One of the best things about a US road trip is experiencing a wide variety of restaurants along the way – and there’s no style of eatery that more perfectly embodies Americana than the diner. From classic spots that whisk you back to the milkshake-fueled 1950s to spots that stretch themes right to the limit, we’ve found the most unusual roadside diner in every state.

Heading out on the road soon? Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America’s most unique roadside diners.

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.

This 1950s-style diner is a short stroll from the white beaches of Gulf Shores, and it’s beautifully suited to its environment. Sunliner Diner, which has another location in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, opened in May 2018, though the bold red-and-turquoise decor suggests it’s been around for decades. Here, you can enjoy classic all-day breakfast dishes and more modern favorites (like avocado eggs Benedict) in fun retro surroundings – the car-shaped booth is the best seat in the house.

If you’re not freaked out by being watched by a menagerie of taxidermy animals while you dig into your meal, Wasilla’s Roadside Inn is the place to go. This quaint restaurant looks like it belongs in another era – and it's full of Alaskan charm, with picturesque paintings of the state's diverse terrain on the walls. In short, it offers a diner experience you’d only get in the Last Frontier.

This historic roadside stop, located on the former Route 66 in Seligman, is a must-visit. Built from scrap lumber in 1953, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In is both an example of flamboyant roadside architecture and a great rest spot. Out front, you'll spot a roofless 1936 Chevrolet hardtop, decorated with horns, automotive emblems, and an artificial Christmas tree. The joint's unusual style extends to the inside, where you’ll find colorful decor and a menu of diner classics.

You won’t struggle to spot Mr D’z Route 66 Diner – it has a brightly colored façade, complete with fun signage and pink-and-turquoise outdoor seating. As the name suggests, it’s located on Route 66, and vintage memorabilia lines every nook and cranny of the interior. The spot is said to have been frequented by Oprah Winfrey, and it's become renowned for its tasty homemade root beer.  

While driving through Redfield, halfway between Little Rock and Pine Bluff, you’ll find Mammoth Orange Cafe – a roadside pit stop established in 1966. You can’t miss it; just as the name suggests, it’s an enormous orange-shaped diner, and it serves some of the best hamburgers, hot dogs, and chili dogs around. Inspired by a restaurant in California built in the 1950s, Mammoth Orange Cafe is rightly renowned as an interesting place to grab a bite to eat while traveling along Highway 365.

Complete with neon lights, vinyl booths, and a jukebox blasting out old-school tunes, Cafe 50’s opened in 1986 – and it continues to be a local favorite, thanks in part to its 1950s-style decor. Every inch of the walls and ceiling are plastered with vintage newspaper clippings, while the cozy leather-lined booths evoke that classic diner feel. The menu favorite is the Monte Cristo: a hearty triple-layered sandwich that's filled with roast turkey, ham, Swiss and Cheddar cheese, dipped in batter, then deep fried.  

Airplane food doesn’t have the best reputation, but this restaurant in Colorado Springs challenges perceptions by serving great food in a historic Boeing KC-97 tanker. Built in 1953, the airplane refueled aircraft around the world before being transformed into a restaurant in 2002. As you might expect, the diner is rich in aviation history, with pictures, memorabilia, and rare artifacts lining the walls.

One for all the bookworms out there, this roadside diner gives customers free books with their food. Serving classic American dishes, Traveler Restaurant also has a bookstore downstairs, where customers can get their hands on a wide range of tomes. The best part about eating here is that instead of waiting impatiently for your food to be prepared, you can peruse the bookshelves, and decide which free book you’d like to start reading.

Helen’s Famous Sausage House may not look like much from the outside, but once you step through the door, you'll be greeted by a life-size mannequin (and countless pictures) of Elvis Presley. Located on North Dupont Highway, the modest diner attracts hordes of people keen to enjoy a savory breakfast sandwich – like the double sausage sandwich, served on a warm hot dog bun – in a space that’s effectively a shrine to the legendary singer. Another location can be found in Newark.

This gem of a Sunshine State diner serves mango with just about everything, from waffles and Mimosas to the butter that's spread on its freshly cooked biscuits. Don’t worry if you’re not a mango fan, though – Toasted Mango Café, which has two locations in the city, does have plenty of options that come without the tropical fruit.

Marietta Diner, a neon palace you may have spotted on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, not only looks fabulous inside and out, but it's also open 24 hours a day. The menu is broad and varied, with timeless breakfast favorites, sandwiches, burgers, and – reflecting the owner’s heritage – a selection of Greek meals on offer. Sweet-toothed customers will find it hard to resist the eye-catching cake display (the baklava cheesecake is particularly tasty).

From its menu and music to the memorabilia on display, Rock Island Café pays homage to the 1950s with joyful abandon. Its walls are adorned with photos and posters, while its dishes are named after iconic characters, movies, TV shows, songs, and celebrities, from King Kong to the King (Elvis Presley). Beef hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes fill the menu – which, because this is Honolulu, is displayed on a surfboard. There’s also a shop selling collectibles.

With a reclaimed wood exterior, colorful flowers and an array of old farming tools out front, and some old tractors parked up at the rear, The Rusty Lantern looks more like a farmhouse than a diner. The top menu items to try here are the unusual yet seriously tasty soups – including taco, pizza, and ham and bean varieties.

The only remaining building from a small coal mining settlement, DeCamp Station used to be known as DeCamp Junction, and it sits on the original 1926-32 alignment of Route 66. If you need to let off some steam after being cooped up in the car, this historic roadhouse is just the place to do so – it has a volleyball court and a softball field, meaning you can stop by, fill up on classic diner food, then play a game or two.

Oasis Diner makes its own sodas, which is just one of the things that set the cute and colorful spot apart from its competition. Another is the diner's obsession with lunch; not just serving it, but honoring a part of its history via a display of vintage lunch boxes, bearing designs featuring everything from E.T. to Pac-Man and Barbie. Throw in some wonderfully comforting diner food and a TV playing old sitcoms, and a visit here is pretty much guaranteed to brighten your day.

Iowa 80 was built in 1964 by Standard Oil – and it's now the world’s largest truck stop, serving typical diner plates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hungry customers come here for a feed, but also to explore the trucker showroom and store, which carries more than 50,000 items. The spot also hosts the Truckers Jamboree, a yearly event that sees antique trucks (not to mention cars shaped like boots and hot dogs) displayed.

In the heart of Hays’ thriving entertainment and arts district, the bustling Gella’s Diner comes complete with its own microbrewery. Since it opened its doors in 2005, it's been a huge hit with locals and visitors alike, serving award-winning craft beers alongside diner dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The chicken wings and bacon-stuffed jalapeño popper burgers are crowd favorites.

Lovers of bright colors will adore this old-school diner in Louisville. Complete with a pink-and-black awning and retro welcome sign, this spot has personality in spades – and it serves up an excellent menu of home-cooked favorites. Expect everything from chocolate chip hotcakes and oozy grilled cheese sandwiches to platters piled high with juicy meats and Texas toast.  

As the name suggests, Dodson Roadside Cafe and Creamery serves ice cream alongside classic diner favorites. What makes eating here particularly unusual, though, is the way that the joint combines the two, offering the likes of hot beef sundaes among other unique takes on traditional diner food. The all-wooden exterior means you can't miss this spot.

Diner menus are often as long as your arm and as thick as a book, but not at the tiny Palace Diner in Biddeford. The no-fuss 15-seat diner, set within a trolley car, only has seven dishes on its breakfast menu – and it offers just four sandwiches at lunch. That said, all of the meals here come with a hefty dose of nostalgia. The car was built by the Pollard Company in 1927, and it's one of just two surviving Pollard diners in the country.

The huge menu at Broadway Diner goes beyond the realm of traditional American food, serving authentic Greek dishes like gyros, souvlaki, and moussaka, as well as the likes of eggplant parm, broiled crab cakes and country fried steak. As the regulars will tell you, the dessert display is rather special, too.

It may look like a regular diner from the outside, but this place serves up classic diner dishes that are entirely vegetarian. Located in Cambridge, Veggie Galaxy gives classic diner favorites a tasty veggie makeover – serving dishes like caramelized banana butter waffles, chickpea ‘tuna’ melts, and even giant BBQ platters piled with seitan chicken tenders, seitan sausages, BBQ seitan ribs, and a handful of sides. All of the joint's dishes can be made vegan, too.

There’s nothing unusual about a diner serving milkshakes, but the flavors at Johnny's Roadside Diner really set it apart. Options range from an orange Creamsicle creation to a chocolate-coffee hybrid, and there's also a range of boozy milkshakes for the grown-ups to enjoy. The retro treats don't stop there, though – the spot also serves floats, lavish sundaes, classic burgers, and sandwiches.

With two locations in the state, Fleetwood Diner has become somewhat of a Michigan institution. Customers love the joint's signature breakfast dish, the Hippie Hash, which sees hash browns tossed with grilled tomatoes, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and feta cheese. The decor is charming, too; the walls are covered, floor to ceiling, in stickers.

The pink petticoat of Mammy’s Cupboard is a beloved mainstay along Highway 61 in Natchez. The tall, brightly painted brick sculpture houses a charming old-school diner, which serves Southern classics like chicken pot pie, red beans and rice, and blueberry lemonade. It's only open for three hours a day, so you do need to hit the quaint spot at just the right time; however, the cozy atmosphere and tasty food are worth planning ahead for.

Originally set up as a pharmacy and soda fountain, Brent’s Drugs was established in 1946 – and it continues to honor its heritage, with quirky pharmacy memorabilia dotted around the interior. The space is finished with turquoise accents, from the leather booths to the original bar stools and countertop. The soda fountain menu, meanwhile, continues to feature delicious drinks (think hot fudge sundaes and creamy shakes).  

A Missouri legend, Broadway Diner serves homemade classics – like biscuits smothered with lashings of gravy – in an atmosphere that’s both fun and comforting at the same time. Signature breakfasts include ‘The Stretch,' a pile of scrambled eggs, chili, onions, cheese, and hash browns. The interior is cute and colorful as can be, with red booths, candy floss–pink and sky-blue Formica tabletops, and a long counter with leather-cushioned stools.

There are few roadside diners that also have a view of a beautiful lake, but Betty's Diner is one of them. Located just off US Highway 93, the colorful eatery backs onto Flathead Lake, and it boasts outdoor seating so customers can make the most of those calming vistas. You can’t miss the building from the road – it's painted bright pink.

Complete with a giant neon sign, 1950s memorabilia, and vintage cars lining the entrance, Mel’s Diner is hard to miss (or beat). This shiny metal joint opened in 2011, and it's become renowned for its hearty fare. Pull up a stool at the counter and order a round of biscuits and gravy, or opt for a hot beef breakfast sandwich stacked to the nines – either way, you won’t be disappointed.

If you don’t eat everything on your plate at the Heart Attack Grill, you may well be publicly reprimanded for it. At this hospital-themed spot, servers dressed as doctors and nurses deliver colossal platters of distinctly unhealthy fare – including the notorious Double Bypass Burger (named the World's Most Calorific Burger by Guinness World Records), Flatline Fries, and Butterfat Milkshakes. It’s safe to say eating here is an unforgettable experience.

The Common Man is a diner that deliberately does things differently; the inside is made to look as though it's outside, with a roof painted like the sky, a wooden bridge, and a display of rocks complete with fake animals. The menu, however, is pleasingly traditional, featuring an array of grilled sandwiches, skillets, and all-day breakfast options. There are also locations in Manchester and Plymouth.

There’s no shortage of diners in New Jersey, but Tops Diner, located on Passaic Avenue in Harrison, has a certain charm to it. After all, it’s been here since 1942, reopening in a new-look building at the same location in late 2021. The interior is a timeless combination of dark wood paneling and striking tiled floors. Meanwhile, menu staples include meatloaf, chicken and waffles, fresh seafood platters, and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese.

Tacos, enchiladas, and burritos are the order of the day at Frontier, which has been serving up locally renowned Tex-Mex food since 1971. Customers have plenty to look at as they tuck into the joint's delicious tostadas and house-made tortillas; the interior is packed with unique paintings by local and national artists, while woven decorations and colorful lampshades decorate the ceiling. John Wayne features heavily, too; the owners are big fans of the movie star.

In New York City, diners are woven into the fabric of daily life. However, Ellen’s stands out thanks to its singing waiting staff and rainbow-colored bagels. The Broadway diner came close to turning off its neon lights forever as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic – but happily, it was saved by a crowdfunding campaign.

The Roadside diner has a big outdoor area where events are held – and it even hosts the occasional wedding. You get into the area by walking through a big wooden arch decorated with empty bottles (and not only that, but the owners have recycled other empties into a triangular tree-shaped sculpture). There are plenty of other attractions too, including a professional hula-hooper. Meanwhile, the diverse menu offers everything from clam chowder to shrimp alfredo. 

Diners are traditionally known for their burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and classic breakfast dishes, but that's not so at Kroll’s. With locations in Fargo, Bismarck, Mandan, and Minot, this diner franchise is renowned for its knoephla, a cream-based German soup dotted with dumplings. You could also try the unique German dish fleischkuechle, which sees ground beef wrapped inside pastry and deep fried. Here, it’s served with soup, salad, fries, or cottage cheese.

You don’t need a ticket to hop aboard the Buckeye Express, where you’ll find a menu of homey classics and hearty burgers. The family-owned restaurant is housed in a vintage steam engine diner car, which was towed to Ohio from Virginia in 2008. Adding to the quirkiness, the diner is decorated with Ohio State Buckeyes memorabilia – and there’s an impressive play area outside to keep youngsters amused.

What’s better than enjoying a burger in a classic 1950s-style diner? Said burger being served in a tiny pink Cadillac, that’s what. This charming alternative to plates is one of the things that sets Sherri’s Diner apart from its competition. There’s also the fun interior, decked out with neon lights, vintage signage, and a jukebox that plays 1950s tunes. The secret-recipe pancakes – served pillowy, and piled high with toppings – are yet another draw.

If you love old-school cars, you’ll want to pull into this 1950s-inspired diner. Every inch of the space is decked out with retro car memorabilia, and there's even a vintage Cadillac slotted in next to the dining area. Drawing in hungry customers since 1989, the menu features house specialties like steak and eggs, shrimp and grits, and smoked salmon hash.  

The hotcakes sell like, well, hotcakes, at P&G's Pamela's Diner, which has several locations in Pittsburgh. They come crêpe-style, with perfectly crisped edges and a choice of toppings (including bananas, chocolate chips, walnuts, and whipped cream). You can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu; it has everything from classic omelets to specials like a tasty chorizo hash. Barack and Michelle Obama have been here several times for breakfast – and if it’s good enough for the former President and First Lady…

Haven Brothers Diner is America's oldest diner on wheels, and it's been in service since 1893. It’s based near City Hall, but it often pops up in other locations too, so the best way to make sure you find the diner – and its range of delicious burgers – is by following it on Instagram. The diner started life as a horse-drawn lunch cart, run by Anne Philomena Haven and her brothers.

Hannibal’s Kitchen (which has nothing to do with a certain Mr. Lecter) isn’t the fanciest of restaurants, but customers agree it serves some of the tastiest food you’ll find anywhere. What the diner lacks in decor, it makes up for with its comforting soul food – with a menu that draws from local Geechee and Gullah cuisines. Southern seafood dishes (including crab rice, and shrimp salad) are particular specialties.

Part building, part Airstream trailer, this vintage-inspired diner opened in 1996, and it quickly garnered a reputation for its delicious food. Inside, you can expect classic, old-school booths – while outside, you’ll find a cozy seating area that's perfect for summer days. Here, you can tuck into tasty diner favorites, including breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and chicken fried steaks.  

The Arcade Restaurant is Memphis’ oldest café, opened in 1919 by Speros Zepatos, who had moved to the city from Greece. It was revamped by his son, Harry, in 1954, and has barely been touched since – which is what makes it such a must-visit. That, and the fact that Elvis Presley used to eat here (prepare for a wait if you want to sit in his old booth).

There’s no way you can miss this loud-and-proud diner in Amarillo. The Big Texan is painted bright yellow and blue, and there are several massive billboards and statues alerting passersby to its location (the huge cowboy, cowboy boot, and cow have become synonymous with the diner). It’s also become known for its 72oz steak dinner, free to anyone who can eat the entire meal within an hour.

At Prairie Schooner, you can dine in a wagon under the stars next to an open fire, just like the Mormon pioneers who settled here years ago. Those who’ve tried it love the atmosphere and feeling of privacy – and they also rate the accommodating staff and delicious steaks. Eating here is certainly an unusual experience, and one that’s unique to the Beehive State.

A must-visit for old-school diner fans, this South Burlington spot is housed inside a Worcester lunch car that dates all the way back to 1952. As you might expect from a spot with such a vintage feel, it serves up classic diner fare, from French toast and eggs Benedict to BLT sandwiches and house-made chili.

What may at first look like Barbie's Dreamhouse is actually The Pink Cadillac Diner, which reopened in 2022 after being sold to new owners. It’s painted bright pink to match the antique Cadillac outside and, as if that didn’t make it distinctive enough, there’s also a giant King Kong statue clutching an airplane nearby. If you’re lucky, an Elvis impersonator will make your dining experience here even more memorable.

Twede’s Café doesn’t look like much from the outside, but fans of David Lynch’s surreal 1990s TV drama Twin Peaks will recognize it as one of the most memorable locations from the show: the Double R Diner. People come for a slice of the cherry pie, famously loved by Agent Cooper in the show, and (of course) a 'damn fine cup of coffee.' The diner takes its role seriously, even selling Double R– branded merchandise like mugs (pictured).

Hillbilly Hot Dogs is filled with themed memorabilia and artifacts, given to the owners by customers who traveled from near and far to bite into some of the biggest hot dogs around. Fittingly, there’s a massive hot dog out front (not to mention two old-school buses). The diner even offers customers the chance to get married or renew their vows in the makeshift on-site chapel.

Blue is most certainly the order of the day at Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, which regularly wins local awards for its fantastic breakfasts. The wonderful selection of delicious vegetarian dishes is also worth taking a detour for, with choices like vegan banana and walnut pancakes marking a delicious departure from standard diner fare. People also love that the pies, cakes, and cookies are made from scratch every day.

Walking through the doors of Johnny J’s Diner is like stepping back in time to the 1950s, thanks to the joint's retro decor, soda fountain counter, and mid-century furniture. Located in Casper, Johnny’s serves all-American classics including waffles, cherry-topped milkshakes, and a delicious signature cheeseburger.

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