntsville is rows and rows of homemade cakes smothered in fluffy frosting. While you can’t go wrong with any of the decadent dessert options, we recommend the Volcano. It’s a massive slice with layers of cheesecake, chocolate mousse and brownie, all coated in chocolate and slivered almonds. This diner is also famous for its Greek food, so get on that moussaka.
Gwennie’s in Anchorage is famous for its huge portions and insanely delicious breakfasts, especially the reindeer sausage and crab omelet. You are in Alaska, after all! The decor is rustic, with beautiful Native art adorning the walls. Visitors and locals alike agree that you can’t miss this iconic diner.
Not only was it the setting of the 1970s TV sitcom Alice, but Mel’s Diner is also the establishment that coined the phrase “Kiss my grits!” So naturally, going for breakfast (the most important meal of the day) is key. You’ll leave the best diner in Phoenix with a belly full of America’s favorite foods, from syrup-covered pancakes to massive omelets and beloved home fries.
This self-proclaimed modern diner uses all locally sourced, fresh ingredients for its small—but diverse—breakfast and lunch menus. It’s decked out with ’50s-style red-and-white booths, and aside from the kitsch vibe, patrons rave about the Mason-jar mimosas and chicken and waffles, in particular. Plus, with the convenient self-serve coffee station, you’ll never have to wait on a refill.
Out in Yermo, in the middle of the blazing hot desert, Peggy Sue’s is an explosion of rainbow pastels and ’50s memorabilia. After filling up with the Buddy Holly Bacon Cheeseburger and crispy curly fries, head out back to stroll through the “dinersaur” park featuring giant metal dinosaurs scattered among ponds, fountains and bridges.
Colorado is one of the best places to see fall foliage, so if you’re taking a trip, visit the best diner in the state too! The shiny chrome exterior of this boxcar turned diner is the first sign you’ve come to the best spot for greasy comfort food. While the burgers always get rave reviews, you have to order the location-appropriate Denver omelet stuffed with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, diced ham and cheese.
If you live in Stamford, Connecticut, or plan to visit soon, make sure to stop by Elm Street Diner. This family-owned Greek-American spot specializes in traditional classics while offering more creative cuisine for an enjoyable dining experience. What does this mean, exactly? While you can enjoy a traditional breakfast like Eggs Benedict and waffles with fruit, as one reviewer did, you can also indulge in the diner’s famous milkshakes. These range from flavors like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cotton Candy to Hazelnut Coffee Dream and Funfetti (a birthday cake mix with rainbow sprinkles). One family even drove all the way from Canada to visit!
Did you know that Delaware is unofficially known as the Scrapple Capital of the World? If you’ve never tried the savory breakfast meat made from pork and cornmeal (locals eat it with a squirt of ketchup on top), head to Lucky’s for pancakes with a side of sizzling scrapple. At this Wilmington joint, you can turn any omelet into a breakfast hoagie too.
This Florida diner—a favorite late-night hangout of famous bassist Jaco Pastorius (from Weather Report)—is a lot like its namesake Peter Pan, in that it will never grow up. Step inside the Fort Lauderdale institution and you’ll be transported back to the ’70s with kitschy decor and a working jukebox. It’s the kind of place where the potato chips fill the whole bag. Plus, everyone loves the Greek dishes, especially the chicken gyro with homemade tzatziki sauce.
VIA HOME GROWN GA/FACEBOOK.COMVIA HOME GROWN GA/FACEBOOK.COM
Georgia: Home Grown Restaurant
One Comfy Chicken Biscuit, please. OK, two. Crispy fried chicken sandwiched between a homemade buttermilk biscuit and smothered in gravy is the very definition of Southern comfort food. In Home Grown owner Kevin Clark’s words: “It feels like you’re at your grandmother’s house.”
VIA RAINBOWDRIVEIN.COMVIA RAINBOWDRIVEIN.COM
Hawaii: Rainbow Drive-In
Known by Honolulu locals as Rainbow’s, this adorable drive-in has been serving up traditional Hawaiian fare for more than 50 years. Treat your taste buds to island eats with the Loco Moco (a burger patty atop white rice with a fried egg and brown gravy), spicy chili or the “mix plate,” which includes juicy boneless chicken, barbecue beef and the catch of the day.
What began as a small soda shop in Coeur d’Alene has now grown into one of the best breakfasts in the Gem State. Featured on the reality show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2017, Jimmy’s is known for its smothered chicken and dumplings, as well as its monstrous (in size, not flavor!) caramel pecan roll.
Free pancakes? You can get ’em at Charlie Parker’s … but only if you finish the whole stack, and trust us, they’re about the size of your average pizza. If you aren’t up for a major carb coma next time you’re in Springfield, ask for the Horseshoe, an Illinois specialty consisting of an English muffin covered in hash browns, bacon, sausage gravy and cheese sauce.
Make one of the Metro Diner’s two Indianapolis locations—both are in the top 100 restaurants in Indy on Tripadvisor—your culinary pit stop. They serve hearty comfort food that boasts “huge” serving sizes. For breakfast, try their trio of home fries, eggs and generously sized biscuits smothered in gravy. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. One reviewer raved about their dinner pick: a savory spectacle of fried chicken with waffles that was perfectly paired with mashed red-skin potatoes. Delicious!
If you’re taking a vacation in the Midwest, visit the spot making what they call “Midwest soul food” a very real—and delicious—thing. Made with locally sourced ingredients, what’s on the menu at this Iowa City joint is classic country cooking with an unexpected twist. Favorites include the Krakatoa omelet stuffed with bacon, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and cilantro-lime cream cheese.
VIA JIMMIE'S DINER/FACEBOOK.COMVIA JIMMIE'S DINER/FACEBOOK.COM
Kansas: Jimmie's Diner
Poodle skirts and ponytails are the uniform at Jimmie’s Diner, so you’ll feel like you’ve flashed back to the ’50s at the best diner in Wichita. It boasts service that’s as fast as it is friendly, and you even can sip some bubbly from the old-fashioned soda fountain. Plus, its all-day breakfast menu makes it the best diner in Kansas to dig into a pile of pancakes.
VIA RAMSEYSDINERS.COMVIA RAMSEYSDINERS.COM
Kentucky: Ramsey's Diner
Indulge in the heartwarming charm of Ramsey’s Diner, one of the best diners and family-friendly havens in Lexington. From the crispy chicken to the comforting pot roast, the menu boasts delectable meals that capture the essence of a nostalgic home-cooked spread. For dessert, consider one of Ramsey’s tasty pies, especially the Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie, which earned high praise from one enthusiastic reviewer, or the Pecan Chocolate Chip Pie, another fan favorite.
VIA HUBCITYDINER.COMVIA HUBCITYDINER.COM
Louisiana: Hub City Diner
Forget fast food, and step back in time to embrace the nostalgic feel of the Hub City Diner in Lafayette. Enjoy the biscuits and grits, a reviewer favorite, or the Blue Plate Special featuring a hamburger steak and two sides—both are guaranteed to leave your cravings fully satisfied! But the diner isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s also a culinary haven that offers reasonably priced menu items for everyone. It boasts a nice selection of wines too.
Head on over to Maine for your fall weekend getaway, and rub elbows with off-duty fishermen at this waterfront diner, located in a quaint New England cottage in Portland. When the weather’s nice, take your Maine lobster roll out to the patio and watch the catch of the day come into the docks as you dip your fresh seafood sandwich into melted butter and sip a homemade milkshake.
Two things you should expect when you eat at one of Double T‘s nine locations in Maryland: Your waitress will definitely call you “hon” at some point (it’s a Charm City thing), and you’ll have trouble choosing from the 100-plus items on the menu, from Greek specialties to all-day breakfast options. The White Marsh location is a hangout spot for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens too, so you could get an autograph or two with your hash browns.
Named after one of the most classic ’80s flicks, The Breakfast Club in Allston is the best diner to experience some serious movie nostalgia. You’ll find movie posters tacked to the wall and menu items named after the movie’s characters. Get there early (it’s only open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and dive into one of the “Library Specials” like the Basket Case, which comes with two eggs, home fries, toast, meat and two thick pancakes. This isn’t the place for a macchiato (they didn’t have them in the ’80s!), but the coffee is great nonetheless.
Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea. And having it at Fleetwood Diner is an even better one. While all the breakfast eats (from hearty omelets to raisin-swirl French toast dripping in syrup) get five stars, this diner is really known for its “Hippie Hash,” or what locals call the ultimate hangover cure—perfect for Ann Arbor’s many college students. It’s a pile of hash browns topped with tons of grilled veggies and feta cheese. Sounds perfect for us too!
Al’s Breakfast was formed out of an old alleyway in 1950 and has been a Minneapolis staple ever since. Since it has only 13 stools, visitors will have an intimate experience over the diner’s iconic corned beef hash and French toast. Just make sure to stop at the bank first, as this local favorite is a cash-only breakfast joint, and maybe wear comfortable shoes and plan to wait on the first-come, first-served line.
Bring on the sweet tea and buttermilk cornbread. After all, Ajax has received “Best Cornbread” honors, along with a lot of other awards—and it’s one of former NFL quarterback Eli Manning’s go-to haunts in Oxford. For extra spicy Southern soul food, ask for the Hot Tamale Pie, a bowl of cheesy (and fiery) grits and pork drizzled with a Creole mustard vinaigrette. You can cool your mouth afterward with some sorbet or sherbet.
VIA COURTESY DINER/FACBOOK.COMVIA COURTESY DINER/FACBOOK.COM
Missouri: Courtesy Diner
The Courtesy Diner may no longer be a national chain of sandwich shops (it’s now just three locations in St. Louis), but it’s still worthy of being known as the best diner in Missouri. The one specialty every visitor has to take a bite of is the St. Louis Slinger—it’s a burger patty and two eggs sitting atop a bed of hash browns, smothered in chili and cheese.
Who knew that some of the best burgers in the Midwest would be found in a log cabin in middle-of-nowhere Montana? At Roadhouse Diner in Great Falls, the beef patties are ground and grilled fresh every single day—then topped with unique add-ons like peanut butter, serrano peppers and even Pop Rocks. And you’ll definitely want to get the crispy house-made fries with that.
Come for the retro vibes and quintessential diner grub (like the hot meatloaf sandwich), and stay for the stories of the woman behind it all. Shirley’s Diner owner Denise Fackler is a bit of an Omaha legend, and for good reason: Before opening the diner with her husband, she had a long career as a singer-songwriter, once duetting with John Denver and even touring Vietnam with the USO.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Which means you can (and should) order a hefty stack of Du-par‘s famous fluffy pancakes, served with a thick pat of real butter and maple syrup. Located in the Suncoast Hotel and Casino on the Strip, the 24-hour diner also boasts Las Vegas’s “first” shrimp co*cktail. Eat up!
Plenty of politicians have bellied up to the counter at Red Arrow Diner in Manchester along the campaign trail. It’s also the only 24-hour joint in New Hampshire. Pop in for a hot cup of coffee and a couple of Dinah Fingers (the restaurant’s version of a homemade Twinkie). On your way out, if you’re a new customer, you’ll even get a ring of the bell and a souvenir sticker.
It’s hard to pick a favorite in what’s known as the Diner Capital of the World: New Jersey. But when a place like Tops Diner has been called the best diner in the entire country, well, we’re listening—or rather, eating. We’ll take a Fatty Melt, which is pretty much what it sounds like: a burger between TWO grilled cheese sandwiches. The seafood section is a sure winner too, as this East Newark diner uses fresh fish, clams and more.
On the side of Route 66 lies a blast from the past, illuminated by rainbow-colored neon signs. Pull over to check out the old Plymouth cars, order one of 66 Diner‘s gut-busting Blue Plate Specials, or better yet, step up to the counter for an over-the-top milkshake. The Albuquerque joint’s original Pink Cadillac flavor (strawberry ice cream and Oreo cookies) is a must.
How can you be surrounded by singing servers and strands of confetti and not be happy? Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the Broadway theme of this eatery makes it the best diner in New York! But the joyful atmosphere of Ellen’s in the Big Apple isn’t the only perk—the Broadway landmark also offers an extensive list of drool-worthy dishes. Of course, they’re all aptly named, like Mamma Mia Meatloaf, Love Me Tenders, and Joseph and the Technicolor Bagel.
When you think of comfort food, you think of the South. And if you live in North Carolina, you think of Midnight Diner in Charlotte. Take a trip back in time with the checkerboard floors and red vinyl booths while you nosh on legendary fried chicken and waffles and big buttermilk biscuits dipped in sausage gravy. You won’t regret it.
Forget the Greek goodies—at Kroll’s, it’s all about traditional German cooking (mixed in with American classics, of course). Call up your Fargo friends because Kroll’s is the best diner for knoephla soup, a creamy concoction dotted with doughy dumplings. In fact, it’s award-winning! You won’t wait long, either—this diner’s motto is “Sit down and eat!” so you can expect speedy service.
Any place that considers a “side” of bacon as seven meaty slices is a win in our book. That’s Fred’s for you, where the food is delicious (call ahead for Fred’s Famous Chicken Dumpling Soup) and the walls are covered in local Akron history. Bonus: Nothing on the menu costs more than $15, and most items are under $10. But don’t expect anything fancy at this hidden gem—it’s definitely a no-frills kind of place.
One thing you probably didn’t know that Oklahoma was famous for? The onion burger. You can taste this regional cuisine (a burger with thinly sliced Spanish yellow onions pressed on top and cooked until crisp) at Sid’s in El Reno. The owner came up with the recipe back in the Depression, when onions were cheaper than meat and he wanted a way to make burgers taste better without spending more. Just be prepared to wait when you visit—the line is often out the door!
Not to be confused with IHOP, this breakfast mainstay in Portland is where you can satisfy your pancake craving any hour of the day or night. The portions are plentiful, so come hungry—the piles of soft, fluffy hotcakes soaked in homemade maple syrup will melt in your mouth.
For a taste of that homestyle Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, slide into a booth at the Neptune Diner in Lancaster, the heart of Amish country. It may have its own spot on the Travel Channel, but the family-owned restaurant has stuck to its roots and continues to offer crowd-pleasers like the Meatloaf Stack, a chunk of meatloaf atop mashed potatoes and adorned with mushrooms, crispy onion rings, cheddar cheese and gravy.
It doesn’t get more iconic than this railcar joint, nestled in the birthplace of the very first diner in America—Pawtucket. Modern Diner’s breakfast plate, the Custard French Toast, was named Food Network’s “Best Diner Dish in America.” Fun fact: The recipe was actually was created by accident, when the owner made too much vanilla pudding and decided to serve some of it on thick slices of toast, and the rest was history.
The early bird gets the worm—and the crave-worthy chicken and waffles topped with either mushroom sage gravy or lavender honey at this Charleston Lowcountry establishment. With a rotating customer base of regulars who stop in every day, it’s obvious that this is the best diner for breakfast, dinner and any meal in between. While you wait for your food, take a peek at the artwork from up-and-coming Charleston artists hung on the walls.
When you need a juicy burger or creamy mac and cheese on a rail (that’s “fast,” in diner speak), hit up Phillips Avenue Diner in Sioux Falls. Once a silver airstream and now a brick-and-mortar restaurant, it’s the best diner in South Dakota if you’re in the mood for a greasy spoon: friendly waitresses, ample portions and decadent desserts. We’ll take a chocolate shake, please.
Come at the right time and you might see Mel himself slinging burgers on the grill or cranking up the jukebox at this family-friendly hot spot in Pigeon Forge. For a true ’50s experience, take your pick of one of the throwback-themed entrees, like Dawn’s Hand-Breaded Catfish or Grandpappy’s Pot Roast. And save room for one of Mel’s famous banana splits at the end!
Y’all come on in! That’s the spirit at Austin’s eclectic Magnolia Cafe, where people from all walks of life are welcome. And while you’ll be tempted to go for the wide variety of traditional Tex-Mex bites, like the Migas or the Three Alarm Taco covered in homemade chipotle sauce, you’ll also want to try this diner’s renowned gingerbread pancakes. Pace yourself, though: Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially the portions.
The vintage paraphernalia at the Moab Diner isn’t the only thing ’50s about it—the prices are extremely cheap too. And even though it’s hot out in the Utah desert, it’s even hotter in the kitchen, where the house specialty is a signature green chili sauce. Simply ask your waitress to “smother it,” and you can get the chili on top of anything from a burrito to an omelet.
Head on over to Bennington to enjoy Blue Benn Diner‘s all-day breakfast. It’s a cozygem, full of old-style treasures like karaoke machines, jukeboxes and vintage railcars turned into booths. Despite the diner’s small size, it’s still a high-rated choice, and they serve up a delicious mix of comfort food and modern dishes. Plus, the menu goes above and beyond with vegan and vegetarian options that break free from the typical salad. And for those with a sweet tooth, an absolute must-try is Mom’s Raspberry Crunch Pancakes, described by one reviewer as “luscious.”
The pink Cadillac sitting out front of this quirky diner in Natural Bridge is enough to make any hungry passerby pull over. And fortunately, the inside is just as fun as the hot-pink outside. Amid the jukebox, checkerboard tablecloths and Elvis memorabilia, you can enjoy good food and even better prices. Between dinner and dessert, play a game on the retro pinball machines or take a pic with the giant King Kong statue.
No ticket needed for this historic railcar turned restaurant in Spokane, just a big appetite. It’s best for breakfast, when the coffee—and the conversation—never stops flowing. Some of the “field-to-fork” favorites include fried green tomatoes, Joe’s Special (an omelet with spinach, ground beef and sausage) and Great Nana’s Meatloaf Benedict with a runny yolk.
The name says it all: Grandma knows best, especially when it comes to hearty helpings and the fact that more butter is always better. Soak in the small-town vibes of Charles Town (expect some sass from your waitress) while you try to finish Grandma’s Diner‘s signature Busti, a quadruple-layer French toast breakfast sandwich. Try a nice cup of chai tea afterward to wash it down.
“Order what you want, eat what you get!” That’s the slogan at Frank’s, which also happens to be the oldest lunch-car diner in the country. By the way, when they say order what you want at this Kenosha institution, that should be one of the Garbage Plates, which are basically everything you’d eat for breakfast thrown together in one dish. The Full Plate has five eggs, along with potatoes, peppers, jalapeños, onions and meat. Yum!
Sometimes you just need a good hand-spun milkshake, which means you need to pay a visit to Casper, Wyoming. Regardless of your favorite flavor or toppings, you can find some of the thickest, creamiest shakes at Johnny J‘s ’50s-era soda fountain, along with malts, soda pop and fizzy floats. If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to take a road trip, this might be it!
Why trust us
AtReader’s Digest,we’recommitted to producing high-quality content by writers withexpertiseand experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experience whereappropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure theyremainaccurateand up to date. Read more about ourteam, ourcontributorsand oureditorial policies.
Originally Published: February 26, 2020
