The Best Diner in Every State
Drool-worthy pancakes, milkshakes, burgers, and so much more await you at America's best diners.
If you find yourself craving pancakes more than prosciutto, then eating out at diners just might be your thing. There's something so nostalgic about diners — and we're not just talking about the ones that are decorated like they're straight out of the '50s. Sliding into a booth and ordering a big burger, fries, and chocolate shake is the ultimate comfort dining experience. And not to mention the joy of getting a hearty plate of bacon, eggs, and pancakes for breakfast.
But with so many amazing diners across all of the US, finding a reliable diner joint can be a real mission. To help steer you in the right direction towards great diner food in your home state (or outside of it for when you're traveling), we've scoured hundreds of online reviews from sites like Yelp, Google, and Trip Advisor, and compiled a list of the best diners in every state. Now all you've got to do is get your eating pants ready.
John's City Diner - Birmingham, Alabama
If you’re looking for delicious southern comfort food, John’s City Diner is the place you want to be. Its got mouth-watering meatloaf, pork chops, mac and cheese, and, of course, chicken and waffles. There’s also an extensive bar menu if you want to treat yourself to a nice drink.
Southside Grill - Anchorage, Alaska
You definitely won’t have to worry about small portions at Southside Grill. No matter what you order, whether it be one of the tasty breakfast skillets or a classic club sandwich, you’ll be full and satisfied. And just to top it all off, the restaurant has a great family feel and some budget-friendly prices.
Welcome Diner - Phoenix, Arizona
Welcome Diner is a great spot, especially if you have a group with different dietary restrictions. The menu has tons of modern vegetarian dishes, like the jackfruit po boy, as well as plenty of old classics like eggs Benedict, gumbo, and jumbalaya. No matter what you order, your tastebuds will thank you.
Wesner’s Grill - Rogers, Arkansas
The best kinds of diners are ones that have all-day breakfast, and Wenser’s Grill does all-day breakfast masterfully. The mom and pop joint has pancakes, french toast, and tons of omelettes. And if you want something more savory, the burgers and tots are also a fan-favorite. Just make sure to save room for a slice of the fresh-baked pie!
Pann’s Diner - Los Angeles, California
Pann’s Diner has been featured movies like Bewitched and Pulp Fiction, but it’s not just their Hollywood star status that draws you in. The restaurant has amazing comfort food, complete with fluffy biscuits, delicious mac and cheese, and to-die-for french toast.
The Little Diner - Vail, Colorado
For an amazing breakfast at a cute spot, The Little Diner is the place to go. It's open until 2 p.m. every day, so you can treat yourself to some tasty eggs Benedict or a more savory lunch.
Uncle D’s Diner - East Berlin, Connecticut
A classic ’50s retro vibe is what you’ll get as soon as you walk into Uncle D’s Diner, which is soon followed by being greeed by the friendly staff. The signature dish is the Uncle D’s Cadillac Taco, which is definitely not to be missed.
Stargate Diner - Seaford, Delaware
You can head to Stargate Diner for a delicious meal at any time of the day — they’re open for breakfast, lunch, and diner. And while the entrees are all amazing, what you’ll really be there for are all of the homemade desserts.
Moonlite Diner - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Going to the Moonlite Diner is about as classic as a diner experience can get. There are amazing burgers, sinfully delicious milkshakes, and prices that can’t be beat.
The Breakfast Club - Tybee Island, Georgia
The Breakfast Club is a hidden gem that isn’t so hidden — you’ll have to be ready for a bit of a wait, but the food is oh-so worth it. The menu features award-winning burgers and tons of different egg dishes for the breakfast crowd.
Downbeat Diner & Lounge - Honolulu, Hawaii
If you find yourself in Hawaii and are looking for some tasty Hawaiian comfort food, the Downbeat Diner & Lounge needs to be your go-to. It has a seemingly endless amount of vegetarian and vegan options, like the flavorful vegan chili, but also plenty of meat options, including a pulled pork sandwich.
Dixie's Diner - Idaho Falls, Idaho
At Dixie's Diner, you can expect to find oversized portions overflowing with flavor, all served in a retro atmosphere. Make sure to check out anything that comes with the tasty onion rings. If you're a fish and chips fan, you'll definitely want to order a plate.
The Chicago Diner - Chicago, Illinois
The menu at The Chicago Diner is not only mouth-watering, but is also a food-sensitive person’s dream. Everything is vegan by default, but you can add on non-vegan items like eggs and cheese. And for those with gluten issues, there’s also a separate gluten-free menu. You definitely won’t want to miss the delicious nachos, poutine, lasagna, or chili.
Metro Diner - Indianapolis, Indiana
The dishes at Metro Diner are unlike anywhere else. The menu features things like breakfast pie and croissant French toast — talk about decadence! And if you really want to complete the meal, order one of the very reasonably priced cheap bloody Mary’s.
Bluebird Diner - Iowa City, Iowa
You’ll have to be ready for a bit of a wait on the weekends at Bluebird Diner, but its warm cinnamon rolls and incredibly extensive menu is totally worth the wait.
Jimmie’s Diner - Wichita, Kansas
You’ll get the full ‘50s diner experience at Jimmie’s Diner, complete with jukeboxes at every booth. The pancakes, sandwiches, and burgers are all great options, but you’ll definitely want to make sure you get one of the old-school milkshakes.
Rick’s White Light Diner - Frankfort, Kentucky
Any of the seafood po' boys at Rick’s White Light Diner will keep you coming back. There's even one with alligator! Diners love how perfectly seasoned everything is at this cozy little dive spot, so there’s really no wrong choice.
Hub CIty Diner - Lafayette, Louisiana
The friendly staff, Elvis decor, and consistently amazing food are what have made Hub City Diner the go-to diner in Louisiana. You won’t want to miss the catfish or pork stew, and you’ll definitely want to make sure you snag one of their biscuits.
Palace Diner - Biddeford, Maine
Palace Diner is known for its fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and there’s always a lengthy lineup to prove it. If pancakes aren’t your thing, the omelette du jour and the hearty lumberjack breakfast are both amazing options.
Marie’s Diner - La Planta, Maryland
Marie’s Diner is always full of people, and that’s because the food is such a big draw. You can get huge portions of its famous pancakes, chicken fried steak, or homemade biscuits.
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