The 20 Best Diners in America

You might be tempted to pass by this unassuming shack on your drive from Sonoma to Napa Valley…but don’t. Instead, grab a table on the outdoor patio and order anything containing fried chicken. The tangy, homemade pickles are a much-welcome addition.

2698 Fremont Dr., Sonoma; 707-938-7370 or thefremontdiner.com

Called the oldest soul food restaurant in Washington, this Southern cookin’, U Street spot attracts everyone from politicians to college students for its hot cakes, grits and biscuits.

1100 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-265-1586 or floridaavenuegrill.com

Known as Miss Woo, this '50s-style diner in the working-class neighborhood of Worcester specializes in French toast. In fact, the menu offers over a dozen varieties like S’mores and Apple Pie.

300 Southbridge St., Worcester; 508-753-5600 or yelp

This Chi-town favorite is a classic diner with a modern twist, serving creative interpretations of classic comfort foods. We’re talking kimchi, bacon-and-eggs scallion pancakes and Fat Elvis waffles topped with peanut butter, banana and bacon maple syrup.

820 W Randolph St., Chicago; 312-888-3455 or littlegoatchicago.com

A1 Diner--an original Worcester Lunch Car--hasn’t changed much in 60 years. Walking into the chrome enclosure and sitting at one of the mahogany booths is like stepping back in time. Make sure to order a side of the famous potato hash.

3 Bridge St., Gardiner; 207-582-4804 or facebook

This '40s-era dining car is as quaint and old school as they come. The milkshakes are phenomenal, and each month you’ll find a new special on the menu. Order it.

960 Clinton Ave. S, Rochester; 585-461-5040 or yelp

This Art-Deco landmark in St. Paul has been run by the same family for three generations. Stop by for breakfast 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and order a “One Eyed Jack”--an egg-in-a-hole meets a grilled-ham-and-cheese sandwich.

36 Seventh St. W, St. Paul; 651-698-0259 or mickeysdiningcar.com

This Kansas City staple has been serving its famous griddled, steamed hamburgers since it opened its doors in 1937. Sure, it puts the “greasy” in greasy spoon, but in the very best way.

2021 Broadway St., Kansas City; 816-842-2298 or towntopic.com

In a state teeming with diners, this is surely “top” dog. The menu is enormous, but the MVP is Tops’ famous meatloaf with gravy.

500 Passaic Ave., East Newark; 973-481-0490 or thetopsdiner.com

In 1959, Brooklyn native Harry Rudolph moved to California and opened this blue-collar joint, known for its straightforward all-day breakfast menu. If you’ve never had eggs Benedict on a waffle, now’s your chance.

7545 Girard Ave., La Jolla; 858-454-7381 or harryscoffeeshop.com

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Tom’s original Prospect Heights location is certainly one Brooklyn’s most beloved breakfast spots. The weekend lines can be rough, but free coffee and the promise of blueberry ricotta pancakes makes it all worthwhile.

782 Washington Ave., Brooklyn; 718-636-9738 or yelp

This old-timey spot is known for its signature fried-onion burgers, which are seared on the griddle until crispy. Consider it a necessary pit stop on any Route 66 road trip.

300 S. Choctaw Ave., El Reno; 405-262-7757 or yelp

Three words: custard French toast. That’s the dish to order at this Ocean State diner, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The thick-cut French toast layered with a custard-like vanilla pudding, fresh fruit and raspberry syrup puts Modern Diner on the map.

364 East Ave., Pawtucket; 401-726-8390 or themoderndinerri.com

Not your run-of-the-mill breakfast spot, this Austin eatery serves what it calls “chef-inspired comfort food.” Order up a sourdough, cheddar, Havarti and roasted tomato grilled cheese or fried chicken and waffle at any hour of the day.

600 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin; 512-472-5400 or 24diner.com

This Salt Lake City tradition has been around for nearly 90 years, making it Utah’s second oldest restaurant. It’s one of few diners that can boast canyon views, but the real reason to visit is for the fluffy “Mile High Biscuits.”

Step into this old dining car and find a long lunch counter, booths and jukeboxes that’ll play your favorite old-time songs for 25 cents. Three generously sized blueberry pancakes will cost you only about $5 at this cash-only establishment.

318 North St., Bennington or 802-442-5140 or yelp

Huge, cheap breakfast plates are the specialty at this no-frills Cleveland spot. Big Al’s corn beef hash, made with thick, chunky potatoes and green peppers, got a shout-out on Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate, but locals rave about the eggs Benedict.

12600 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; 216-791-8550 or yelp

Serving American comfort food from an Airstream trailer, Skillet has become a local favorite in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Think: creative twists on classic diner favorites like the “Ultimate Grilled Cheese,” served with bacon jam and a fried chicken thigh.

2034 NW 56th St., Seattle; (206) 922-7981 or skilletfood.com

This divey hot spot serves Cajun-style dishes like oyster po’ boys and crawfish étouffée in a lively setting. With a handful of tables and half a dozen counter stools, it draws a serious lunch hour line.

114 Bridge St., Frankfort; 502-696-9104 or whitelightdiner.com

There’s always a crowd at this 1920s-style, Hudson Valley diner. On weekend mornings, the booths are packed with road-trippers and locals fueling up on eggs and homemade muffins.

7550 N. Broadway, Red Hook; 845-758-6232 or historic-village-diner.com