The Pennsylvania Diner That Features A Modern Twist (And Appeared On Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives)

Pennsylvania foodie natives know the state's hotspot restaurants like the back of their own hands. That surely includes the classic spot known as The Dining Car, which was featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." The Dining Car has been a Pennsylvania landmark and local favorite for decades, alongside other culinary giants like the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, which happens to be America's largest buffet.

The Dining Car may look like your standard diner, but it serves up traditional American foods with an elevated twist. These range from French toast made from challah bread to burgers crafted with Angus beef and brioche or kaiser rolls to more fancy menu items you might not find in other diners, like crepes Florentine. It also serves classic diner-style comfort foods like chicken croquettes, a favorite of Guy Fieri's when he visited the eatery on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." As if that weren't enough, The Dining Car has its own bakery serving custom-made cakes, pies, cookie, and other desserts, as well as a full-service bar. Its extensive menu also features many traditional Pennsylvania classics, including scrapple, a breakfast dish made with pork and cornmeal.

Once upon a time, The Dining Car was open 24/7. However, this is sadly no longer the case. In 2017, the restaurant ended its 24-hour service in part due to the challenges and cost of running a business at all hours of the day. While customers can enjoy its classic fare for any meal of the day, gone are the times when you could enjoy a plate of chipped beef after midnight.

The Dining Car has a long and fascinating family history. While it hasn't seen business for quite as long as Pennsylvania's historic Dobbin House, which played a key part in the Battle of Gettysburg, it has been in business for over 60 years. Joe Morozin bought the original location in 1961, when it was first known as the Torresdale Diner. In 1971, he changed the name to the iconic The Dining Car. A decade later, he opened a newer, bigger location directly next door.

Soon after the debut of The Dining Car's new location, Morozin retired from the business and passed it on to his three children, Nancy, Judy, and Joe Jr. Nancy acted as the general manager of the business while Joe Jr. ran the back of the house and Judy trained the waitstaff. While it is still open today, The Dining Car is now out of the hands of its founding family. In 2024, the Morozins retired and sold the restaurant to new owners. 

Today, The Dining Car still stands at its historic location at 8826 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia. It retains its gleaming steel roofing and classic retro décor, leading customers to feel as if they've travelled back in time straight to the opening of the second location. Though the Morozins are no longer involved, it would appear that they've left it in good hands, as The Dining Car currently enjoys a rather glowing 4.5-star rating on Google.