As American as American eating gets, our country’s great diners fulfill a very urgent need, providing craveable comfort food at an affordable price and, often, at all hours of the night and day. Choice is the name of the game at our favorite diners: they offer a wide range of fryer and grill-top classics such as the best French fries in America, the best burgers in America and the best pies in America. From a classic New England railcar diner to a steadfast Brooklyn luncheonette, these are the best diners in America.
1. Tops Diner in East Newark, NJ
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Jersey might as well be known as the Land of Diners, considering how many top-notch ones dot the state. Of all of them, Tops is a statewide legend, its shinily retro steel exterior calling in eaters like a beacon seven days a week. Serving tri-staters since 1972, Tops boasts an enormously talented kitchen staff—the food here is fresh, hot and on-point. Hits from the massive menu include a selection of excellent eggs Benedict, an indulgent meatloaf dowsed in mushroom gravy and an aptly named Fatty Melt: a hamburger snuggled between two grilled cheese sandwich “buns” and crowned with pickles and bacon.
2. Tom’s Restaurant in New York, NY
Not much changes at the perfect pre–Brooklyn Museum eatery, Tom’s: The lemon-ricotta pancakes slathered in a medley of butters are still heavenly, cherry-lime rickeys maintain an old-soda-shoppe allure, and on weekend mornings, a line of hungry diners of all ages—munching on cookies and orange slices proffered by friendly staff—stretches around the block. Get here early for a timely eggs and coffee fix.
3. O’Rourke’s Diner in Middletown, CT
Seeing as how they’re hungover approximately 90 percent of the time, college students are always in need of a good diner, which makes attendees of Middletown’s Wesleyan University a lucky lot: O’Rourke’s is one of the best in the northeast. Established in 1941, the local favorite was decimated by a fire in 2006, but quickly reopened the following year after an outpouring of support from the local community. Chef/owner Brian O’Rourke turns out kooky, heavily Irish-influenced plates that change daily; look for over-the-top creations like the Belly Buster, a six-egg omelette stuffed with three types of cheese, bacon, sausage and veggies; and a divine Irish soda bread French toast, slathered with homemade jam and rich clotted cream.
4. Dime Store in Detroit, MI
This wildly creative brunch restaurant just qualifies as a diner, but the strength of its kitchen staff belies the usual expectations of plain old burgers and fries. Instead, look for original takes on diner fare, like a Belgian waffle made churro-style with malted batter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar; a Korean-style “duck bop” hash made with house-confited duck leg and pickled veggies; and poutine-style fries piled with bacon and parmesan and drizzled with white truffle oil. Don’t miss the sweet and strong Irish coffee, spiked with plenty of whiskey.
5. S&D Polish Deli in Pittsburgh, PA
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In the mid-1800s, Polish immigrants flocked to Pittsburgh to work in the city’s exploding steel industry and, while their numbers in the ‘Burgh have since dwindled, they’ve still left their mark on the city with a handful of little Eastern European shops, cafes and lunch counters. Our favorite is S&D, a grocery store located in a strip mall boasting a full-service deli counter plating fresh, hot stuffed cabbage, borscht and more. We love the plump pierogies, stuffed with fluffy mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese, farmer cheese, sauerkraut or mushrooms. Hangover tip: get ‘em fried.
6. Swingers in Los Angeles, CA
This Santa Monica diner is a mutt of retro design and throwback flair, a place where oversized paper lanterns and tiled walls manage to mix with plaid plastic upholsteries and purple cow graphics. The prices on Swingers’ menu can make you feel like you’re getting away with something—it’s that much of a steal. The food here doesn’t skimp on quality, though. A shortstack of pancakes produces one of the fluffiest, most perfectly golden breakfast plates, made an even bigger accomplishment by the fact that they’re plain and not doused in whipped cream or slivers of fruit. The French toast is a dream, too, so it’s clear that Swingers has its breakfast carbs down pat. Also a plus: the counter is a friendly spot if you’re dining alone.
7. Cadillac Cafe in Portland, OR
Like any diner worth its salt, Portland’s Cadillac Cafe serves breakfast all day, which is welcome news when you’re craving the restaurant’s excellent Bunkhouse Vittles plate at lunchtime. A dish that ably solves the brunchtime paradox of sweet vs. savory, it includes Cadillac’s juicy homemade chicken-apple sausage, a custardy slice of hazelnut French toast and a pile of toasty hash browns. Of the top-notch burgers, the standout is the original Cadillac, a moist patty piled with bacon, three cheeses and sweet onion jam and served on grilled sourdough bread.
8. Pinecrest Diner in San Francisco, CA
This Union Square diner bordering the Tenderloin feeds all walks of life, 24 hours a day, from hungry tourists to throngs of partiers after they leave the nearby club Ruby Skye, which lets out at 4am on the weekend. All-day breakfast, with decent hash browns, is the popular pick, but don’t ask for any poached or boiled eggs—they don’t serve any. Blame the diner’s illustrious and dark history: in 1997, a cook shot and killed a waitress after an argument over an order of poached eggs. (Maybe go for one of their Niman Ranch beef burgers instead.)
9. Metro Diner in Raleigh, NC
This Raleigh favorite doesn’t hold back when it comes to over-the-top comfort food: a selection of groaning platters includes crab cakes egg Benedict, French toast made with pound cake and a French dip sandwich piled high with tender roast beef. The Charleston-style shrimp and grits are a must-order: two cheesy fried grits cakes piled with jumbo shrimp, thick slices of andouille sausage, creamy gravy and a sprinkling of chopped bacon for good measure.
10. Pann’s in Los Angeles, CA
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At this 1958 diner, all things faceted are in fashion: pyramidal lamps, a diamond-shaped clock and an irregular roofline. The care that’s gone into keeping this family-run restaurant in tip top shape is evident in everything from its ruby red booths and white bar stools to its perfectly preserved neon sign. When it comes to Pann’s menu, there’s one item that stands out above all else: the fried chicken. Take a single bite and you’ll have juice dripping down your chin; two and you’ll be marveling at how crispy and well-seasoned the skin is. Look around, though, and you’ll see others ordering burgers, grits, chili and omelettes. Whatever you choose, make sure it comes with a side of fries, golden with a dusting of Cajun spice. A list of specialty shakes appeals to the sweet tooth in all of us. We’re partial to the chocolate banana—creamy, rich and enough for two people to split.
11. Blue Benn Diner in Bennington, VT
As previously noted, some of the country’s best diners are found in college towns, and Bennington’s Blue Benn is a noteworthy example. The adorable blue-and-white railcar-style diner was assembled in New Jersey and shipped to town in 1948, and its hot open-faced sandwiches, fryer treats and homey desserts have been favorites ever since. Its roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy is a must-order, as is a comforting dessert of pumpkin bread pudding.
12. Daley’s Restaurant in Chicago, IL
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Depending on how you look at it, Daley’s restaurant has been around since 1892 or 1937 (the first, the original opening date; the second, the current incarnation). Either way, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in the city. But there’s no time for this homey diner to dwell on the past—the space bustles with a mix of Woodlawn locals and U. of C. students, especially in the mornings, when they gather for the ethereal Belgian waffles (offered with a side of juicy chicken wings), hearty Denver omelettes and warm, buttery biscuits.
13. Galley Diner in Boston, MA
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A Southie favorite for over 20 years, this bare-bones diner might not look like much, but its plates are craveable, solid examples of classic diner cooking. Of the served-all-day breakfast, the corned beef hash is the obvious star—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, it’s served up on a monster platter alongside two eggs, home fries and toast for just $8.95. Also look for anything made with linguica, the Portuguese sausage popularized by Massachusetts’ large expat population—we’re partial to the fluffy linguica omelette with cheese.
14. The Echo in Cincinnati, OH
Open since 1945, this Cincinnati staple has been a favorite of factory workers and brunchers alike for more than six decades. Specializing in stick-to-your-ribs classics like corned beef hash, hot griddled sandwiches and Cincinnati chili, the Echo also boasts a roster of impressive homemade pies such as cherry, pumpkin and chocolate cream. We love the breakfast menu’s dedicated “Hangover Helper” section, where our favorite dish is the alcohol-soaking Hot Mess: a massive pile of salty home fries layered with scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, and smothered with sausage gravy and melted cheese.
15. CJ’s Eatery in Seattle, WA
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This welcoming Belltown spot hits all the right notes of a cozy setting, with excellent service and craveable diner fare. Its all-day breakfast features a meaty roast beef hash, a creamy plate of biscuits and gravy and plate-sized Swedish-style pancakes; at lunch, look for an indulgent bacon mac and cheese and a killer meatloaf sandwich piled with mozzarella and onions and served on griddled sourdough.
16. Lori’s Diner in San Francisco, CA
You’d think Union Square was Las Vegas with all the late-night spots over there—and since there are two Lori’s Diner locations, obviously things are busy. The style of these diners is inspired by the 1950s, with a classic look that will have you humming along to Chubby Checker while seated in your shiny cherry red booth and surrounded by memorabilia, like an Edsel (no joke). Expect the usual lineup of breakfast plates (the corned beef hash is excellent), burgers and thick milkshakes. After last call, there’s quite the crowd of buzzed diners, from locals to partying tourists.
17. The Waverly in New York, NY
This iconic West Village diner—trussed with the traditional trappings of vinyl-padded booths and counter seating—offers American standards 24 hours a day. The menu is long and varied, filled with the requisite Belgian waffles, triple-decker sandwiches and deluxe burger platters. And if there’s any doubt of its greasy-spoon leanings, your omelette order arrives still in the frying pan.
18. Jimmy’s Eastside Diner in Miami, FL
The sign outside declares that Jimmy’s is “Your Friendly Neighborhood Eatery,” and it’s one of the few places left in the city where you can spend $5 on breakfast and have some silver left over. It’s not in the most fashionable area and you’ll need a car to get there, but this greasy spoon knows how to pack in the patrons.
19. Sam’s No. 3 in Denver, CO
A Denver mini-chain that’s beloved for its Western-style takes on classic diner fare, served up in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. In the Mile High City, Mexican-influenced plates are where it’s at, and Sam’s offers no shortage of them: try the face-sized Kitchen Sink burrito stuffed with eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, cheddar and smothered in green pork chili; the excellent huevos rancheros, and the delicious chorizo tacos filled with chorizo-egg scramble and piled with crispy home fries.
20. Tel-Wink Grill in Houston, TX
This spacious diner is a Houston favorite, setting itself apart with a voluminous menu of perfectly executed diner classics ranging from savory (patty melts, steak and eggs) to sweet (Belgian waffles, French toast). Texas-style dishes are the way to go here: think fried catfish and grits, fluffy Ranchero omelettes and chicken-fried steak smothered in cream gravy.
