The most iconic diners in America are typically those that have stuck around for a while and continue to serve the public. To say they’re American treasures is an understatement. While the Tri-State area is well know for their diners, there are still plenty of old school diners kicking around in other states that are like walking into a time capsule from decades ago.
Alaska: Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant
As one of the most iconic diners in the USA, Gwennie’s is known for its huge portions and insanely delicious flavors. Seafood and reindeer sausage don’t get much fresher than this.
Arizona: Mel’s Diner
This place stands out as one of the more iconic diners for a good reason. Not only did it coin the phrase “Kiss my grits!”, but it was also the setting of the TV sitcom known as Alice.
Arkansas: At The Corner
Is a mason jar mimosa a staple of iconic diners? It should be, since this 50s style diner makes it look like a good idea, and somehow it goes well with chicken and waffles.
California: Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner
This place is one of the more iconic diners in the USA since it reminds people of the vibrant splashes of color that dominated the 50s. Not only that, but the food, named after various 50s icons, is another reason you need to visit this place.
Colorado: Moonlight Diner
There’s something about dining in a converted boxcar that stands out as iconic. The greasy food and easygoing atmosphere is comfortable and familiar to a lot of people.
Connecticut: O’Rourke’s Diner
This is one of those iconic diners where everyone is welcome and can sit down to a truly great Irish cuisine. From Irish soda bread to the Dubliner omelet you’ll find yourself satisfied and ready to come back for more.
Delaware: Lucky’s Coffee Shop
No matter what list Delaware shows up on, it’s fair to say that scrapple will get mentioned once or twice. One of the most iconic diners in the state knows how to serve the treat and make people ask for another helping.
Florida: Peter Pan Diner
Iconic diners from back in the 70s are still popular among some folks. The Greek dishes and retro decor will take you back in a big way, especially when someone gets the jukebox wailing.
Georgia: Home Grown Restaurant
Iconic diners serve iconic food, which is why Home Grown Restaurant is perfect. Chicken biscuits? Yes please, make it a double, and don’t forget the gravy.
Hawaii: Rainbow Drive-In
A lot of iconic diners earn that status since they serve up the same stuff for years on end. Sure, things change with the times, but the service and food don’t always need to change.
Idaho: Jimmy’s Down the Street
This is one of those iconic diners that people grow up talking about and visiting as a regular hangout spot. When someone in Cour d’Alene says “Jimmy’s”, a lot of people know exactly what they’re talking about.
Illinois: Charlie Parker’s Diner
Think free pancakes, then hustle before they’re gone. Charlie Parker’s is the type of place you go to for a carb overload.
Indiana: Metro Diner
Comfort food is a regular staple of many iconic diners, especially since it’s what a lot of people expect. Greasy sausages, chicken and waffles, eggs, biscuits…try not to drool too much.
Iowa: Bluebird Diner
When you hear ‘Midwest soul food’ do you smile? There’s a good reason for it since classic country cooking with a twist is what you’ll find at this spot.
Kansas: Jimmie’s Diner
Some places don’t change that much over the years and honestly, they don’t need to. As long as the food is good and the atmosphere is pleasing, people keep coming back.
Kentucky: Ramsey’s Diner Zandale Drive
How many iconic diners still make a great pot roast? Ramsey’s keeps people satisfied with simple meals and desserts that hearken back to a different time but still belong firmly in this one.
Louisiana: Hub City Diner
There’s a great deal of nostalgia in Hub City Diner since the food is very close to the same, as is the diner. The Blue Plate special is recommended, and the prices won’t clean out your wallet.
Maryland: Double T Diner
There are a couple of things that people tell you to expect when coming here. One is that your waitress will call you ‘hon’ (old school charm) and the other is that you’ll need a few minutes to decide what to eat since everything smells and looks great.
Massachusetts: The Breakfast Club
Yes, this was named after one of the best movies of the 80s. It’s also a great place to experience a large sense of nostalgia thanks to the decor and menu items, which are named after the characters in the movie.
Michigan: Fleetwood Diner
Breakfast for dinner is a great idea, and Fleetwood Diner is great at this practice. College students frequent this place constantly since simple meals are easy and usually not as pricey.
Minnesota: Al’s Breakfast
To think, this place was once an old alleyway back in the 50s. It’s a part of Minneapolis now and will likely stay that way for a while to come.
Mississippi: Ajax Diner
Sweet tea, buttermilk cornbread, oh yeah. It’s not every place that can earn the “Best Cornbread” honors. This is where you go when you want something good AND filling.
Missouri: Courtesy Diner
This was a chain of sandwich shops, but cutting back to three locations in St. Louis gives it a little more charm. The St. Louis Slinger is a must, as it’s a burger with two eggs sitting on a pile of hashbrowns, and then topped with cheese and chili.
Montana: Roadhouse Diner
The argument over who has the best burgers in the USA is still ongoing. But the Roadhouse Diner makes a good case and belongs on the list.
Nebraska: Shirley’s Diner
There’s a good deal of history here since the owner of the place is a legend in Omaha. Ask about her tour with the USO or her time duetting with John Denver, it’s a good story to go with the great food.
Nevada: Du-par’s Restaurant & Bakery
It’s tough to get away from buffets when talking about Vegas. But Du-par’s helps with that since everything from the pancakes to the sausage, hashbrowns, and other fare are just as good.
New Hampshire: Red Arrow Diner
Situated close enough to the campaign trail to entertain plenty of politicians, the Red Arrow Diner is a great spot. Even better, it’s open 24 hours and has its own version of a homemade Twinkie.
New Jersey: Tops Diner
You know that visiting New Jersey means you’ll need to visit a diner. It’s custom, honestly. But make sure you find Tops, you won’t be sorry.
New Mexico: 66 Diner
Route 66 is famous for a lot of reasons, but this blast from the past is one that you shouldn’t miss. While you’re here, order a Pink Cadillac milkshake and enjoy.
New York: Ellen’s Stardust Diner
A place that names its dishes after famous movies or people is a fun and engaging spot. But your servers sing to you as well. How does it get better?
North Carolina: Midnight Diner
The south is known for comfort food, without a doubt. Fried chicken, waffles, and buttermilk biscuits all conspire to bring the word ‘yum’ out of every customer.
North Dakota: Kroll’s Diner
If you’ve never had traditional German cooking then it’s time to make tracks for Kroll’s. There are plenty of other classics to pick from, and no matter what you’ll leave with a full stomach.
Ohio: Fred’s Diner
Oh, take me to the place that does meaty bacon unlike any other, and I’ll be happy all my days. Fred’s knows how to do it, and the price is definitely right.
Oklahoma: Sid’s Diner
Sometimes just the name of a place makes it easy to guess that the food is for comfort and will leave a full feeling in your stomach. Just a warning, get ready to wait a while, a lot of people want that type of comfort.
Oregon: Pig N Pancake
You’ll have to head on over to the coast, but you’ll enjoy the trip since it’s worth it to get to this diner where breakfast features a platter of goodies. Pile on the pancakes, enjoy the fresh seafood, and just let yourself sink into your seat.
Pennsylvania: Neptune Diner
Pennsylvania Dutch cooking is designed to leave your stomach full for a while. Thankfully, this place has stuck to its roots and changed very little over the years.
Rhode Island: Modern Diner
There’s something about eating in a converted railcar that’s just, well, special. Add onto that a list of great food that’s designed to stick to your ribs and you’ve got a place that people want to visit and stay awhile.
South Carolina: Early Bird Diner
Places like this deserve regulars. You know why? Because they see the value in the food and the service, and they have every reason to stick around.
South Dakota: Phillips Avenue Diner
For a diner that started out of a silver airstream, this place stepped it up in a big way. It’s a greasy spoon without a doubt, but that’s a big part of the charm.
Tennessee: Mel’s Diner
A family-friendly spot that can put you in a good mood and deliver on good food to boot is something a lot of people enjoy. Plus, a dessert that’s famous in their part of town is the best way to end the night.
Texas: Magnolia Cafe South
If it’s Texas then you know it’s going to feature something barbecued and/or fried. Try to save room for the gingerbread pancakes though, since they’re worth the effort.
Utah: Moab Diner
Diners were a 50s thing, that’s for certain. But seeing this look survive into the modern era is heartwarming, kind of like the chili.
Vermont: Blue Benn Diner
Whenever you hear that a place serves breakfast all day, it’s time to pay a visit. Blue Benn’s is a place of creature comforts with jukeboxes and vintage railcars for booths. It’s a little small, but it’s worth the wait.
Virginia: Pink Cadillac Diner
Some people might move on from the hot pink exterior, but it’s worth it to take a look inside. It’s like a visit back in time with the decor and the menu, and it’s easy to have fun while visiting.
Washington: Frank’s Diner
Outside of Louisiana, this place is one of the best locations for fried green tomatoes, not to mention their omelets and other offerings. Take a step inside and sit for a spell.
West Virginia: Grandma’s Diner
Hey, don’t disrespect grandma, just do as she says and take a seat. Can you say, or comprehend, a French toast breakfast sandwich? Just say yes.
Wisconsin: Frank’s Diner
Hearing an order for something called a Garbage Plate might not create a great mental image. But when it comes to your table the last thing you’ll do is complain.
Wyoming: Johnny J’s Diner
If you’re in need of a milkshake then this is the spot to go. Even if you’re not, you probably will be once you step into this place.
