The Best Diner Food Menu in Every State
Diners are an American classic that have been a staple of the dining experience for over a century. The best diners offer comfort food that satisfies your appetite and takes you back to simpler times. While there are many diners to choose from, there are a few that stand out above the rest. Here are the best diner food menus in every state.
Alabama: Wagon Wheel Cafe – The Wagon Wheel Cafe in Decatur serves old-fashioned Southern cooking. Their breakfast biscuits are the stuff of legends, and their fried chicken and liver and onions are also must-tries.
Alaska: Snow City Cafe – Located in Anchorage, Snow City Cafe has an extensive menu that features creative dishes that use fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. Their crab benedict and sourdough waffles with whipped cream and berries are not to be missed.
Arizona: Joe’s Farm Grill – Located in Gilbert, Joe’s Farm Grill serves burgers made with grass-fed beef and locally sourced ingredients. Their fresh green salads and seasonal sides are also worth trying.
Arkansas: The Oark General Store – This historic general store and cafe is located in the Ozark mountains and serves classic Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak. You’ll also find homemade pies and cobblers.
California: Original Tops – This classic spot in Pasadena is famous for their pastrami sandwich, but their burgers and fries are also top-notch. They have been serving up American favorites since 1952.
Colorado: Sam’s No. 3 – This Denver diner has been around since 1927 and is known for their Greek-style omelets and green chili. They also serve classic diner fare like burgers and milkshakes.
Connecticut: O’Rourke’s Diner – This Middletown diner has been around since 1941 and serves up unique dishes like Irish eggs benedict and homemade corned beef hash. Their sweets are also a standout, with homemade pies and desserts.
Delaware: The Starboard – This Dewey Beach diner has an extensive breakfast menu that features creative dishes like the “Hangover Omelette” and “The Kitchen Sink.” They also serve delicious burgers and sandwiches.
Florida: Skyline Chili – This Cincinnati-style chili spot has been winning over Florida residents for years. Their famous spaghetti topped with lots of chili and cheese is a must-try.
Georgia: The Varsity – This famous Atlanta diner has been around since 1928 and serves up classic Southern favorites like chili dogs and onion rings. Their signature “V” burger is also a must-try.
Hawaii: Rainbow Drive-In – Located in Honolulu, Rainbow Drive-In is a must-visit spot for Hawaiian plate lunches. Their teriyaki chicken and mixed plates are delicious and filling.
Idaho: Big Jud’s – This burger spot in Boise is known for their massive “Big Jud” burger, which is made with two pounds of beef. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try.
Illinois: Lou Mitchell’s – This Chicago diner has been around since 1923 and serves up classic American breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, and omelets. They are also famous for their homemade doughnuts.
Indiana: Dixon’s Chili Parlor – Located in Indianapolis, Dixon’s Chili Parlor has been around since 1916 and serves up unique chili dishes like the “chili spaghetti” and “chili mac.”
Iowa: Hamburg Inn No. 2 – This Iowa City diner has been around since 1948 and serves up classic diner fare like burgers and pancakes. They are also known for their “pie shakes,” which are milkshakes made with pie.
Kansas: Stroud’s – This Kansas City diner is known for their fried chicken, which is made with a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations. Their sides, like green beans and mashed potatoes, also hit the spot.
Kentucky: The Brown Hotel – This Louisville hotel has an iconic hot brown sandwich, which is an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich topped with Mornay sauce. It’s a must-try when in Kentucky.
Louisiana: Cafe du Monde – This New Orleans cafe is famous for their beignets, which are fluffy pillows of fried dough covered in powdered sugar. Pair them with a cafe au lait for the ultimate Louisiana experience.
Maine: Becky’s Diner – This Portland diner serves up classic seafood dishes like clam chowder and lobster rolls. They also have delicious breakfast items like blueberry pancakes and eggs benedict.
Maryland: The Double T Diner – This diner has locations throughout Maryland and serves up classic diner fare like burgers and fries. Their breakfast platters and French toast are also worth trying.
Massachusetts: Mike’s City Diner – This Boston diner has been around since 1949 and serves up unique dishes like “The Kitchen Sink,” which is a burrito filled with eggs, cheese, sausage, and hash browns.
Michigan: Lafayette Coney Island – This Detroit institution has been around since 1917 and serves up Coney dogs, which are hot dogs topped with chili, onions, and mustard. Pair it with some fries and you’re in for a classic Michigan meal.
Minnesota: Mickey’s Diner – This St. Paul diner has been around since 1939 and is known for their 24-hour service and classic diner dishes like burgers and fries. They are also famous for their homemade pies.
Mississippi: Ajax Diner – Located in Oxford, Ajax Diner has an extensive menu that features Southern favorites like fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. Their po’ boys and burgers are also delicious.
Missouri: Winstead’s – This Kansas City diner has been around since 1940 and serves up classic diner fare like burgers and milkshakes. Their onion rings and chili are also must-tries.
Montana: Paul’s Pancake Parlor – This Missoula diner has been around since 1962 and serves up delicious pancakes, waffles, and crepes. They also have unique dishes like the “Dutch baby,” which is a pancake baked in a cast-iron skillet.
Nebraska: Dario’s Brasserie – This Omaha diner has a French and Belgian-inspired menu that features dishes like moules frites and croque madame. Their desserts, like chocolate mousse and creme brulee, are also delicious.
Nevada: Hash House A Go Go – With locations throughout the state, Hash House a Go Go serves up creative dishes like “Sage Fried Chicken and Waffles” and “Tractor Driver Combo.” Their portions are massive and perfect for sharing.
New Hampshire: The Red Arrow Diner – This Manchester diner has been around since 1922 and serves up classic diner fare like burgers and fries. Their homemade pie and thick milkshakes are also worth trying.
New Jersey: White Manna – This Hackensack diner has been around since 1939 and is known for their small sliders and thin-cut fries. They’ve also been featured on several food shows and movies.
New Mexico: The Shed – This Santa Fe diner serves up delicious New Mexican cuisine like green chili stew and enchiladas. Their margaritas are also famous and perfect for pairing with your meal.
New York: Katz’s Delicatessen – This iconic New York City deli has been around since 1888 and is known for their delicious pastrami sandwiches. Their matzo ball soup and hot dogs are also worth trying.
North Carolina: Price’s Chicken Coop – This Charlotte diner has been around since 1962 and serves up delicious fried chicken and sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies. Don’t forget to grab some sweet tea to wash it down.
North Dakota: Kroll’s Diner – With locations throughout the state, Kroll’s Diner serves up classic diner fare like burgers and fries. Their German dishes, like spaetzle and sauerbraten, are also delicious.
Ohio: Skyline Chili – This Cincinnati gem serves up unique Cincinnati-style chili, which is chili served over spaghetti and topped with cheese. It’s a must-try when in Ohio.
Oklahoma: Ann’s Chicken Fry House – This Oklahoma City diner has been around since 1948 and serves up delicious fried chicken and sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Their pies and cobblers are also top-notch.
Oregon: Pine State Biscuits – With locations throughout Portland, Pine State Biscuits serves up delicious biscuits filled with fried chicken, bacon, and eggs. Their sides, like grits and hash browns, are also worth trying.
Pennsylvania: Reading Terminal Market – This Philadelphia institution has a ton of vendors selling delicious food, including the famous “Amish Breakfast Sandwich” from Dutch Eating Place and roast pork sandwiches from DiNic’s.
Rhode Island: Haven Bros. Diner – This Providence diner has been around since 1893 and is known for their burgers and classic diner fare. They also serve up unique dishes like the “Mac Attack Burger,” which is a burger topped with mac and cheese.
South Carolina: Husk – This Charleston restaurant serves up delicious Southern cuisine like shrimp and grits and fried chicken. Their biscuits and cornbread are also delicious.
South Dakota: Phillips Avenue Diner – This Sioux Falls diner serves up classic diner fare like burgers and fries. Their breakfast dishes, like biscuits and gravy and omelets, are also delicious.
Tennessee: Loveless Cafe – This Nashville diner has been around since 1951 and is known for their Southern-style biscuits and fried chicken. They also have an extensive pie menu.
Texas: Willie Mae’s Scotch House – This New Orleans diner has been around since 1957 and is known for their delicious Southern-style fried chicken. It’s worth the trip to Texas just to try it.
Utah: Ruth’s Diner – This Salt Lake City diner has been around since 1930 and serves up classic diner fare like burgers and fries. Their biscuits and gravy and homemade pies are also delicious.
Vermont: The Skinny Pancake – This Burlington diner serves up delicious crepes filled with everything from Nutella to bacon and eggs. Their sandwiches and salads are also top-notch.
Virginia: The Silver Diner – With locations throughout Virginia, the Silver Diner serves up classic diner fare like burgers and fries. They also have unique dishes like the “Meatless Meatloaf” and “Vegan Reuben.”
Washington: Beth’s Cafe – This Seattle diner has been around since 1954 and serves up unique dishes like the “12-egg Omelette” and “Pancake Sandwich.” They are also open 24 hours, making it the perfect spot for a late-night snack.
West Virginia: Hillbilly Hot Dogs – This Lesage diner serves up wild hot dogs like the “Homewrecker,” which is a 15-inch weiner topped with chili, cheese, and onions. They also have a 1950s-style diner and a vintage airstream trailer.
Wisconsin: Mickey’s Dairy Bar – This Madison diner has been around since 1946 and is known for their homemade pies and milkshakes. Their breakfast dishes, like pancakes and omelets, are also delicious.
Wyoming: The Luxury Diner – This Cheyenne diner has been around since 1953 and serves up classic diner fare like burgers and fries. Their breakfast specials, like biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos, are also delicious.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for comfort food that hits the spot, you can find it at any of these diners throughout the country. From classic burgers and fries to unique dishes like Cincinnati-style chili, the best diner food in every state has something for everyone. So, fuel up on delicious food and get ready for your next adventure.