The Most Beloved Diner in Every State (How Many Have You Tried?)

Diners are likely the first thing you think of when you think of American cuisine and culture. They tie communities together, reflecting local foods, traditions, customs, and history.

While there are staple diner foods and atmospheres, no two states will have identical diners — unless it’s a chain franchise.

Most people will argue their state’s most famous diner is the best, taking pride in their local culture, cuisine, and low prices that help keep more cash in your wallet. Here's the list. 

Kicking the list off in Alabama is City Cafe Diner in Huntsville, which is open seven days a week and won't require you to tap into a new source of income to go frequently. 

Their menu features classic diner food like breakfast, burgers, shakes, Greek cuisine, Italian, seafood, and more. They have a 4.3-star rating with over 1,000 reviews on their Facebook page.

Alaska’s most well-loved diner is Snow City Cafe in Anchorage, which has been open since 1998. Their menu features classic diner food, most of which can be made vegan or gluten-free.

Make sure to try their famous cinnamon rolls or sticky buns, and check out their brunch cocktail menu.

Matt’s Big Breakfast opened in 2004 in Phoenix but has since expanded to six locations. It’s even been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”

As the name suggests, the menu features mostly breakfast foods, but there is also a concise and classic lunch menu.

For a more refined diner experience, head to Bentonville, Arkansas, where The Hive offers upscale but classic dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Located inside the local 21c Museum Hotel, you can enjoy staples like pecan pie, burgers, and grilled cheese paired with elegant cocktails.

Opened in 1938 at Farmer’s Market, California’s most beloved diner is Du-pars in Los Angeles.

Some of their staple dishes include hotcakes, California chicken sandwiches, patty melts, and other classic diner foods.

They also have an in-house bakery featuring goodies, including pecan pie, green apple pie, and homemade muffins.

Sam’s No. 3 opened in Denver in 1927 and has added two more Colorado locations. They serve over 2,800 people per weekday and 3,900 per weekend day.

Their menu is 16 pages long and features tons of egg dishes, breakfast burritos, burgers, sandwiches, and lots of Greek food.

Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, Connecticut is open 24/7 and will be sure to charm you with their hospitality and good old-fashioned charm. 

From American diner classics to tastes of Mediterranean, the convenient location and stellar service will leave you wanting to come back for more. 

Delaware’s most beloved diner is Helen’s Sausage House. Located in Smyrna on Route 13, it was opened in 1985.

The restaurant is still family-owned and, as the name suggests, is known for its sausages, prepared using a secret family recipe that has succeeded four generations.

Aptly named, Florida’s favorite diner is The Floridian in St. Augustine. The restaurant has a seasonally adaptive menu that showcases Southern comfort food.

They have classic dishes like fried green tomatoes, Cuban sandwiches, and unique fusion meals like a banh mi po boy and southern brisket tacos.

If Georgia’s Silver Skillet Restaurant looks familiar, that’s because you’ve likely seen it onscreen in shows like “What Would You Do?” and “OZARK.”

Opened in 1967, the diner has a retro feel and classic southern diner menu, including country fried steak, catfish, burgers, lemon ice box pie, and more.

The first Eggs ‘n Things opened in Waikiki in 1974 and now has four total locations across Hawaii, plus one in Japan and one in Guam.

The menu combines classic diner foods with Hawaiian cuisine, like Kalua pigs benedict, ahi and eggs, island fried rice, and more. However, their pancakes and omelets are their claims to fame.

Idaho’s most beloved diner is Big Jud’s, with three locations in Boise, Meridian, and Archer. Their biggest ticket item is their burgers, but they also have a chicken menu and fish and chips.

Their sides obviously have to feature fresh-cut Idaho fries and tater tots. They also have two burger-eating challenges.

Lou Mitchell’s is a Chicago staple and Illinois’ most loved diner.

Opened in 1923, their menu features all the classics, including burgers, reubens, BLTs, club sandwiches, eggs and omelets, pancakes, and more.

Lou’s claims to have the world’s finest coffee and is well known for its donut holes.

Indiana’s most cherished diner is Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington. The restaurant was opened in 1908 and has an extensive and classic diner menu.

Nick’s is also the originator of the breaded pork tenderloin, featured on its menu as-is or on a sandwich.

Enjoy a classic diner menu and a retro 1950s vibe at Hamburg Inn No. 2 in Iowa City, Iowa. Opened in 1935, the diner has largely remained the same since, even after a change in ownership.

The menu features staples like eggs, omelets, sandwiches, melts, burgers, steaks, shakes, and more.

Wichita, Kansas, is home to the state’s favorite diner, Doo-Dah Diner. The restaurant opened in 2012 and was ranked the city’s top restaurant in 2022.

Their most popular dishes include corned beef hash, chicken fried steak, maple pepper bacon, biscuits and gravy, and meatloaf.

Wagner’s Pharmacy combines delicious diner food with derby history in Louisville, Kentucky. The restaurant is right across from Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby.

Established in 1922, Wagner’s is largely synonymous with the annual horse race. Feature dishes include a derby sandwich, club sandwich, patty melt, and tuna melt.

The Camellia Grill in New Orleans, Louisiana, is not just a favorite of the state but a historic city landmark.

Opened in 1946, the diner still has a retro design and feel. Make sure to check out their all-day omelets, pecan pie, and double-scoop ice cream.

Palace Diner in Biddeford, Maine, is built inside a Pollard car, constructed in 1927 in Massachusetts. It reopened in 2014 and has served as a classic and trendy diner since.

Their simple and concise menu features diner staples like french toast, flapjacks, burgers, chicken, fries, and more.

Tastee Diner in Maryland is a much-loved staple, with the original Silver Spring location now closed, becoming a historical landmark in 1994.

Established in 1935, there’s now a location in Bethesda and Laurel. Enjoy eggs, hot cakes, burgers, sandwiches, fresh seafood, and other diner classics.

Mike’s City Diner in Boston is Massachusset’s most beloved diner, opening in South End in 1995. The extensive menu has tons of classic diner breakfast and lunch/dinner options.

However, there’s one dish that makes Mike’s famous — his turkey dinner. The Pilgrim Sandwich, featuring the aforementioned turkey, is also noteworthy.

Michigan’s most loved diner is The Fleetwood Diner, with locations in Ann Arbor and Lansing.

It’s open 24 hours a day and features a variety of classic diner and Greek dishes. There are also plenty of vegetarian options.

Fleetwood is famous for its Hippie Hash, which includes hash browns, veggies, and feta cheese.

Mickey’s Diner in St. Paul, Minnesota, is also known as Mickey’s Dining Car, as it’s built to resemble an Art Deco railroad car.

Almost all of Mickey’s ingredients are locally sourced, including meat, bread, and eggs. Their food is also all housemade, including their hand-shredded hash browns.

Brent’s Drugs opened in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1946, as a pharmacy doubling as a soda fountain. It now operates as a diner with tons of vintage charm.

The back of the pharmacy is now a cocktail bar called The Apothecary. The restaurant itself still sells classic soda fountain drinks and diner food.

Broadway Diner in Columbia, Missouri, has operated for over 60 years. It’s a classic Valentine Diner featuring staple menu items and a few feature standouts.

One of their feature meals is The Stretch, a meal named after a regular patron. Another patron-inspired dish is Matt’s Dilemma.

Paul’s Pancake Parlor opened in Missoula, Montana, in 1963. And, as the name suggests, it features a wide variety of pancakes.

Patrons can also enjoy waffles, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, dinner dishes, and soups and salads with a classic diner feel.

The most popular diner in Nebraska is Lincoln’s Hi-Way Diner. Operating for over 30 years, this restaurant is located just off the Nebraska Parkway, hence the name.

The menu is stacked full of diner staples, including breakfast meals, omelets, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and more. They also serve fajitas.

Head to Nevada to enjoy Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs, with multiple locations throughout Reno, Las Vegas, Henderson, Sparks, and Carson City.

The diner has been open since 1999, with a menu naturally featuring dishes with ham and eggs, including Hawaiian meals and vegan options.

The first Red Arrow Diner opened in 1922 in Manchester, New Hampshire, and has since expanded to three other locations in the state. Two of these locations have a drive-thru.

You’ll find classic diner menu items with Northeastern flair — eggs, omelets, burgers, pasta, seafood, and poutine.

Head to Livingston, New Jersey, to visit the Garden State’s most beloved diner — The Ritz.

Operating for over 40 years, this diner is family owned and aims to provide a similarly familial setting for guests.

The menu is quite diverse, with classic diner staples and Italian and Jewish cuisine.

New Mexico’s favorite diner can be found in Sante Fe at Tia Sophia’s, which specializes in authentic Southwestern cuisine.

Some of their standout menu items include giant breakfast burritos and sopaipillas, though you’ll be sure to find tons of delicious Southwestern staples like huevos rancheros and enchiladas.

“Seinfeld” fans should be sure to check out New York’s favorite diner, Tom’s Restaurant on Broadway in Manhattan.

Tom’s Restaurant has been family owned since the 1940s and serves up all the classic diner dishes you could hope for.

The Roast Grill in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a great spot for hotdog lovers. Operating since 1940, this diner specializes in hotdogs, though there are other classic diner dishes.

Some of their other menu items to look out for include homemade desserts and grill-blackened chili.

North Dakota is home to Kroll’s Diner, a German-American diner established in 1969 with a retro ‘50s feel.

You can find tons of diner comfort staples on their menu, plus German meals, including cabbage rolls, knoephla, and German twists on omelets and burgers.

Ohio’s most popular diner is Tommy’s Diner in Columbus. Established in 1989, the restaurant is still family-owned and serves a mix of classic diner eats and Greek cuisine.

Menu options include an extensive all-day breakfast menu, standard sandwiches and burgers, gyros, and more.

Tally’s Cafe in Tulsa, Oklahoma, opened in 1987 just off Route 66 and has been a community staple since.

Breakfast is served all day, including classic eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

Check out their burgers, steaks, sandwiches, chicken, chili, fish, and more for lunch and dinner.

Enjoy hot cakes 24 hours a day at Hot Cake House in Portland, Oregon. The diner opened in 1963 and is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

As the name would suggest, this diner’s biggest ticket menu item is pancakes. However, other options include omelets, breakfast sandwiches, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks.

Penrose Diner is a much-loved, family-owned eatery in South Philadelphia serving up delicious and classic diner food.

Feast on delicious, fresh baked sweets (including a family baklava recipe), omelets, sandwiches, seafood, steak, Italian cuisine, burgers, paninis, and Philly steak sandwiches.

Modern Diner in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is anything but. It was established in the late 1930s/early 1940s as a Sterling Streamliner converted into a diner.

It was actually the first diner in the United States to join the National Register for Historic Places, and patrons can still enjoy delicious diner food.

Greenville, South Carolina, is home to Stax’s, one of the state’s most cherished and popular diners since the 1970s.

Head inside for breakfast or lunch, where you can enjoy an array of delicious staple comfort items. If you’re not local, you can enjoy any of Stax’s seasoning flavors, available in-store or online.

Head to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Phillips Avenue Diner for a retro-inspired eatery. The restaurant opened in 1996, but it’s built inside a vintage-inspired silver Airstream trailer.

They have all the diner staples you’d expect, plus some Midwestern comfort classics, including cheese curds and fried pickles.

The Pancake Pantry has been a Nashville staple since opening in 1961, since adding another location in Hillsboro Village.

They serve both breakfast and lunch, but their breakfast menu is the more extensive of the two — especially their pancake menu. They even offer rolled pancakes filled with fruit and topped with whipped cream.

Blue Bonnet Cafe has been serving delicious diner eats to the people of Marble Falls, Texas, since 1929 and is known for their world-famous pies.

Aside from pies, patrons can also enjoy breakfast foods, sandwiches, burgers, and Mexican cuisine.

Ruth’s Diner opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1930 and is the second oldest restaurant in the state. In keeping with Ruth’s love for music, the diner still regularly features live music and delicious food.

Visit Ruth’s for a wide array of diner eats, many of which can be prepared vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.

Wilmington, Vermont, is home to the state’s most popular diner, Dot’s Restaurant. The family-owned restaurant serves all you could want at a cozy diner.

Visit for breakfast to enjoy their omelets, waffles, pancakes, french toast, and Vermont maple syrup. Or, head over for lunch for haddock sandwiches, clam rolls, and more.

Virginia Diner is the aptly named favorite diner of the state, located in Wakefield. It opened in 1929 and still serves patrons delicious, comforting dishes.

They’re most famous for their Virginia peanuts, which can be enjoyed in-house or delivered nationwide.

Beth’s Cafe in Seattle, Washington, opened in 1954 but started as a gambling parlor. Today, it’s a staple diner in the state and beyond.

They have an extensive omelet menu, and each dish can be made extra hearty with 12 eggs.

Tudor’s Biscuit World is a West Virginia-based chain of diners, though other locations exist in neighboring states.

Their menu features four main categories — biscuits, breakfast platters, sandwiches, and dinner plates. Sandwiches include a stacked ham sandwich, burgers, BLTs, and hotdogs.

Marinette, Wisconsin, is home to Mickey-Lu-Bar-B-Q, a small diner that opened in the 1940s and still has much of its original vintage charm.

Their menu is small, concise, and incredibly affordable. Enjoy charcoal grilled burgers starting at just $3. They also serve hot dogs, fried eggs, malts, and shakes.

Wyoming finishes off this list with Luxury Diner in Cheyenne. Built within a dining car, the diner opened in 1926, with some recipes as old as the restaurant itself.

Their menu features staple diner classics as well as wildcards like pierogies. Make sure to check out their green chili and their sausage gravy.

Pro tip: Planning out your trip beforehand and knowing which diners you're going to stop at could lower your financial stress from your trip if you instead choose to just wing it. 

Few things represent American cuisine and culture as authentically as a diner. They reflect local traditions and foods, provide hubs for people to gather, and often hold lots of history.

Whether you check out your state’s most beloved diner or venture out, you’re sure to enjoy delicious dishes and cozy atmospheres and avoid wasting money on expensive restaurants.