A decent meal doesn't always mean a fancy restaurant and a huge check – it’s often the hidden local gems that dish up the best food around. Here, we’ve rounded up the best basic eateries across the US, from historic spots that started out as literal holes in the wall to classic diners offering warm welcomes and wonderful plates of food.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover where to find the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in every state.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
Robert ‘Big Bob’ Gibson started out in 1925 with a hand-dug barbecue pit and a makeshift table in his backyard. His slow and low wood-smoked chicken and pork proved so popular that he opened a restaurant, drawing lines around the block. There are now two locations in Decatur – and, thanks to the excellent food and friendly service, they’re legendary. Big Bob is also credited with inventing Alabama white BBQ sauce, a tangy condiment that blends mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepper.
Casual, compact, and completely delicious, Pho’ Vietnam, which has several locations in Anchorage, is the place to go for a hearty and heartwarming bowl of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). Every mouthful is packed with spicy, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Diners appreciate the great value and also adore the sticky, generously filled pork buns and perfectly made bánh mì sandwiches.
The rustic exterior may be unpretentious and even unprepossessing, but the food served at Kiss Pollos Estilo Sinaloa is really rather special. This tiny Mexican joint has a menu of favorites including burritos, tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas, and they’re some of the best you’ll find anywhere. Everything is delicious, but the chopped chicken tacos are a must-try.
The Hooshburger, laced with Persian spices typically used in kebabs, is the thing to order at Pig Trail Bypass Country Cafe – a general store, café, and gas station hybrid. The café, owned by an Iranian immigrant, is tucked along a winding road in the middle of the Ozarks, and its food and friendly service make it well worth a detour.
Hodad's first opened in 1969 and, several locations later, this colorful burger shack is loved by locals who praise its delicious food and friendly vibe. Still operated by the Hardin family, it serves a menu of classic burgers, as well as more creative varieties like the Guido – inspired by celebrity fan Guy Fieri – with pastrami, ketchup, pickles, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and spicy mustard. There's a second location downtown.
Many consider La Taqueria to be the best Mexican restaurant in California, which is certainly saying something. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, in the heart of the city’s Latino community, it’s been here for around three decades. The restaurant is famed for having the best burritos, which come packed with meat, fish, and/or vegetables – and with no ‘fillers,’ like rice. The tacos are pretty amazing too, and diners reckon the joint definitely lives up to the hype.
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this destination sandwich shop was named the eighth best restaurant in the whole of the US in Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat list. It's still a low-key spot, though, and customers say the views of the Kaweah River and surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Top sellers include the New Orleans–style muffuletta and the mighty Manwich, piled high with turkey, ham, salami, bacon, avocado, and provolone. All sauces and salsas are made fresh in-house, as are mouthwatering soups like New England clam chowder.
Grinder Sandwich Company specializes in, well, grinders – a type of sub sandwich that originated in New England; they're thought to have been so named because sailors would often ‘grind’ their teeth on one before heading out to sea. They're usually served hot and toasty on classic, fluffy-yet-crispy hoagie bread. and customer favorites include the excellent Petey, packed with house-made meatballs, marinara sauce, and three melted cheeses.
This family-run New Haven spot has been going since 1895 and, according to the Library of Congress, was the first US location ever to serve the hamburger and the steak sandwich. The hamburgers are still made from the same mix of five cuts of beef and are served on white toast with onion, tomato, and cheese – with no substitutions allowed. People love the history of the place and the delicious, no-frills menu, which also includes house-made pies and a signature potato salad.
El Diablo, which has four casual counter-serve restaurants in Wilmington and one in nearby Newark, is a real hit with diners, who describe the made-from-scratch burritos and tacos as among the best they’ve tasted. The salad bowls – or ‘naked’ burritos – are pretty great, too. With a varied, crowd-pleasing menu and standout dishes such as braised short ribs and lime-grilled steak, it puts other local restaurants in the shade.
El Carajo is a restaurant tucked inside a wine shop tucked inside a bakery tucked behind a working gas station. This snug spot, in a building that once housed a car wash, also happens to serve incredible food such as paella, grilled octopus, chorizo, and seared meats. There's a cozy ambiance and warm service, adding to the spot's reputation as one of Miami’s best places to eat.
This unassuming Korean restaurant was set up by Mimi Wong in 2008 following the death of her husband. The joint's popularity has grown and grown since then, with many saying it serves the best Korean food around. The lunch special – your choice of bulgogi, spicy pork, or chicken teriyaki, served with rice and side dishes – is a popular order (and costs less than $10). As well as traditional Korean cuisine, the menu also features burgers, subs, wraps, and salads.
Seafood shacks don’t get more idyllic than Star Fish Company – a bustling fresh fish market with a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and picnic tables outside. Service is brisk and the spot is often busy, but it’s so worth it for the wonderful waterfront views of the Gulf Coast's mangrove islands and nearby Jewfish Key. The fish and seafood served here couldn’t be fresher, so everything is cooked very simply; just choose your protein (grouper and Gulf shrimp are very popular) and decide if you want it fried, grilled, blackened, or sautéed. The hush puppies are also legendary.
Southern Soul Barbeque on St Simons, one of Georgia's Golden Isles, is housed in a 1950s-built gas station and is famous for its delicious, slow-smoked barbecue. Instead of gas, servers dispense tender beef, pork, turkey, and wild game to devoted customers and lucky passersby every day. The Cuban-style La Frita Burger – a spiced beef and chorizo patty topped with crispy fried potato sticks and lime mayo – is a must-order on Wednesdays.
Porky’s, which started as a food truck, is famous for serving fast food favorites with a twist – from grilled cheese sandwiches loaded with pulled pork (pictured) to beef hot dogs topped with onions, pineapple, and sweet or spicy sauces. Fans rave about the huge portions and house-made sauces. Once you’ve taken a bite, nothing else will compare.
A popular stop-off for hungry travelers on the way to Yellowstone National Park, this joint is a destination in its own right. Housed in a simple wooden structure and decorated with old farming tools, The Rusty Lantern is a little different from your typical diner. The yard is strewn with old tractors and a collection of bird houses, but the warm quirkiness of the place makes people fall in love with it. The food is outstanding, with popular choices including soups like taco, pizza, and ham and bean. The enormous cinnamon rolls are a hit, too.
Born in Chicago’s Little Italy in 1960 – and now with multiple locations around the city – Fontano’s has stayed true to its roots, specializing in Italian-style subs such as the Blockbuster (pictured), which comes stuffed with ham, salami, capocollo (a traditional cold cut), and two types of cheese. The bread is especially good, and the joint also serves a mean deep-dish pizza.
It’s always lunchtime at Oasis Diner – or at least it feels that way. Shelves inside this cute spot display a range of vintage lunchboxes, featuring everyone from E.T. to Mickey Mouse. It’s like stepping back in time in the best possible way, with the building itself shipped from New Jersey in 1954. The menu is an equally appealing list of comforting, carb-loaded dishes, with the patty melt one of the favorites.
La Regia Taqueria is a one-stop shop for Mexican groceries and supplies, from pastries and piñatas to sodas and spices. It also offers takeout, and it even has a sit-down restaurant – so it’s something of a hidden gem. Those who have discovered it declare that it serves some of the best and most authentic Mexican cuisine around. The cooking is reliably spot-on, with a menu of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and a variety of vegetarian dishes. The fried potato tacos are among the diner favorites.
There’s often a line snaking around the corner by Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, which has three locations, including one attached to a gas station. It’s considered one of the best barbecue spots in the city, with beautifully smoked, tender ribs and pulled pork. The Z-Man sandwich, stuffed with brisket, cheese, and onion rings, is a favorite, and all plates can be enjoyed inside or on the patio, right behind the pumps.
A self-styled ‘Southern deli,' Dad's Favorites is a real hidden gem, located inside a nondescript shopping arcade in suburban Lexington. This friendly mom-and-pop shop makes some of the state’s most acclaimed sandwiches; pick from mouthwatering options such as the Smokey Pimento BLT or the Pepper Jack Club, and make sure you pair your choice with a steaming bowl of the house-made soup of the day. Fans also rave about the beer mac ’n’ cheese and incredible cheese spreads.
There are three Billeaud’s – two in Broussard, including the original location (attached to a gas station), and one in nearby New Iberia – and each is as unassuming yet reliably delicious as the next. Around since 1889, the mini-chain is best known for its crispy pork belly crackling and boudin (boo-dan), a Cajun sausage made with pork and rice. The rotating plate lunches are excellent, too.
More of a hole-in-the-trolley than a hole-in-the-wall, the tiny Palace Diner is nevertheless an unlikely spot to find such excellent food. The 15-seat diner, set inside a trolley car, has an even smaller menu, with just a handful of breakfast dishes and lunchtime sandwiches on offer. Diners describe dishes like the tuna melt as life changing, although everything is sublime. The bright red trolley was built by the Pollard Company in 1927 and is one of two such structures that can still be found in the country.
Located in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood, Tortilleria Sinaloa is a small, unassuming, and hugely popular spot that often draws long lines thanks to its delicious Mexican cuisine. People love the freshly made tortillas and tortilla chips, while the delicious tilapia fish tacos come with butter sauce seasoned with a Maryland favorite: Old Bay. The signature guacamole also gets rave reviews and comes in hefty tubs to take away.
Legendary Massachusetts diner Miss Worcester has been going since 1948 and has an entire menu dedicated to French toast – a customer favorite. There’s also a menu of egg dishes, and another focused on burgers. In fact, the dishes significantly outnumber the seats, with around a dozen perches at the counter and five booths for groups. The fun, homey décor adds to the atmosphere.
You might expect to find food this good in a treasured neighborhood restaurant. But in a filling station off the highway? Perhaps not. Mr. Kabob's original location opened in a Berkley gas station in 2003 – and it proved so popular that there are now four other locations, including one in downtown Detroit. Each one serves up flavorful food like zingy fattoush salad, delicious pita wraps, and beautifully marinated meats.
The location of Al’s Breakfast could hardly be more apt: this tiny slice in the wall is in Minneapolis’ Dinkytown neighborhood and is just as adorable as the location suggests. It claims to be the narrowest diner in Minneapolis, with a width of just 10ft – so skinny, it’s a wonder there’s enough space for the huge breakfasts that have been served here since 1950. People love the place for its fun, old-timey atmosphere and warm, friendly service.
This hole-in-the-wall diner on once-thriving Farish Street doesn’t look like much from the outside – or on the inside, for that matter, with just a few simple tables and plastic chairs filling the narrow space. But Big Apple Inn has witnessed some important history. Leading Civil Rights campaigner Medgar Evers – who was assassinated outside his Jackson home in 1963 – rented the small upstairs apartment as an office. Its specialty since opening in 1939 has been pig ear sliders, but the menu also includes a burger and a hot dog.
The legendary Broadway Diner serves classics like biscuits smothered with lashings of rich, creamy gravy, in an atmosphere that’s both fun and comforting. Customers love the signature breakfasts, such as The Stretch: a generous serving of scrambled eggs, chili, onions, cheese, and hash browns. The interior is classic diner-style, with red booths, pink and blue tabletops, and a long counter lined with leather-cushioned stools.
This Montana-founded chain has been going since 1975 and has two locations – one in Bozeman and one in Livingston. Both branches are adorably compact and known for serving some of the tastiest sub sandwiches around. People love the generous fillings, from meatballs with melted provolone cheese to Philly-style cheesesteak. The pickles are, of course, delicious.
In an ordinary-looking low-rise structure off Highway 2, Hi-Way Diner is a classic no-frills spot that serves reliably delicious comfort food. Breakfast is the thing to order at any time of day, with favorites including eggs Benedict and hash browns. Diners even get the third egg free, while the sandwiches are stuffed with fillings such as chicken strips and meatloaf.
Guests might experience a close encounter of the third kind when visiting this restaurant and shop, attached to a small motel. That's because Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, a town with a population of fewer than 100, is in the middle of the Nevada desert off the ‘Extraterrestrial Highway,’ en route to Area 51. The restaurant serves an Alien Burger, fries, stories about alien sightings, and advice on the best places to spot UFOs.
‘Peace, love, and burgers’ is the motto at Lexie’s, and you’ll certainly receive a warm welcome at this cozy diner. The original branch in Portsmouth (there are also locations in Epping, Dover, Newington, and Exeter, plus another in Newburyport, Massachusetts) is a favorite spot for burgers and thick, creamy shakes. The patties, which include veggie options, come loaded with various toppings or served plain, and customers love the simple yet delicious food – not to mention cute touches such as crayons and paper for kids, and cookies with the check.
American Melts is a ‘build-your-own’ grilled cheese bar, and the possibilities are huge – unlike the space inside this tiny box of a café. Filling options include bacon, American cheese, pesto, pickles, and portobello mushrooms, served on anything from country white sliced bread to donuts. The results are some of the best sandwiches served anywhere.
El Modelo first opened in 1929, with owner Carmen Garcia rising in the early hours to make tortillas ready for the breakfast crowds. Today, this no-frills spot remains famous for selling the best tortillas and tamales around. Hot treats like huevos rancheros and sopaipillas (small fried pastries) are wonderful too, while New Mexico’s green and red chiles play a starring role in many dishes.
This iconic hot dog spot may be famous, but it’s been operating out of the same tiny, unassuming shack for around a century. It’s the pork and beef wieners that draw in the crowds here, and they’re so popular that the restaurant ships them all over the US. The dogs contain three key ingredients – yellow mustard, minced white onions, and a rich and spicy meat sauce known as Zippy Sauce – and they’re famously cheap. Fans also recommend the amazingly crispy French fries, ideally smothered in even more Zippy Sauce.
There are a couple of tables tucked at the back of Zaragoza Mexican Deli & Grocery, though most people order their burritos, tacos, tamales, or tortas – topped with carnitas, chicken, chorizo, or goat – to go. As well as the friendly service and authentic cooking, customers love the hidden feel of the pint-sized place, which is effectively a small deli counter inside a tiny grocery store.
Country Deli, located on the state’s Outer Banks line of barrier islands, is famous for its overstuffed sandwiches – which are so big that customers often save half for later. Generous fillings include BLT and delicious cheeses, while the cookies, Rice Krispie treats, and ice cream sandwiches are popular, too. There’s also a range of deli foods on sale, mostly from local producers. Planning on visiting? Don't forget that the deli closes for the winter season (from late December to early February) each year.
Tiny Darcy’s Cafe punches above its weight when it comes to the quality of the food – and the size of the portions. Tables fill fast at this popular spot, which is a favorite for breakfast (served all day). The menu includes enormous plates piled high with eggs, bacon, sausage, and every other breakfast food you can think of, alongside sweet treats such as pancakes and cinnamon rolls.
This cute corner deli in Columbus’ Historic German Village is considered the go-to place to satisfy sandwich cravings. People rave about Brown Bag Deli menu favorites such as The Village Addiction – sourdough with smoked turkey, Havarti cheese, and cranberry mayonnaise – and the Brown Bag Sub, with cold cuts, cheese, salad, mayo, and Italian dressing. Sides like deviled eggs and potato salad laced with mustard are also delicious, as are daily specials like creamy sausage and tortellini soup.
Tarahumara’s is a family-run cantina and a real local gem. The menu centers around the cuisine of Mexico’s Chihuahua state and includes a range of delicious salsas made daily using red and green chilies grown in the region. Customers can expect rustic, generously piled-high plates of chicken mole and chile relleno, as well as some pretty stiff Margaritas.
Waffle Window quite literally serves customers through a hole in the wall. Its USP is Belgian-style waffles served with a very Portland twist, which means regional ingredients and inventive toppings like balsamic mushrooms and onions, bacon and Brie, and lemon curd. Customers love the thick, fluffy waffles and the warm, personable service.
A number of locations claim to serve the best Philly cheesesteaks around, but many customers believe John’s Roast Pork is the place. Despite the name, this small, unassuming spot in south Philadelphia is renowned for its cheesesteaks, although the roast pork sandwiches are actually pretty great, too. The family-run joint has been going since 1930, and the recipes have barely changed in almost 100 years. The food is so good that there are often people lining up down the street – and everything tends to sell out by the afternoon.
Dee’s Deli is the sort of cute, charming down-home spot that has locals yearning for its sandwiches while they’re away – and visitors wishing they lived a little closer. The tiny bungalow-style joint specializes in traditional Italian grinders, served packed with charcuterie meats, cheeses, and crunchy vegetables. Everything is good, particularly the enormous meatball subs.
There's some strong competition when it comes to old-school seafood spots in Charleston, but you can't go wrong with Dave's Carry Out. Fans wax lyrical about the seafood platter, which comes piled with scallops, shrimp, and deviled crab, plus fries and salad. There are no frills inside, and your food will come served in polystyrene – but there's a popping blue façade that'll let you know you're in the right spot.
Tucked away in the sleepy little town of Redfield, you’ll find one of South Dakota’s most adored eating spots. A true mom-and-pop affair, Leo's Good Food opens from 5.30am daily and offers a belly-busting selection of delicious and affordable breakfast staples, including chicken-fried steak and eggs, griddled hot cakes, and enormous cheese and bacon–packed omelets. This no-frills joint is also famous for its old-timey vibe, speedy service, and friendly staff.
Founded in 1951, The Loveless Cafe isn’t glitzy or glamorous like some places in Nashville, but this retro spot just outside the city is one of the best joints to find good old-fashioned Southern comfort food. Located at the start of the Natchez Trace Parkway, it’s the perfect place to stop on a road trip and load up on classics like fried chicken and the fluffiest biscuits, all served on gingham-topped tables and surrounded by walls covered with photos.
A no-frills mini mart in the heart of San Antonio probably isn’t the first place you’d expect to find a world-class Philly cheesesteak, but Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy has a cult following for its exceptional sammies. Each one contains a quarter pound of sliced rib-eye and a melt-in-the-mouth tangle of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and smoked provolone cheese. Diners also praise the wonderfully juicy rotisserie chicken sandwiches and perfectly made BLTs. The spot used to be a gas station and convenience store and has grown to become one of the region’s favorite hidden gems.
Czech Stop – a Shell gas station, deli, and store – has a little secret inside. Little Czech Bakery draws on West’s Czech heritage by specializing in kolaches. These freshly baked pastries are filled with a range of sweet or savory fillings, from fruit with cream cheese to sausage with sauerkraut, and they’re just perfect. There are a handful of tables for eating in, or you can grab a bag for the road.
The authentic Japanese cuisine at Five Sushi Brothers, a small spot with just a few tables, is so good that the restaurant has won a legion of loyal fans – and it's especially popular as a place to satisfy late-night cravings. People particularly rave about the gyoza dumplings and the cute atmosphere.
The food served up at Handy’s Lunch, a family-run spot that’s been going since 1945, is simple yet superb. The small diner, near the shores of Lake Champlain, is a favorite for breakfast and lunch, with a menu of crowd-pleasers including Texas hotdogs and enormous, fully loaded breakfast sandwiches. If you dare, order the Master Black Belt (pictured) – a hearty feast of three fried eggs, two burger patties, ham, bacon, and sausage, all between four slices of French toast.
If it wasn't for its head-turning blue storefront, you might walk right past this tiny taco shop. That'd be a shame, though, as you'd miss out on a tempting menu of Baja-style Mexican dishes, from kicking fish tacos with house-made habanero cream to a shrimp quesadilla with pineapple salsa. Don't forget to order a signature Margarita, too.
You can’t go wrong with anything at Hole in the Wall BBQ, a Seattle staple that fits the bill in more than just name. Founded by legendary pitmaster Chuck Forsyth in 1989, this charming joint has been part of the city’s thriving food scene ever since and remains a no-frills, family-run affair today. The juicy ribs, tender brisket, and melt-in-the-mouth pulled pork may be cooked slow and low, but the service is quick and efficient, making it the perfect spot for a speedy lunch.
Hermosilla’s looks like your standard deli, but the food served here is really something special. It’s so good that customers tend to return again and again. The sandwiches are great, from Italian subs to meatball sammies – and you can also pick up deli and antipasti trays to take away or eat at one of the few tables. Diners also love the build-your-own salad boxes.
This burger joint dates back to 1934 and is a favorite among locals (and anyone else in the know). The menu at Al’s Hamburger Shop is simple yet perfectly executed. A range of classic and specialty burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and shakes are served to happy customers, who perch at the few blue leather–topped stools or grab a cozy booth.
Luxury Diner is housed in an old trolley car, and the interior is tiny. With just a few tables and food that attracts rave reviews, there's often a wait to be served – but it's worth it for the wonderful club sandwiches, fluffy pancakes, and friendly service. It’s known for its breakfasts and burgers, but the more substantial lunchtime plates, with choices like chicken-fried steak and corned beef hash, are also great.
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Last updated by Dominique Ayling.