If you're looking for a satisfying meal at a bargain price, you can't beat a blue-plate special. The term is said to date back to 1892, when the Harvey House chain served discounted meals, heaped on disposable blue plates, to railroad travelers in the Western states. Traditionally the domain of mom-and-pop joints, they typically include meat and three sides with a complimentary drink – though many modern restaurants have now jumped on the blue-plate train, too.

Looking for delicious, filling, and relatively cheap eats? Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best place for a blue-plate special 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.

Unsurprisingly, given the name, this down-to-earth Alabama joint, with locations in Dothan and Northport, puts on excellent blue-plate specials. Serving up traditional Southern classics, guests can select from entrees such as baked chicken, country-fried steak, or meatloaf, with a choice of two sides (we recommend the fried okra and creamed corn). Don't miss the dessert of the day, it's always a tasty take on an old-school favorite. 

Artisanal breads and pastries are the drawcard of this cute spot in Talkeetna – but the blue-plate specials are worth sticking around for. Typical options include dishes such as braised short rib with buttery mashed potatoes, or the house jambalaya with yellow lentils. It's located in one of Alaska's most picturesque towns, too; if you're lucky, you'll get views of mighty Denali mountain.

If you're looking for an old-school joint dishing up American classics, you can't go far wrong with Gus Balon's Restaurant. The comforting menu hits the spot, and it's augmented by regular blue-plate specials – expect hearty plates such as chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, or breakfast specials like cheeseburger omelet with fried potatoes and homemade toast and jelly.

Swing by this down-home Little Rock restaurant for a meat-heavy menu and rib-sticking portions. The blue-plate special changes by the day; choose between meat and two veggies, or a veg-only plate. Mouth-watering options include meatloaf, fried chicken, or catfish with your choice of sides like squash casserole, baked beans, and baked potato salad.

'True classics done right' is what's promised at this long-running spot that began life at LA's well-loved Original Farmers' Market back in 1938. Now there are locations in both LA and Las Vegas, and you'll need to visit between 6am and noon, Monday through Friday, to take advantage of the excellent blue-plate specials. Sink your teeth into tempting options such as its award-winning pancakes, French toast, hot cake sandwiches, or a complete breakfast with bacon or turkey links, eggs, and hash browns. 

Boulder has plenty of funky eating spots, and Walnut Cafe (now with two locations) is no exception. Sit up at the bar on a classic diner stool and feast on everything from egg plates at breakfast time to belly-busting sandwiches at lunch. The specials keep things interesting; check the menu for daily delights such as veg-packed scrambles, and black-eyed pea soup with sweet cornbread.

There's nothing quite like an all-American diner when you're in need of some comfort food, and this southwestern Connecticut spot really delivers. It serves a mean breakfast, or take advantage of the early bird specials, with filling dinners at reduced prices. Choose from options such as roast pork loin with apple sauce and potatoes, or baked meatloaf with mushroom onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies.

You'll find a load of traditional dishes on offer at this British-inspired restaurant and bar – from the signature fish and chips to bangers and mash. The British theme continues on the specials board, too. Changing regularly, expect to fill up on dishes like hot meat pies and mashed potatoes, lamb with mint sauce and gravy, or salmon with buttery greens.

Generously sized blue-plate specials are served until 4pm at this convivial joint in northwestern Florida. You'll get a choice of meat, three veggies, cornbread or a roll, and a large cup of iced tea. Meats and fish on offer include liver and onions, fried flounder, and grilled chicken breast, served alongside fried squash, rice and gravy, and green beans. Vegetarians can skip the meat and opt for a veg-loaded plate instead.

This small-town gem is known for its friendly service, homecooked food, and heavenly desserts. The blue-plate specials come highly rated by customers, who say that this is Southern comfort food at its best. Expect your plate to be stacked with your choice of meat, three vegetable sides, cornbread, dessert, and tea.

All the food is good at Zippy’s, but if you’re after a bargain, the daily plates are the thing to order. Feast on options like the chicken trio – fried chicken, chicken katsu, and pieces of Korean chicken on a heap of shredded cabbage – or opt for the generous hamburger steak with balls of rice. 

This Hayden staple dishes up some fantastic specials – just as its name suggests. At breakfast time you can expect one-off options like blueberry French toast with eggs and your choice of meat, while come lunch you can tuck into tuna salad with fresh veggies and dressing, or the Burger Haystack – a grilled burger patty with American, Cheddar, or Swiss cheese on a bed of greens and dressing.

Whichever day of the week you come by Shannon's Five Star – a Bloomington favorite whose current iteration has been running since 1997 – you'll find a top-notch, well-priced special on the menu. On Mondays, it's meatloaf or spaghetti with meat sauce, on Wednesdays it's chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes, and, come Friday, barbecue ribs with slaw is the pick of the bunch.

There are no frills at this Indy joint, but that's all part of the charm. It’s known for its $9 dinners, which mostly involve a meaty main event and a couple of veggie sides. Decide between baked pork chops, barbecued ribs, or turkey and dressing, accompanied by the likes of Buffalo fries, fried green tomatoes, or macaroni salad. There's a long list of affordable, hearty sandwiches, too, from BLT to grilled cheese.

It's not unusual for diners to dish up stellar blue-plate specials, and this Des Moines spot doesn't disappoint. The place has been going strong since 1987, so it has plenty of experience turning out its excellent specials. You can choose between meatloaf, roast beef, or turkey breast, along with skin-on smashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, house salad, and a crusty roll.

The name of this friendly joint sets expectations high, but pleasingly Tasty Shop is tasty indeed, with a menu full of comforting American staples. Specials change by the day, but you can expect to tuck into the likes of sizzling chicken enchiladas, perfectly made lasagna, and comforting meatloaf. Ordering a giant ice cream sundae for dessert is a must. 

This cheerful spot, located in Kentucky's biggest city, boasts homey interiors, from exposed brick walls to checkered flooring. You can always guarantee you'll find something tasty thanks to the daily blue-plate specials. The options are typically meaty and ultra-satisfying – think a ham and Swiss sandwich on toasted focaccia, or the signature charburger with hand-patted ground chuck, each served with chips and salad.

You may need to wait a little longer for the blue-plate special at this restaurant, as it takes some time to cook. But it's well worth it to dive into a hamburger steak with flavorsome smothered onions, plus mashed potatoes or fries, and gravy. There are plenty of other reasonably priced staples too, from a classic lasagna to eggplant casserole. 

CBG is more upmarket than many of the stalwart down-home joints serving up blue-plate specials on this list. The swish spot is known for its thoughtful menu, with vegetarian options and a first-rate brunch list. When it comes to blue-plate specials, discerning diners can expect delights such as a dry-aged rib-eye steak with garlic confit mashed potatoes, and asparagus, or spiced shrimp jambalaya.

Leaving Bull on the Beach hungry is pretty much impossible. The menu heaves with filling, nourishing delights, from crab cakes on buttery brioche to French onion soup loaded with cheese. You can always nab an affordable special, too. Visit for dishes such as bulging beef sandwiches, or a tasty Cuban baguette with Swiss cheese, pickle, and brown mustard. These come with chips, or guests can upgrade for sides like fries, potato salad, or baked beans.

Part of the Watertown community since 1947, Deluxe Town Diner knows a thing or two about delicious dishes. The space, complete with blue and orange furnishings, serves up an array of blue-plate specials. Pull up a stool and order everything from roast turkey dinners with mashed potatoes and gravy, to chicken pot pies with veggies and salad.

This cozy diner specializes in classic comfort food including favorites such as Swedish meatballs, roast turkey, and house-made meatloaf, all served with a choice of sides – think mashed potatoes, mac ’n’ cheese, scalloped apples, and cheesy grits. As well as the friendly service and great food, people rave about the diner's retro decor, and say it's a must-visit when in town.

This Minneapolis favorite serves up blue-plate specials the whole family will enjoy. Alongside the flavor-packed menu, featuring everything from house-made chicken noodle soup to chicken pesto pappardelle, the specials are well worth trying. Expect regularly changing dishes such as stacked chicken salad sandwiches, turkey burgers, and French toast.

Locals and visitors alike love the warm vibe at retro Hal and Mal's, which plates up Southern classics and entertains diners with regular live music. It has been going strong since 1985, and there's not a bad item on the menu. That means you can never go wrong with the blue-plate special. The specials menu changes daily and could include dishes such as roast beef and gravy with mashed potatoes, turnip greens, and black-eyed peas, or try brisket with potato salad, fried okra, and coleslaw.

You might associate blue-plate specials with simple mom-and-pop joints, but that's not always the case. St Louis' Farmhaus is an upmarket restaurant that champions seasonal, local ingredients and imaginative modern American cuisine (think scallop spaghetti with bacon vinaigrette or braised beef empanadas with feta). Look out for regular blue-plates such as meatloaf with garlic green beans and smashed sweet and regular potatoes.

The quaint yet cool mountain town of Red Lodge punches above its weight when it comes to great food and drink. And among the top offerings is Cafe Regis, a down-to-earth breakfast and lunch spot with neon signage and a sun-dappled garden area. The daily specials are always a winner; swing by for options such as a turkey melt sandwich, and sides like hash browns. 

Trendy Block 16 is a firm fixture on Omaha's lunchtime food scene, serving excellent and bulging sandwiches, from a poutine burrito with shaved steak to hot Nashville-style fried chicken with candied tomato on a sesame bun. The specials go down a treat, too. Plump for options such as Omaha chop with provolone, mozzarella, and salad on a toasted roll.

Vegas is better known for its indulgent seafood buffets and ritzy steakhouses than it is understated restaurants serving blue-plate specials. But sophisticated Yardbird takes Southern classics and spins them in new and creative ways – think deviled eggs with smoked trout roe. They don't always run blue-plate specials (and when they do, they're off menu), but they're always a hit (fried chicken with citrus-pepper watermelon and a house-made buttermilk biscuit has been an option in the past). There are also locations in other cities including Washington DC, Dallas, and LA.

A classic all-American diner is a great place to nab a blue-plate special, and this retro mini chain has locations in Concord, Londonderry, Manchester, and Nashua. The vibe is every bit the textbook diner – think neon signage and walls heavy with old photos – and the specials always hit the spot. They're served on TV dinner–style trays, and regular rotating choices include the pork pie dinner, chop suey Parmesan, lasagna, haddock, and fried chicken and waffles.

This no-frills cafe in Union City has been serving up Cuban feasts since 1976, and over four decades later it continues to be a local favorite. The daily menu changes, with affordable specials available throughout the week. Come by on Tuesday and enjoy spaghetti and meatballs, or yellow rice and pork, or visit on a Friday for sautéed steak and peppers, or cod with potatoes. The house favorite, though, is the Juanito Special: grilled chicken breast, fried pork chunks, eggs, Spanish sausage, plantains, and rice and beans.

If you're craving classic New Mexico dishes, head to Tomasita's, with locations in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Top menu items include chili relleno or enchiladas heaving with pinto beans, Spanish rice, and chili. Blue-plate specials vary depending on the day; come by on Monday for the tamale blue plate, with pork tamales, a blue corn cheese enchilada with green chili, and a beef taco.

There are endless places to dine in the Big Apple, but those after something a little different should book in to Ellen’s Stardust Diner. This New York City favorite sees staff serving up delicious dinners, all while singing Broadway hits and other songs. Blue-plate specials are available during lunch and dinner services, with dishes such as chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, roasted salmon and rice, and chicken tenders and waffle fries taking a starring role.  

Founded back in 1958, Big Ed's has become something of an institution in Raleigh. The cheerful spot promises 'country cooking at its best,' with breakfast staples such as ham, hot cakes, and gravy, and turkey sausage and Cheddar omelets, served up in a dining room with checkered tablecloths and mismatched photos on the walls. Blue-plate specials change by the day and include options such as fried catfish with coleslaw and your choice of two sides (we love the butter beans), tea or coffee, and dessert. 

This friendly diner has gained quite a reputation for its cozy atmosphere, helpful staff, and homestyle cooking. The down-home dinners are a brilliant, affordable, and filling way to enjoy a taste of the joint’s success. Choose between juicy ribs, liver and onions, breaded walleye, or fried shrimp, served with your choice of potato, baked beans, coleslaw, salad or cup of soup. 

Another excellent diner serving solid blue-plate specials, this Ohio mini-chain has locations in Gahanna, Dublin, and Grandview. It's a classic diner set up with red leather booths and a lengthy bar, and the daily blue plates include options like crab cakes, chicken pot pie, and liver and onions. There's also a happy hour menu filled with tasty bites, including hot and sour calamari, warm pretzels, and tamarind-glazed chicken wings.

This Oklahoma stalwart purports to be the 'home of the blue plate special,' with a different option served Monday through Friday. It's a casual spot, with customers ordering at the counter then pulling up a chair and waiting for the likes of baked chicken with buttered red potatoes, or beef stroganoff with green beans.

Jake's Famous Crawfish has been feeding the folks of Portland, Oregon – as well as a star-studded list of diners that includes Humphrey Bogart and Madonna – since 1892. As the restaurant's name suggests, its USP is seafood, and the blue-plate specials follow suit. Book a table for meals such as grilled steelhead trout with steamed rice and seasonal veggies, all doused in garlic butter.

Diners love the cheerful decor and façade, with its popping pink shutters and sign, at Gracie's 21st Century Cafe. But the real drawcard, of course, is the food; you can feast on everything from beautifully presented soft-shell crab to filet mignon. Blue-plate specials are served on Wednesdays and include mouth-watering choices like Margarita chicken, linguine Bolognese, and lobster rolls.

Like any good diner, this chilled-out restaurant has a down-to-earth vibe, an all-American menu, and service with a smile. There's a giant breakfast menu – think egg plates, French toast, and stacks of pancakes – plus meaty mains like burgers, roast beef sandwiches, and sirloin steak. Save a few dollars and opt for blue-plate specials like the shrimp and steak combo, beef liver with fried onions with potatoes and veggies, and fried chicken with fries and coleslaw. 

Any restaurant with a name like Nannie Annie's will surely deal in comfort food favorites. Indeed, that's exactly what you'll find on the menu at this cozy joint with a simple dining room and a generous menu for breakfast and lunch. Blue-plate specials are typically served from 11am-2pm, with options like fried fish with two sides, tea or pop, and an indulgent dessert. 

Offering a classic, zero-frills diner experience, Leo’s Good Food has become renowned for its tasty house-made pies. With a daily changing menu filled with homestyle cooking, you can expect to leave happy. There are daily specials, too, with previous highlights including chipped beef on toast, mac ’n’ cheese, shrimp tempura, baked chicken, and chicken-fried steak. These dishes come loaded with sides too, from salads and veggies to mashed potatoes and gravy.

The Loveless Cafe is more than a restaurant – it's burgeoned into an entire tourist attraction, with gift shops, cornhole, and an events space. Still, the main reason to come by is the food. The place is famous for its country ham, but the specials are well worth a try too. There's a different one on offer every day, from brisket cottage pie or chicken and dumplings to smoked dry-rub ribs. 

Boasting six locations across the state, including Dallas, Garland, and Plano, Norma’s Cafe has been serving the local community comfort food classics since 1956. Over seven decades later, the mini-chain has become renowned for its blue-plate specials, offering a choice of meat, with three veggies, rolls, and cornbread. House favorites include chicken tenders with gravy, chicken and dressing, and meatloaf with tomato sauce.

This fun Salt Lake City diner tips itself as the 'home of fine vegan dining.' Sink your teeth into plant-based dishes from lentil burgers to California-style burritos with jackfruit – or time your trip for one of the weekly specials, from peach waffles to Caesar salad wraps. Turn up for all-you-can-eat pizza on Tuesdays, or try Taco Thursdays and sample the chef's special, too. There's also a location in Portland, Oregon.

This charming, old-school diner – built by the Paterson Vehicle Co. – has stood in its current spot since way back in 1948. Classics are dished up in the bright blue dining car, from breakfast egg plates to sandwiches, burgers, and an extensive list of vegetarian options. The daily specials are raved about, too; try the turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce or go for chicken Parmesan with spaghetti.

A classic diner experience with affordable blue-plate options is hard to beat, and Bob & Edith’s Diner serves up all of the traditional favorites and then some. Now with seven locations across the state, including Springfield, Huntington, and Crystal City, customers can get their fix any day of the week. Swing by for lunch or dinner and enjoy everything from fish platters and ham steaks to pork chops and open-faced turkey sandwiches, all served with two delicious sides.

With a stellar location on Seattle's Fishermen’s Terminal, Chinook's is a casual place known for its excellent seafood. The menu heaves with fresh fish dishes, from seared wild salmon to blackened rockfish tacos, plus impressive rotating blue-plate specials such as a generous hunk of cod with potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a cup of clam chowder.

There's always a reasonably priced breakfast and lunch special on offer at this no-frills diner. Kick off your day with filling staples such as sausage and gravy with hot cakes or biscuits, or a skillet packed with cheese and vegetables. For lunch, dig into options like turkey and dressing with mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry relish, or chicken livers with your choice of sides. 

Monty's serves nostalgia on a platter, with its bright neon clock and booth seating – and, alongside it, some tempting daily blue-plate specials. Tuesday is 'date night burger and shakes' with two burgers and two milkshakes offered for a discounted price, while Thursday is the time to visit for a pot roast served with mashed potatoes, a dinner roll, and garlic buttered broccoli.

This much-loved diner serves up all-American favorites and all-day breakfasts to hordes of loyal locals. Known for its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere, this place is all about the classics. Popular options include the fried shrimp or hamburger steak, both served with soup or salad, a choice of potato, and a dinner roll. 

Now discover the most amazing diner in every US state

Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.