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 or a creamy milkshake, check out these 8 historic diners across the USA!
LessJourneying through Chicago on Route 66? A visit to Lou Mitchell's is a must. This downtown staple, serving up breakfast and lunch since 1923, was the first in Chicago to offer all-day breakfast. Sample items like banana pancakes, waffles, and French toast. The best part? You'll get a complimentary orange slice and a freshly made donut hole with your meal—this has been a Lou Mitchell's tradition for decades!
Once a drugstore with a soda fountain, Clary's Cafe has evolved into a beloved diner while preserving its vintage charm. Open since the early 1900s, this spot is famous for its hearty breakfast. Stop in and order The Elvis—thick-sliced French toast stuffed with peanut butter and bananas and topped with powdered sugar. Before you leave, treat yourself to one of their homemade chocolate eclairs.
Step into Mr. D'z, and you'll feel like you've traveled back to the golden days of Route 66. This Kingman, Arizona, diner, with its black-and-white checkered floors, vintage jukebox, and vibrant booths, serves classic comfort foods like meatloaf and spaghetti. But the real star here is the homemade root beer—order it in a float or on its own for a delicious treat!
This Miami hotspot is housed in a gleaming metal railroad car, complete with glowing hot pink and blue neon lights. Grab a seat on a red and chrome barstool at the 50s-style countertop, or relax on the umbrella-covered patio. Try the El Cubano Sandwich for an authentic taste of Miami, then finish off with a vanilla coconut milkshake or a piece of key lime pie for dessert.
Clinton Station Diner is a dream come true for train enthusiasts – the dining area is housed in an authentic 1927 Blue Comet Train Car. Not only is the atmosphere one-of-a-kind, but the menu itself is massive; the dessert case alone features over 50 different sweet treats. On the other hand, it may be difficult to save room after ordering their 105-pound Zeus burger!
A Fort Collins institution for nearly 100 years, Silver Grill Cafe is the place to go for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sit at the counter facing the open kitchen and order the corned beef hash benedict or breakfast quesadilla paired with freshly squeezed orange juice. And don't forget to grab one of their famous pecan cinnamon rolls to-go (loaded with frosting!)—they sell over 12,000 each month!
It's no wonder why the Bendix Diner has appeared in several films, including Jersey Girl. With its metal exterior and neon-lit facade, this diner in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, looks like a time capsule from the 1950s! 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.
Driving through Indiana? Make a pit stop at Oasis Diner in Plainfield. This nostalgic diner, with its checkered floors, red bar stools, and walls covered with vintage records, has been serving classic diner fare since the 1950s. Order the massive fried pork tenderloin and pair it with one of their famous homemade sodas—you can't go wrong with the butterscotch root beer or vanilla cola.