10 Best Roadside Diners You’ll Only Find in America

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Driving down the highways of America there is no sight as comforting as that of a bright and cheery diner. These timeless institutions provide familiar meals, congenial service and just an American feel. Whether one is simply visiting a diner as a rest stop on a cross-county trip or looking for a hearty meal, the experience is definitely worth it.

Ranging from 1950s themed food joints to simple establishments that sell tasty meals, these diners are places you must include on your travel itinerary.

Blue Benn Diner in Bennington, Vermont

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Built in a car that once belonged to the dining trains from the 1940s, Blue Benn Diner is famous for comfort food. It’s large selection of fresh pies makes this small diner a beloved location in the community. It’s a nostalgic trip to the past complete with good food. Don’t leave before you try their best-selling blueberry pancakes.

The Varsity – Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

An authentic Southern cultural icon, The Varsity is the world largest drive-in diner. Founded in 1928, it is famous for chili dogs, hamburgers and its catchphrase “What’ll ya have?” This diner oozes attitude and serves really good grub, so it’s a definite stop on any tour through Atlanta. Finish it off with a frosted orange drink, no one really knows what’s in it, but it sure is refreshing!

The Snow Cap Drive-In – Seligman, Arizona

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Snow Cap Drive-In is a diner at the heart of Route 66 and is associated with playful waitstaff and amusing decoration. Established in 1953 by Juan Delgadillo, this café offers traditional fast food, including burgers, fries, and milk shakes. The staff are also rumored to have a great sense of humor, so expect to get entertainment with your meal.

Oark General Store and Café, Arkansas

Photo credit: This Silly Girl’s Kitchen.

The oldest store in Arkansas, and the oldest continuously operating store west of the Mississippi River, the Oark General Store & Café is located in the remote Ozarks. This country-style restaurant has been around for over a century. They serve fried catfish, burgers, lunch specials, sandwiches, and pies. It is not only a diner but a slice of old world in the modern era due in part to the woodsiness of the place. If you don’t mind a quiet drive out to this heartwarming diner, make sure you try a slice of their peanut butter pie

The 5 & Diner – Phoenix Arizona

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Take a trip back in time to The 5 & Diner in Phoenix Arizona; not only does it offer good food, but also a fabulous theme. The building demonstrates what the middle of the twentieth century looked like with its shiny chrome details and jukebox that plays music non-stop. The menu covers all meals and snacks including burgers but the shakes and malts take center stage. This is a definitely a place to visit for the typical American diner experience.

Big Bad Breakfast – Oxford, Mississippi

Photo Credit: Jo Cooks.

If you don’t like to skip breakfast, the Big Bad Breakfast in Oxford is for you. Specializing in some gargantuan servings, and unique twists on tried-and-true breakfast dishes, this venue brings a whole new dimension to a hearty breakfast. If you get a hankering for biscuits and gravy or a breakfast burrito you will leave satisfied. It is a wonderful local treasure especially because of the ambience of the region as well as southern hospitality and charm.

Worcester Diner’s Winner – Worcester Massachusetts

Easy Air Fryer French Toast.
Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Miss Worcester Diner is one of the oldest diners in America; a simple restaurant with traditional dining spirit and delicious food. Founded in 1948, this classic dairy lunch counter offers great portions and delicious original-styled stuffed French toast. This establishment has kept its somewhat retro atmosphere and its history attracts customers from different parts of the world. Whether you’re going in for breakfast or lunch, there is a distinct home away from home feeling.

Silver Diner at Rockville in Maryland

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Silver Diner is a modern diner which serves traditional diner food alongside localized and fresh food sourced from nearby farms. Conceived in 1989, this chain operates in a 50’s diners concept proposing fresh local foods, far healthier than the usual fast foods. You’ll still get classic options like burgers and milkshakes but with a contemporary twist, an environmentally conscious one to be specific. Therefore, it is an ideal place for travelers who are seeking for the new approach to the customary diner food.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City, Kansas

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Not only do they serve great barbecue, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que also provides a great diner vibe because it is situated inside a functioning gas station. This diner has won many awards for its beef brisket and beef ribs making it a regularly location by people all over the country. This is a perfect comfort food spot, with a relaxed atmosphere, and great BBQ. You won’t go home unsatisfied

Scotty’s Diner – New York City, New York

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Located right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, this diner is the perfect getaway from the stress of New York. Established in 1950s, this 50’s diner-style restaurant has a couple trademarks; it offers traditional comfort food and lower costs for the meals served. No matter what part of the day it is and you are in the mood for a breakfast, lunch or night snack – Scotty’s has it. Sometimes it can be small town heritage feel in the heart of an urban setting.

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Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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