The Best Diners In Each State
The quintessential American diner has come a long way in the 100 or so years since the wheels came off the trolley carts. There may be fewer streamliner-style outlets than the 1950s heyday, the unspoken divides that prevented women and Black people from pulling up a chair have all-but disappeared, while a new generation of owners have taken the old-school diner menu and given it a cosmopolitan spin. Dishes inspired by a range of food cultures now sit alongside diner classics, and people are lapping them up.
There remains plenty of love for popular diner chains in the United States, but local outlets that are plugged into the community are just as popular. The food on offer isn't just hot and reasonably priced, it often comes from suppliers on their doorstep, creating a virtuous circle of economic support. U.S. diners continue to attract people from all walks of life, and whether they're seeking a slice of nostalgia or a just good cup of coffee, there are lots of places that are knocking it out of the park. Here's our round-up of the best diners in each state.
Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Tens of thousands of people have visited this award-winning eatery's two Alabama outlets (there's another in Tennessee) to wallow in the '50s aesthetic and enjoy some great food at the same time. Yes, it's all about the experience.
Yes, you can eat in a glorious, cherry-red vintage car booth, and absolutely, you'll eat well, too. Expect perfect eggs, fluffy pancakes and a milkshake to make your hair curl.
(251) 937‑6590
100 E 2nd Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Snow City Cafe in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage locals know the city's best breakfasts come from this beloved outlet, which briefly hit the headlines after President Obama stopped by in 2015. He found out what regulars knew all too well: Snow City Cafe is "the" spot to get amazing hash browns, biscuits and gravy, or crab Benedict.
Get your name on the waitlist to save time, and be patient. You won't be disappointed.
(907) 272-2489
1034 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Bisbee Breakfast Club in Bisbee, Arizona
There are currently nine diners in this Arizona-based chain but the eponymous location is the OG. It's easy to see why they've multiplied to meet demand: This place is off the hook.
Aside from the cute interior, the attention to detail with the food is incredible. French toast made from French bread, Bandit Scramble made with mouthwatering brisket, and huevos rancheros that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
(520) 432-5885
75 A Erie St, Bisbee, AZ 85603
@ The Corner in Little Rock, Arkansas
Voted "Best Brunch" by AY About You readers in 2023, this diner is only open for breakfast and lunch. That doesn't stop people from crossing state lines to gorge on the amazing menu.
There's too much to list here, but the fresh beignets, peaches and cream cinnamon roll, Cowboy's breakfast, and an amazing bear claw all get the thumbs up. Try the mimosas if you can, they're sensational.
(501) 400-8458
201 E Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201
Elmer's in Palm Springs, California
There are lots of Elmer's locations spread across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Arizona, but there's only one in California. Although Palm Springs customers are quite happy for it to fly under the radar, that's apparently the only thing this Elmer's outlet doesn't do very well.
It has won numerous awards locally and nationally for its breakfast and brunch menus, which include delicious chicken fried steak, fluffy omelets, and Ivar's clam chowder.
(760) 327-8419
1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Moonlight Diner in Denver, Colorado
Don't be fooled by this restaurant's chrome exterior. Inside it's cool, classy, and a must-visit for anyone looking for diner decor ideas.
The food rightly takes center stage, and there's something for everyone, from the throw-everything-at-it Kitchen Sink omelet to the simplest grilled cheese and fries. It all comes in hefty portions and while the menu might be a little pricier than your average diner, it's worth every cent.
(303) 307-1750
6250 Tower Rd, Denver, CO 80249
Uncle D's Diner in East Berlin, Connecticut
Named among the 20 best New England diners in 2023, owners Darren and Kathy Anderson offer a traditional experience coupled with enormous plates of food at Uncle D's. Everyone loves the relaxed, child-friendly atmosphere, but they're all there for the menu. The sausage, gravy, and biscuits is out of this world, though if the range of omelets doesn't tempt you, one of the specialty Bennies definitely will.
(860) 828-8981
869 Mill St, East Berlin, CT 06023
Goober's Diner in Wilmington, Delaware
USA Today listed this dazzling, stainless steel palace among its Top 10 roadside diners of 2025, five years after it opened for business. Locals loved it from the start, and not just because they can drool over the next-door vintage car collection.
Classic diner menu items like cream of chipped beef and hot cakes, sit happily alongside vegan sausage patties and croissants. Goober's gets busy so patience can be needed.
(302) 274-2692
1203 N Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19806
Trip's Diner in St. Petersburg, Florida
The whole family — including the dog — is welcome at both Florida outlets, which succeed in the owners' aim to be "not too fancy," but in the best way. The menu is both familiar and delicious, with their special "hub cakes" (pancakes the size of hubcaps) and pan-fried roasted potatoes among the standouts. Be warned, the parking lot isn't huge, but you'll need to stretch your legs after all that great food.
(727) 498-8980
2339 Martin Luther King Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Atlanta Breakfast Club in Atlanta, Georgia
One visit to this wildly popular diner and, like thousands of others, you'll be dreaming about the food for days. It is on the pricey side but you get a hefty return on your investment, including a menu featuring the incredible Georgia Peach, as well as mouthwatering french toast and the Southern breakfast to end them all. There is a waitlist, so sign up and start counting down.
(470) 597-1499
249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30313
Liliha Bakery in Honolulu, Hawaii
What began in 1950 as a bakery business has since blossomed into a multi-location diner, serving up bestselling loco moco, alongside omelets, hamburgers and, of course, hot cakes. Whether you choose to dine solo or take the entire extended family, everyone is treated to the same excellent service and delicious food. Leave some room because you're guaranteed to swing by the bakery as you leave.
(808) 531-1651
515 N Kuakini St, Honolulu, HI 96817
The Rusty Lantern Diner in Ucon, Idaho
This charming diner greets you like an open-armed hug, and it's well worth ditching the beaten path to find it. Everything from the hamburgers to the bread is made from scratch and oh boy, does it all taste amazing.
Locals know and love The Rusty Lantern so they don't need to sing its praises, but online reviews are universally glowing. Go try it for yourself.
(208) 522-2254
10868 N Yellowstone Hwy, Ucon, ID 83454
Yellow Rose Cafe in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago may be stuffed with interesting eating spots but foodies who step into this unassuming building are in for a genuine treat. The corned beef has long reached mythical levels by locals but in all honesty, no matter what you order, it will be delicious, from the club sandwiches to the Sidewalk Special. The Rose is a cash-only establishment but you'll eat like a monarch for $10.
(773) 631-2297
5640 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
10th St Diner in Indianapolis, Indiana
You don't have to be vegan to enjoy yourself at this bustling yet never-too-crowded diner, but if you are, prepare to be dazzled. The menu is stacked with tasty options including a show-stopping Reuben sandwich, buffalo wings that you wouldn't believe have never seen a chicken, and a refreshing mango salad. Diners start out curious but come away satisfied that vegan alternatives can be just as good as OG recipes.
(317) 737-1161
3301 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Pullman Bar & Diner in Iowa City, Iowa
Owned by Iowans and proudly feeding folks since 2015, this diner offers an elevated experience without the snobbery that sometimes comes with fine dining. The food is outstanding with a capital "ohhhh," with the Mo burger and bananas foster getting a lot of love among online reviewers.
The Pullman Bar & Diner is surprising and delightful. No wonder everyone wants to go back the minute they leave.
(319) 338-1808
17 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Doo-Dah Diner in Wichita, Kansas
Just saying the name of this Wichita eatery puts a smile on your face, and it will stay there with every bite of your meal. They count Harrison Ford among their satisfied customers but he's one of thousands who have been charmed by the staff, the surroundings, and the scrumptious food. If you only order one thing (and it'll take a minute to choose), go for the Shocker Scramble.
(316) 265-7011
206 E Kellogg St, Wichita, KS 67202
Shelby's Diner in Frankfort, Kentucky
How does a diner that doesn't even have a website get voted the third best roadside diner in the United States? By serving simple food that is impeccably cooked, said everyone who has ever taken a seat at this Frankfort hole-in-the-wall. If you're a local, they'll likely know you by name, and if you're not, they'll treat you like you're a local.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078727650134
(502) 699-2604
1410 Versailles Rd Ste 2, Frankfort, KY 40601
Strawn's Eat Shop in Shreveport, Louisiana
Strawn's Eat Shop has been doing business since 1944, and has since branched out to three other sites, but the Kings Highway site is the OG. There you can gratefully dig into a hearty plate of meat loaf which comes with corn muffin and sweet tea as standard, or stick to a classic burger 'n' fries. Do not even think about leaving without trying the legendary strawberry pie.
(318) 798-7117
125 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71104
Palace Diner in Biddeford, Maine
You will have to wait to enter this historic rail car restaurant but every second will be worth it for a chance to soak up the cosy interior. There's more than a great vibe to enjoy, the food is amazing, bringing the diner story into the 21st century, with challah french toast, buttermilk flapjacks, a corned beef hash that would never feature on this list of diner foods, and pancakes served with real maple syrup.
(207) 284-0015
18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005
Honey Bee Diner in Glen Burnie, Maryland
Keeping the all-night diner tradition alive and kicking in Maryland is this quirky but much-loved diner. The home fries come with red onions and peppers (as they should) and you can swap around the ingredients in some dishes to your heart's content.
The food is consistently good and there's plenty of it. Plus, it's served with a smile — even if you're eating at 2 a.m.
(410) 761-0477
7346 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Miss Worcester Diner in Worcester, Massachusetts
Journalists heaping praise on this local landmark called it "loveable," but that would imply it's cute. It's not.
It's a place to eat delicious diner fare, cooked by the owner described by one reviewer as a "boss-as* b***h". The vintage diner car has barely enough room to swing a cat and you often have to wait for a seat but, when you do finally get one, you'll understand.
(508) 753-5600
300 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA 01608
The Fly Trap in Ferndale, Michigan
Don't be put off by the name, which has been around so long it's part of this much-loved eatery's charm. Instead, focus on the always-incredible food.
It's got something for everyone, from meat eaters to vegans, while the service is so good, the toast is still hot when it hits your table. That's what we (and plenty of others) call excellent.
(248) 399-5150
22950 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, Michigan 48220
Al's Breakfast in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tiny but mighty Al's Breakfast punches so far above its weight, it landed a James Beard award — and rightly so. Everything, and we mean everything, is good at this iconic diner, from the "fancy" scrambled eggs with cream and butter to the blueberry walnut pancakes. It's cash only and be warned: One visit, and you'll still be talking about it in 10 years' time on social media.
(612) 331-9991
413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Ajax Diner in Oxford, Mississippi
There's a lot of snobbery in the food world, but any restaurant that gets a mention in the Michelin Guide has to be worth a look. It's more than curiosity that leads to Oxford's Ajax Diner (which features in the aforesaid round-up), it is the outstanding food.
Ajax takes the concept of Southern comfort and runs with it, serving happiness to folks from all walks of life.
(662) 232-8880
118 Courthouse Sq, Oxford, MS 38655
Riverside Diner in St Louis, Missouri
If you're looking for fuss-free surroundings and food so good you'll want to lick the plates, you'll find it at the Riverside Diner. Be warned, one slice of home-made pie probably won't be enough, so make sure to go hungry or with the tribe in tow. Locals call it a hidden gem and we're sure they want to keep it that way, so shh.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063483763730
(314) 240-5566
8129 Reilly Ave, St Louis, MO 63111
The Western Cafe in Bozeman, Montana
There's a lot of locally-sourced goodies on offer at this family-run diner, where "simple" belies a good deal of hard work and delicious dishes. Beloved online and in the real world, park your bee-hind on a swivel stool, grab a menu, and enjoy the rustic charm, before digging into one of the best breakfasts you'll ever eat. The smooth-as-silk milkshakes go hard, too.
(406) 587-0436
443 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
Lisa's Radial Cafe in Omaha, Nebraska
Known to locals for the much-loved Thanksgiving dinners, and beloved by visitors for its warm welcome, Lisa's Radial Diner is more than just a place to get amazing food. Yes, you can stuff yourself silly with one of the numerous, delicious skillet breakfasts or the aptly named Titanic, but it's also somewhere that feels like a great big hug, right when you need it most.
lisas-radial-cafe.goto-place.com
(402) 551-2176
817 N 40th St, Omaha, NE 68131
Winnie & Ethel's Downtown Diner in Las Vegas, Nevada
The owners of this place won the 2023 Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway and diners are delighted they did. Winnie & Ethel's whispers where everything else shouts. The waffles and pancakes are made with malted flour, and if you spend over $8 on your entrée (a big slice of pie will do it), you get bottomless coffee for a mere $0.25.
(725) 205-1831
1130 E Charleston Blvd Suite #140, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Beepa and Lulu's Restaurant in Peterborough, New Hampshire
The owners of this Peterborough diner want to bring the community together, but the buzz about their place means that could end up being quite a lot of people. It's bigger than the average spot, so it's great for families, plus the menu is packed with crowd-pleasing dishes, from fluffy pancakes to savory omelets. Locals absolutely adore it, and so do we.
(603) 784-5862
180 Concord St, Peterborough, NH 03458
Tops Diner in East Newark, New Jersey
When the same diner is regularly voted the best in the state — or country — and thousands of people hit the internet to sing its praises, it's hard to ignore the chatter. Luckily, the iconic Tops Diner more than lives up to the hype.
The menu is expansive, as big as its reputation, and we'd order all of it. Twice. Especially the Reuben.
(973) 481-0490
500 Passaic Ave, East Newark, NJ 07029
Owl Cafe in Alberquerque, New Mexico
You could be forgiven for thinking all the effort went into the outside of this quirky restaurant, with its funky frontage, but you'd be wrong, and pleasantly so. The vibe is great, the staff delightful, and the food anywhere from great to amazing, all for a reasonable price, too. You may well go as a tourist the first time, but you'll return a devoted regular.
(505) 291-4900
800 Eubank Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Westway Diner in New York City, New York
There's some kind of magic going on at this popular restaurant, because no matter how busy it gets, people can always find a seat. It's a good thing, too. Nobody should miss out on the delicious red, white, and blue French toast, or a Hungry Man pancake, whether you want to enjoy them at 10 a.m. or 10 p.m.
(212) 582-7661
614 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Old Bridge Diner in Oak Island, North Carolina
The name conjures up images of a rickety place but Old Bridge Diner is neat as a pin and twice as efficient. There will be a line when you go, but you won't have to wait too long before you're tucking into your order. We recommend the omelet with sausage and, if you're looking for an old-school breakfast experience, the liver pudding and country ham breakfast sandwich.
(910) 250-1184
132 Country Club Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465
The Shack on Broadway in Fargo, North Dakota
Get to this diner after 9 a.m. and you'll be jostling with the locals for a seat, but wait in your car if it's cold and the wait staff will text you when one's available. Once you're inside, check out the diner's incredible pancakes and omelets, which diners rave about.
The hefty portions and affordable prices are also a hit. No wonder people drive for hours to eat here.
(701) 356-2211
3215 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
Tommy's Diner in Columbus, Ohio
Named by USA Today as one of the country's best roadside diners in 2025, Tommy's is a nostalgia lover's dream. From the scarlet seats to the neon signs, it's a feast for the senses — before we get to the food.
"Excellent" and "perfect" are often used to describe dishes including country fried steak, and eggs and bacon. Keep an eye on the specials board and do not sleep on the Baklava cheesecake.
(614) 224-2422
914 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43222
The Diner in Norman, Oklahoma
There's nothing fancy about this family-run eatery, not even the name. But is it special? Very much so.
Step inside and the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills your nose, followed by the aroma of pancakes, huevos rancheros and everything else being cooked to order. Throw in friendly service and great prices, and it's easy to see why The Diner has been around for over 36 years.
(405) 329-6642
213 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Grits N' Gravy in Portland, Oregon
As the oldest Black-owned restaurant in Portland, there's plenty of pride and history on the menu, alongside some truly fantastic food. Even the pickiest eaters flock to social media to rave about the grits (note: bacon drippings, that's all we're saying), while the chicken fried steak will blow your mind. Plenty of first-time visitors plan to go back, so make sure to get in there first.
(503) 227-3903
215 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Down Home Diner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Can we call somewhere that's racked up over 5,000 online reviews hidden? Well, we're going to.
Tucked away in Philly's Reading Terminal Market is this gem of a diner utterly adored by everyone who comes across it. The service is friendly, but it's the breakfast that really slams. The scrapple fries, biscuits and gravy, and blueberry flapjacks are all amazing, and check out the cherry jam. It's homemade.
(215) 627-1955
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Modern Diner in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
The Demou family, who have run this iconic diner since 1985 may have decided to hang up their aprons, but the small yet stylish Sterling Streamliner isn't going anywhere in a hurry. You can still swing by for a plate of lobster Benedict, ham and eggs, or lemon poppy pancakes. Alternatively, you can go for the stuffed French toast or home fries, which are always a winner.
(401) 726-8390
364 E Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860
The Early Bird Diner in Charleston, South Carolina
If the amusing sign in front of this diner doesn't put a smile on your face (especially considering parking close by can be an issue) then what's on the menu definitely will. The Early Bird Diner's owners may like a laugh, but their menu shows they take food seriously. It includes grits that are worth crawling over rocks for, while the chicken and waffles, especially with the mustard sauce, are heavenly, too.
(843) 277-2353
1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
Tally's Silver Spoon in Rapid City, South Dakota
This award-winning diner achieves something many upscale places don't. It manages to be both classy and cozy (that means dog and family-friendly) at the same time.
Even if you're swinging by for a quick breakfast, it has a 5-star restaurant vibe with beautifully presented dishes to match. Standouts include the Bison Maytag Marsala mushroom pasta and the sweet potato fries with maple butter.
(605) 342-7621
530 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701
The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
If it ain't broken, don't fix it. That could be said for many of the recipes served up at this Nashville eatery, which is way more popular than its name suggests.
Both the moniker and dishes belong to the original owners, who opened their doors in 1951. Today, it's a place of pilgrimage for thousands, who quite rightly rave online about everything from the homemade biscuits to the smoked peach pork chops.
(615) 646-9700
8400 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN 37221
Magnolia Table in Waco, Texas
What was Waco's Elite Café has become, under owners Chip and Joanna Gaines, far more than a beautiful, historic building or the focus of T.V. series "Fixer Upper." The light-drenched diner is a delightful place to be, while the food is so delicious many diners are blown away. It's wise to book a table in advance as it gets busy, but it's worth any wait.
(254) 265-6859
2132 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76706
Oakley Diner in Oakley, Utah
First made in 1939 in New Jersey, this diner has had an eventful history, including being moved twice. Currently sitting pretty in Oakley, it's a huge draw for anyone who loves a vintage American diner. Some say it's like stepping back in time, others say it's super cute, but everyone has nothing but good things to say about the food. They'll even make a milkshake big enough for two, if you ask.
(435) 783-1439
981 W Weber Canyon Rd, Oakley, UT 84055
Country Girl Diner in Chester, Vermont
The beating heart of this much-loved diner is a genuine Silk City Silver car, with many of its original features still in place and a focus on serving traditional diner fare. Some of the regulars have been taking a seat here for more than 20 years, and it's easy to see why. Everything from the Philly fries to the tomato soup and grilled cheese is outstanding.
(802) 875-1003
46 Vermont Rt 103 S, Chester, VT 05143
Moore Street Café in Richmond, Virginia
Anywhere describing itself as "funky and eclectic" has to be worth a look, but Moore Street Café's claim to serve the state's best pancakes (we think so) will make you stick around. Order the amazing corned beef hash and join the legion of people singing its praises online, or grab a mimosa and find out why diners just can't get enough of them.
(804) 359-5970
2904 W Moore St, Richmond, VA 23230
The Maltby Cafe in Snohomish, Washington
Warm, inviting atmosphere? Check. Great service? Check. Massive plates of mouthwatering food, including cinnamon rolls that are the size of hubcaps? Check and check.
Welcome to the Maltby Cafe, which has been in the hands of three friends since 1988, and beloved by locals and out-of-town visitors alike. Try the Mediterranean scramble, a pile of Swedish pancakes, or the massive salmon Benedict. You won't regret it.
(425) 483-3123
8809 Maltby Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
Dolly's Diner in Princeton, West Virginia
There are a lot of photos on the website for Dolly's Diner, but not much in the way of words. That's where everyone who has eaten there steps in, and they have lots of good things to say.
The signature Dolly Philly cheesesteak is excellent, the hotdogs are a home run, the milkshakes and pies are to die for, and the service is fast and friendly. No wonder everyone wants to come back for more.
(304) 425-4194
909 Oakvale Rd, Princeton, WV 24740
The Mint Cafe in Wausau, Wisconsin
There aren't many diners in the United States that have burgers made from wagyu beef on their menus, but Wausau's The Mint Cafe has two for a very affordable $16.99 each. Other dishes may not include such fancy ingredients, but the quality's still there. Awesome pies, top-drawer hash brown potatoes, and mouthwatering apple dumplings are just a few of the highlights from satisfied customers.
(715) 845‑5879
422 N 3rd St, Wausau, WI, 54403
Jody's Diner in Evanston, Wyoming
Some diners aim for an old-school feel with their decor. At Jody's, you rediscover the time before cell phones.
Here, people talk to each other over their food, saving the tech to upload glowing reviews about luscious blueberry pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs. As if all that wasn't enough reason to stop by, the unforgettable blue plate special is regarded as the best in Wyoming and y'know what? They're not wrong.
(307) 789-8550
260 Bear River Dr, Evanston, WY 82930
Methodology
Finding the best diner in every state was no easy task — there are so many amazing places to choose from, but we started by checking regional media. We dug out news about local award winners, as well as stories about why particular places were so loved.
We then explored online reviews, reading and evaluating thousands of ratings, comments, and posts from genuine customers, using them to help compile our list.