Whether you're far from home or simply craving a little comfort, there's nothing like pulling up a seat in a restaurant where the food is good and the staff make you feel like family. There are plenty of places across the US that deliver intimate, homey vibes and delicious dishes – from compact mom-and-pop spots to old-school diners that’ll take you back to your childhood.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the most homey restaurant in every US state.

Complete with string lights, foliage-filled archways, and a carved wooden bear guarding the entrance, Wildflower Cafe is a cozy restaurant that's loved by Mentone locals. Hidden away amongst mountains and billowing trees, the team here does everything it can to make you feel at home. Expect an array of hearty house-made dishes, from mountain-style shrimp grits to grilled filet mignon. Plus, there’s an on-site country store featuring trinkets and handmade items from local artists.

From its roaring open fireplace to its succulent, perfectly cooked steaks, this old-style steakhouse has been oozing homey vibes since it opened its doors in 1941. It's one of the oldest businesses still operating in Homer, and its old-town hospitality is what keeps locals coming back for more. While the menu is vast and varied, it’s the steaks that are the talk of the town. AJ’s uses premium USDA prime grade beef, packed with flavor and grilled how you want it, all served with the 'potato of the day' and seasonal vegetables.

Located in a building that dates back to the early 1900s, Sottise is one of Phoenix’s foodie gems. This modern brasserie is inspired by the café culture of Paris, and it serves up a menu of flavor-packed French classics. The interior mimics the style of French countryside cottages, with exposed brick walls, white tiles, and big farmhouse tables designed for family dinners. The deviled eggs with crispy pork are a must-order, as is the beef bourguignon with pommes purée.

If it wasn’t for the sign at the entrance, you'd think Ermilio's was just another Victorian home in Eureka Springs – but behind the door, you'll encounter old-school Italian hospitality at its finest. This unassuming restaurant is bursting with charm, serving up home-style Italian dishes packed with familiar flavors and fresh ingredients. Even on the inside it feels like a home, with multiple rooms offering privacy for groups and intimate date nights. The menu is filled with hearty dishes like chicken marsala and Italian sausage pasta.

Serving up all-American fare, Perry’s became an instant sensation when it first opened up on San Francisco's Union Street in 1969. Over half a century later – and with outposts on the city's Embarcadero and in Larkspur – it's become renowned for its hamburgers and traditional tomato bisque. All locations feature the mini-chain's signature blue-and-white checkered tablecloths and dark wooden furnishings. No order is complete without the classic Cobb salad, loaded with chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, tomato, blue cheese, and red wine vinaigrette.

Zest Mediterranean Cuisine may only have opened in 2022, but the space has quickly won over locals' hearts. Though the restaurant itself doesn't look like much, it serves up authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes that really shine. Our recommendation? Try the grilled chicken shawarma plate with pomegranate molasses or the charbroiled beef skewers – both of which come with pita bread, rice pilaf, salad, and hummus.  

With a name like Cozy Cottage, you'd expect this place to deliver plenty of home comforts – and we can safely say that it does. This family-run spot has become a haven for Denver locals, who come here to feast on American and Mexican-style fare in the homiest of settings. The space is bursting with countryside charm, complete with curved archways, delightful artwork, and dark wooden decor. Served smothered in house-made gravy, the country fried steak is a customer favorite.

If it’s burgers you’re after, Louis’ Lunch is the place to go in New Haven. Established in 1895, this is the oldest hamburger joint in the USA – so you can be sure the team knows a thing or two about fast food. People flock from all over the country to get their hands on the burger sandwiches here, which are cooked to order in the original cast-iron grills, dating back to 1898. Homey and hearty, it’s still family run.

Mrs. Robino’s has been serving fine Italian American fare to Wilmington locals since 1940. It’s exactly what you'd expect from an old-school Italian restaurant, with a red-and-green sign hanging outside, and modest, no-frills interiors. Spread across the walls, there are old family wedding portraits that'll make you feel right at home. Expect all of your favorite menu staples, from house-made spaghetti and meatballs to rustic Roman-style pizza with a super-thin crust.

If the name wasn’t a giveaway, this Orlando institution prides itself on serving delicious carb-loaded dishes that instantly warm you up. Mrs. Potato specializes in Brazilian comfort food, created with love, and its menu is designed to show off the versatility of the humble potato. The restaurant is simple, with a low-key design, but the Mr. Potato Head collection lining the glass shelves is a fun touch. The röstis – crispy hash browns stuffed with meats, cheese, and veggies – are a must.

Set up in 1945, just after the Second World War, Mary Mac’s Tea Room may have changed hands a couple of times over the years, but one thing remains the same: here, you can always expect tasty Southern classics, made with heart. Originally opened by Mary MacKenzie before former owner Margaret Lupo took over from 1962 until 1994, the restaurant still serves up many of the same recipes, cherished by locals and perfected over time. Everything is made fresh daily, from the beef pot roast to the sautéed chicken livers. Make sure you save room for a traditional Georgia-style peach cobbler, too.

Authentic Hawaiian cuisine is simple and packed with natural ingredients – and that's exactly what you’ll find at O’ahu Grill, a petite restaurant located in Honolulu. Set up by owner Johnny, who was keen to bring the family recipes from his childhood to life, this beloved eatery opened its doors in 2019. Local favorites include honeycomb tripe stewed in a tomato broth, and crispy pork belly with tomato and onions, marinated in the restaurant’s secret sauce.

With a name like this, it’s hardly surprising that Old Home Cooking has such a reputation with locals and road trippers alike. It may not look like much from the outside, but this Buhl restaurant makes up for it with its homey wooden interior and traditional homecooked meals. The team is super-friendly, making you feel at home instantly, and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling full and nourished. Expect everything from crumbly biscuits with thick sausage gravy to hot Belgian waffles with your choice of meat – and don't forget the cherry pie.

Wanting to bring a slice of his home in Mexico to Chicago, founder John Zaragoza and his family set up Birrieria Zaragoza in 2007. The restaurant now boasts two locations across the city and has even been featured in Netflix’s Taco Chronicles: Cross the Border. The original restaurant's laid-back interior is rich with deep orange tones and Mexican motifs, making you feel like you’ve stepped inside the Zaragoza family home. Designed to be enjoyed communally, the crowd favorite is the birria por libra, complete with cilantro, onion, lime, picante hot sauce, consommé, and árbol chiles.

Originally set up in 1954, Oasis Diner has changed hands several times over the years, was forced to shut down (due to its then-owner’s poor health), and has even moved locations – but somehow, it's still going strong. Local residents Dough Huff and Don Rector brought the diner back to its former glory in 2014, with both the exterior and interior restored to their original style. 10 years on, it's once again gained a loyal following for its diner staples, including an Indianapolis country fried breakfast: your choice of fried tenderloin or chicken breast with sausage gravy, two eggs, home fries, and toast.

Dating back to 1852, Breitbach’s Country Dining is Iowa’s oldest restaurant and bar. After closing in 2007 due to a gas explosion and fire, the restaurant reopened in 2009 – and it's been serving down-home American classics ever since. The space is decked out with homey antiques, and there's a cozy German-style beer garden with views out over the countryside. Breitbach’s menu is simple but hearty, filled with favorites like bacon cheeseburgers, battered pike with your choice of potato, and Iowa pork chops.

Packed with old-school charm, the Doo-Dah Diner feels like it's been around for decades – but it only opened in 2012. It quickly took the local foodie scene by storm, serving home-cooked dishes made with love and care, and you can always expect it to be filled with regulars. The gluten-free banana bread French toast, topped with candied apples, pecans, and syrup, is a must-order.

With a menu offering a modern take on Southern comfort food, you’ll feel right at home at this family-run restaurant. It boasts a homey interior, with an exposed metal ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a covered outdoor patio that's perfect for warm, sunny evenings. Expect to fall back in love with your childhood favorites, from shrimp and creamy grits to the restaurant's famous fried green tomatoes.

This New Orleans hotspot has been serving up Cajun classics since 1992. While its location has changed, the restaurant reopened in 2017 following a 12-year closure due to Hurricane Katrina – but it’s firmly back on its feet, and lovers of Cajun food travel far and wide to get their hands on a slice of its signature barbecue shrimp pie. Filled with smashed sweet potato and topped with New Orleans–style barbecue shrimp, it's a real must-try.

Family-run since 1927, Moody’s Diner started out as a cabin getaway for weary travelers road-tripping on Highway 1. It’s expanded since then, and it now features 18 cabins and a 104-cover diner. Armed with a classic neon sign and little else, the diner might not look like much, but it's become a national icon, dishing up old-school classics at affordable prices. Expect the likes of house-made corned beef hash, stacks of syrup-slathered pancakes, and seafood platters. 

Serving the Baltimore community for over 30 years, The Helmand focuses on healthy, hearty, and wholesome Afghani cuisine. Inside this family-run restaurant, you’ll find trinkets and art, traditional Afghan attire, exposed brick walls, and white, tablecloth-covered tables. The food speaks for itself, with the menu championing flavors from India, Iran, Greece, and Afghanistan. The kaddo borawni – baked and pan-fried baby pumpkin, served with a garlicky yogurt sauce – is highly recommended.

Dating back to 1826, this Boston landmark is one of America’s oldest restaurants, serving up traditional homecooked dishes. Complete with beamed ceilings and murals of the city covering every wall, eating here feels like stepping back in time. The hospitality can’t be faulted, with welcoming staff that put you at ease the moment you arrive. As you'd expect from the name, seafood plays a special part in the menu, with house-made lump crab cakes, fried select oysters, and lobster pots being popular choices.

This little restaurant may only have opened in 2018, but it’s already become a local favorite. After working under chefs from different countries, award-winning chef Oscar Moreno has returned to his roots, serving dishes inspired by his Mexican heritage. The restaurant feels like a family living room, with a colorful, hand-painted mural taking center stage. Menu highlights include Oscar’s Baja tacos, and traditional goats' cheese churros served with caramel sauce.

Since launching in 1994, Broders’ Pasta Bar has firmly established itself as Minneapolis' go-to haunt for fresh, rustic Italian fare. The decor is homey, with terracotta walls and countertop seating perfect for date nights – and outside, you’ll find one of the most sought-after patios in the city, complete with blooming flowers, string lights, and statues. It’s the pasta that everyone comes for, with the rigatoni con salsicce (a sausage-packed sauce) being a crowd favorite.

Set in a building that dates back to the late 1800s, H.D. Gibbes & Sons started life as a general merchandise store. It’s become engrained in the local community, and while the local area may have changed over the years, you can always guarantee you’ll find exactly what you need here – whether it’s gas and a road-trip snack, or a hearty hamburger. Since 2009, the joint has been serving up a selection of delicious Southern dishes too, from thick-cut pork chops to seafood salads. Served on paper plates, this is unfussy food done well.

You may have to line up outside before you can get your order in, but the warm hospitality and delicious dishes at Balkan Treat Box are well worth the wait. Dining here is like stepping into a traditional Balkan household, with all the breads, salads, and meats prepared fresh daily. Menu highlights include everything from rice pudding with pistachio and rose petals to fresh Turkish pides (flatbreads) with gooey cheese, your choice of meat or vegetables, and spices.

Serving up a menu of home-cooked American classics, this old-school diner will remind you of your childhood. It’s owned and operated by a Montana-born family, with a strong focus on simplicity and local produce. You're likely to find a crew of locals lining the counter, sipping on strong black coffee and diving into dishes such as the Manny Steak (a breakfast-style 9oz hamburger steak served with two eggs), or the hot Montana Melt sandwich, stacked with roast beef, sautéed onions, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and au jus.

The ultimate date night destination, V. Mertz is set within Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood. Though it started out as a casual café in the 1970s, the space has since transitioned into a stylish fine-dining restaurant. While it’s on the expensive side, you can’t fault its coziness. Think bottle-lined walls, exposed brick, and candlelit tables. If you can, snag a table in the foliage-filled passageway for a really special experience. The team serves up modern American dishes with a twist, with a mix of small and large plates that are perfect for sharing.

Despite changing ownership several times since opening in 1969, Lou’s Diner has always been one of Las Vegas’ foodie gems. The space oozes that classic diner feel, complete with walls brimming with an assortment of artifacts, newspaper cuttings, and achievements. You’ll find all of your usual down-home favorites on the menu, made fresh daily, including the ever-popular chicken noodle soup that’s served up every Tuesday.

From the rustic wooden interior to the stacks of pancakes that are flipped here every day, it’s hardly surprising that locals and road trippers alike have been flocking to Polly’s Pancake Parlor since its launch in 1938. These are the freshest pancakes around – the team grinds its wheat, buckwheat, and cornmeal flours in-house. Opt for the full stack of six pancakes and choose between seven batter and filling options, from gingerbread batter to chocolate chip add-ins.

Named after the character Ratty from classic children’s novel The Wind in the Willows, this beautiful restaurant is surrounded by 42 acres of picturesque countryside. Expect a cozy café vibe, with vibrant artwork, wooden furnishings, and warm lighting, and a menu filled with seasonal farm-to-fork recipes. Choose between sharing appetizers such as artisanal cheese or charcuterie before sampling the popular coq au vin with bacon lardons, pearl onions, cremini mushrooms, and pommes purée.

This humble spot has been serving up authentic Mexican flavors since 1953. The family-owned restaurant started life on Burro Alley before moving to its current location in 1960, and it's made a name for itself as one of New Mexico’s must-visit restaurants. It’s famed for its vibrant, colorful design, extensive mezcal selection, and legendary red chili enchiladas. Don’t leave without trying the traditional custard flan – it comes smothered in a rich caramel sauce.

In a city filled with bright lights and fast food chains, it would be easy to miss this humble mom-and-pop shop – but regulars and passersby keep this intimate joint bustling. Inside you're instantly greeted with warm smiles and wafts of healthy, home-cooked dishes from the stovetops. This little restaurant is bursting with charm and personality, with pots and pans hanging across the counter. The menu is compact and seasonally changing, but you can always guarantee there will be something delicious on offer.

As the name suggests, you can expect to feel right at home at this beloved Brooklyn eatery. Relax Restaurant is known for serving some of the best Polish food in the city, focusing on vibrant, fresh, and flavor-packed ingredients. Go for the traditional tripe soup – loaded with beef, root vegetables, and spices – before sampling a selection of pierogi dumplings filled with the likes of potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushrooms, or juicy blueberries.

Dating back to 1897, this building has been everything from an old-school local store to a paint shop, a laundromat, and even a gym. In 1983, it transformed into its present establishment, Alexander Michael’s. This American tavern draws inspiration from European pubs, complete with a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. From its royal blue exterior and wood-paneled interiors to its fresh, expansive menu, it has become a local attraction in its own right. The ‘What It Is' is a menu staple, featuring blackened chicken breast over fresh rotini pasta in a Cajun cream sauce.

If it’s comfort food you’re craving, head to Darcy's Cafe – it serves up all of the diner dishes you grew up eating. While it might not look like much from the outside, you can expect to be flooded with nostalgia and warming aromas once you step through the door. Here, you’ll find tasty breakfast sandwiches – stuffed with scrambled eggs, your choice of meat, and melted cheese – as well as stack upon stack of pancakes, and a delicious corned beef hash with eggs, hash browns, or fries.

Anyone from Ohio no doubt has fond memories of Kewpee Hamburgers from their childhood. This nostalgic establishment has been flipping burgers since 1928 – and its affordability keeps generation after generation coming back, with hamburgers starting at around $3. The menu is simple, featuring hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches, sides of chili, and breakfast omelets. Now boasting three locations across Ohio, you’ll always know you’re close when you see the Kewpee baby statue over the entrance.

With a vast history dating back to the early 1900s, this building began its life as a family home and flower store, owned by the Cheever family. While its owners and businesses have changed over the years, much of the original property remains as it was. Honoring its original owners, Cheever’s Cafe opened in 2000, and it continues to be a buzzy neighborhood destination, famed for its elevated home-cooked classics. On the menu, there's fried chicken and waffles with whipped butter and maple syrup, and shrimp and grits – featuring bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp, Cheddar and green onion grits, and sriracha-honey butter.

This popular haunt has been serving up tempting turkey sandwiches for over a century – and not only is the food good, but the restaurant's interior is equally impressive, with an ornate stained-glass ceiling, and red leather stools lining the bar. It’s still the turkey that draws the crowds, though. Choose between the hot turkey sandwich topped with mushroom gravy and cranberry sauce, or the house specialty: roast young tom turkey, served with sage dressing, fresh mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

With wooden finishes, exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen with a roaring wood-fired pizza oven, this neighborhood spot has become one of Philadelphia’s top date-night destinations. Located within the Wm. Mulherin's Sons hotel, the venue specializes in rustic Italian cuisine. The menu features the likes of crispy octopus with spicy arugula pesto and lemon–white bean purée, and a pistachio crème brûlée. 

A Rhode Island institution, Camille’s has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1914. The restaurant is quaint and cozy, with beautiful artwork, ambient lighting, and a big table at the back that's perfect for groups. Providence-born locals have been dining here for generations, and the quality has remained excellent. Chef specialty dishes include the veal rib chop, and the popular lasagna with Bolognese sauce, sausage, and ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.

After opening in 1990, Magnolias became one of the first restaurants in South Carolina to offer refined, upscale versions of Southern classics, while keeping tradition at its heart. Here, you’ll find elevated takes on the home-cooked dishes you grew up with, from fried green tomatoes to shellfish over grits. The space is beautifully decked out, with beamed ceilings and giant, airy windows allowing natural light to flood in.

The oldest full-service restaurant in Brookings, this spot started life as a small gas station café and quickly transformed into the neighborhood’s favorite eatery. Dating back to 1949, it’s still owned by the same family, now in its third generation. Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge is renowned for serving up local dishes, from pheasant meat wraps to bison burgers, as well as a weekend brunch menu of Nordic-influenced waffles. Soft and crêpe-like, these waffles feature notes of cardamom, and are filled with the likes of smoked salmon and cream cheese, and slow-roasted Black Angus roast beef with whipped potatoes.

It might be called The Loveless Cafe, but there’s plenty of heart to go around at this beloved Nashville joint. Set up in 1951, it specializes in house-made Southern bites, and it's become a treasured part of the community. Customers love the Southern Sampler Breakfast, packed with country ham, bacon, sausage, and eggs. There’s even a build-your-own biscuit slider section with your choice of fillings, from fried chicken tenders to pulled pork.

Set beneath the water tower in Gruene Historic District, on the ruins of an old cotton gin dating to 1878, this Texan joint is rich in history. It’s been operating as Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar since 1977, and the place has become popular with locals and tourists alike for its scratch-made meals and bountiful dessert offerings. The space is unique, with old-school original features, a roaring fire in the dining room, and a great outdoor dining area for warmer months.

A Corpus Christi favorite, Guajillos on the Island serves up authentic Mexican recipes in a cozy, relaxed space complete with traditional Mexican artwork and wooden furnishings. It’s the food that really sings, though. Menu highlights include slow-cooked lamb in a rich mulato broth, green chicken enchiladas, and mole poblano: a Mexican classic featuring a sweet and spicy sauce, chicken breast, and roasted sesame seeds.  

Bringing cozy Spanish vibes to Salt Lake City, Café Madrid opened in 2003 – and it became an instant hit. This family-run restaurant is filled with homey quirks like antique furniture, fresh flowers, and enough tables to keep it feeling intimate but buzzy, all at once. On the menu, you'll find tapas dishes such as a Spanish frittata, and chicken and ham béchamel croquettes. Get stuck into a sharing paella before devouring the crowd-favorite dessert: crème brûlée cake topped with vanilla cream.

Harrison's was set up by mom-and-son duo Kathy and Andrew Kneale in 2003 – and you’ll still find the pair hard at work here, both in the kitchen, and meeting and greeting customers. The space is wonderfully welcoming, with cozy booths decked out in plaid, low-hanging lights, and other rustic touches. On the menu, you can expect to find an array of fusion delights, from duck drumettes in a maple chipotle glaze to pistachio-encrusted venison, and artichoke mac 'n' cheese.

Set inside a historic building dating back to the 1800s, Tarrant’s Downtown has been serving the local community for over a decade, and it's become a go-to spot for great food. Featuring stylized gallery walls, vintage chandeliers, and church-style pew seating, it’s easily one of Richmond’s quirkiest eateries. It serves upscale yet affordable dishes, and customers love the range of homestyle comfort food dishes, from baked jumbo shrimp to creamy lasagna.

What this small mom-and-daughter joint lacks in size, it makes up for in hearty home-cooked meals. As the restaurant's name suggests, the menu here is stacked with soulful favorites like fried catfish with grits and cornbread, and a chicken wing dinner – featuring six fried chicken wings, a choice of two sides (including the likes of mac 'n' cheese, and red beans with rice), and a tasty cornbread muffin. It’s comfort food done right.

For more than 50 years, this homey restaurant has been serving up authentic Italian dishes to the Fairmont community. It was run by the Muriale family until late 2021, when Rocco Muriale handed over the reins to Scott and Jennifer Duarte, who worked with the family for many years – so you can expect the same warm hospitality and cherished Muriale family recipes that have been passed down through generations. It’s famed for its meatball hoagies, asparagus salads, and meat lasagnas, which have been on the menu since the restaurant opened in 1969.

Expect to travel back in time at this 1940s East Coast–style diner. Delta Diner has been part of the Wisconsin food scene for almost 20 years, and it's become famed for its blue plate specials, specialty sandwiches, and retro design (think snug booths and a stool-lined counter). The staff are friendly and welcoming, and verbally describe the menu items, which change daily. You can look forward to dishes such as stuffed hash browns, omelets, Cajun red beans, and biscuits and gravy.

For classic barbecue, it’s hard to beat Bubba’s Bar-B-Que Restaurant. This Jackson den has been serving up flavor-packed barbecue meats for more than 40 years, and it’s still a bustling joint packed out with regulars. Head there early to try the famous buttermilk biscuits topped with smoky pulled pork and house-made sausage gravy, or snag a booth at lunch or dinner to try one of the combo plates, served with your choice of two sides and thick Texas toast.

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