Roadside diners are a part of road tripping history. From comfort food to giant ice cream sundaes, diners offered people a home cooked meal and dessert after a weary day on the road. Today there are a lot more options for drive day meals, but the classic American diner still draws people through its doors.
We’ve rounded up some of the best diners in America, broken down by state. Some are historic, others are retro inspired, and some might not look like much but offer some of the best comfort food you can get. So if you’re planning a cross country RV road trip, make sure to add a few of these diners to your itinerary.
Top Diners in the U.S.
From Southern comfort food to East Coast seafood to burgers and fries, here are some of the best diners across America.
1. Alabama – Salem’s Diner
Salem’s Diner in Homewood, Alabama is known for serving breakfast, burgers, and lunch sandwiches. And don’t forget their homemade lemon ice box pie for dessert!
2. Alaska – Kriner’s Diner
If you’re heading to Alaska, make sure to stop by Kriner’s Diner in Anchorage, Alaska. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serve all the traditional American food options that you’d expect to see at a diner.
3. Arizona – Joe’s Diner
This classic diner in downtown Phoenix, Arizona is locally owned and known for their buttermilk pancakes and Arbuckles coffee. Joe’s Diner has food that is made from scratch and sourced from local ingredients.
4. Arkansas – Dan’s I-30 Diner
Located (as you might guess) off Interstate 30, Dan’s I-30 Diner in Benton, Arkansas serves up delicious breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches and the friendly servers make you feel like family.
5. California – Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner
If you’re heading to Las Vegas from California on Interstate 15, you’ll drive right by the retro Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner in Yermo, California. Peggy Sue’s is an original roadside diner built in 1954 and serves huge portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
6. Colorado – The Durango Diner
Not only is The Durango Diner a Colorado landmark, it also makes and sells their popular green chili and salsa. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so stop in or a meal or grab some salsa to go.
7. Connecticut – Blue Colony Diner
The Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, Connecticut is a retro diner that’s open 24 hours. Everything is made in house and they offer American and Mediterranean dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
8. Delaware – Frankford Family Diner
Frankford Family Diner in Frankford Delaware not only serves delicious sandwiches, burgers, paninis, and salads, they also have a fantastic seafood selection and Italian dishes. And they serve breakfast all day!
9. Florida – Starlite Diner
Looking for a retro diner in Florida? Head to Starlite Diner, the iconic Daytona Beach landmark. Slip into one of their vinyl booths and order something classic like a burger, milkshake, or waffles.
10. Georgia – Marietta Diner
Another classic diner that’s open 24/7 is Marietta Diner in Marietta, Georgia. You’ll know you’ve got the right place from the neon décor on the front of the building. Chow down on their huge portions as you pick from their breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus. And don’t forget the incredible desserts!
11. Hawaii – Dean’s Drive Inn
Featured on Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ tv show, Dean’s Drive Inn in Oahu serves delicious options for lunch and dinner. Try the ahi cakes or teriyaki burger!
12. Idaho – Westside Drive In
The Westside Drive In has 2 locations in Boise. The diner began in the 50s and still offers classic American dishes like burgers, fries, milkshakes, and malts, all made from scratch.
13. Illinois – Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill
Not all of the best diners in Illinois are located in Chicago. Those on Route 66 will want to stop by Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel, Illinois. This diner offers guests burgers, sandwiches and fries for a classic diner meal on your road trip.
14. Indiana – Oasis Diner
You can’t miss Oasis Diner in Plainfield, Indiana. The diner building is an original 1954 diner that was shipped to Indiana from New Jersey. This vintage diner serves classic American comfort food with a retro vibe.
15. Iowa – Hamburg Inn No. 2
The Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an authentic 50s diner that’s still family run. This historic diner in Iowa City is open for breakfast and lunch, and offers classic American comfort food dishes.
16. Kansas – Bobo’s Drive In
Bobo’s Drive In is a classic vintage drive-in in Topeka, Kansas that serves great burgers, hotdog, and fries. Operating since 1948, they still have a retro feel. Besides the main dishes, they offer fantastic onion rings and flavored malts!
17. Kentucky – Parkette Drive-In
Parkette Drive-In in Lexington, Kentucky is an old school 1950s drive in diner with checkered floors, vinyl booths, and tasty classic dishes. Try their famous fried chicken or the Poor Boy double decker hamburger.
18. Louisiana – Hub City Diner
While Hub City Diner in Lafayette, Louisiana opened in the 1990s, it still has that classic 50s vibe and tasty classic American dishes. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with plenty of delicious options.
19. Maine – Becky’s Diner
How about a diner serving delicious food that’s right on the water? Becky’s Diner in Portland Maine is just that. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with fresh and local ingredients and are a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
20. Maryland – Papermoon Diner
Papermoon Diner in Baltimore doesn’t look like your typical diner. But this fun and funky restaurant serves delicious food with eclectic décor.
21. Massachusetts – Miss Worcester Diner
Miss Worcester Diner is a historic diner from the 1940s. While the building might be tiny, the portions are huge, as well as the recognition! Try some of their famous French toast, or some of the many other breakfast offerings.
22. Michigan – Anchor Bay Pit Stop Diner
Michigan’s Anchor Bay Pit Stop Diner serves delicious and home cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stop by for their goulash Wednesdays or roast beef special on Thursdays.
23. Minnesota – Al’s Breakfast
Not only does Al’s Breakfast serve up delicious food, it’s also the narrowest restaurant in Minneapolis. The food in this historic 1940s diner is made from scratch and a favorite of locals and visitors!
24. Mississippi – Ajax Diner
Ajax Diner in Oxford, Mississippi serves up southern comfort food in a fun and funky environment. Try the chicken and dumplings, and don’t forget their fantastic gravy!
25. Missouri – Mel’s Hard Luck Diner
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner isn’t just a place where you can order giant desserts in a classic 50s diner, they also have servers that sing! Enjoy their burgers, ice cream sodas, and pies while being serenaded by professional singers at this family friendly diner.
26. Montana – Roadhouse Diner
Heading through Montana? Stop by Roadhouse Diner for the best burgers around. This log cabin diner serves breakfast options, but they’re known for their burgers, hand cut fries, and made from scratch buns.
27. Nebraska – Hi-Way Diner
Just off of Hwy 2 in Lincoln, Nebraska is the Hi-Way Diner. The diner is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves delicious meals in large portions.
28. Nevada – Omelet House 50s Diner
Next time you’re in Las Vegas, head away from The Strip to Omelet House 50s Diner for delicious breakfast and brunch. The family owned restaurant serves all your favorite classic breakfast dishes in a funky, 50s themed restaurant.
29. New Hampshire – Red Arrow Diner
The Red Arrow Diner is a tiny, 24 hour historic diner in Manchester, New Hampshire. The diner opened in 1922 and consistently wins awards for best diners. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
30. New Jersey – The Roadside Diner
One of the best diners in New Jersey is The Roadside Diner. Located in Wall and made from the classic metal train car design of 1940s diners, it’s a piece of New Jersey history. Try some of their delicious breakfast options, burgers, or Italian specials.
31. New Mexico – 66 Diner
Taking a drive down Route 66? As you pass through Albuquerque make sure to stop by 66 Diner. This classic 50s diner has a retro vibe with burgers, shakes, and old school jukebox.
32. New York – Tom’s Restaurant
New York has no shortage of incredible diners. Tom’s Restaurant isn’t just historical, it’s also one of the best diners in NYC. Whether you’re craving burgers, fries, breakfast, or dessert, you’ll find something for everyone on their menu.
33. North Carolina – Midnight Diner
Midnight Diner in Charlotte, North Carolina is another great 24/7 diner that’s located in a classic railroad car. Head inside to eat delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options surrounded by retro vinyl booths and checkered floors.
34. North Dakota – Kroll’s Diner
Kroll’s Diner is a fun 50’s diner in Fargo, North Dakota. They have multiple locations and serve German and American dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try their popular Knoephla Soup or hand-scooped shakes and malts.
35. Ohio – Big Al’s Diner
The size of this diner might be small, but the portions are big at Big Al’s Diner in Cleveland, Ohio. Come for breakfast, lunch, or brunch and choose from all your favorite breakfast dishes.
36. Oklahoma – Sherri’s Diner
Sherri’s Diner in Oklahoma City is a 1950s style family diner. They serve American comfort food for breakfast and lunch and have a great dessert menu!
37. Oregon – Blue Moon Diner
Hop onto a barstool or slide into a booth at Blue Moon Diner in Beaverton, Oregon. This 50s themed diner serves breakfast all day, as well as plenty of American lunch classics like burgers and shakes.
38. Pennsylvania – Village Diner
The Village Diner in Milford, Pennsylvania is another fantastic retro 50s diner. In the authentic 1950s diner building they serve homemade food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
39. Rhode Island – Blue Plate Diner
A classic Americana diner with a twist, Blue Plate Diner serves made from scratch dishes with an upscale twist. Choose from delicious breakfast items, sandwiches, seafood, and desserts.
40. South Carolina – The Early Bird Diner
The Early Bird Diner in Charleston, South Carolina is a locally owned diner that serves American classic food. They’re family friendly and serve delicious breakfast options all day long.
41. South Dakota – Phillips Avenue Diner
This old school vintage diner is full of charm and delicious food. Phillips Avenue Diner in Sioux Falls serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a great selection of floats, shakes, and desserts.
42. Tennessee – Loveless Café
Nashville has no shortage of great restaurants, but you won’t want to miss Loveless Café for a made from scratch Southern meal. Don’t miss their chicken and biscuits, and they’re also known for their barbeque and country ham.
43. Texas – Blue Bonnet Café
If you’re in the mood for incredible breakfasts and delicious pies, head to Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls, Texas. The diner opened in 1929 and still serves locals and visitors with friendly service.
44. Utah – Ruth’s Diner
Just outside Salt Lake City in Emigration Canyon is Ruth’s Diner. This restaurant is the second oldest restaurant in Utah and still serves food in a historic dining car as well as an outside patio area. They serve breakfast all day as well as a great selection of dinner options.
45. Vermont – Blue Benn
The Blue Benn Diner in Bennington, Vermont is another fantastic diner in a classic railcar from the 1940s. Hop onto a barstool or take a seat a one of the blue and cream colored booths to order your favorite classic diner dishes.
46. Virginia – Pink Cadillac Diner
You can’t miss the bright pink building of Pink Cadillac Diner in Natural Bridge, Virginia! This authentic 50s style diner serves classic diner food and has 24 flavors of ice cream.
47. Washington – Frank’s Diner
Frank’s Diner in Spokane, Washington is a must see for train lovers. This restaurants is an old 1900s train car that has been remodeled over the years and turned into the diner. Today you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Washington’s oldest dining car restaurant.
48. West Virginia – Mountain View Diner
Mountain View Diner in Charles Town, West Virginia offers visitors delicious American and Greek food, as well as their homemade desserts.
49. Wisconsin – Delta Diner
The Delta Diner in Delta, Wisconsin is a 1940s style roadside diner that serves breakfast, “Blue Plate Specials”, and sandwiches. Choose from bar or booth seating and order your favorite classic Americana dish.
50. Wyoming – Johnny J’s Diner
Johnny J’s Diner has two locations in Casper, Wyoming, both with a vintage 1950s look and feel. Their food is made from scratch and they offer all the favorites like burgers, fries, and sandwiches that you want at your favorite diner.
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