The best diners in America for comfort-food favorites

What is it? This historic Garfield neighborhood diner in downtown Phoenix combines Creole and Sonoran culinary traditions with scratch cooking. Growing from a 200-square-foot space to an upgraded space, the Welcome Diner offers meals across six different menus, including one for kids. Their all-day menu offers different styles of chicken biscuits, sandwiches, and burgers, among other orders, ranging from deviled eggs to chicken-fried steak to Jambalaya.

Why we love it: Along with a brunch menu, the diner offers a daily happy hour special with discounts on certain food and drinks.  

Time Out tip: Try to get a seat within their outdoor space.

Address: 929 E Pierce St., Phoenix, AZ 85006

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–midnight; Sat 9am–midnight; Sun 9am–9pm 

What is it? Did you know that Rhode Island is considered the birthplace of the diner and that its origin story is linked to Providence? Taste that legacy at one of the city’s most beloved dining institutions. As an updated, prefabricated diner car, which has changed names and ownership since its opening in 1947, the West Side Diner serves breakfast and lunch daily with many options to choose from.

Why we love it: Along with a ‘50s-style front, this diner offers an elevated take on classic staples, including stuffed French toast, Pattie Melt classic, and crab cake eggs Benedict.

Time Out tip: Add on a side of their corn beef hash to your order.

Address: 1380 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02909

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6am–2pm; Sun 7am–2pm

What is it? New Jersey has a strong history of diner culture, to the point that in 2026 the state’s legislature proposed a law to help save its struggling diners. Located in Keyport, the Broad Street Diner is a traditional railroad car diner that earned accolades from NJ.com in 2022, being voted “New Jersey’s best diner.” Food Network personality Bobby Flay came here in 2016 to film a CBS Sun Morning segment on diners and professional food influencer @tobiaseats was featured in an Instagram reel recorded here in 2025 as well. Its chrome exterior and Americana automotive interior décor also make for photo-worthy backdrops amid hefty meal portions.

Why we love it: While Tops Diner, a Harrison, NJ favorite, gets a lot of love and publicity, Broad Street Diner is adorned for lunch and all-day breakfast staples such as their selection of breakfast bowls and benedicts, and with fun twists, including their Elvis French Toast topped with peanut butter and bananas.

Time Out tip: Don't miss out on the chocolate babka French toast!

Address: 83 Broad St., Keyport, NJ 07735 

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 8am–3pm; Thu–Sat 8am–8pm

What is it? Opened by Becky Rand in 1991, a mother of six who decided to take a chance on starting her own business, this still family-run diner in Portland’s working waterfront district is a New England comfort food haven. On Hobson’s Wharf, and with an old-fashioned counter serving area and an all-around nostalgia vibe, Becky’s Diner serves up all-day breakfast along with lunch and dinner amid fast but friendly service.

Why we love it: Along with its inspiring origin story, you can order regional food finds like a lobster roll or seafood dinner amid common diner selections.

Time Out tip: In addition to “lobstah,” try the clam chowder.

Address: 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Opening hours: Daily 5am–9pm

What is it? With its first location in Stamford and now an outpost in Norwalk, this Moshos family-owned diner offers incredibly sweet and social media photogenic treats amid its breakfast, lunch, and brunch options. The diner introduced a new version of its multifaceted menu in late 2025.

Why we love it: The Elm Street Diner menu’s “Social Media Superstars” section features the viral mindblowing Wow Waffle Tower, with two large Belgian waffles, five scoops of ice cream, layer cake, donuts, candy and whipped cream. Traditional diner dishes are also available and sizable in their own right; there’s a kids’ menu, too.

Time Out tip: For something less sweet, try the Mamba Burger or Hot Honey Fried Chicken Cheeseburger.

Addresses: 463 Elm St., Stamford, CT 06902; 515 West Ave., Unit P2, Norwalk, CT 06850

Opening hours: Stamford: Mon, Tue 8am–4pm; Wed–Sat 8am–8pm; Sun 8am–2pm. Norwalk: Mon-Tue 9am–4pm; Wed-Fri 9am–9pm; Sat 8am–9pm; Sun 8am–4pm

What is it? Since opening in 1983, The Chicago Diner has been serving dishes in a plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan format. Founded by Mickey Hornick and his partner, “Chef Jo” Kaucher, the longtime meatless venue incorporates menu items such as a Reuben with seitan in place of corned beef, veggie burgers, vegan milkshakes and home fries. There’s also a separate gluten-free menu. Sadly, its location in Chicago’s Logan Square permanently closed in December 2025, but its Lakeview neighborhood home remains open.

Why we love it: Along with its plant-based focus and menu specials, this diner offers daily brunch until 3 pm and a VegHead rewards program that makes it easy to rack up dining points.

Time Out tip: On the third Wed of every month, the diner hosts Sensory-Friendly Nights, where patrons can unwind to lower lights and music.

Address: 3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am–10pm; Sat, Sun 10am–10pm

What is it? This diner in The Steel City has been a fixture since 1980 and has gotten accolades such as Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Diner pick on their 2025 Best of the ‘Burgh list. With its name derived from the founding owners, Pam Cohen and Gail Klingensmith, this breakfast-and-lunch institution has four locations across the city; its Oakland outpost is owned and operated by former long-term employees. In April 2008, then pre-presidential couple Barack and Michelle Obama ate at the diner’s Strip District location on the day of Pennsylvania’s primary.

Why we love it: No pun intended, but the crêpe-style hotcakes literally sell like hotcakes. They come in different flavors, like strawberry, with crispy edges.

Time Out tip: Other popular menu items include their Lyonnaise potatoes and omelets, as well as their homemade corned beef hash. 

Addresses: In Pittsburgh’s Strip District: 60 21st St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222; Shadyside: 5527 Walnut St, Pittsburgh, PA,15232; Mt. Lebanon: 427 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15228; Oakland, 3703 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Opening hours: Strip District: Daily 8am–2pm; Mt. Lebanon: Wed-Sun 8am–2pm; Shadyside: Daily 8am–2pm; Oakland: Sun–Mon 8am–2pm

What is it? This trendy spot is Chef Sam Yoo's homage to classic NYC diners as well as a love letter to its surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods— Chinatown, Little Italy, and Lower East Side. Reinterpreted through an Asian American lens, Golden Diner’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus present a culinary spin on classic dinner dishes.

Why we love it: Their fluffy Honey Maple Butter Pancakes are quite popular and photogenic. Other top dishes include their Breakfast Burrito, Thai Cobb Salad, Golden Cheeseburger, and Vegan Grilled Cheese & Kimchi Tomato Soup.

Time Out tip: According to their website, the busiest hours usually run from 10am to 2pm.

Address: 123 Madison St, New York, NY 10002

Operating hours: Daily 9am–10pm

What is it? Located on the island of Hawai’i, Ken’s House of Pancakes, run by the Ching family, provides a great visitor introduction to Hawaiian cuisine. You can try local Hawaiian dishes such as Loco Moco and Keiki Saimin, among all-day common diner breakfast items and daily specials.

Why we love it: Diners who are up for taking on a supreme eating challenge can order from the diner’s Sumo menu section. For example, the Sumo Loco consists of two half-pound hamburger patties and hearty inclusions of rice, Spam, eggs of any style and brown gravy. See photos of recent winners on their Facebook page.

Time Out tip: Try the house-made syrups with flavors of coconut, guava, and lilikoi.

Address: 1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

Opening hours: Daily 6am–9pm

What is it? Named for a previous owner, this cozy Richmond gem is recognized for its creatively bold breakfast and brunch dishes and a community-centric vibe. Additionally, Millie’s Diner has an extensive cocktail list with fun names and flavors.

Why we love it: Its specialty dish is The Devil's Mess, a three-egg frittata finished with melted white cheddar and accompanied by their famous spicy home fries. You can order different “mess” varieties, such as their veggie version.

Time Out tip: You can make a reservation in advance here through Toast.

Address: 2603 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 9am–3pm

What is it? Along with an interesting name, taken from a character on The Andy Griffin Show, what sets Goober's apart is its retro 1950s aesthetic. Made and shipped from Atlanta in 2020, this breakfast, lunch and dinner spot is a two-level, stainless-steel diner that captures that old school “chrome and neon” persona. Right next door is “Goober’s Garage,” which houses 40 of owner Vance Kershner’s vintage car collection, so the whole place feels like a mashup of classic cars and comfort food.

Why we love it: It is famous for its all-day breakfast plates and its cinnamon sugar cake donuts, which have a cult following.

Time Out tip: For getting to the diner’s second level, there’s an elevator as well as stairs.

Address: 1203 North Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19806

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 7am–2:30pm; Thu-Sat 7am–8:30pm

What is it? Located in a circa 1923 building that once housed an A&P grocery store, beauty parlor, men’s clothing haberdashery and bakery over the years, the Waynesville Main Street Diner in the state’s Haywood County is reflective of Waynesville’s earlier days. Serving what’s coined as “elevated Americana cuisine,” this two-level spot offers all-day breakfast and lunch specials and dinner options. Along with a long pastry counter and bar, the venue has four historic photo collections and curated private artifacts.

Why we love it: This place often gets high customer marks for its breakfast selections, such as the Goat Cheese Chicken Biscuit paired with pepper jelly. As for dinner, find interesting dining twists ranging from Black and Blue Beef Tips served with blue cheese, chive orzo and the vegetable of the day.

Time Out tip: Ask the staff about the building's history.

Address: 18 N Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 7am–7pm; Fri, Sat 7am–8pm

What is it? Based in Tulsa’s Blue Dome District, the Dilly Diner sits along an early alignment of the U.S. Route 66, merging today’s modern menu amid its historic surroundings. Offering all-day breakfast and late-evening dinner, this new school diner is polished with a red arrow sign, giving it a retro feel.  

Why we love it: Their breakfast menu, divided into sweet and savory, sports chicken fried steak and eggs, three frittata choices, brioche French toast, and griddle cakes. Their lunch and dinner lineup includes a French Dip, a BLT+A with an avocado spread, and a spicy bacon cheeseburger.

Time Out tip: Order The Jed, a gigantic cinnamon roll covered in whipped cream cheese frosting.

Address: 402 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74120 

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am–9pm; Sat, Sun 8am–9pm

What is it? With five locations across the state—Fargo, Bismarck, Mandan and Minot—this 1950s-style diner has been serving German and American dishes since 1969. Across all of them, Kroll’s Diner has quite a menu spread with all-day breakfast, family-style feasts, burgers and melts, and salads and sandwiches, but also tried-and-true German delicacies like Kuchen.

Why we love it: Along with weekly specials, including the 2-4-1 Shakey Mon deal and a Quick Lunch starting at $8.99 with a drink purchase, this diner serves up hearty-sized dishes like fluffy pancakes and consistent coffee refills.    

Time Out tip: Try their famous Knoephla Soup, a creamy and lumpy potato-based meal in itself.

Addresses: 1033 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58103; 1221 20th Ave SE, Minot, ND 58701; 4401 Memorial Hwy, Mandan, ND 58554. There are two locations in Bismarck ‑ 2505 State St., Bismarck, ND 58503 and 1915 E Main Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501

Opening hours: Fargo: Daily 6am–midnight; Minot: Daily 7am–8:45pm; Mandan: Daily 7am–8pm; Bismarck’s State Street: Daily 6:30am–8pm; Bismarck’s E Main Avenue: Daily 6am–2pm

What is it? This beloved Kansas eatery gets as many looks for its fun wall décor, including many nods to Wichita State, as for its hearty portioned and made-from-scratch menu options. Founded by a couple, Patrick and Timirie Shibley, the Doo-Dah Diner offers popular orders such as their biscuit and gravy, Smothered Burrito, and crispy corned beef hash. In June 2025, longtime customers Jeff and Jay Miller bought the diner from the Shibleys with the intention of keeping it going.

Why we love it: The diner also offers various specials, with a recent weekend serving of Prime Rib, Shrimp and Grits and a breakfast dish called Pancake Lasagna. There’s also now a special roll of the month featuring past flavors, including Creamsicle and Lemon Blueberry.  Additionally, their complimentary monkey bread does not disappoint.

Time Out tip: Breakfast and lunchtime here can get busy, but you can add your name to a waitlist via Yelp’s app.

Address: 206 E Kellogg St, Wichita, KS 67202

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am–2pm; Sat, Sun 8am–2pm