The quintessential American diner has come a long way in the 100 or so years since the wheels came off the trolley carts. There may be fewer streamliner-style outlets than the 1950s heyday, the unspoken divides that prevented women and Black people from pulling up a chair have all-but disappeared, while a new generation of owners have taken the old-school diner menu and given it a cosmopolitan spin. Dishes inspired by a range of food cultures now sit alongside diner classics, and people are lapping them up.
There remains plenty of love for popular diner chains in the United States, but local outlets that are plugged into the community are just as popular. The food on offer isn’t just hot and reasonably priced, it often comes from suppliers on their doorstep, creating a virtuous circle of economic support. U.S. diners continue to attract people from all walks of life, and whether they’re seeking a slice of nostalgia or a just good cup of coffee, there are lots of places that are knocking it out of the park. Here’s our round-up of the best diners in each state.
Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Tens of thousands of people have visited this award-winning eatery’s two Alabama outlets (there’s another in Tennessee) to wallow in the ’50s aesthetic and enjoy some great food at the same time. Yes, it’s all about the experience.
Yes, you can eat in a glorious, cherry-red vintage car booth, and absolutely, you’ll eat well, too. Expect perfect eggs, fluffy pancakes and a milkshake to make your hair curl…