For classic American food and drinks in a cozy, old-school setting, there really is nothing finer than a diner – especially a retro one. The country is filled with colorful vintage joints with long counters, red booths, and good vibes, transporting customers back to the 1950s and 1960s as soon as they step through the door. To fuel your nostalgia, we've found the best old-school diner in every state.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best retro diners in the US – counting down to the most unmissable of all.

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.

There are countless diners in the Big Apple, many of which could be regarded as iconic. However, Square Diner is refreshingly unpretentious. Believed to date back to the 1940s, this classic train car diner, complete with old-timey wood paneling, is a Tribeca landmark – and it's been run by the same family for the last 40 years. Spanish omelets, breakfast steaks, pancakes, and endless coffee are the highlights.

This open-all-hours retro diner is famous for its huge menu, which features more than 200 items. However, it's the joint's signature TV dinners – daily specials served with sides on a stainless-steel tray – that really draw in the crowds. The exterior may be striking, with bubblegum-pink walls and pink Volkswagen Beetles parked up outside, but the inside is just as impressive, with pink booths and lines of Formica tables.

This family-run diner opened in 2006, but the shiny chrome fittings, long bar, booth seating, and classic soundtrack (featuring the likes of James Brown) will make you feel like you've stepped back in time to the 1950s. Customers rate the spot's friendly service and delicious classic diner meals, with highlights including the house-made Reuben sandwich and the loaded mac ’n’ cheese.

Established in 1937, Jim Dandy Drive-In is one of the oldest drive-ins in Oregon, dating back to a time when carhops served customers through car windows following illegal drag races. Nowadays very much a law-abiding outlet, the diner boasts a cozy and colorful dining room, complete with leather booths and vintage advertising. Diners love the juicy burgers and the huge ice cream milkshakes, which come in flavors like lavender, orange Creamsicle, and Butterfinger.

We love a theme, and this diner's is simple: the color purple. All Purple Cow restaurants are fashioned on the classic 1950s model, with a retro soda fountain and plenty of neon – and there are now six locations throughout Arkansas. They all serve classic diner food, including burgers, hot dogs, and toasted sandwiches, plus signature purple shakes and desserts.

This cute, kitschy diner has a lived-in look and a menu of both classic American diner food and Southern-style Creole cuisine. Dishes are inventively named, like the Re-Population Combo (served post–Hurricane Katrina) – featuring two eggs, grits or hash browns, bacon or sausage, and toast or a biscuit – and the Crabby Wife, comprising crab balls, scrambled eggs, and crawfish étouffée. There's a good range of veggie dishes available too, including the Garden Slammer: hash browns, vegan bacon, and a tofu scramble.

Lucky’s is a small but perfectly formed family-friendly diner with a vintage feel. It serves, as one would hope, decent coffee, as well as hearty all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, and desserts. The star dishes are the French toast with bacon, the huevos rancheros, and the fluffy banana (or blueberry) pancakes.

This diner is so full of 1950s nostalgia that it's simply named 50's Grill. Here, you'll find all the classic diner features (think booth seating, a neon sign, a jukebox, and staff in retro uniforms), and the joint also features an area decked out to look like a 1950s house. Customers love the friendly atmosphere and attentive service, and favorite menu choices include chicken pot pie and meatloaf.

If you're passing through Wyoming, head to 1950s-style Johnny J’s – it’s fun, friendly, as stunning as a film in Technicolor, and serves all the classic American food you could wish for. Delicious options include 'broasted' chicken (which is battered, then cooked in a pressure cooker), burgers, and house-made pies.

Customers love this drive-thru diner thanks to its daily-changing menu, which features classics such as chicken and dumplings, cheeseburger sliders, fried chicken club sandwiches, and spicy shrimp wraps. Al's Diner has a decidedly retro vibe, with red leather booth seating and a black and white tiled floor. Satisfied customers call it an 'old-fashioned diner with excellent service.'

Built in 1954 as a drive-in, this venue has changed hands and names over the years, but it's been the Original Market Diner since 1989. It's known for its fast and friendly service, and it continues to serve home-style food in hearty Texan-sized portions, with bottomless coffee. The Denver omelet, biscuits and gravy, banana bread French toast, and house-made pies all get a thumbs up.

Kroll’s has 1950s-style diner locations in Minot, Bismarck, Fargo, and Mandan, and the mini-chain is well known throughout North Dakota. Its USP is that it serves German specialties alongside American diner food, so it’s possible to order knoephla soup (a creamy dumpling soup) and cabbage rolls (cooked cabbage parcels with a meat filling) alongside the likes of country-fried steak with sausage gravy.

Ellen's, which opened in 1987, claims to be the first 1950s-themed diner to have opened in New York City – and it's everything you could ever want from an all-American diner, with singing waitstaff thrown in for good measure. Owned by 1959 Miss Subway Ellen Hart, the diner is filled with black and white photos of other former Miss Subways, as well as plenty of retro touches like neon signage.

A short drive northwest of central Atlanta is the Marietta Diner, a neon palace that you may have spotted on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Not only does it look fabulous inside and out, but it's also open 24 hours a day, serving timeless breakfast dishes as well as sandwiches, burgers, and, owing to the proprietor’s background, a variety of popular Greek meals. Check out the spinach pie, moussaka, and pastitsio (a macaroni, beef, and béchamel bake).

Although Brent’s has had a few facelifts since it opened as a pharmacy in 1946, it's remained true to its roots – the duck-egg blue soda fountain and bar stools are still in their original locations. This is one cool, classy diner, so it's little wonder that it starred as a location in Hollywood movie The Help. The burgers and patty melts (beef patties topped with onions and Cheddar, then slotted in between two slices of Texas toast) are loved by customers.

This comfy all-day venue has a vintage look, a warm atmosphere, and a commendable relationship with local food producers. The Bluebird Huevos – featuring smoked pork green chili on Parmesan polenta, served with over-easy eggs – is highly recommended. Plus, there's a wide menu of sandwiches, burgers, omelets, appetizers, and entrées to choose from.

With neon signage, red booths, and black-and-white pictures on the walls, Mel’s Diner is so packed with retro charm that you'd never guess it opened in 2011. The prefabricated diner, which quickly became a hotspot for truckers and Fremont locals, only took two months to be assembled. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and customers are big fans of the chicken-fried steak and house-made pies.

With its retro booths and bustling all-day breakfast counter, Ken’s House of Pancakes has been a Hilo institution since 1971, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy classic diner fare alongside Hawaiian favorites. The extensive menu features everything from fluffy pancakes and omelets to saimin noodle soup and hearty loco moco (white rice topped with a hamburger patty, gravy, and a fried egg) – and the enormous portions keep both locals and visitors coming back for more.

This roadside diner, housed in a former gas station and garage, is one of the best places to fuel up along Route 66. Converted into a 1950s-style diner in 1987, it’s as kitschy and glossy as a movie set and offers daily blue-plate specials. The restaurant’s trademark dish is the Pile Up: a heap of pan-fried potatoes, bacon, two eggs, Cheddar, and green chile sauce.

Pete's Kitchen has stood on the corner of Colfax and Race Street in Denver since 1942. Its fluorescent sign, black leather booths, and vintage wall art are all reflective of a decade gone by – and its Greek-influenced diner dishes are to die for. Popular orders include Greek salad with feta cheese, hot chili peppers, olives, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), and pita bread, and the Gyros Melt, a toasted gyro meat sandwich with cucumber sauce and fries. The joint is open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

This diner (located on Route 340, just outside of Lancaster) is completely 1950s themed. From the vintage car parked outside to the red vinyl furnishings and the menu of burgers, fries, and sundaes, visiting DJ's Taste of the 50s is like stepping back in time. Customers also love the 1950s background music, the excellent service, and how great the diner is for families with kids.

Believed to be one of America’s oldest diners still in operation, Casey’s 10-stool dining car has been serving customers since 1922 – though it started life as a horse-drawn wagon. It has a long wooden bar, classic diner stools, retro floor tiles, and a bun steamer that pre-dates the restaurant. People come to experience a slice of history, and to try Casey’s famous steamed hot dogs; get yours 'all around,' with relish, onions, and mustard.

Probably the most kitschy spot in Seattle, Luna Park Cafe is a 1950s-style diner that opened in 1989. Here, you’ll find a 1958 jukebox among other coin-operated decorations (such as the charming Pepe the Dancing Clown), making it a haven for fans of the era. But while the décor is old-school, the food is modern. Expect cauliflower 'Buffalo wings,' vegan nachos, and milkshakes decorated like cakes.

A 24-hour diner, the Red Arrow has been around since 1922. It has four outposts in total, but the Manchester location is the original – and it's kept its vintage look, with red-brick walls, red paint, and a tall red neon sign on the outside. The inside is much the same; expect booths, red bar stools, and walls cluttered with red neon and vintage memorabilia. The specialty here is the pork pie with gravy.

Decorated in ice cream shades, with black and white checkered flooring, Kayla's Diner is full of retro charm; customers say walking through the door is like stepping back in time. There's a jukebox playing classic hits, and a menu of burgers, hot dogs, salads, and shakes. Fans particularly rate the cheeseburger and waffle fries – not to mention the friendly service.

Though it got a shiny new building in 2021, this classic diner has been in the same spot since 1942 – and it's one of the most recognizable eateries in New Jersey. Tops Diner's mammoth menu features all the favorites you'd expect, including delicious meatloaf and tasty chicken and waffles. There's also a large selection of excellent fresh seafood dishes, such as buttery, crab-stuffed shrimp, and grilled scallops.

This pink lakeside diner specializes in home-style cooking and claims to have the biggest gluten-free menu in the Northwest. On that menu, you'll find classic diner meals such as burgers, sandwiches, and all-day breakfasts. Customers rate the friendly service and love the retro décor; there are prints of Marilyn Monroe on the walls, and items of movie memorabilia are dotted around the space.

Known for its signature Spanish Burger (a steak burger with a secret sauce) and delicious apple pies, Bobo’s has been around since 1948. It’s only small, and half the custom comes from carhops, but it’s worth grabbing a stool at the counter to enjoy the old-school atmosphere, friendly service, and thoroughly decent diner food.

With checkered floors, neon signage, grey and red booths, and table jukeboxes, it’s hard not to fall for Dixie’s charm. The service is fast and friendly, and the food is top-notch. Choose from build-your-own omelets or a range of fresh soups, skillets, and burgers. The just-made malt milkshakes will make your mouth water, too.

Mel's Diner has been family owned and operated since 1993, delivering an authentic 1950s-style diner experience with good food and great service. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although you can order breakfast all day long, if you like. The must-try item is the incredible six-scoop banana split – a sliced banana filled with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, and crowned with strawberry topping, pineapple topping, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry.

Open since 1958, this old-school diner is a real time capsule, with turquoise bar stools at the counter, red booths, and neon signage. Featured in several films – including 2004’s Starsky & Hutch and cult 1993 movie True Romance – Rae's serves satisfying breakfasts, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as specials like pork chops with potatoes and toast.

'Cooked in sight… must be right' has been this diner’s motto since 1950. Fortunately, even after being restored, the décor, like its tagline, has stayed true to its roots. The menu is filled with traditional diner fare, with a few contemporary upgrades – think goats' cheese omelets, fresh juices, and açai bowls. The crab cakes, served on a toasted English muffin with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, are a customer favorite.

DK Diner isn't going to win any prizes for its interior design, but it may well win one for its food, if the customer reviews are anything to go by. The eatery is particularly proud of its donuts, which are made fresh daily and come in all kinds of fancy flavors. You could even double down and order a breakfast of DK Pancakes, made with the same batter as the donuts. That sounds like a good morning to us!

This famed Inglewood diner, which has been going strong since 1958, is known for its preserved Googie architecture, with an irregular-shaped roof, a distinctive neon sign, and a retro interior. Typical dishes abound on the menu, including chicken wings, pancakes, French toast, hash browns, and eggs. However, it’s the house specialty of fried chicken and waffles that really gets people talking.

Angelle's Diner has the look and feel of an old-school diner, but it was actually established in 2016. Glen Angelle brought his vast experience running a mini-chain of Omelet Shoppe restaurants to the table when he opened Angelle's, which has outlets in Troutville and Salem. Naturally, then, eggs are among the star attractions at breakfast, but the menu also features plenty of other tasty options for lunch and dinner.

Established in 1925, this diner is as old-school as it gets, with an eye-catching green exterior, neon red sign, bright-yellow vinyl booths, bar area, and tiled floor. The menu consists of classic diner fare and Greek food, plus a few blasts from the past (like root beer floats and vanilla cream soda). The French toast and the eggs Benedict, served with home fries, are fan-favorite dishes.

This celebrated diner is located a half-hour drive south of Oklahoma City. Although it opened in the early 1990s, it’s a nostalgic tribute to old-school diners, and it appeared on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The food is Tex-Mex, and the Tamale Breakfast – grilled tamales with eggs, chili con carne, cheese, and fries – gets consistent praise, as does the Eggarito: an egg burrito smothered in tomato sauce.

Run by the Dedvukaj family, The Grand Diner is all about the 1950s-style interior, with pink and blue leather booths and vintage posters featuring alongside a classic diner menu. The all-day breakfast options include omelets, French toast, and the Country Skillet (three eggs, American fries, sausage, onion, green peppers, Cheddar cheese, and sausage gravy). There's also a list of sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and salads to choose from.

This classic diner has been owned and operated by the Sill family since the 1950s. Customers love the cozy mom-and-pop vibe, but the food impresses even more. Mouthwateringly juicy, with a crisp batter, the chicken-fried steak with gravy is the most popular dish on the menu – but customers also rave about the scones with honey butter.

This bold blue dining cart in East Greenwich dates back to the 1950s, when it was built by The Worcester Lunch Car Company. Though it's been restored, it retains its original clock, green bar stools, woodwork, and floor tiles. Meanwhile, the stainless-steel hood, wooden booths, and photographs were brought in to fit with the old-school design. Head here for brunch – customers rave about the banana bread French toast.

This all-American diner provides the ultimate nostalgic 1950s experience. Opened in 1957, the red and white striped eatery offers curbside service, delivering customers crisp yet juicy cheeseburgers, curly fries, onion rings, and cherry-topped milkshakes straight to their front seats. Go on the right day, and you could also catch a vintage car show.

Located inside a classic Googie (read: Space Age) building dating back to 1964, Arizona’s Welcome Diner is the grooviest restaurant around. The Southern-inspired menu includes a noteworthy range of fried chicken and biscuit dishes, as well as modern additions like jackfruit po' boys and fried green tomato sandwiches.

This family-run diner has featured on Food Network, and its nostalgic décor and menu of delicious dishes keep customers coming back for more. Initially a grocery store, the South Side Soda Shop first opened in 1910 before becoming a diner in the 1940s. The joint is home to an award-winning chili, tasty house-made crab cakes, and a lemon meringue pie that sweet-treat lovers will adore.

This vintage diner, with its part-brick, part-stainless steel exterior, old-school interior, and outdoor seating, is the top choice in South Dakota. It’s a real community spot, known and loved for its poutine, beef Stroganoff, and jambalaya, made with your choice of spicy pork, andouille sausage, or blackened chicken.

The Pine Tree State has its fair share of retro dining cars, but A1 Diner, built in 1946, is up there with the most charming. With its pastel yellow exterior, checkered floor, tiled walls, blue vinyl booths and bar stools, neon clock, and floral print tablecloths, it’s cheery and nostalgic. The food is suitably eclectic too, with fish tacos and a BLT with scallops among the most popular choices.

A New Orleans institution, this stylish old-school diner has been charming customers with its classic counter seating, vintage uniforms (complete with bow ties), and quality food since 1946. Standout dishes include the enormous omelets, which come with hash browns, fries, or grits, and there's a range of burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, and po' boys to try, too. Make sure you grab a slice of the famous pecan pie before you leave.

This lunch dining car (which, thankfully, also serves breakfast) has been open since 1926 and was in the same family until 2001. The current owners bought the place in 2010 and have remained faithful to the character of this much-loved establishment, which many will recognize from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It serves a mean breakfast garbage plate, featuring eggs, hash browns, meats, cheese, and vegetables.

Inspired by classic mid-century diners, Dove’s (located in Chicago’s Wicker Park) proves that retro design and contemporary cuisine are a match made in heaven. The wood paneling, brown tile floor, counter stools, and soundtrack of Chicago soul and blues conjure a distinctly vintage vibe, while the menu mixes modern Tex-Mex and diner food. Expect fried chicken, onion burgers, and mac ’n’ cheese alongside tacos and sizzling steak fajitas.

Early Bird Diner came to national attention when it featured on an episode of Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri, tasted the joint's chicken and waffles and fried pork chop and gave them both a hearty thumbs-up. Those dishes are now top sellers at Early Bird, of course, but the substantial menu has plenty of other options to explore and enjoy.

Though it only opened as recently as 1996, this classic diner has a distinctly old-school feel, making it popular with locals and tourists visiting Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The food is full of Southern flavors – think po’ boys, grilled shrimp, fried okra, and turnip greens – but there are also perennial diner favorites on offer here, including cheeseburgers, apple pies, and banana splits (a Big Time Diner specialty).

Cindy’s modest diner used to be a general store and service station, and that old-timey vibe is still there in abundance. The diner serves comforting, scratch-made meals such as chicken and dumplings, sausage gravy over biscuits, and cod fishcakes with vegetables, in a relaxed setting. Its customers rave about the quality of the food and the generous portion sizes.

Norm's Diner has everything you could ever want from a retro diner, including a classic rail-car design and a suitably vintage-style sign. The menu is packed with perfect diner fare, too, with fans raving about the Texas French toast, the chicken fried steak, and the omelets. Locals love the cozy feel, friendly service, and comforting food.

Dolly’s Diner is the place to go if you’ve got a sweet tooth. It serves classic diner food, such as omelets and burgers, but the house-made desserts are the real stars of the show. Visitors can’t get enough of the Butterscotch Lush – butterscotch pudding and whipped cream on a nutty Graham cracker base. Plus, its funky architecture, neon lights, part-steel interiors, bar stools, and booths will have you convinced you’ve gone back to the 1950s.

This friendly diner, located in the center of Las Vegas, will take you straight back to the 1970s. It has purple booths, the walls are adorned with funky ornaments, flowers, and doilies, and there are business cards stuck to the tables. But the real winner at Lou's is the food. The place is famous for its house-made chicken noodle soup, as well as its tasty pork chops (served with fries, rice, or mash, plus vegetables and a roll). Lou's also sells house-made jelly and regularly hosts classic car shows.

Now reminisce about the foods America grew up on

Last updated by Jessica Morris.