The Most Iconic Diner in Every State

By Amanda Tarlton

Updated on Sep. 15, 2025

From Alabama to Wyoming, every state has its most memorable and delicious greasy spoon. These are the 50 most iconic diners in the country.

The best diners in America

We all have a favorite local restaurant—the place that’s seen us through late nights, early mornings and emergency pancakes. And of course, there are the endless coffee refills. From all-day breakfast to cozy retro booths, a good diner isn’t just a restaurant. The best diner is also the place where life happens.

“Diners have always been about community; you never know who you’ll bump into over a cup of coffee,” says food blogger and influencer Sef González, aka Burger Beast.

Part of the appeal comes straight from pop culture, he adds: “Hanging out at a booth feels like stepping into a scene from Pulp Fiction or Seinfeld.”

“I can’t tell you how many patty melts I ate at the diner during my late teens/early 20s with friends,” González recalls. “A cup of joe was always in the mix, along with a slice of pie, if available, and plenty of bonding. To this day, I still remember conversations we had there, and this was more than 30 years ago.”

He sums it up perfectly: “That’s the magic of diners: good food, good people and a place you never want to leave, which is why it’s great that most are open 24 hours a day.”

So if you’re looking for the best diner—or more specifically, the most iconic diner in your state—we’ve got you covered.

How we chose the most iconic diner in every state

Our list comes from thorough research, drawing on online reviews (from sites including TripAdvisor), expert input and local word-of-mouth. The goal: to find the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger cravings, day or night, and the answer you’ll get when you search “the best diner near me.”

What makes a diner “iconic”? Perhaps it’s the oldest in the state or one of the first stainless-steel “railcar” models. Maybe it was featured in a TV show (Mel’s Diner, anyone?) or became famous for its celebrity regulars. It could be the birthplace of the state’s signature dish, the sheer size of its rotating dessert showcase or even its delightfully quirky decor.

Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy cheeseburger deluxe, a loaded Greek omelet or a mile-high slice of chocolate cake, here’s where you’ll find the most iconic diner in every state. Keep reading to see if your local favorite made the list.

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Breakfast plate holds sunny-side-up eggs, crispy toast, hash browns, and gravy-smothered chicken-fried steak. It
Alabama: City Cafe Diner
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Grilled steak rests on lettuce with baked potato on a white plate, surrounded by green tablecloth, fork nearby.
Alaska: Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant
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Sandwich slices stacked with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese on toasted bread, placed on a plate in a dining setting.
Arizona: Mel's Diner
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A breakfast plate features bacon, scrambled eggs, grits, diced potatoes, mixed fruit, and a biscuit, neatly arranged on a white surface.
Arkansas: At the Corner
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Diner entrance with retro design features colorful pastel columns. Sign reads "Peggy Sue
California: Peggy Sue's 50's Diner
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Burger topped with crispy onions sits on a basket; surrounded by golden fries, pickle slice, and red-checkered paper, in a diner setting.
Colorado: Moonlight Diner
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The Most Iconic Diner In Every State Connecticut Dinerluxe
Connecticut: DinerLuxe
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Eggs Benedict topped with hollandaise sauce sits on a plate, accompanied by golden-brown cubed potatoes.
Delaware: Lucky's Coffee Shop
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A plate holds sliced meat, fresh salad, and fries, with tzatziki sauce, with salt, pepper, ketchup, and hot sauce bottles in the background.
Florida: Peter Pan Diner
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Plate holding fried chicken, biscuit, grits, scrambled eggs, gravy, and an orange slice; colorful mural visible in the background.
Georgia: Home Grown Restaurant
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Plates with eggs, macaroni, rice, and sausages sit on a green outdoor picnic table, surrounded by open cardboard takeout boxes.
Hawaii: Rainbow Drive-In
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Sandwich filled with corned beef and melted cheese lies open, next to golden fries and a small cup of baked beans on a checkered tablecloth.
Idaho: Jimmy's Down the Street
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Burrito filled with eggs, bacon, and vegetables sits on a plate with a pile of golden tater tots in a diner setting.
Illinois: Charlie Parker's Diner
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Fried chicken sits on a plate with coleslaw, seasoned fries, and a small bowl of dipping sauce on a dark tabletop.
Indiana: Metro Diner
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Burger with fries on a plate sits on a table, alongside a Bloody Mary, hash browns, and a beverage bottle, surrounded by other dishes.
Iowa: Bluebird Diner
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Pancakes stacked with syrup dripping topped with butter in a close-up view on a plate.
Kansas: Jimmie's Diner
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Restaurant entrance displays "RAMSEY
Kentucky: Ramsey's Diner
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Diners sit and eat at a busy 1950s-style diner with teal booths, checkered floor, and retro decor.
Louisiana: Hub City Diner
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A lobster roll sits with crinkle-cut fries and coleslaw on a white plate, accompanied by a pickle slice and small sauce containers.
Maine: Becky's Diner
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Plate holds bacon, eggs, and hash browns, served in a diner setting. A hand holds the plate over a table with more dishes, including a red drink.
Maryland: Double T Diner
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French toast topped with blackberries, raspberries, and walnuts, drizzled with syrup, on a white plate.
Massachusetts: The Breakfast Club
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Toast and eggs sit beside a colorful vegetable hash topped with crumbled cheese on a white plate in a diner setting.
Michigan: Fleetwood Diner
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Plate with eggs, bacon, and stacked toast on a yellow table, surrounded by coffee, glass of water, and utensils.
Minnesota: Al's Breakfast
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A double cheeseburger sits on a plate, featuring bacon, shredded lettuce, and a green olive on top, amidst a blurred restaurant setting.
Mississippi: Ajax Diner
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Crispy ravioli rest alongside a bowl of marinara sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese on a white plate.
Missouri: Courtesy Diner
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Burger dripping with melted cheese and sauce, topped with peppers and bacon, on a plate in a casually lit dining setting.
Montana: Roadhouse Diner
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Fried chicken covered in gravy lies next to sautéed green beans and crispy hash browns on a white plate, atop a wooden table.
Nebraska: Shirley's Diner
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The Most Iconic Diner In Every State Nevada Lous Diner
Nevada: Lou's Diner
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Plate holds sunny side eggs, crispy toast, sausages, and diced potatoes; a butter cup sits beside, on a patterned table surface.
New Hampshire: Red Arrow Diner
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A burger stacked with lettuce, tomato, fried onions, and cheese sits on a plate, secured with skewers in a kitchen setting.
New Jersey: Tops Diner
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Chicken sandwich sits on a plate, topped with lettuce and cheese, accompanied by golden fries on a dining table.
New Mexico: 66 Diner
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Pancakes topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, peanut butter chips, and a chocolate disk, placed on a white plate with blue rim.
New York: Ellen's Stardust Diner
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Scrambled eggs sit alongside crispy hash browns and bacon on a white plate, suggesting a classic breakfast setting.
North Carolina: Midnight Diner
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Burger patty sits open-faced with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and bacon; accompanied by potato chips and fresh lettuce with tomato slices in the background.
North Dakota: Kroll's Diner
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Biscuits covered in sausage gravy rest on a white plate, surrounded by a light table setting.
Ohio: Fred's Diner
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Burger with bacon and cheese awaits assembly, surrounded by pickles, a milkshake, Pepsi, onion rings, and condiments, set on a diner table.
Oklahoma: Sid's Diner
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Plates hold fried eggs, hash browns, toast, and meat, served on a table with coffee in a mug.
Oregon: Original Hotcake & Steak House
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A breakfast plate holds fried eggs, sausage, hash browns, and bacon, with pancakes and coffee in a warmly lit diner setting.
Pennsylvania: Neptune Diner
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French toast sits on a plate, topped with whipped cream, chocolate-covered strawberry, kiwi, berries, nuts, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Rhode Island: Modern Diner
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Waffles and fried chicken topped with syrup, served on a white plate with a small cup of honey and glass of water nearby.
South Carolina: Early Bird Diner
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A cheeseburger with bacon rests on a plate beside curly fries, accompanied by a glass of light-colored soda on a wooden table.
South Dakota: Phillips Avenue Diner
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Sundae with whipped cream and cherry, adorned with nuts, sits on a patterned table. Text below reads:
Tennessee: Mel's Diner
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Tacos sit in a foil container, containing grilled chicken, vegetables, and greens; adjacent are a salsa cup and Magnolia Cafe sign.
Texas: Magnolia Cafe
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Burger topped with mushrooms sits with fries on a white plate, accompanied by lettuce and ketchup, on a speckled table surface.
Utah: Moab Diner
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A diner displays a sign reading
Vermont: Blue Benn Diner
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Pulled pork sits on a plate next to sweet potato fries, accompanied by a bread roll on a checkered tablecloth.
Virginia: Pink Cadillac Diner
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Meatloaf with gravy rests beside green beans and mashed potatoes on a plate; knife, drink, and bread sit nearby in a restaurant setting.
Washington: Frank's Diner
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Breaded shrimp rest on paper alongside golden French fries, set on a plate-lined surface, showcasing a casual dining presentation.
West Virginia: Grandma's Diner
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Burger topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese sits on a plate with golden fries, against a dark background.
Wisconsin: Frank's Diner
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Fried chicken sandwich sits in a paper-lined basket next to a bowl of macaroni chili, with condiment packets and a spoon nearby.
About the experts
Wyoming: Johnny J's Diner
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Breakfast plate holds sunny-side-up eggs, crispy toast, hash browns, and gravy-smothered chicken-fried steak. It
via tripadvisor.com

Alabama: City Cafe Diner

The first thing you’ll see when you walk into City Cafe Diner in Huntsville is a dessert case filled with rows and rows of homemade cakes, smothered in fluffy frosting. While you can’t go wrong with any of the decadent 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 iconic diner is also famous for its Greek food: The aptly named “Big Fat Greek Wedding Platter” includes chicken souvlaki, gyro, spanakopita, moussaka, pastichio, lemon potatoes and Greek salad. Opa!

Grilled steak rests on lettuce with baked potato on a white plate, surrounded by green tablecloth, fork nearby.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Alaska: Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant

Gwennie’s in Anchorage is famous for its huge portions and insanely delicious breakfasts. Try 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 shouldn’t miss this iconic diner.

Sandwich slices stacked with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese on toasted bread, placed on a plate in a dining setting.
via tripadvisor.com

Arizona: Mel's Diner

Mel’s Diner isn’t just famous as the setting of the 1970s sitcom Alice—it’s also where Flo made “Kiss my grits!” a household catchphrase. Today, it’s still a must-visit breakfast spot. Enjoy syrup-drenched pancakes, giant omelets and home fries, and leave this vibrant retro-style diner full and happy.

A breakfast plate features bacon, scrambled eggs, grits, diced potatoes, mixed fruit, and a biscuit, neatly arranged on a white surface.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Arkansas: At the Corner

This self-proclaimed modern diner uses all locally sourced, fresh ingredients for their small—but diverse—breakfast and lunch menus. Sitting in ’50s-style red-and-white booths, patrons rave about the mason jar mimosas and chicken and waffles. Plus, with the convenient self-serve coffee station, you’ll never have to wait on a refill of joe.

Diner entrance with retro design features colorful pastel columns. Sign reads "Peggy Sue
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

California: Peggy Sue's 50's Diner

Out in Yermo, in the middle of the blazing hot desert, sits an explosion of rainbow pastels and memorabilia. When Peggy Sue’s opened in 1954—built from railroad ties and mortar from the nearby Union Pacific Rail yard—it had just nine counter stools and three booths. Today, it’s a sprawling maze of nearly 10,000 square feet, with multiple dining rooms, a five-and-dime gift shop, a soda fountain and a quirky “dinersaur” park out back.

The menu features dishes named for stars of the ’50s and ’60s: the Buddy Holly Bacon Cheeseburger, the Fabian French Dip and the Gary Cooper sandwich (grilled ham and Swiss on rye). And don’t miss the deep-fried pickles with their famous ranch dressing.

Burger topped with crispy onions sits on a basket; surrounded by golden fries, pickle slice, and red-checkered paper, in a diner setting.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Colorado: Moonlight Diner

The shiny chrome exterior of this boxcar-turned-diner is the first sign you’ve come to the best diner for greasy comfort food. While the burgers always get rave reviews, you just have to order the location-appropriate Denver omelet stuffed with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, diced ham and cheese.

The Most Iconic Diner In Every State Connecticut Dinerluxe
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Connecticut: DinerLuxe

The outside of DinerLuxe is flamboyant: It’s bright, eye-catching and features large “fins” inspired by 1950s cars that light up at night. Inside, you’ll see vintage artifacts, a traditional 1950s soda counter and framed photos of Elvis Presley, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.

The menu includes iconic diner comfort food classics like burgers, roast turkey and pot roast. Treat yourself to fresh baked goods including pies, cakes and cookies, all made on-site.

Eggs Benedict topped with hollandaise sauce sits on a plate, accompanied by golden-brown cubed potatoes.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Delaware: Lucky's Coffee Shop

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 and order a side of sizzling scrapple with your pancakes. Plus, at this Wilmington diner with an iconic retro feel, you can turn any omelet into a breakfast hoagie.

A plate holds sliced meat, fresh salad, and fries, with tzatziki sauce, with salt, pepper, ketchup, and hot sauce bottles in the background.
VIA MYPETERPANDINER.COM

Florida: Peter Pan Diner

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, of course, a working jukebox. Everyone loves the Greek dishes, especially the chicken souvlaki with homemade tzatziki sauce.

Plate holding fried chicken, biscuit, grits, scrambled eggs, gravy, and an orange slice; colorful mural visible in the background.
VIA HOME GROWN GA/FACEBOOK.COM
COURTESY HOME GROWN GA/FACEBOOK.COM

Georgia: Home Grown Restaurant

In owner Kevin Clark’s words, the fare at this retro diner “feels like you’re at your grandmother’s house.” Take the Comfy Chicken Biscuit: It’s a fluffy open-faced biscuit topped with fried chicken and covered in pork sausage gravy—and the very definition of iconic Southern comfort food.

Plates with eggs, macaroni, rice, and sausages sit on a green outdoor picnic table, surrounded by open cardboard takeout boxes.
VIA RAINBOWDRIVEIN.COM

Hawaii: Rainbow Drive-In

Known by Honolulu locals as Rainbow’s, this adorable drive-in has been around since 1961 (there are now three locations). Sure, you can find classic diner fare at this institution, which has been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. But you can—and should—also treat your taste buds to traditional island eats: the Spam sandwich, the loco moco (a burger patty atop white rice with a fried egg and brown gravy) or a classic, Hawaii-style plate lunch, with your choice of protein (including juicy boneless chicken, barbecue beef and the catch of the day) with scoops of rice and one scoop of macaroni salad.

Sandwich filled with corned beef and melted cheese lies open, next to golden fries and a small cup of baked beans on a checkered tablecloth.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Idaho: Jimmy's Down the Street

What began more than 50 years ago as a small soda shop in Coeur d’Alene has grown into one of the best breakfast joints in the Gem State. It’s been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and the real stars of the show (or rather, the menu) at Jimmy’s are the smothered chicken and dumplings and the huge (in both size and flavor!) caramel pecan roll.

Burrito filled with eggs, bacon, and vegetables sits on a plate with a pile of golden tater tots in a diner setting.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Illinois: Charlie Parker's Diner

Free pancakes? You can get ’em at Charlie Parker’s—but only if you finish the whole stack of four large flapjacks (each is about the size of an average pizza!).

If you aren’t up for a major carb coma next time you’re at this Springfield spot (which has been featured on Triple D), order the Breakfast Horseshoe: It’s the diner’s take on an Illinois specialty consisting of any style of egg on an English muffin or toast with your choice of breakfast meat and hash browns smothered in sausage gravy and/or cheese sauce. That should keep you full for a few days.

Fried chicken sits on a plate with coleslaw, seasoned fries, and a small bowl of dipping sauce on a dark tabletop.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Indiana: Metro Diner

Next time you’re in town, make one of the Metro Diner’s three Indianapolis locations your culinary pit stop (see what we did there?). They serve hearty comfort food in huge servings. 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!

Burger with fries on a plate sits on a table, alongside a Bloody Mary, hash browns, and a beverage bottle, surrounded by other dishes.
VIA THEBLUEBIRDDINER.COM

Iowa: Bluebird Diner

Meet the spot that makes 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 pecan-smoked bacon, jalapeños, garlic, pepper jack cheese and citrus cream cheese.

Pancakes stacked with syrup dripping topped with butter in a close-up view on a plate.
VIA JIMMIE'S DINER/FACEBOOK.COM
COURTESY JIMMIE'S DINER/FACEBOOK.COM

Kansas: Jimmie's Diner

You’ll feel like you’ve flashed back to the ’50s when you’re here. Since 1987, Jimmie’s Diner has been serving up all-day breakfast favorites like omelets, grits and french toast. This iconic diner has an old-fashioned soda fountain and is known for its “splendid shakes” and “marvie malts”—just note that locals say you might want to split one.

Restaurant entrance displays "RAMSEY
VIA RAMSEYSDINERS.COM

Kentucky: Ramsey's Diner

Indulge in the heartwarming charm of Ramsey’s Diner, now with four locations in Lexington. The menu boasts delectable fare, from crispy chicken to fried green tomatoes and a Kentucky staple known as the Hot Brown: an iconic open-faced turkey and ham sandwich with a creamy, cheesy sauce.

If you have room for dessert, consider one of their tasty pies, including the black bottom banana cream pie, which earned high praise from one enthusiastic reviewer, or their pecan chocolate chip pie, another fan favorite.

Diners sit and eat at a busy 1950s-style diner with teal booths, checkered floor, and retro decor.
VIA HUBCITYDINER.COM

Louisiana: Hub City Diner

Step back in time and embrace the nostalgic feel of Hub City Diner in Lafayette. Picture vinyl booths and chairs, black-and-white checkerboard floors, vintage photos and charming touches (a ceramic pelican dressed like Elvis). The menu features classic American diner fare and some distinctly Louisiana dishes, like catfish (grilled, fried or blackened), corn maque choux, and red beans and rice. And don’t forget the beignets or pecan pie.

A lobster roll sits with crinkle-cut fries and coleslaw on a white plate, accompanied by a pickle slice and small sauce containers.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Maine: Becky's Diner

Rub elbows with off-duty fisherman 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. Want lobster for breakfast? Try their lobster omelet or lobster Benedict.

Plate holds bacon, eggs, and hash browns, served in a diner setting. A hand holds the plate over a table with more dishes, including a red drink.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Maryland: Double T Diner

Two things you should expect when you eat at one of Double T’s six locations in Maryland: Your server will definitely call you “hon” (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. 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.

French toast topped with blackberries, raspberries, and walnuts, drizzled with syrup, on a white plate.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Massachusetts: The Breakfast Club

Named after one of the most iconic ’80s flicks, The Breakfast Club in Boston’s Allston neighborhood is a haven of nostalgia, with movie posters tacked to the wall and menu items named after the film’s characters. Get there early (they’re open only 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.

Toast and eggs sit beside a colorful vegetable hash topped with crumbled cheese on a white plate in a diner setting.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Michigan: Fleetwood Diner

Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea. And having it at Fleetwood Diner is an even better one. While all their breakfast eats (from hearty omelets to raisin swirl french toast dripping in syrup) get five stars, the Fleetwood Diner is really known for “Hippie Hash.” The locals–including the many college students in Ann Arbor—call the pile of hash browns topped with tons of grilled veggies, feta cheese and two eggs any style the ultimate hangover cure.

Plate with eggs, bacon, and stacked toast on a yellow table, surrounded by coffee, glass of water, and utensils.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Minnesota: Al's Breakfast

Al’s Breakfast was formed out of an old alleyway in 1950 and has been a Minneapolis staple ever since. Since it has just 14 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.

Fun fact: According to Al’s website, they “don’t have a freezer, deep fryer or microwave oven because we believe that meals taste best when they’re made from real ingredients by people who care. That, and we don’t have space for anything else.”

A double cheeseburger sits on a plate, featuring bacon, shredded lettuce, and a green olive on top, amidst a blurred restaurant setting.
VIA AJAXDINER.COM

Mississippi: Ajax Diner

Bring on the sweet tea and buttermilk cornbread. After all, Ajax Diner has received “Best Cornbread” honors, along with a lot of other awards since it opened it 1997. For a taste of 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.

This iconic diner has been one of former NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning’s favorites since he attended college at Ole Miss in Oxford.

Crispy ravioli rest alongside a bowl of marinara sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese on a white plate.
VIA COURTESY DINER/FACBOOK.COM
COURTESY COURTESY DINER/FACEBOOK.COM

Missouri: Courtesy Diner

The Courtesy Diner, with its neon signs, red vinyl and chrome, feels like a time capsule of Americana. This iconic diner is open 24 hours, and you can order breakfast all day. The one specialty every visitor has to try is the St. Louis Slinger: a burger patty and two eggs sitting atop a bed of hash browns, smothered in chili and cheese.

Burger dripping with melted cheese and sauce, topped with peppers and bacon, on a plate in a casually lit dining setting.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Montana: Roadhouse Diner

Who knew 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, they grind and grill their beef patties fresh every single day—then top them with unique add-ons like peanut butter, bacon jam and sweet jalapeño relish. And you’ll definitely want to get the crispy housemade fries.

Fried chicken covered in gravy lies next to sautéed green beans and crispy hash browns on a white plate, atop a wooden table.
via tripadvisor.com

Nebraska: Shirley's Diner

Come to the best diner in Nebraska for the retro vibes and quintessential diner grub (like the hot meatloaf sandwich, a Tuesday special), and stay for the stories of the woman behind it all. Owner Denise Fackler is a bit of an Omaha legend and for good reason—before opening the diner with her husband, Doug, she had a long career as a singer-songwriter, once duetting with John Denver and even touring Vietnam with the USO.

The Most Iconic Diner In Every State Nevada Lous Diner
VIA LOUSDINERLV.COM

Nevada: Lou's Diner

This vintage family-owned and -operated “mom and pop” diner off the strip is worth the trip and the wait (it’s always packed). Once you’re seated, you’ll be served a sampler of their famous homemade jams. Bring your own coffee mug and leave it with them to clean, hang on their Wall of Mugs, and have ready for your next visit.

There’s even a “secret” menu (accessible by QR code) with items like homemade corned beef hash and strawberry-stuffed french toast. So eat up! And remember: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Plate holds sunny side eggs, crispy toast, sausages, and diced potatoes; a butter cup sits beside, on a patterned table surface.
via tripadvisor.com

New Hampshire: Red Arrow Diner

Plenty of politicians on the campaign trail have bellied up to the counter at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester. That first Red Arrow opened in 1922, and there are also locations in Concord, Londonderry and Nashua.

Their signature blue-plate specials (served on actual blue plates) and pies were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Pop in 24/7 for a hot cup of coffee and a couple of Dinah Fingers (the restaurant’s version of a homemade Twinkie).

A burger stacked with lettuce, tomato, fried onions, and cheese sits on a plate, secured with skewers in a kitchen setting.
VIA @THETOPSDINER/INSTAGRAM

New Jersey: Tops Diner

It’s hard to pick a favorite in what’s known as the Diner Capital of the World: New Jersey. But when a place has been called the best diner in America, well, we’re listening. Or rather, eating at this iconic diner opened in 1942.

Their extensive menu features all the iconic diner dishes, like pancakes, grilled cheese and a BLT. But you can also get disco fries, a NJ diner classic of french fries piled high with melted mozzarella and brown gravy, or what they call Thanksgiving Everyday: roast turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh corn and cranberry sauce.

Chicken sandwich sits on a plate, topped with lettuce and cheese, accompanied by golden fries on a dining table.
via tripadvisor.com

New Mexico: 66 Diner

On the side of Route 66 lies a blast from the past, illuminated by rainbow neon signs. Pull over to check out the old Plymouth cars, order one of 66 Diner’s gut-busting Deluxe Plates (served with homemade cornbread and two sides) or step up to the counter for an over-the-top milkshake, float or ice cream soda. The Albuquerque joint’s original Pink Cadillac flavor (strawberry ice cream and Oreo cookies) is a must.

Pancakes topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, peanut butter chips, and a chocolate disk, placed on a white plate with blue rim.
via ellensstardustdiner.com

New York: Ellen's Stardust Diner

How can you be surrounded by singing servers (known as Stardusters) and strands of confetti and not be happy? 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, some of them aptly named, like Mamma Mia Meatloaf and Love Me (chicken) Tenders.

Scrambled eggs sit alongside crispy hash browns and bacon on a white plate, suggesting a classic breakfast setting.
VIA GRANDMA'S DINER/FACEBOOK.COM

North Carolina: Midnight Diner

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 of this railroad car diner. Order their legendary fried chicken and waffles, hand-cut onion rings, shrimp and grits, and big buttermilk biscuits all day long.

Burger patty sits open-faced with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and bacon; accompanied by potato chips and fresh lettuce with tomato slices in the background.
via sitdownandeat.com

North Dakota: Kroll's Diner

Kroll’s, a ’50s-style diner open since 1969, is all about traditional German cooking (mixed in with American classics, of course). Tuck into a bowl of their award-winning knoephla (a creamy soup dotted with doughy dumplings) or fleischkuechle (a deep-fried meat turnover). You won’t wait long, either—their motto is “sit down and eat!” so you can expect speedy service. Sounds wunderbar to us.

Biscuits covered in sausage gravy rest on a white plate, surrounded by a light table setting.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Ohio: Fred's Diner

Any diner that considers a “side” of bacon as seven meaty slices is a win in our book. That’s Fred’s Diner for you, where the food is delicious (try 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—it’s definitely a no-frills kind of place.

Burger with bacon and cheese awaits assembly, surrounded by pickles, a milkshake, Pepsi, onion rings, and condiments, set on a diner table.
via tripadvisor.com

Oklahoma: Sid's Diner

One thing you probably didn’t know 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 Diner 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—the line is often out the door!

Plates hold fried eggs, hash browns, toast, and meat, served on a table with coffee in a mug.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Oregon: Original Hotcake & Steak House

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.

A breakfast plate holds fried eggs, sausage, hash browns, and bacon, with pancakes and coffee in a warmly lit diner setting.
VIA THENEPTUNEDINER.COM

Pennsylvania: Neptune Diner

For a taste of that homestyle Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, slide into a booth at the Neptune Diner in Lancaster, the heart of Amish country. This joint—housed in a 1950s retro stainless steel rail car—may have had its own spot on the Travel Channel, but the family-owned restaurant has stuck to its roots. This iconic diner 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.

French toast sits on a plate, topped with whipped cream, chocolate-covered strawberry, kiwi, berries, nuts, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
VIA MODERN DINER/FACEBOOK.COM

Rhode Island: Modern Diner

It doesn’t get more iconic than this railcar joint, nestled in the birthplace of the very first diner in America—Rhode Island. The Pawtucket restaurant was the first diner in the nation to be accepted on the National Register of Historic Places.

Yeah, the history is cool. But the food is even better. Their signature custard french toast was named one of Food Network’s “Best Diner Dishes in America.” Fun fact: The recipe was created by accident, when the owner made too much vanilla pudding and decided to serve it on thick slices of toast instead; it’s topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and sliced kiwi.

Waffles and fried chicken topped with syrup, served on a white plate with a small cup of honey and glass of water nearby.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

South Carolina: Early Bird Diner

The early bird gets the worm—and the crave-worthy pecan fried chicken and cinnamon waffles with honey mustard barbecue sauce at this Charleston Lowcountry establishment. With a rotating customer base of regulars who stop in every day, it’s obvious that this is the spot to be for breakfast or lunch. There’s a special brunch menu on Sunday.

While you wait for your food, take a peek at the artwork from up-and-coming Charleston artists hung on the walls of this spot that was featured on Triple D (aka the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives).

A cheeseburger with bacon rests on a plate beside curly fries, accompanied by a glass of light-colored soda on a wooden table.
via phillipsavenuediner.com

South Dakota: Phillips Avenue Diner

When you need a juicy burger or creamy mac and cheese on a rail (that’s “fast,” in diner speak), hit up the best diner in South Dakota. Once a silver Airstream and now a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Phillips Avenue Diner has everything you look for in a greasy spoon: friendly servers, ample portions and decadent desserts (we’ll take a strawberry cheesecake shake, please).

Sundae with whipped cream and cherry, adorned with nuts, sits on a patterned table. Text below reads:
via tripadvisor.com

Tennessee: Mel's Diner

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 retro spot in Pigeon Forge (not far from Dollywood). Whether you’re in the mood for classic diner fare like a burger or grilled cheese, or a regional specialty like Nashville hot chicken or pulled-pork barbecue, you’ll find it at Mel’s. Just save room for one of their famous banana splits, available with three or six scoops of ice cream, depending on your appetite.

Tacos sit in a foil container, containing grilled chicken, vegetables, and greens; adjacent are a salsa cup and Magnolia Cafe sign.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Texas: Magnolia Cafe

Y’all come on in! That’s the spirit at Austin’s eclectic Magnolia Cafe, open since 1979. Former President Obama even visited their now-closed Lake Austin location. Though you’ll be tempted by 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 their renowned gingerbread pancakes. Pace yourself, though: Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially the portions.

Burger topped with mushrooms sits with fries on a white plate, accompanied by lettuce and ketchup, on a speckled table surface.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM

Utah: Moab Diner

Even though this ’50s-style diner is located out in the hot Utah desert, it’s even hotter in the kitchen, where the house specialty is a signature green chili sauce. Simply ask your server to “smother it,” and you can get the spicy sauce on top of anything from a burrito to an omelet. Cool down with an ice cream sundae or a beverage from the vintage soda fountain.

A diner displays a sign reading
Kirkikis/Getty Images

Vermont: Blue Benn Diner

Head on over to Bennington to the Blue Benn for all-day breakfast, at-your-table jukeboxes and cozy booths. Despite the diner’s small size (it’s a former railroad car, after all), it’s still a highly rated choice, where 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 the Crunch Berry pancakes, described by one reviewer as nothing short of “luscious.”

Pulled pork sits on a plate next to sweet potato fries, accompanied by a bread roll on a checkered tablecloth.
via tripadvisor.com

Virginia: Pink Cadillac Diner

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. They serve up all the American classic diner dishes, from hot dogs and prime rib to cinnamon rolls and cornbread. Try the pulled pork with made-in-house sauces and a big pile of sweet potato fries.

Meatloaf with gravy rests beside green beans and mashed potatoes on a plate; knife, drink, and bread sit nearby in a restaurant setting.
via tripadvisor.com

Washington: Frank's Diner

No ticket is needed for either location of these historic railcars-turned-restaurants in Spokane, just a big appetite. Frank’s is best for breakfast, when the coffee—and conversation—never stops flowing. Some of the “field-to-fork” favorites at the best diner in Washington State include fried green tomatoes, Joe’s Special (an omelet with spinach, ground beef and sausage) and Great Nana’s Meatloaf Benedict.

Breaded shrimp rest on paper alongside golden French fries, set on a plate-lined surface, showcasing a casual dining presentation.
VIA GRANDMA'S DINER/FACEBOOK.COM

West Virginia: Grandma's Diner

This diner’s 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 server) while you try to finish the signature Busti: a quadruple-layer french toast breakfast sandwich with an over-medium egg and your choice of sausage, ham or bacon, topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Burger topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese sits on a plate with golden fries, against a dark background.
via Franks Diner/Facebook.com
VIA FRANK'S DINER/FACEBOOK.COM

Wisconsin: Frank's Diner

“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–it opened in 1926! This Kenosha institution, featured twice on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, has had many celeb guests over the years, including Mark Ruffalo and Liberace.

By the way, when they say order what you want at Frank’s, 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, potatoes, peppers, jalapeños, onions and meat; a Half Plate has three eggs.

Fried chicken sandwich sits in a paper-lined basket next to a bowl of macaroni chili, with condiment packets and a spoon nearby.
via tripadvisor.com

Wyoming: Johnny J's Diner

Sometimes you just need a good hand-spun milkshake, which means you need a trip 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, sundaes and parfaits. The kitschy atmosphere includes a Fender guitar above the kitchen door, a red bicycle balanced above the booths between seating areas, movie posters and a vintage Coke refrigerator.

So, are you hungry enough to go on a road trip and visit all 50 of these best-in-state iconic diners?

About the experts

  • Sef González, aka Burger Beast, is a Miami-based food blogger, writer and influencer who’s been celebrating comfort food culture since founding BurgerBeast.com in 2008. His blog is a trusted guide to the best burgers and hidden culinary gems in Florida and beyond. Passionate about food history, González created Miami’s Burger Museum, wrote All About the Burger, runs events like Croqueta Palooza and the Hamburger House Party, hosts the Burger Beast podcast and has more than 64,000 followers on Instagram.

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