25 Diners and Drive-Ins to Visit This Summer

June 1, 2022

Diners and drive-ins are a big part of American culture, just like road trips and baseball. What makes American diners and drive-ins unique is their commitment to nostalgia: sit-down counters, chrome booths, jukeboxes, walk-up windows, and even carhops. Besides the atmosphere, diners also are known for comfort food like chicken pot pie and breakfast favorites such as omelets. The summer is coming up fast, which means you might be looking for a new diner or drive-in to try during your summer travels. Check out our curated list of the top 25 diners and drive-in restaurants in the U.S.

25 Diners and Drive-Ins to Visit This Summer
25. Schodack Diner – Castleton-On-Hudson, NY

Schodack Diner is just off Columbia Turnpike in Castleton-On-Hudson, which makes it a perfect spot to stop if you are traveling through that part of New York state. This diner serves the traditional American breakfast options along with Greek favorites like moussaka and gyros. Be sure to save room for the blueberry pie, one of Schodack’s most popular desserts.

24. Chicago Diner – Chicago, IL

The Chicago Diner, founded by Mickey Hornick and Chef Jo Kaucher, is a diner focused on vegan and vegetarian options. Popular menu items include “The Radical Reuben” and vegan milkshakes. If you’re planning a road trip down Route 66, the Chicago Diner is a great place to take a break and grab a bite.

23. The Diner at Webb Gin – Snellvillle, GA

The Diner at Webb Gin’s atmosphere is more modern than traditional diners. Breakfast and dessert are a must at Webb Gin. The diner’s most popular breakfast dish is its French toast. If you’re ready for dessert after your favorite comfort food, be sure to order the coconut or carrot cake.

22. Boomarang Diner – Tishomingo, OK

Founded in 1992, Boomerang Diner is an Oklahoma-based restaurant chain which serves all-day breakfast and other diner food favorites like hamburgers. What’s the best dish to get at this diner? Locals recommend ordering the catfish and fried pickles.

21. B & N DINER – Lafayette, IN

B & N Diner is a family-owned restaurant known for its hand-breaded tenderloins and all-day breakfast menu.

20. Spiral Diner & Bakery – Dallas, TX

Founded in 2002 by Amy McNutt, Spiral Diner & Bakery is a diner that serves vegan comfort food at its three locations in Texas. The Dallas Observer recognized Spiral Diner’s Dallas Location as the “Best Diner” in 2016 and the “Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant” in 2019.

19. Metro Diner – Jacksonville, FL

Metro Diner is a family-owned chain of restaurants with the majority of its locations in Florida. The Jacksonville diner was the first diner to be opened by Masterchef Mark Davoli and his family. The diner’s signature dishes are chicken and waffles, Charleston shrimp with grits, and biscuits and gravy.

18. Dolly’s Diner – Princeton, WV

Locals recommend Dolly’s Diner often to tourists and travelers stopping by Princeton, West Virginia. What’s good at Dolly’s? Customers love to get the all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs. If you have room for dessert, don’t miss the Holy Cow Bake and Peanut Butter Pie!

17. Swensons Drive-In – Akron, OH

Swensons Drive-In is one of the few drive-ins to make our list. Located in Akron, this drive-in is acclaimed for its Galley Boy burger and 18 different flavors of milkshakes.

16. Black Bear Diner – Las Vegas, NV

Established in 1995, Black Bear Diner is a West Coast based diner chain that serves comfort food. The chain is known for its Hungry Bear Breakfasts.

15. B-Bop’s – Ankeny, IA

B-Bop’s is an old school drive-through with several locations in central Iowa. Its most famous menu items are its signature burger and fries.

14. Marietta Diner – Marietta, GA

The Marietta Diner has been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on the Food Network. This diner is open for 24 hours a day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

13.  Steve’s Diner – New Orleans, LA

Steve’s Diner is a staple in NOLA’s French Quarter. The diner is known for its po-boy sandwiches and plates including the Fried Catfish Du Jour.

12.  Pops 66 – Arcadia, OK

Pops 66 is a classic soda shop and gas station with a diner twist off Route 66. Pops serves up classic diner food with milkshakes and a bottomless soda pop. There is a huge variety of soda pop flavors at Pops 66 to choose from including, but not limited to: chocolate mint, vanilla, strawberry, and cherry.

11. Cardinal Drive In – Winfield, AL

Cardinal Drive-In is known for having the best cheeseburgers in Winfield. The diner is popular with college students, tourists, and locals alike.

10. Mike’s Olympic Grill Diner – Staten Island, NY

Mike’s Olympic Grill is a 24-hour diner located in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Staten Island. The diner is known for its Tzatziki sauce, Greek platter, and spinach pie.

9. Rise ‘N’ Shine Luncheonette – Eatontown, NJ

Rise ‘N’ Shine is an old-fashioned luncheonette serving Eatontown since 1987. The diner is best known for its biscuits and gravy, custom blend coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.

8. Frugals – Tacoma, WA

Frugals, owned by Peter and Sheila Stewart, is a mom-and-pop hamburger restaurant chain with locations in Montana and Washington state. At this restaurant, customers can pick up hamburgers, shakes, and fries from a walk-up window or use the double drive-through. Interested in ordering something not on the menu? Frugals has a hidden menu with special sandwiches and burgers.

7. Elk’s Diner – Burleson, TX

Elk’s Diner is a family-style restaurant serving comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Customer favorites include the almond crusted french toast, skillet, breakfast burrito, and migas.

6. Sam’s Deli-Diner – Houston, TX

Sam’s Deli-Diner is a diner which specializes in hamburgers and sandwiches. What do dedicated fans of Sam’s recommend getting? The diner is known for its turkey burgers, seasoned fries, and bacon burgers.

5. Mel’s Diner – Pigeon Forge, TN

Mel’s Diner is a beloved classic 50’s diner located near many popular Tennessee tourist destinations, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. This award-winning diner is known for its burgers, hearty breakfasts, and banana splits.

4. Omelet House 50’s Diner – Las Vegas, NV

The Omelet House 50’s Diner was voted “The Friendliest Diner in Town” by the Best of Las Vegas. The diner’s focus is on homemade meals at budget-friendly prices, which is a great deal in pricey Las Vegas. What dishes are customer favorites at The Omelet House? Try the pumpkin bread, omelets, or the pancake special.

3. Jim Dandy Drive In – Portsmouth, OH

The top drive-in on our list is the Jim Dandy Drive In. Customers love the Big Mo and Coke, the “Jim Dandy,” and the strawberry pie. The best thing about Jim Dandy’s? You can order a breakfast platter anytime since breakfast is served all day.

2.  Darrell’s Diner 9 – Wildwood, FL

Darrell’s Diner 9 is known for its variety of comfort food options for breakfast and lunch. One of the most popular dishes is biscuits and gravy.

1. Texan Diner – Haslet, TX

This modern diner by Chef Curtis James focuses on farm-to-table dining. Fresh ingredients are the base for many of its signature dishes. The diner is known for having great weekday lunch specials.

What’s your go-to diner or drive-in? Let us know on social media.

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