Neon signs, jukebox tunes, counter stools, and comfort food – is there anything more American than a retro-style diner?
Whether you’re craving a classic burger, a stack of pancakes, or a slice of homemade pie, check out these eight historic diners across the United States!
Lou Mitchell’s
Traveling through downtown Chicago on Route 66? Stop into Lou Mitchell’s and grab a seat at the counter or in a cozy booth for a classic breakfast or lunch. This iconic mom-and-pop joint has been around since 1923, and as the first restaurant in Chicago to serve all-day breakfast, they claim that they “invented breakfast.” With incredible banana pancakes, waffles, French toast, homemade bread, and their signature coffee, it’s hard to argue.
The best part? You’ll be greeted with a complimentary orange slice and a freshly made donut hole – a Lou Mitchell’s tradition for decades!
Clary’s Cafe
If you’re a fan of Clint Eastwood, Clary’s Cafe in Savannah, Georgia, is a must-visit. This diner appeared in the 1997 film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Originally an early 1900s drugstore with a soda fountain, Clary’s eventually transitioned into a full-fledged diner while maintaining much of its old-school charm.
This diner’s menu features Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and shrimp and grits, giving you a true taste of Georgia. Craving some authentic Georgia pecans? Go with the pecan pancakes! And don’t leave without indulging in one of their famous homemade chocolate eclairs, known to be some of the best in the South.
Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner
With black and white checkered floors, a vintage jukebox, and neon signage glowing against the turquoise exterior, this diner on Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, will transport you back to the golden days of the Mother Road. Take a seat at one of the green bar stools or in a hot pink booth for two and soak in the retro vibes.
Sip on homemade root beer, whether on its own or in an ice cream float and enjoy a Harley Hot Dog topped with creamy mac and cheese. The menu is a mix of classic diner fare and Southwestern influences, with items like meatloaf, burgers and fries, fajitas, spaghetti, and homemade apple pie—there’s something here for all palates!
11th Street Diner
Housed in a shiny metal railroad car with hot pink neon signage, 11th Street Diner is not just a place to eat – it’s a Miami icon that combines the best of old-school diner culture with the spirit of South Beach. Inside, you’ll find a classic 50s-style bar with spinning red stools, while the umbrella-covered patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a warm evening.
Choose from hearty breakfast options like pancakes and omelets, plus lunchtime favorites like burgers and sandwiches. Try the El Cubano Sandwich, piled high with pulled pork and smoked ham on Cuban bread, for an authentic taste of Miami. In the mood for traditional diner fare? Get the Cowboy Burger topped with onion rings and barbecue sauce. Finish it off with a vanilla coconut milkshake or a slice of key lime pie for dessert!
Clinton Station Diner
If you love trains, eating at Clinton Station Diner should be at the top of your New Jersey bucket list. The dining area, decorated with wood paneling and warm lighting, is housed in an authentic 1927 Blue Comet Train Car.
This diner’s motto is to serve “lots of good food,” and that’s exactly what they’ve been doing since 2004. You’ll find everything from classic diner grub to nightly dinner specials like chicken pot pie, lasagna, and rib-eye steak. The dessert case alone is worth the trip, boasting over 50 different sweet treats, from cheesecakes and pies to decadent chocolate eclairs and strawberry shortcakes. For those with insatiable appetites, try tackling their 105-pound Zeus burger!
Silver Grill Cafe
A Fort Collins staple for nearly a century, the Silver Grill Cafe is a must-visit for anyone passing through. Whether you’re people-watching from a window seat, enjoying the fresh air on the covered patio, or viewing the open kitchen in action from a barstool, you’re in for a treat.
The corned beef hash benedict and breakfast quesadilla are crowd favorites, best paired with freshly squeezed orange juice. If you’re here for lunch, choose from hearty options like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. It doesn’t matter if you’ve saved room or not. You can’t leave without a pecan cinnamon roll. With over 12,000 sold each month, you’ll want to take one (or a few) to go!
Bendix Diner
The metal exterior and lit-up neon facade make Bendix Diner look like a real-life time portal. Located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, this nostalgic joint, established in the 1940s, has appeared in several films, including Jersey Girl, Boys on the Side, and The Many Saints of Newark. But it’s not just the retro atmosphere that keeps people coming back – it’s the company. The owner, John, who doubles as a stand-up comedian, keeps his customers laughing all day long.
Grab a seat at the old-fashioned counter and order all-day breakfast comfort foods like blueberry cheesecake pancakes or the Trucker’s Special, with French toast, bacon, eggs, and home fries. Stopping in for dinner? You can’t go wrong with their deluxe cheeseburger and fries or the hot open turkey sandwich slathered in gravy.
Oasis Diner
Driving through Indiana? Make a pit stop at Oasis Diner in Plainfield, Indiana. This retro diner, with its checkered floors, red bar stools, and walls covered with vintage records, has been serving up traditional diner food since the 1950s.
Specializing in all things fried, from pickles and mushrooms to catfish and chicken fingers, Oasis Diner is a paradise for comfort food lovers. The massive and crispy fried pork tenderloin is a must-order. Pair it with one of their famous homemade sodas – you can’t go wrong with the butterscotch root beer, cherry vanilla cream, or vanilla cola.
Don’t forget to save room for a slice of their house-made pies. The German Chocolate Cake, peanut butter pie, blueberry peach pie, and Dutch apple pie are all crowd-pleasers!
