With black-and-white checkered floors, vinyl-covered booths, neon-lit signs glowing with nostalgia, and menus full of comfort food classics, there are few things more charming than an old-school diner. Though these retro restaurants comprise some of the best attractions on Route 66, you can find them scattered all over the U.S. from L.A. to the unexpected ‘diner capital of the world,’ New Jersey.
Another area of the U.S. that’s dotted with diners is Appalachia. Spanning 206,000 square miles and 13 states, the mountainous region is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, and includes states like New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Alabama. (To name a few).
Tucked into the folds of these states are some of America’s best diners. From retro pit stops in Pittsburgh to home style haunts in Huntsville, we’ve rounded up the most charming old-school diners in the Appalachian Mountains. Whether you’re planning a multi-state road trip through the region and looking for stops along the way, or you’re craving a bite-sized diner adventure in your home state, we’ve got you covered.
Deluca’s Diner – Pittsburgh, PA
’50s-themed diners can open in any era, bridging the gap between mid-century and modern day America with retro charm and homestyle dishes that appeal to all generations. However, arguably the best ’50s-themed diners are the ones that actually opened in the 1950s. Tucked into Pittsburgh’s Strip District – just south of the city’s trendy Lawrenceville neighborhood – Deluca’s Diner has been a local favorite since it opened back in 1950…