The Best Diner in Every State, According to Yelp — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

Welcome to Eat This Not That’s guide to the best diner in every state! Diners are a classic American staple, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From classic greasy spoons to modern takes on the classic diner, there’s something for everyone. We’ve scoured Yelp reviews to find the best diner in each state, so you can find the perfect spot for your next meal. Whether you’re looking for a classic diner experience or something a little more modern, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. So, let’s get started!

The Best Diner in Every State, According to Yelp — Eat This Not That

If you’re looking for the best diner in every state, look no further than Yelp. The popular review site has compiled a list of the top-rated diners in each state, based on user reviews. From classic greasy spoons to modern takes on the diner experience, these restaurants have earned their place as the best of the best.

Alabama: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur

Alaska: The Hangar on the Wharf in Juneau

Arizona: The Hash Kitchen in Scottsdale

Arkansas: The Dixie Cafe in Little Rock

California: The Griddle Cafe in Los Angeles

Colorado: The Original Pancake House in Denver

Connecticut: The Spot Diner in Hartford

Delaware: The Charcoal Pit in Wilmington

Florida: The Silver Skillet in Miami

Georgia: The Varsity in Atlanta

Hawaii: Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu

Idaho: The Griddle in Boise

Illinois: The Original Pancake House in Chicago

Indiana: The Workingman’s Friend in Indianapolis

Iowa: The Machine Shed in Des Moines

Kansas: The Corner Cafe in Wichita

Kentucky: The Diner in Louisville

Louisiana: The Ruby Slipper Cafe in New Orleans

Maine: Becky’s Diner in Portland

Maryland: The Silver Diner in Rockville

Massachusetts: The Friendly Toast in Boston

Michigan: The Hudson Cafe in Detroit

Minnesota: The Nook in Minneapolis

Mississippi: The Pig & Pint in Jackson

Missouri: The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery in St. Louis

Montana: The Iron Horse in Billings

Nebraska: The Drover in Omaha

Nevada: The Peppermill in Las Vegas

New Hampshire: The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth

New Jersey: The Tick Tock Diner in Clifton

New Mexico: The Frontier in Albuquerque

New York: The Empire Diner in New York City

North Carolina: The Diner in Charlotte

North Dakota: The Red Pepper in Fargo

Ohio: The Golden Lamb in Lebanon

Oklahoma: The Diner in Oklahoma City

Oregon: The Original Hotcake House in Portland

Pennsylvania: The Dining Car in Philadelphia

Rhode Island: The Original House of Pizza in Providence

South Carolina: The Hominy Grill in Charleston

South Dakota: The Corn Exchange in Sioux Falls

Tennessee: The Loveless Cafe in Nashville

Texas: The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation in Houston

Utah: The Blue Plate Diner in Salt Lake City

Vermont: The Worthy Kitchen in Woodstock

Virginia: The Diner in Richmond

Washington: The Hi-Spot Cafe in Seattle

West Virginia: The Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage

Wisconsin: The Comet Cafe in Milwaukee

Wyoming: The Cowboy Cafe in Cheyenne

No matter where you are in the United States, you can find a great diner to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a classic greasy spoon or a modern take on the diner experience, Yelp has you covered.

There’s nothing like plopping into a booth at the diner. With a quick mug of hot coffee poured in front of you, you know a good meal is about to commence. However, not all diners are created equally, and some have been able to rise to the top, which is why we determined the best diner in every state for you right here!

Methodology: We worked with Yelp to determine which was the best. According to Yelp, “all the businesses on this list are in the Diners category on Yelp. ‘Best’ is measured using an algorithm that looks at the number of reviews and star ratings for a business.” We also decided that a diner must serve more than breakfast, that it needed to at least include a lunch meal on the menu, and be open for that lunch crowd.

With that in mind, here’s what we determined as the best diners in every state. And for more, don’t miss The Best Themed Restaurant In Every State.

Trashcan dish at Salems diner
Sandra M./Yelp

Known for their famous Philly Cheese Steak and The Trashcan breakfast plate (made with onions, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and spicy sausage, over hashbrowns), Salem’s Diner, located in the Birmingham area, is a popular choice according to Yelp reviews.

And next time you’re eating out, make sure to avoid these 17 Secret Waiter Tricks That Diners Never Notice.

burger and fries on a blue plate from little richards family diner
Tabathia’s Heart M./Yelp

While most foodie-favorites in Alaska tend to be located in the bustling city of Anchorage, this spot is actually located in the smaller town of North Pole. Open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., customers on Yelp fawn over favorite menu items including the reindeer sausage and eggs and sandwiches with buffalo chips.

And when you can’t make it to your local diner, here are The Best and Worst Menu Items at Denny’s.

breakfast burrito on a plate with salsa from the joy bus diner
Merichelle V./Yelp

Not only are the meals at Joy Bus Diner a favorite for the state of Arizona, but the touching mission behind this restaurant is one to celebrate. According to their website, The Joy Bus Diner is a non-profit restaurant that gives every cent to The Joy Bus, a local charity that brings chef-inspired meals to cancer patients in the Valley area. One Yelp reviewer wrote that the “mission of the Joy Bus is moving, and they even go as far as adding nutritional info, as it relates to cancer patients, next to certain menu items.”

Just be sure to avoid these 17 Restaurant Breakfasts Worse Than a Stack of Pancakes.

eggs benedict on a white plate from the lakewood fish & seafood
Eric G./Yelp

Even though Lakewood Lounge, located in the Little Rock area, has delicious breakfast, it is also known for its happy hour. One Yelp reviewer says “this place, hand down have the best happy hours.” Other Yelp reviewers say they like the variety of beers on tap, great to pair with their fried shrimp and the sweet potato fries.

And when you’re done with this list, here’s The Best Pizza Place in Every State.

Biscuits and gravy dish
Lacy A./Yelp

If you’re looking for a spot that’s outside the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, head to Bakersfield and snag a booth at Carla’s Cafe. With a full 5-stars on Yelp and glowing reviews from customers, Carla’s Cafe is certainly a west-coast gem. Order a plate of their Biscuits and Gravy, which comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large.

Love breakfast? Don’t miss The Best Breakfast in Every State.

German pancakes
Lucy Z./Yelp

Planning on taking a ski trip to Vail, Colorado, any time soon? Make sure to stop into The Little Diner for a breakfast before hitting the slopes. If you’re stopping in for breakfast, be sure to order the German Pancakes—also known as a Dutch Baby. One Yelp reviewer wrote that “the German Pancake was delicious. It was light and airy, so while it appeared huge, it was thin, so I didn’t feel ‘stuffed’ afterward.”

And if you love food, sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

Hash and cheese omelet from Norm's diner
Jimi B./Yelp

Having a comforting old-school-style diner in a town like Norm’s Diner is a small way to bring a community together. If you are ever in town, try their omelets. One Yelp reviewer wrote that “the omelette is everything.”

home fries on a plate from angelos luncheonette
Patrick L./Yelp

Stepping into Angelo’s Luncheonette in Wilmington is like stepping into a time capsule. Along with this restaurant’s old school charm, Angelo’s Luncheonette is known for its scrapple and its friendly customer service, according to a few glowing Yelp reviews.

scrambled eggs and home fries on a white plate from southern charm cafe
Robert B./Yelp

If you’re looking for some classic southern comfort food, Southern Charm Cafe in Cape Canaveral is the place to go in Florida. Located on a small island strip outside of Orlando, this restaurant is known for its fast service and “country charm,” according to one Yelp reviewer.

RELATED: The Best Bagel in Every State

Sweet tater tots from ricos world kitchen
Coori F./Yelp

Next time you are in Buford, Georgia, just know that Ricos World Kitchen has sweet potato tater tots, pictured above. How much more Southern could this place be?

Kalibi ribs from hawaiian style cafe
Jim N./Yelp

Located on the main island of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Style Cafe is a fan favorite. This cafe is known for its huge portion sizes, so one Yelp reviewer says you should “arrive hungry.” They serve dishes such as the Hawaiian-Style Loco Moco, the Teri-Hamburger, and the Kalbi Ribs.

RELATED: The Best Chicken Wings in Every State

Plate of eggs, avocado, toast, and hash browns at Hoot Owl Cafe in Idaho
Gregory F./Yelp

How could you not love a place called Hoot Owl Cafe? While there are numerous dishes that Yelp reviewers rave about, the one to order is the full order chicken fried steak with a cinnamon roll.

Plates of breakfast foods at Rays Family Restaurant in Illinois
Jefferson S./Yelp

In the suburbs of Chicago, you’ll find a spot called Ray’s Family Restaurant, which, according to Yelp reviewers, is the best diner in Illinois. Located in Elgin, this classic family restaurant is known as the place to be for breakfast or lunch.

RELATED: The Best Authentic BBQ Spot in Every State

Fried pickles from lous diner
Wendy K./Yelp

When it comes to fried pickles, Lou’s Diner does not play. A Yelp reviewer stated, “We order the fried pickles which came out crispy with just the right amount of breading and salt. And boy was the portion gigantic!”

Spic n span tenderloin sandwich at suzie q cafe
David F./Yelp

It may look small, but this little cafe in Mason City, Iowa, sure is mighty! Most reviewers on Yelp state they stumbled upon this restaurant while on the road and couldn’t believe how delicious the food is for such a hidden gem. One reviewer says you “MUST” order the Spic-N-Span tenderloin sandwich.

RELATED: The Best Pancakes in Every State

Crab cake Benedict at Doo Dah Dine
Melody P./Yelp

Located southwest of Kansas City, the Doo-Dah Diner is a beloved gem for the state of Kansas. With a 4.5 star rating and more than 600 reviews on Yelp, this restaurant is well known for its Crab Cake Benedict, served with grilled asparagus and jalapeño bacon crumbles.

The hot brown burger at JKs at forest grove
JK’s At Forest Grove/Yelp

This family-owned and operated diner has customers feeling right at home. A Yelp reviewer wrote, “If great down-home cooking is what your tummy is craving, then this is the place you want to visit.”

Seafood scrambler at Liz's where ya at diner
Dan D./Yelp

In the picturesque town of Mandeville, located right on the coast of Louisiana, is the colorful Liz’s Where Y’at Diner. Yelp reviewers love to stop in for breakfast and order one of their Scramblers.

RELATED: The Best Waffles in Every State

Pancakes at palace diner
Mike C./Yelp

Whether it be a steaming pile of pancakes or the beloved cheeseburger, Palace Diner is the place to be in Biddeford. Not only was it rated the best diner in the state of Maine, one Yelp reviewer says to “believe the hype, this place is great.”

Shore Nachos at Cindy's kitchen
Jessica K./Yelp

Cindy’s Kitchen is known for its delicious home cooking and old-school charm. If you ever stop by, try their shore nachos (pictured above). One Yelp reviewer says it’s “impossible not to like this place because it’s authentic and the people are so nice.”

RELATED: The Best Nachos in Every State

eggs benedict with hash browns on a plate from little depot diner
Jason V./Yelp

If you’re in Peabody, you can’t miss this charming little spot. The Little Depot Diner serves “breakfast with the blues” and Yelp reviewers are all about it. One Yelp reviewer wrote, “Set aside defunct train tracks which no longer carries trains, The Little Depot Diner harkens back to Americana with a blues theme and vibe from music to decorations.”

plate of scrambled eggs and toast
Elizabeth G./Yelp

“I can totally see why this place is rated #1! Rosy is a class act-we had the best breakfast ever this morning…homemade corned beef hash and a ham and Swiss omelet that was the best I’ve ever had,” one Yelp reviewer wrote. “So glad we found this gem and will definitely be back-was an unforgettable experience!” No wonder Rosy’s has a 4.5-star Yelp rating!

eggs, hashbrowns and bacon on a plate from our kitchen
Trish D./ Yelp

It may be a small restaurant in a big city, but Our Kitchen, located in Minneapolis, is full of charm. Our Kitchen is known for its “world-famous hashbrowns” and cinnamon French toast, according to Yelp reviewers.

RELATED: The Best Breakfast Sandwich in Every State

Burgers, fries, coke at abes grill
Bo H./Yelp

At Abe’s Grill, you can dine among numerous signs and collected license plates while enjoying those classic American treats: cheeseburgers, fries, and Coca-Cola. The best thing about Abe’s? According to Yelp, it opens its doors at 5 a.m. for those early birds looking to get a bite before starting their day.

greek omelette with feta, spinach, olives and tomatoes with home fries on the side from southwest diner
Kristen S./Yelp

If you’re hanging out in St. Louis, you have to stop into the Southwest Diner—rated the best diner in the state of Missouri! One Yelp reviewer says, “While small and frequently packed for brunch, Southwest Diner is hands down my most frequently craved brunch stop. I will happily indulge in their grits on fire and a beer-mosa (made with Avery’s white rascal)!”

RELATED: The Best Cake In Every State

Roadhouse burger at roadhouse diner
Vladimir T./Yelp

Stop by Roadhouse Diner and try their roadhouse burger. One Yelp reviewer summed it up succinctly: “Cool Diner, Good Food, Great Service, Good Spot!

sandwich and onion rings
Jan J./Yelp

“I ordered the sausage biscuit breakfast, and my friend ordered some French toast special,” one Yelp reviewer wrote. “Having brunch here gave me the fuel to walk the city for the next several hours! We did not need to eat dinner that night thanks to Deb’s Diner!”

Monte cristo sandwich a Lous Diner in Las Vegas
Michael U./Yelp

Open as early as 5:30 a.m. for hungry customers, Lou’s Diner in Las Vegas is a delicious spot to grab breakfast or brunch in the city. Yelp reviewers can’t stop talking about (and taking pictures of) the Monte Cristo sandwich.

RELATED: The Best Meatloaf In Every State

french toast with strawberry jelly and cream in the middle and whipped cream on top from rosies restaurant
Rosie’s Restaurant/Yelp

When you think of a classic hometown diner, you probably think of a place like Rosie’s Restaurant. One Yelp reviewer says, “the food is wonderful and the staff is even better. Please do yourself a favor if you’re ever in the area and stop in for breakfast….or lunch!”

RELATED: The easy way to make healthier comfort foods.

tacos with steak, lettuce and onion from tops diner
Antonia B./Yelp

New Jersey may be known for their classic diners, but the best-of-the-best was rated Tops Diner on Yelp. Located in East Newark, this place is known for serving unique dishes such as tacos and lobster macaroni and cheese.

breakfast burrito covered in sauce and cheese with a side of hash browns from pantry restaurant
Radio M./Yelp

Tex-Mex may be the food of choice in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but you may just want to stop into the Pantry Restaurant if you get the chance! They give the classic American foods a Tex-Mex twist with their Green Chile Stew and Chile Relleno Omelette, a few favorites from Yelp reviewers.

Chicken katsu club at golden diner
Andrew G./Yelp

According to a Yelp reviewer, Golden Diner is “The best diner food in NYC.” Enough said!

RELATED: The Best Steakhouse in Every State

Gluten free shrimp and grits at Gourmet causeway
Maria S./Yelp

Causeway Gourmet is located right before the bridge to Ocean Isle Beach. Besides its excellent location, this restaurant has the “best sandwiches and entrees in OIB,” according to one Yelp reviewer.

Plates of food at Deaners Diner in North Dakota
Jason S./Yelp

While Deaner’s Diner is known for its scrumptious selection of pies, it is also rated highly on Yelp because of its delicious food and charming staff. The best part? They serve breakfast all day!

sausage and cheese omelette at scott's diner
Crystal S./Yelp

If you ever find yourself traveling to (or from) Colombus, Ohio, you should take a pit stop at Scott’s Diner. A few Yelp reviewers recommend ordering the sausage and cheese omelet with their sourdough toast.

Onion burger with fries at sid's diner
Robert M./Yelp

Looking to enjoy a chocolate malt and cheeseburger at a 1950s-themed restaurant? Sid’s Diner is the place to go! It has a 4.5-star review on Yelp, and according to one reviewer, it’s well known for its famous Onion Burger.

eggs, bacon and hash browns on a white plate from moms kitchen
Oh C./Yelp

Completely hugged by water, the town of North Bend seems like a hidden gem of a town. Little did they know they also had a hidden gem right in town—Mom’s Kitchen! According to one Yelp reviewer, Mom’s Kitchen’s “atmosphere is like being at a family member’s house and the staff is friendly.”

RELATED: The Best Soup In Every State

Corned beef with hash and eggs at lawrence park dinor
Christine L./Yelp

After hearing a lot of hype about this spot, one Yelp reviewer wrote, “Cutest breakfast spot with the best breakfast! Only Dinor left in Pennsylvania.”

Eggs copenhagen at cindy's country face
Brad L./Yelp

One Yelp reviewer wrote, “I had the Copenhagen benedict, and it was to die for. Cindy makes homemade hollandaise sauce every Sunday, and it’s spot-on every week.”

Plate of chicken and waffles at Early Bird Diner
Cindy G./Yelp

It’s no wonder Early Bird Diner is rated so highly! One Yelp reviewer wrote, “The waffles are thick, fluffy, and filling and go great with the syrup. The chicken is flavorful and juicy.”

Poutine from Phillips Avenue diner
Phillips Avenue Diner/Yelp

If you find yourself in the city of Sioux Falls—maybe for some shopping or picking someone up from the airport—pop into Phillips Avenue Diner for a bite. According to Yelp reviewers, their poutine is to die for.

RELATED: The Best Brunch Spot in Every State

Patty melt with fries at old lighthouse diner
J Kent R./Yelp

One Yelp reviewer wrote of Old Lighthouse Diner, “This place is run by a wonderful family that cares about people. The location cannot be beat & the atmosphere is unique (change is good). The service is very good and you receive your meal fairly fast. We’ve been here several times because of the owners!”

Eggs with gravy and hashbrowns at starwood diner
Kasey T./Yelp

You’ve probably never been to a diner quite like this one! Starwood Diner has all the charm of a diner, but it certainly has an upscale feel. One Yelp reviewer even said they would give this place 10 stars if they could!

Monte cristo sandwich at El Bambi Cafe
Stef J./Yelp

With a name like El Bambi Cafe, did you really expect anything less than cute? Located in Beaver, Utah, this restaurant has a better Monte Cristo sandwich than Disneyland, according to one Yelp reviewer.

RELATED: The Best French Toast in Every State

Cinammon rolls at dots restaurant
Anon Y M./Yelp

Dot’s Restaurant in Wilmington, Vermont, is nothing short of charming. According to Yelp reviewers, this little restaurant is usually packed with customers and is best known for the homemade bread and cinnamon rolls.

Da mack burger at gourmet burger
Jade P./Yelp

Gourmet Burger Bistro is known for its burgers. A Yelp reviewer had the Da mack burger (pictured above) and “everything was cooked perfectly. All the ingredients worked well together, the burger was nice and juicy and the bun was great.”

RELATED: We Tried 7 Fast-Food Cheeseburgers & This Is the Best

Cinammon rolls at The Stilly diner
Taylor K./Yelp

Sure, you could head to The Stilly Diner for a regular meal. But what you really want to order is their giant cinnamon rolls, which look like huge loaves of bread made fresh every day, according to Yelp reviewers.

French toast with eggs and potatoes at Rossy's place
Arthur O./Yelp

Whether it be for an early morning meal or dinner, Rossy’s Place is where to go in Charles Town! One Yelp reviewer says, “You can taste the love in this food.”

Pancakes with egg and bacon at Harry's diner
Heas M./Yelp

Harry’s Diner is the place to go when you are hungry. A Yelp reviewer  wrote, “Best breakfast place ever!!!”

Mickey mouse shaped pancakes at Jody's diner
Jennifer E./Yelp

Your kids are going to love Jody’s Diner in Evanston, Wyoming! Have them order pancakes, which come in a Mickey Mouse shape with a bacon “smile.” Numerous Yelp reviews refer to this diner as a “little gem.”

Additional reporting by Kelly Gomez.

Check out more of the best in your state:

The Most Popular Slow Cooker Dish in Every State

The Most Popular Cake Flavor in Every State

The Most Popular Pasta Dish in Every State