Food
America’s All-Star Diners
America’s All Star Diners in Every StateThe portions are large, the waitress might call you ‘honey’ and the coffee never stops brewing – these are America’s best diners in every state.
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America’s All-Star Diners.
AlabamaAlabama: Bogue’s Restaurant, Birmingham – The locals love Bogue’s so much that they fought tooth and nail to keep it from being demolished in 2010. It’s been a pillar in the community since 1938, serving Southern comfort on a plate. TIP: The sweet rolls are legendary. boguesdiner.com
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AlaskaAlaska: Talkeetna Roadhouse, Talkeetna –This 20th century frontier roadhouse brings together adventurers, local residents and food gurus at its family-style tables near North America’s tallest peak, Denali (Mt. McKinley). TIP: Want to try something traditionally Alaskan? Order the reindeer sausage with biscuits and gravy. If you have a sweet tooth, grab a giant, gooey cinnamon roll. talkeetnaroadhouse.com
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ArizonaArizona: Rock Springs Cafe, Black Canyon City – This café has been around almost as long as the state itself and sells upwards of 70,000 pies a year. Arizonians and travellers alike make the trip up to Rock Springs to get a taste of their impeccable desserts and never leave disappointed. TIP: Honestly, you really can’t go wrong here – just eat as much pie as your stomach can hold. rocksprings.cafe
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ArkansasArkansas: Benson’s Grill, Fort Smith – Sassy waitresses, overflowing plates of breakfast and burgers served 24 hours a day, and a long, bright orange bar – this is what you should expect to find at Benson’s Grill. TIP: (1) Try the sweet potato pancakes or the Big Mama Burger if you’re really hungry. (2) Be ready for… interesting people watching. Things get rowdy around 2 A.M.
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CaliforniaCalifornia: Harry’s Coffee Shop, La Jolla – Strangely enough, the best diner in Cali was started by a Brooklyn native, Harry Rudolph, when he moved there in 1960 to follow his beloved Dodgers baseball team. The bustling diner has since been called not only the best in the entire state, but one of the best in the country. TIP: Get a cup of Harry’s famous locally roasted family blend coffee with the BW Benny. harryscoffeeshop.com
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America’s All-Star Diners.
ColoradoColorado: Village Coffee Shop, Boulder – Yes, believe it or not, Colorado’s best greasy spoon joint is in Boulder, the city where organic healthy food is the norm. You’ll get a warm welcome with your coffee here, quite literally: the staff and entire restaurant gives first-time visitors a round of applause. TIP: Can’t go wrong with their fluffy pancakes. villagecoffeeshopboulder.com
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ConnecticutConnecticut: Dottie’s Diner, Woodbury – Dottie garnered attention when her cake-like battered doughnuts won the Food Network’s “Donut Showdown” a few years ago. While that is reason enough to visit her diner, the rest of the menu is just as good. TIP: The chicken pot pie and meat loaf are award-winners… and don’t leave without a box of doughnuts.
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DelawareDelaware: Kozy Korner Restaurant, Wilmington – Blink and you might not spot this tiny eatery, but Kozy Korner is the meeting place of choice for the who’s who of Delaware. Waitresses know the locals by name, the prices are low, and the coffee is constantly flowing – it’s been a family diner since 1922. TIP: Bite into a breakfast sandwich and enjoy the people-watching. kozykorner-restaurant.com
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FloridaFlorida: Howley’s Restaurant, West Palm Beach – As advertised on the cool mural outside this hip diner, Howley’s motto is “Cooked in sight, must be right.” And right it is – from the authentic ’50s look to the classic American fair, no wonder it’s known to serve the movers and shakers of the area. TIP: Leave room for the apple or banana cream pie. locu.com
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America’s All-Star Diners.
GeorgiaGeorgia: The Silver Skillet, Atlanta – You won’t find better buttermilk biscuits than the golden-brown, perfectly fluffy masterpieces at The Silver Skillet. The family recipe has been passed down two generations and keeps celebrities, locals and travellers coming back for more. The Atlanta landmark has been featured in several films and TV shows over the years thanks to its legendary status and authentic look. TIP: Obviously eat some biscuits. thesilverskillet.com
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HawaiiHawaii: Boots & Kimo’s, Kailua – The first thing you’ll probably notice is the inevitably long line, but don’t turn back! This family-owned Hawaiian diner is well worth the wait. Traditional island dishes with model flair are served on large, steamy plates in a family atmosphere. TIP: Here for breakfast? You need to experience the cult favourite: macadamia nut banana pancakes. Lunch? The pulehu (grilled) ribs. bootsnkimos.com
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IdahoIdaho: Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro, Boise – As its bright orange and pink walls suggest, the first thing you should order at Goldy’s is a beautifully constructed fruit cup and the best mimosa in town. This cosy café with double-decker seating prides itself on great house blend coffee and breakfast made from scratch. TIP: Expect to wait awhile – this spot is often packed with locals who know it’s worth it. goldysbreakfastbistro.com
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IllinoisIllinois: Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket, Willowbrook – The historic Route 66 is known to have started an American diner revolution back when it was the country’s main highway. If you’re cruising down it today on your way up to Chicago, you’ll still find Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket – probably the best place to stop for crispy, golden deliciousness. TIP: Grab a seat near the fireplace and enjoy what Dell Rhea’s is famous for (the chicken of course). chickenbasket.com
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IndianaIndiana: Triple XXX Family Restaurant, West Lafayette – In case you got the wrong idea, this diner’s name comes from a brand of root beer it’s been serving since the 1920s. Though once a chain restaurant, its Indiana location is the last one standing – making it the state’s oldest drive-in. TIP: The reason to come here is the burgers, which won it a thumbs up from the show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. [Image: Tory/Flickr]
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IowaIowa: Breitbach’s Country Dining – It’s the oldest restaurant in Iowa, but they almost didn’t make it. Opened in 1852, Breitbach’s suffered not one but two fires that burned it to the ground about a decade ago. But the community banded together and they reopened in 2009, winning a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award in the process. The breaded pork tenderloin is just that good.
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KansasKansas: Doo-Dah Diner, Wichita – Urban Dictionary defines Dooh-dah as a nickname for Wichita, KS that could refer to the city’s “laid-back, whimsical attitude.” The diner embodies this reputation well with award-winning American breakfast served with a smile. TIP: The biscuits & gravy are always a good choice. Craving something sweet? Try the sticky monkey bread. doodahdiner.com
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KentuckyKentucky: Lexington Diner, Lexington – This new spot downtown immediately became a Kentucky food landmark after opening just two years ago. Chef and owner Ranada West-Riley uses Kentucky Proud products to create impeccable Southern comfort food. She even won a People’s Choice Award at the Taste of the Bluegrass food festival earlier this year. TIP: Find out what all the chatter’s about with the fish and chips. lexingtondiner.com
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LouisianaLouisiana: T-Coon’s, Lafayette – Don’t call it Cajun: owner David Billeaud prefers to call the food he cooks “zydeco,” a mix of Creole and Cajun and pure Billeaud that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Come for Louisiana favorites like jamabalya and smothered pork; stay for the beignets, doused in a lethal amount of powdered sugar. [Photo: Denny Culbert for Southern Foodways Alliance/ University of Mississippi]
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MaineMaine: Becky’s Diner, Portland – Becky’s Diner, sitting right on Portland’s waterfront, opens up at 4 am every morning. By 5 am, it’s packed with early-rising fishermen and dockworkers, followed by local families tucked away in their favourite corners, along with tourists and the occasional celebrity. TIP: The ginormous muffins, served grilled and crispy, and the local favourite lobster omelette. beckysdiner.com
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America’s All-Star Diners.
MarylandMaryland: Jimmy’s, Baltimore – Ask anyone in Baltimore where the best breakfast place is, and they’ll send you to Jimmy’s. The little corner diner quickly fills with the sounds of coffee brewing, skillets sizzling and people chatting when it opens at 5 A.M. – same as it’s always been since 1946. TIP: Everyone says the pumpkin spiced pancakes are amazing.
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MassachusettsMassachusetts: South Street Diner, Boston – The South Street Diner, originally the Blue Diner in 1943, is a home away from home for Bostonians. The community hub is hopping 24 hours a day with an eclectic mix of loyal customers, bringing people together with great food and service. TIP: Grab a burger at 3 a.m. (it’s the only place in Boston still open), chat up the friendly wait staff and enjoy the neighbourhood ambience. southstreetdiner.com
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MichiganMichigan: Fleetwood Diner, Ann Arbor – It might not look like much, but Fleetwood is a gem of a food spot. You’ll have to cram yourself between the University of Michigan students and Ann Arbor locals, but the diner’s famous specialty will make it all worth it: Hippie Hash. It’s a mound of hash browns covered in grilled tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, onions and broccoli and topped off with a fist full of feta cheese. Delicious. thefleetwooddiner.com
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MinnesotaMinnesota: Ideal Diner, Minneapolis – Since 1949, Ideal Diner has been serving the people of Northeast Minneapolis, although it got a new lease on life when current owner Kim Robinson took over in 2013. Know for breakfast—try the corned beef hash or the pancakes—Ideal Diner is as bare bones as it gets, with not much more than a short strip of counter and a vintage-cool neon sign. But really, what more do you need? [Photo: Sarah/Flickr]
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MississippiMississippi: Ajax Diner, Oxford – Students at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) gather like moths to a flame at the Ajax for soul food they say is as good as mama’s back home. TIP: Eli Manning himself (star professional football player) is rumoured to have helped invent the Big Easy sandwich – a country fried steak that shares a bun with gravy, mashed potatoes and butter beans. ajaxdiner.net
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MissouriMissouri: Oscar’s Classic Diner, Jefferson City – This retro diner pays homage to the original Oscar’s Steakhouse that was well-loved in the 1950s. Walking in, you’ll see, hear, smell and taste the good ole’ classic (with a few modern updates to the menu). TIP: The steak is on par with Oscar’s original. For kids: The Purple-People-Eater breakfast. oscarsclassicdiner.com
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MontanaMontana: Western Café, Bozeman – Locals in Bozeman, Montana will tell you that the Western is the last true frontier café left – and for good reason. The only thing that has changed in this simple, small eatery is the addition of a few bar stools since it opened in the ’20s. TIP: Plop down at the counter and order the ‘Bobcat’ french toast and experience a place unaffected by time. thewesterncafe.com
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NebraskaNebraska: Tina’s Cafe, Lincoln – This quaint little diner is run by a mother-daughter team: Sue cooks and Tina bakes. Sue got the idea to start the business after catering for a race car banquet in the ’90s, which might explain the NASCAR-themed décor complete with race car driver posters. TIP: Tina’s giant cinnamon rolls are the diner’s claim to fame. tinascafelincoln.com
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NevadaNevada: Southwest Diner, Boulder City – This cute little eatery’s menu brings together the best of American and Mexican comfort foods, which can only be out-done by the famous pie selection. TIP: Top off lunch (or breakfast – we won’t judge) with the rhubarb pie. southwestdinerbouldercity.com
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New HampshireNew Hampshire: Miss Wakefield Diner, Wakefield – This classic diner was brought back to life and moved to its current location near a quiet, beautiful camping/skiing spot in 1998. Now, its dedicated staff and mouth-watering apple crisp keep loyal customers coming back. TIP: Snap a picture with the cute wooden moose on your way out.
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New JerseyNew Jersey: Broad St. Diner, Keyport – With dishes like chocolate babka French toast and Sticky Fun French fries (a gooey mix of marshmallows, maple syrup, cinnamon, walmuts and powdered sugar), this isn’t your typical greasy spoon. Broad St. is a modern diner with a creative twist, which is probably why it was recently named NJ’s best diner by NJ.com. TIP: Try something new to you – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 83broadstreetdiner.com
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New MexicoNew Mexico: Plaza Café, Santa Fe – If you’re looking for a taste of New Mexican fair, the time-tested Plaza Café is a great bet. Around since 1905, the local favourite has been in the Razatos family since the 1940s and offers a delicious menu that reflects Santa Fe’s methods and flavours, as well as the family’s Greek roots. TIP: Try the thick chicken-fired steaks and finish it off with the Plaza’s famous, pillowy banana cream pie. thefamousplazacafe.com
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New YorkNew York: Sally’s Hen House, Hudson Falls – We know, we know, it’s crazy to say that this state’s best diner isn’t in the Big Apple, but trust us on this. Sally’s is the kind of place you find on accident, but then come back to as often as possible – it’s that good. TIP: Try the homemade bread.
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North CarolinaNorth Carolina: Sunny Point Café, Asheville – Foodies in the Tar Heel State flock to Asheville, a quirky Appalachian town that’s far more hippy than hick. The city is chock full of Southern-style comfort food, but this family-owned eatery takes it a step further with imaginative homegrown dishes whose ingredients have travelled no farther than the Sunny Point Garden next door. TIP: Break the rules – have breakfast for dinner and order the MGB (Mighty Good Breakfast). sunnypointcafe.com
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North DakotaNorth Dakota: Kroll’s Diner, Minot – If you find yourself in ND, you’re bound to stop at a Kroll’s at some point. This 50s-style diner serves both American and German comfort food. TIP: You probably won’t be able to pronouce it, but try the Fleischkuechle or Knoephla Soup with your milkshake. sitdownandeat.com
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OhioOhio: Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl, Zanesville – Traditional American ice cream parlours are becoming harder and harder to find, but Tom’s is still going strong. Along with classics like burgers and fries, this local favourite has been serving homemade ice cream and toppings for over 50 years. TIP: Tom’s makes all its own toppings, so be sure to order nuts, butterscotch and/or chocolate dip with your favourite flavour. tomsicecreambowl.com
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OklahomaOklahoma: Sid’s Diner, El Reno – The town of El Reno is famous for its fried onion burgers, and nowhere does them better than Sid’s. Half ground beef and half thinly sliced onions, the fried onion burger is a throwback to days when meat was scarce and expensive. Thankfully, the fried onion burger is delicious enough it stuck around. (And don’t forget to order a side of tater tots!)
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OregonOregon: The Original Pancake House, Portland – The Rose City is known for its many scrumptious brunch spots, but there are few that can claim to have the authenticity of the Original Pancake House. Yes, it has become a chain across the States, but the original Original is here in Portland and is widely recognised as one of the best American classics. TIP: Obviously the pancakes, specifically the Dutch Apple pancakes. originalpancakehouse.com
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America’s All-Star Diners.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania: Honey’s Sit N Eat, Philadelphia – Taking ‘home-grown’ quite literally, nearly everything fried up in this Philly kitchen hails from surrounding Lancaster County farmhouses, from the free-range chicken to bacon, veggies and Swiss-style cheese. TIP: For a decadent morning meal, order their signature challah French toast and a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice, to mix with your favourite sparkling wine (it’s BYOB). honeyssitneat.com [Photo: Jesse Michael Nix/Flickr]
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Rhode IslandRhode Island: Aunt Carrie’s, Narragansett – Rhode Island in the summertime is all about clam cakes, and Aunt Carrie’s are the stuff of local legend. Open from April to September and located by the shore, townies and out-of-towners come to enjoy fresh seafood and ocean breezes. TIP: If you’re starving, get the piled-high Seafood Platter; if not, go for some chowder with clam cakes for dunking. auntcarriesri.com [Photo: Greg Lloyd/Flickr]
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South CarolinaSouth Carolina: The Beacon Drive-In, Spartanburg – You can get curb service, but you’d be missing the true Beacon experience: telling your order to the counter attendant who asks you to “call it”, then hollers it to the team of cooks in the massive open kitchen. TIP: You’re probably here for the famous Chili-Cheese-A-Plenty (translation: a chili cheeseburger buried under a mound of onion rings and fries), so don’t let us stop you. Just remember to get some sweet tea. beacondrivein.com [Photo: Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr]
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South DakotaSouth Dakota: Coney Island Café, Huron – Serving breakfast and lunch with a smile, this unassuming diner is a must when you’re in town for the annual state fair. TIP: Make the heart-wrenching choice between the patty melt and the Coney Island hot dog (life is tough), followed by a slice of pie that, we’ve been told, will change your life. facebook.com
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TennesseeTennessee: Helen’s BBQ, Brownsville – In the southern US, BBQ isn’t backyard grilling; it’s a smoky dish of slow-cooked pulled meat (usually pork) slathered in sauce, and for those looking for a taste, Tennessee is the place to go. Try Helen’s BBQ – unique not only for their authentic open pit method, but also because the owner and head chef, Helen Turner, is one of very few female BBQ masters in the state. TIP: Get the BBQ plate if you’re a BBQ virgin, the ribs if you’re not. southernfoodways.org [Image: Southern Foodways Alliance/Flickr]
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TexasTexas: Norma’s, Dallas – Bring your appetite: Norma’s Cafe in Dallas is not known for sending folks home hungry. Open since 1956, Norma’s is famous for its hearty breakfasts, light-and-lovely yeast rolls, biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak and (best of all) towering cream pies. There are now four locations, but we’re partial to the original in Oak Cliff.
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UtahUtah: Ruth’s Diner, Salt Lake City – Originally just a Salt Lake trolley car with an apartment out back to house the eponymous Ruth (a cabaret singer turned small business owner), this 86-year-old diner has grown into a city institution that would certainly make Ruth grin with pride …as she lit up a Lucky Strike. TIP: Still recovering from last night? Try Ruth’s Killer Bloody Mary, made with her own secret spicy blend. ruthsdiner.com
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VermontVermont: Henry’s Diner, Burlington – This downtown eatery has kept hungry Burlingtonians coming back for over 90 years, so it must be good – most likely because everything on the menu is made from scratch. TIP: Henry’s serves 3 square meals a day, but locals would recommend ordering breakfast at any time – especially the Belgian waffles. facebook.com/Henrys-Diner [Photo:Don Shall/Flickr]
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VirginiaVirginia: The White Spot, Charlottesville – The beating heart of this college town’s food scene is, ironically, not for the faint of heart or clogged of arteries. Not much bigger than a boxcar, this downtown eatery fries up fabled fare on an open grill, while patrons seated on barstools watch their order sizzle before being served. TIP: Get the Gusburger, a cheeseburger topped with a fried egg, and chase it with a Grillswith – two Krispy Kreme donuts, seared in butter and served à la mode. Your doctor recommends sharing. thewhitespotcville.com [Photo: >cvilleimages]
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WashingtonWashington: Acme Diner, Acme – The sign outside this eatery exclaims: “We’ll keep your belly and backbone from bumpin'” – and they really mean it. TIP: The portions are huge, but try to save room for the homemade ice cream. acme-diner.com [Photo: signsplusnw.com]
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West VirginiaWest Virginia: Bob’s Hotdogs, Belington – Don’t let its modest appearance fool you; this rustic stand is a mecca for hot dog enthusiasts, peddling more than 250 hot dog styles in addition to 50 biscuit options and 30 sandwiches. TIP: Ask what’s in season. The current favourite is ramp bread, featuring a leek-like vegetable that grows wild in the Appalachians. facebook.com/Bobs-Hotdogs [Image: Kat Elder/lifeonthebluehighways.com]
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WisconsinWisconsin, Delta Diner – An old-school restored diner car in the middle of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Delta serves locals and the hordes of summer tourists alike. They’re known for their omelettes and blue plate specials —these change all the time, your waitress will update you (youtube.com) — but make sure you leave room for pie.
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WyomingWyoming: Luxury Diner, Cheyenne – An old trolley car serving American classics with a railroad theme – this is Americana at its best. TIP: Ask anybody where to get a good home-cooked breakfast, and they’ll point you here. The biscuits and gravy will never do you wrong. facebook.com/LuxuryDiner [Photo: Kent Kanouse/Flickr]
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