When the miles of road ahead seem endless, nothing beats stopping for a good meal. There are hundreds of roadside joints across America, but they weren’t all made equal. From a drive-in serving baked potato–shaped ice cream to an alien-themed truck stop, here are the ones worth a detour.
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.
Halfway between Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida, Derailed Diner can be found off exit 53 on I-10. It's a quirky spot with truck-themed interiors and gas station memorabilia, so you’ll feel like you never left the interstate. Here, customers refuel on hearty servings of country fried steak, meatloaf, and burgers. Be sure to take some homemade fudge (pictured) for the road.
Hop aboard the Buckeye Express (no ticket required) for hearty hot dogs and burgers, just off I-71 between Cleveland and Columbus. The diner is located in a vintage steam engine diner car, towed from Virginia in 2008, but you can sit outdoors if you’d prefer. Customers love the Ohio State Buckeyes football memorabilia, quick service, good prices, and huge servings of fries.
Though this Minneapolis diner just off I-94 is tiny – it claims to be the narrowest diner in the state – the breakfasts are huge. Due to its small size, there's often a wait, but it's worth it for fan-favorite dishes like poached eggs on corned beef hash, walnut and blueberry pancakes, and tasty omelets.
A Greek-American diner just off I-95 between Washington DC and Philadelphia, Broadway Diner became famous after featuring on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives back in 2009. The menu is endless, and includes moussaka and souvlaki – but Guy Fieri’s favorites are the Hungarian goulash, the shrimp Creole, and the potato crusted salmon. We wouldn’t say no to a homemade dessert either.
If you’re passing through Boise, Westside Drive In is a must-visit. At what other pink-and-turquoise 1950s drive-in can you get a full rack of pork ribs with Idaho ice cream potato (ice cream shaped like a baked potato) for dessert? It has two charming outposts – one on West State Street, and one on Park Center Boulevard.
On the route between Portland and San Francisco, Cornbread Cafe is the vegan comfort food place causing a buzz. Wonders include the Eugenewich (a southern-fried tofu patty with vegan cheese, crispy onions, salad, and smoky sauce in a bun) and the Mac Uncheese (made with creamy cashew sauce).
Boise Stage Stop is one of the best-loved truck stops in the US. It opened in 1891, making it one of the oldest businesses in Idaho. It’s known for its fantastic steakhouse, which serves sirloin steaks with crispy shrimp, and a selection of hearty burgers. You can even get a T-bone for breakfast.
Plan your road trip from Kansas to Kentucky so you drive into Kansas City at lunchtime – then stop in at Mugs Up Drive In for a refreshing homemade root beer, a wiz burger (a loose meat burger with mustard, pickles, and American cheese), and some chili cheese tots.
One of Minnesota’s best bakeries can be found at a truck stop in Clearwater. Highlights at Nelson Bros. include donuts the size of your head, and fritter bread French toast in flavors such as apple, raspberry, blueberry, and cinnamon. The attached restaurant’s menu goes on for miles, with delicious breakfasts, burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and soups on offer.
Encompassing a mind-boggling 100,000 square feet of space, Iowa 80 is reportedly the world’s largest truck stop. There are many fast food options here, but we recommend making a beeline for Iowa 80 Kitchen. Customers love the grilled pork chop, which comes with two sides, and the service is always friendly.
Brody’s Diner is an unpretentious dining spot offering humongous stacks of buttermilk pancakes, and chunky ham, pepper, and onion omelets. Customers always comment on how big the portion sizes are. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld reportedly wrote a Yelp review describing the coffee mugs as 'big enough to wash your feet in'.
For an upmarket truck-stop experience, head to Haywood 209 Cafe, a known favorite on the interstate. Visitors rave about the tenderloin beef tips with mushroom gravy, the meatloaf, and the country fried steak. Afterwards, check out the dessert case full of freshly baked pies and cakes.
Good food options are limited on the route down towards the beautiful beaches of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, but Crazy K’s Food & Fuel is an exception. It serves classics such as brisket and fried chicken, and the staff are even known to bring food to passengers who have broken down on the surrounding roads – how’s that for Southern hospitality?
This historic roadside stop on the former Route 66 in Seligman is a must-visit. It dates back to the 1950s, is constructed from scrap wood, and out front you'll find a 1936 Chevrolet hardtop decorated with a Christmas tree. Food-wise, the green chili burger, fries, and a shake are what to order.
While driving through Redfield, halfway between Little Rock and Pine Bluff, you’ll find the Mammoth Orange Cafe, which has been a roadside pit-stop since 1966. Live out your retro dreams and stop by the domed diner for the best hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, and Cajun fries around.
It’s not just truckers who love Russell’s Restaurant – locals from all over Salina dine here for well-priced food and huge portions. Stop in to enjoy its rustic ambience and its all-you-can-eat fried chicken, chicken livers, and gizzards. Also on the menu are other Midwest comforts like crispy fish, fries, and coleslaw, for dine-in or takeout.
Located on Dupont Highway heading towards Smyrna, Helen’s Sausage House may not look like much from the outside. However, the modest diner is an Elvis Presley shrine on the inside and attracts hordes from near and far, with people desparate to try the signature sausage sandwich. The famous snack features two juicy, well-seasoned sausages and scrambled eggs in a soft roll, and customers absolutely rave about it.
If you’re passing through Ucon on your way to Yellowstone, The Rusty Lantern is a cozy spot to stop. Made of wood and surrounded by pots and flowers, it doesn’t look like a traditional diner – but it serves great breakfast skillets with hash browns, bacon, cheese, cooked onions, and scrambled eggs. There's also prime rib on Fridays and Saturdays, and ginormous, sticky cinnamon rolls for those with a sweet tooth.
If road tripping along the old Route 66 has got you in the mood for some retro respite, stop by the historic DeCamp Station for a cold beer and some great pizza. There are plenty of topping choices, from barbecue chicken and chicken alfredo to Hawaiian and veggie, and you can dine in or order takeout. If you have time, stretch your legs with a game or two on the ball field or volleyball court.
While most roadside diners serve classic American dishes, this spot is all about authentic Indian cuisine. At Taste of India, you can dive into butter chicken, biryanis, chana masala (chickpea curry), and garlic naan in a convenience store setting. It’s a truly original experience that has people driving across the Cornhusker State to try it.
Hungry on the drive to Virginia from Tennessee? Stop in at Little Top Drive Thru. Everything at this historic fast food place is good – but if you only order one thing, make it the chip burger. It’s chipped ham, salad, and sauce in a bun, and customers can't get enough of it. The milkshakes are also said to be the best in town.
Located 10 miles south of Grand Rapids, 76th Street Truck Stop Diner is a haven for hungry drivers. All the diner’s burgers, sandwiches, and wraps come with fries or homemade chips. The favorite, the Big Mother Trucker, has two half-pound patties, three slices of sourdough, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, crispy onions, sauce, and salad.
A short drive from the interstate, Frontier Restaurant in Albuquerque is well worth a detour. It’s a super casual cantina serving burritos, enchiladas, huevos rancheros, hamburgers, and more, all at great prices. Fill up on all the savory food you can handle, then take one of its ginormous cinnamon rolls for the road.
For hearty vegan food a short drive from I-90 in Madison, pull in at Monty’s Blue Plate, a retro gas station-turned-diner. It serves plant-based dishes like banana walnut pancakes, and tofu scramble with mushrooms, onion, spinach, and celery, plus traditional options like corned beef hash, and a bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich. You can dine in, carry out, or choose delivery.
There’s no shortage of diners in the New Jersey area, but Tops Diner on Passaic Avenue in Harrison is consistently named one of the country’s best. There are so many great options to choose from, but the best sellers are the lobster mac 'n' cheese, the fluffy French toast, and the fried chicken with waffles. The best part? The portions are huge, and the diner offers takeout and home delivery too.
Between Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas, Area 51 Alien Center is an out-of-this-world pit stop in the desert. A fantastic photo opportunity, it’s a lime green, alien-themed gift shop with a small (and unexpectedly good) diner attached. Stop in for an Alien Burger (with cheese and sautéed mushrooms) and skeleton-shaped vodka bottles.
On the border between New Mexico and Texas, Russell’s Travel Center offers truckers a historic Route 66 experience with its classic diner and vintage car museum. While there are plenty of standard burgers on offer, you can opt for some tasty Tex-Mex dishes too. The burrito plate with beans, rice, and green or red chilies will keep you full until your next stop.
Stretch your legs at the Chelsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro, just off I-91. This spot offers comforting brunch and lunch dishes like blackberry pancakes with maple sausage, Belgian waffles, and steak and eggs, all in the homeliest New England setting. There’s also a garden, farm, and art studio to check out before you get back in your car.
Got a hankering for a hot dog in West Virginia? Turn off I-64 and drive 10 miles north of Huntington to Hillbilly Hot Dogs. It has the craziest decor, and the best loaded hot dogs and fries around. The Ala Cheesy Beefy Weenie (American cheese, nacho cheese, bacon, chili sauce, a mac 'n' cheese wedge, and shredded cheese on a deep-fried dog) is always a hit.
While traversing the Centennial State, satisfy your sweet treat craving at Johnson’s Corner in Johnstown. It claims its cinnamon rolls are world famous, and it’s no wonder people come screeching off the interstate to snack on them. Fluffy and dripping with sugary icing, they're the ideal pick-me-ups for long-haul journeys.
Described by patrons as a hidden jewel, Gas Grill Family Restaurant can be found just off I-70 between Indianapolis and Columbus. You’ll feel like you’re back in grandma’s kitchen with the friendly service and well-priced, perfectly-cooked steaks, porterhouse pork chops, cheese omelets, and Greek options such as moussaka, spinach pie, and souvlaki.
At Schatz Crossroads in Minot, you can get honey whiskey–marinated steak with fried eggs and hash browns at any hour – making it a real savior if you're heading north on the road to Canada. If you're looking for a sweet snack, the caramel rolls are also said to be the best around.
Skip Starbucks and stop by BeanThru drive-thru on Ohio River Boulevard if you’re in the Pittsburgh area. It has peach smoothies, cream cheese bagels, and peanut butter bars, and the coffee is unbeatable. There’s another outpost on William Flinn Highway, loved by regulars on Route 8.
Traveling through Salt Lake City and in the mood for a burger like no other? Crown Burgers, with seven locations just off I-80 and I-15, is the place to hold out for. The drive-thru is famous for topping its signature beef burger with cheese and pastrami. Some say it’s the best in the West.
If you're traveling up or down California, Patrick's Roadhouse – just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica – is a fun place to rest. Established in 1973, the shamrock-green diner is known for its atmospheric 1940s feel, as well as its big breakfasts and burgers. Don’t miss out on the coconut cream pie and coffee.
There’s no way you can miss this loud 'n' proud diner on I-40 in Amarillo. It's painted bright yellow, and there are massive billboards and statues alerting passers-by to its location. It’s famous for its 72oz steak, which is free to anyone who can eat the entire meal within an hour. Customers also love the free limo service to nearby hotels and motels – it’s great if you fancy a drink with your meal.
If you’re driving through the Biddeford area, stop by Palace Diner, one of only two surviving 1920s Pollard diners in the country. The Deluxe sandwich (with bacon, egg, jalapeños, mayo, and Cheddar) and the fried chicken sandwich (with cabbage slaw, jalapeños, and iceberg lettuce) are said to be incredible.
This fun and funky diner just west of Indianapolis is great if you love all things vintage. The stainless-steel dining car dates back to the 1950s and has a collection of old-school lunchboxes including Pac Man, Barbie, and Mickey Mouse. Visitors love The Oasis Burger with two beef patties, pulled pork, bacon, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, pickles, and Cheddar.