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. Guests can select from classic Southern entrées such as baked chicken, country-fried steak, and 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. 

Loved by locals for its homey vibe, Kriner’s Diner is a great option for anyone passing through Anchorage. The joint offers an incredible array of diner fare, but it’s the $14 Buck Meals menu that keeps diners coming back for more. Tuck into pork chops with mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, and a dinner roll, or try the tempura shrimp with fries and garlic bread. Look out for the daily specials, too.

If you're looking for an old-school joint dishing up American classics, you can't go far wrong with Gus Balon's Restaurant. Its 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, and breakfast specials like a cheeseburger omelet with fried potatoes and house-made 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 vegetables, or a vegetable-only plate. Mouthwatering options include meatloaf, fried chicken, and 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. You'll need to visit between 6am and noon, Monday through Friday, to take advantage of the restaurant's excellent blue-plate specials. Sink your teeth into tempting options such as pancakes, French toast, and hot cake sandwiches, or opt for a complete breakfast with bacon or turkey links, eggs, and hash browns.

Boulder has plenty of hip eating spots, and Walnut Cafe (now with two locations) is no exception. Here, you can 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 vegetable-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's famed for serving a mean breakfast, and it also does early bird specials, offering filling dinners at reduced prices. Choose from options such as roast pork loin with applesauce and potatoes, and baked meatloaf with mushroom-onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

This family-owned spot is a Bethany Beach favorite, serving up homey meals and breakfasts at affordable prices. As well as weekly offers (think chicken pot pie, stuffed peppers, and mac ’n’ cheese), you’ll always find multiple daily specials here, usually served with a choice of French fries, chips, or soup of the day. Choose between dishes like Louisiana-style Cajun chicken, patty melts, and rich beef stew with rice.

Generously sized blue-plate specials are served until 4pm at this convivial joint in northwestern Florida. You'll get a choice of meat, three vegetables, cornbread or a roll, and a large 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 vegetable-loaded plate instead.

Fred’s Market, which has three Florida locations, knows how to do Southern cooking well. This canteen-style restaurant offers a menu of daily specials, from fried chicken and crispy catfish to rainbow trout and sticky, smoked ribs, alongside a vast selection of sides (think vegetables, casseroles, and skillet cornbread), that you can help yourself to. The mini-chain has a blue-plate special, which entitles you to a trip to both the hot food and salad table.

This small-town gem is known for its friendly service, house-made food, and heavenly desserts. The blue-plate specials are loved 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, and cornbread – plus dessert and tea.

The home of the plate lunch, Hawaii is best known for hearty portions and nourishing meals, originally designed to feed plantation workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Plate lunches have now become a staple for visitors and locals alike, with Rainbow Drive-In the most popular spot to try them. Head here for a classic loco moco plate: two hamburger patties served with gravy, eggs, two scoops of rice, and a side of macaroni salad.

This Hayden spot dishes up some fantastic blue-plate 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 at lunch, you can tuck into a tuna salad with fresh vegetables and dressing, or the Burger Haystack – a grilled burger patty with American, Cheddar, or Swiss cheese, served with greens and dressing.

Whichever day of the week you come by Shannon's Five Star – a Bloomington favorite whose current incarnation has been running since 1997 – you'll find a 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 on Friday, it's barbecue ribs with slaw.

This cozy neighborhood restaurant may be better known for its seasonal fine dining menu; however, turn up on a Wednesday, and you can opt for a delicious blue-plate special. The meal is always comforting and hearty (think meatloaf with gravy, beef and noodles, fried chicken, or hamburger steak), and it comes with a drink.

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, vegetables, 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, with exposed brick walls and checkered flooring. You can always guarantee you'll find something tasty here, thanks to the daily blue-plate specials. The options are typically meaty and satisfying – think a ham and Swiss sandwich on toasted focaccia, or a charburger with hand-patted ground chuck, both of which are 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 definitely worth it when you dive into the likes of a hamburger steak with flavorful smothered onions, mashed potatoes or fries, and gravy. There are plenty of other reasonably priced staples too, from classic lasagna to eggplant casserole.

A Waldoboro fixture since 1927, Moody’s Diner knows a thing or two about serving the local community good, hearty, homey fare. Expect a whole host of classic diner dishes, from seafood platters to meatball subs and sandwiches. For a true blue-plate experience, though, order from the dinner menu; every meal (think chicken croquettes, beef liver and onions, and country-fried steak) is served with a potato dish, a vegetable, and a house-made biscuit.

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 get an affordable special here, too. Visit for dishes such as bulging beef sandwiches, and tasty Cuban baguettes with Swiss cheese, pickles, and brown mustard. The sandwiches come with chips, but guests can also upgrade to 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 vegetables 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 interior – and they say it's a must-visit for anyone visiting Trenton.

For classic, comforting American fare, look no further than Zingerman’s Roadhouse. This Ann Arbor spot is always bustling and busy, with regulars coming here for the blue-plate specials. Head here on Tuesdays for the chili of the day with spider bread and salad, arrive on Thursdays for pulled pork, barbecue beef, mashed potatoes, and bacon-braised greens, or tuck into meatloaf with mashed potatoes and spinach on Wednesdays. 

This Minneapolis favorite serves up dishes the whole family will enjoy. Alongside the packed main menu, featuring everything from house-made chicken noodle soup to chicken pesto pappardelle, the blue-plate specials are well worth trying. Expect regularly changing dishes such as stacked spicy wings, walleye-shrimp cakes, and a burger with candied bacon, caramelized onions, and cheese.

Locals and visitors love the warm vibe at retro Hal and Mal's, which plates up Southern classics and entertains diners with regular live music. It's 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 menu changes daily and could include dishes such as roast beef and gravy with mashed potatoes, turnip greens, and black-eyed peas, or a fried chicken dinner with all the fixings.

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). Blue-plate specials are often available as carry-out options and have previously included the likes of meatloaf with garlic green beans and smashed sweet and regular potatoes, and fried fish with mac ’n’ cheese and spoonbread. 

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

With its old-style bar and counter seating, Fox Hole Tavern is a Wilber institution. The joint has been serving the local community since 1945, and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Customers love the spot’s blue-plate lunch specials, which usually come with a choice of side and dessert. Previous highlights have included Czech-style pork with potato dumplings and sauerkraut, ham steak with green beans, and beef enchiladas with rice and beans.

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. It doesn't always run blue-plate specials (and when it does, 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 get 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. Regular rotating choices include a corned beef and cabbage dinner, turkey with all the trimmings, and fried chicken and waffles.

This no-frills café in Union City has been serving up Cuban feasts since 1976 – and over four decades later, it's still 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, plantain, and rice and beans.

If you're craving classic New Mexican dishes, head to Tomasita's, with locations in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Top menu items include chili relleno and 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, featuring 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 into 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; dishes include chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, roasted salmon and rice, and chicken tenders and waffle fries.

Founded in 1958, Big Ed's has become something of an institution in Raleigh. The cheerful spot promises 'country cooking at its best,' including breakfast staples such as ham, hot cakes, and gravy, and turkey sausage and Cheddar omelets – and everything is 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), plus bread and dessert. 

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

Another excellent diner serving solid blue-plate specials, this Ohio mini-chain has locations in Cincinnati, Gahanna, Dublin, and Grandview. It's a classic diner set up with red leather booths and a lengthy bar, and its 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 such as 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, and chicken pot pie with green beans.

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

Diners love the cheerful décor and façade, with its popping pink shutters and sign, at Gracie's 21st Century Cafe. But the real drawcard, of course, is the food; here, you can feast on everything from beautifully presented soft-shell crab to filet mignon. Blue-plate specials are served on Wednesdays and include mouthwatering choices like Margarita chicken, linguini 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 entrées like burgers, roast beef sandwiches, and sirloin steak. Save a few dollars and opt for blue-plate specials like a shrimp and steak combo, beef liver with fried onions, potatoes, and vegetables, and fried chicken with fries and coleslaw. 

Any restaurant with a name like Nannie Annie's will surely deal in comfort food favorites. That's exactly what you'll find on the menu at this cozy joint, which has a simple dining room and generous breakfast and lunch menus. Blue-plate specials are typically served from 11am-2pm; options include 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 also daily specials; previous highlights have included chipped beef on toast, mac ’n’ cheese, shrimp tempura, baked chicken, and chicken-fried steak. These dishes come loaded with sides too, from salad and vegetables 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 weekly specials are worth a try, too. There's a different one on offer every day, from smoked beef brisket and chicken and dumplings to smoked dry-rub ribs. 

Boasting six locations across the state, including in 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 vegetables, rolls, and cornbread. House favorites include chicken tenders with gravy, chicken and dressing, and meatloaf with tomato sauce.

This charming spot has been serving up made-from-scratch Southern fare since the 1970s, and it’s garnered a loyal following for its homey dishes and affordable prices. From freshly fried catfish with beans and slaw to chicken-fried steak with green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy, Smokestack Restaurant & Patio knows how to please a crowd with its blue-plate specials. The options change daily, so it's worth checking Facebook to find out what’s in store.

This charming Salt Lake City favorite has a long history stretching back to 1930, and customers love that it celebrates its old-school traditions decades later. Take advantage of the early bird special, available between 4-5pm daily, and enjoy a plate stacked with grilled meatloaf and gravy, mac ’n’ cheese, and sautéed vegetables, served with a choice of soup or salad. There are always daily specials available, too. 

This beloved old-school diner – built by the Paterson Vehicle Co. – has stood in its current spot since 1948. Classics are dished up in this 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 chicken and biscuits or the fried haddock, served with a choice of mashed potatoes or French fries and a side of vegetables. 

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 eight locations across the state, including in 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. Its 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 or dinner, dig into platter options like ham steak with pineapple sauce or country-fried pork chop smothered in gravy, served with two sides (think collard greens, macaroni salad, or onion rings).

Monty's delivers nostalgia on a platter, with its bright neon clock and booth seating – and, alongside it, some tempting daily blue-plate specials. Thursday is the time to visit for a pot roast served with mashed potatoes, a dinner roll, and garlic buttered broccoli; alternatively, head down on a Friday to take advantage of a fish fry with tartar sauce, coleslaw, fries, and a dinner roll.

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 dinner options include fried shrimp and 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.