Iconic Diners Around The US

Seeker Editors

A road trip and an American holiday essential, classic diners are longstanding fixtures of a retro past that we just can't seem to get enough of. Maybe it's the delectable comfort food, from cherry pie to pancakes, the famous all-day breakfasts, or the mysterious and vibey neon-lit imagery of old train cars and jukeboxes that feel like an amusement park ride. These legendary diners have been in oscar-nominated films, the inspiration for hit songs, and just old-timey establishments that stay buzzing all year long due to a powerful combo of great eats and great service. Located across the country, check out if any of our favorite diners happen to be in the perimeter of your USA travels- because nothing says Americana quite like a frozen milkshake and a greasy cheesesteak.

Frank's Diner - Downtown Spokane, Swingers, Jimmy's Eastside Diner, Blue Benn, Tops Diner, St. Francis Fountain, Lou Mitchell's, Tom's

  • Frank's Diner - Downtown Spokane in Washington, United States

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      A favorite to locals, Franks Diner is made up of delectable American diner staples, wooden booths, and amazing coffee- located in a reimaged vintage train car setting. Considered a classic Spokane spot, stop by Frank's diner for the best breakfasts in the area and an old-timey nostalgic ambiance that makes you feel as though you just stepped out of a time machine. The immersive retro feel of the elaborate decoration of the train car and high-quality dishes draw in a full house every day of the week.

  • Swingers in Los Angeles, United States

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      Swingers is a trendy LA-based diner that features plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options combined with the usual classics. This late-night, nostalgia-fueled joint is committed to supporting local business, using only organic produce and eggs, fresh home-baked bread, and antibiotic-free meat. You can be sure to munch on some truly delectable and conscious meals at this neon-lit, classic Hollywood spot for late-night eats or morning brunches.

  • Jimmy's Eastside Diner in Miami, United States

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      Jimmy's East Side Diner is a casual staple that has withstood the test of time to reliably serve all-day breakfast and other essentials to Miami 24 hours a day. Grab a cozy booth at this retro spot for tuna melts, hash browns, pancakes, and more and snap a pic of the moody ambiance that used as a filming location in the Oscar-winning film, Moonlight.

  • Blue Benn in Bennington, United States

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      Embrace nostalgia at this railcar diner complete with booths and jukeboxes at every table. Serving breakfast all day every day and plenty of other classic diner eats, Blue Benn is a hidden gem. Located in picturesque Vermont, this aqua-colored diner is steeping in retro vibes, from the unique, classic menu items complete with endless egg and pancake options to the eclectic setting of a reimagined vintage railcar.

  • Tops Diner, United States

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      Top's Diner is an established joint that serves classic American Diner cuisine, cocktails, and pastries in the heart of Newark. A bustling stop that attracts plenty of dedicated customers, Top's serves delicious food 24 hours a day- perfect for fuel after a night out. Come hungry and dig into generous portions of greasy diner eats with an ice-cold milkshake to match.

  • St. Francis Fountain in San Francisco, United States

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      A mission district gem that has been serving up quirky and hearty meals to San Francisco for 102 years. St Francis Fountain is a classic soda fountain and diner that has all the makings to satisfy your vintage, milkshake, and brunching needs. Loved by locals and attracting tourists daily, stop by for world-class eggs benedict, heavenly milkshakes, and plentiful vegan options.

  • Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, United States

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      Your coffee cup won't stay empty for long at this iconic Chicago joint that has been part of the framework of the city since 1923. A true retro atmosphere that has attracted visitors from across the map to feast on Chicago's best pancakes, burgers, omelets, and more- there is a reason that you might have to wait in line before entering, but we guarantee that it's worth it.

  • Tom's in New York, United States

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      Seinfeld fame aside, Tom's is the *ultimate* NYC-style diner that has been serving loyal customers since 1940. Along with delicious coffee, a standard diner menu that will satisfy your cravings, and pleasant service, Tom's is the inspiration behind Suzanne Vega's hit song "Tom's Diner". Embrace the fabric of NYC history at this magical family-owned diner that also happens to serve delicious pancakes and hearty turkey wraps.