The Most Famous Diner in Every State

Duck’s Diner is a laid-back Alabama restaurant that’s become a go-to stop for locals and vacationers.

The casual spot is best known for its hearty breakfast plates, Southern comfort food, and classic diner favorites like grits and French toast, served just minutes from the beach.

Kriner’s Diner offers a classic diner experience in the heart of Anchorage.

The longtime favorite draws crowds for generous portions, classic breakfast plates, and traditional American comfort food, all served in a retro setting.

Welcome Diner puts a modern spin on the classic diner while staying true to its roots.

Set inside a restored 1945 diner car, the Phoenix favorite is known for its creative comfort food, craft cocktails, and a nostalgic atmosphere with a contemporary edge.

White House Cafe is a longtime Camden institution, serving diners since 1907.

The historic restaurant is known for its classic Southern comfort food, friendly service, and old-school diner atmosphere.

Mel’s Drive-In is one of the most recognizable diners in California, thanks to its retro decor and Hollywood history.

The West Hollywood outpost draws crowds for its milkshakes, burgers, and all-day breakfast served in a classic 50s-inspired setting that nods to the golden age of drive-ins and diners.

Sam’s No. 3 is a Denver staple that has been feeding locals since the 1920s.

The bustling diner is famous for its gigantic portions, green chile-smothered dishes, and extensive menu that spans classic breakfast plates to comfort-food favorites.

Laurel Diner delivers typical roadside diner fare in a classic setting, located conveniently just off I-84 for all roadtrippers passing through the state.

The popular stop is known for its expansive menu, including its corned beef hash and breakfast plates.

Smyrna Diner has been slinging up breakfast favorites in Delaware since 1956, and is still famous for its all-day breakfast, made-to-order comfort food, and casual setting that may not be the height of luxury, but is certainly worth a stop along the way on a road trip.

Peter Pan Diner is a retro roadside staple that has been serving Fort Lauderdale since 1979.

The classic diner is known for its breakfast plates, old-school counter service, and burgers.

The Dwarf House holds a special place in fast-food history as the original Chick-fil-A restaurant.

The quirky, low-ceilinged spot draws visitors for its familiar Chick-fil-A menu items, exclusive Dwarf House items, table service, and its role as the birthplace of the nationwide chain.

Liliha Bakery is a beloved Honolulu institution that blends diner classics with local flavors.

Open since the 1950s, the bakery-restaurant is especially famous for its signature coco puffs, hearty breakfast plates, and Hawaiian comfort food, served around the clock and well worth the wait in line.

Dixie’s Diner brings Southern-inspired comfort food to eastern Idaho in a cozy, 1950s-inspired setting. The popular spot is best known for its burgers, homemade pies, and classic diner dishes served with a side of small-town charm.

Lou Mitchell’s is a Chicago breakfast institution located near the start of Route 66.

Open since 1923, the historic diner is known for its big, fluffy omelets, house-baked pastries, and old-school hospitality, including complimentary Milk Duds for guests.

Oasis Diner is a meticulously restored 1950s diner that has been fully brought back to life.

Located in Plainfield, the retro spot attracts diners with its classic American fare and preserved slice of midcentury history.

Drake Diner is a retro-style neighborhood favorite located near Drake University. The lively spot is known for its comfort-food menu, creative milkshakes, and classic diner vibes, drawing both students and locals.

Doo-Dah Diner is a popular Wichita breakfast spot known for its creative takes on classic diner fare and its reputation as one of the top 100 brunch spots in America by Yelp.

The locally owned restaurant draws crowds for scratch-made dishes and a menu that puts a playful spin on comfort food, such as its crab cake eggs Benedict and banana-bread French toast.

Ramsey’s Diner, a Lexington institution celebrated for its homestyle Southern cooking, has been operating for over 30 years. The beloved local chain is best known for its hot brown sandwiches, “meat-and-three” plates, and relaxed atmosphere.

The Camellia Grill is a New Orleans landmark with a history dating back to the 1940s.

Famous for its lively counter service, bow-tie-wearing servers, and pecan waffles, the diner remains a must-visit spot for locals and tourists.

Palace Diner may be small, but it is entirely worth the cramped quarters. The restaurant, housed in a former train dining car, has been in operation since 1927.

Visitors flock to the unique restaurant for a classic diner breakfast, fried chicken sandwich, and other diner specialties in vintage surroundings.

Papermoon Diner stands out for its whimsical, art-filled interior and eclectic decor.

The Baltimore landmark pairs classic diner dishes it calls “bold comfort food” with a colorful, surreal atmosphere that has made it one of the city’s most distinctive restaurants.

Built in the 1940s, South Street Diner serves classic diner fare 24 hours a day. The sleek spot is known for its reliable comfort food and reputation as a go-to stop for night owls.

Fleetwood Diner is an Ann Arbor institution that’s been feeding the city around the clock for decades.

The retro diner is best known for its “Hippie Hash” — a hearty mix of hash browns, vegetables, and meat — and its loyal late-night following.

Mickey’s Diner, one of the most iconic diners in the Midwest, is housed in a stainless-steel dining car that’s been operating since the late 1930s.

Open 24 hours a day, the St. Paul landmark is known for its classic breakfast plates, old-school counter service, and enduring role as a spot for comfort food.

Ajax Diner is a longtime Oxford favorite that’s been open for nearly 30 years.

It’s known for its Southern comfort food, generous portions, and laid-back atmosphere.

Mel’s Hard Luck Diner combines classic diner fare with live entertainment in the heart of Branson.

The retro-themed restaurant is famous for its burgers, towering ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, and singing servers.

Betty’s Diner is a small-town favorite overlooking Flathead Lake. The cozy spot draws diners for hearty breakfasts, homemade baked goods, and classic comfort food, served in a welcoming diner setting.

This no-frills establishment was included in the Food Network’s list of the best diners in the country, and what Hi-Way Diner lacks in glitzy atmosphere it makes up for in classic comfort food and hearty plates.

Vickie’s Diner is a Las Vegas late-night staple that caters to bar-crawling night owls, casino workers, and early risers.

The old-school spot is known for generous portions, affordable prices, and classic retro vibes in Sin City.

Red Arrow Diner is one of New Hampshire’s most famous restaurants, serving customers since the 1920s.

The tiny but mighty diner has earned national recognition for its comfort food, political memorabilia, and visits from presidential candidates on the campaign trail.

Eater reported that Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Kasich, Ted Cruz, and Donald Trump have all visited the restaurant at some point through the years.

New Jersey is the unofficial diner capital of the world, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the most famous restaurant in the state is also a diner.

Tops Diner in East Newark, New Jersey, opened in 1942 and has been serving its iconic burgers, meatloaf, and lobster mac and cheese ever since.

In 2017, Time Out named Tops the best diner in the country, and back in 2015, Thrillist called the diner the “most iconic” restaurant in New Jersey.

66 Diner is a Route 66 landmark that celebrates midcentury Americana in full force.

The classic diner is known for its retro decor and signature fare, including juicy burgers, milkshakes, and more. It also has deep ties to the history of the nearby highway.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is as much a performance venue as it is a restaurant.

The Times Square institution is famous for its singing servers — many of whom go on to Broadway careers — and has become a must-visit attraction for theater fans looking for classic diner fare with a show.

Poole’s puts a modern, chef-driven spin on the classic diner concept.

Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen, the Raleigh restaurant is best known for its gooey baked mac and cheese, seasonally driven menu of comfort food, and role in helping put the city on the national dining map.

Kroll’s Diner is a Fargo institution known for its German-Russian comfort food. The retro-themed restaurant has been open since 1969, and among its most popular offerings are its award-winning knoephla soup, hand-scooped milkshakes, and other diner classics.

Tommy’s Diner has been serving Columbus locals since 1989 and has been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”

The retro landmark is known for its Greek, family-recipe-inspired menu and signature dishes like pastitsio, gyros, and classic burgers.

Jimmy’s Round-Up Cafe is a fuss-free Oklahoma City favorite with deep ties to the local cowboy and rodeo scene.

The longtime diner is known for its hearty breakfasts, hand-breaded chicken-fried steak, and house-made fried pies, which have helped cement its reputation.

Otis Cafe is a beloved Oregon institution that has drawn devoted fans since it opened in the 1920s.

The restaurant is nationally known for its enormous pancakes, hand-shredded hashbrowns, and from-scratch cooking, earning frequent praise as one of the best breakfast spots in the state.

Named the best roadside diner in the country by USA Today, Bingham’s Family Restaurant is a rural Pennsylvania staple that’s built a reputation far beyond its small-town location.

The family-run diner is known for its classic desserts, including homemade cinnamon bread French toast, as well as other breakfast favorites.

Modern Diner is one of the most iconic breakfast spots in America’s smallest state.

One of the oldest surviving diners of its kind, the Pawtucket restaurant is celebrated for its classic breakfasts and for its architectural significance as the first diner to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Early Bird Diner brings a Southern twist to classic diner fare in Charleston.

It’s especially known for its brunch menu, comfort-food favorites like shrimp and grits, and its reputation as a go-to destination for locals seeking elevated diner classics.

Phillips Avenue Diner is a downtown Sioux Falls fixture that blends retro style with modern touches.

Set in a restored diner car, the restaurant is known for its creative yet classic comfort food dishes, including chicken-fried steak, meatloaf, breakfast plates, and more.

Sunliner Diner is a neon-lit throwback set in a 1950s-style diner.

The Pigeon Forge restaurant stands out for its retro design, hand-spun milkshakes, and all-day breakfast menu, making it a popular stop in one of Tennessee’s busiest tourist destinations.

Blue Bonnet Cafe is one of Texas’ most famous diners.

Open since 1929, the Marble Falls institution is legendary for its pies, homemade soups, and frequent appearances on national “best diner” and “best breakfast” lists.

Ruth’s Diner in Salt Lake City allows guests to dine in a railroad car that once operated in the early 1900s, but has since been moved and restored. The restaurant focuses on brunch foods, serving cinnamon roll French toast, huevos rancheros, and deep-fried mac and cheese.

When “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” host Guy Fieri visited the restaurant, he said he couldn’t get enough of the fluffy biscuits.

The Blue Benn Diner is a classic Vermont roadside stop housed in a vintage 1940s dining car. The small but mighty diner is known for its hearty breakfasts, maple syrup-forward dishes, and enduring popularity with locals and travelers.

Virginia Diner is a longtime roadside institution that has been serving travelers since the late 1920s.

The newer Wakefield restaurant is best known for its classic Southern fare like country ham, brisket and eggs, and grits, as well as its world-famous peanuts.

Frank’s Diner is a Spokane landmark housed inside a former railroad dining car from the early 1900s, featuring magnificent wood paneling and stained-glass windows that will transport you back to another era.

Voted the best breakfast in Spokane by local publication Inlander, Frank’s is one of the oldest diners of its kind in the country. The restaurant is famous for its crispy deviled eggs, breakfast platters, and chicken-fried steak dinner.

Dolly’s Diner is a retro-style favorite that brings classic diner vibes to southern West Virginia. The Princeton spot is known for its nostalgic decor, classic club sandwiches, and friendly atmosphere.

Franks Diner is one of Wisconsin’s most iconic restaurants, operating out of a restored 1926-era railroad dining car.

The Kenosha institution has earned national acclaim — including a spot on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and recognition from Tasting Table as one of the best diners in the country — for its hearty breakfasts and dedication to preserving diner history.

Johnny J’s Diner is a beloved Casper institution that blends classic diner fare with a lively, old-school atmosphere.

This ’50s-style diner is famous for its extensive menu of diner favorites, from stacked-high pancakes to juicy burgers, pot roast, broasted chicken, and milkshakes.