Few meals hit the spot like a diner breakfast; there's just something about tucking into a plate piled high with pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, or huevos rancheros in a homey (and often reassuringly retro) setting that just can't be matched. Wondering where to go to start your day in the best possible way? Read on to discover where to enjoy the tastiest diner breakfast near you.

Click or scroll through our gallery for our pick of the top diners for breakfast in every US state – 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.

Now with four locations, this German-inspired, 1950s-style diner has been going strong since 1969. Its classic atmosphere is somehow both bright and cozy – the perfect setting for tucking into fluffy buttermilk pancakes, piled-high skillets, steak and eggs, omelets, and more. Regulars love the breakfast fleischkuechle: a deep-fried pastry stuffed with sausage, cheese, and eggs, and served with gravy and hash browns. It’s every bit as good as it sounds.

Lucky’s Coffee Shop combines great food and service with a cozy, small-town atmosphere. It’s always busy, but you get seated quickly – and it’s definitely worth the wait. Menu highlights include creamed chipped beef, cubed home fries, and anything with biscuits (which are light as air, fresh, and super buttery). The vibe is a little bit 1960s, with red seats, chrome tables, and soda machines by the counter.

With stunning interior design (think sleek booths and mini jukeboxes), Little Goat is a wonderfully modern Chicagoan take on the great American diner. Sure, you’ll find classic omelets, shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, and the like, but there are also exciting variations on the usual staples – just try the brioche French toast topped with fried chicken, or the Sichuan pork sausage on a sesame Cheddar biscuit. Though it's a little expensive, the food here is delicious and totally unique.

An all-night dining destination that's open 24/7, South Street Diner is truly iconic; it's been operating since 1947 and is often used as a filming location. For breakfast, regulars love the Boston cream pancakes (pictured) and the smoked salmon Benedict. Everything is good here, though – particularly when you order a grilled cinnamon roll on the side.

Famous for its gigantic 12-egg omelets, Beth's Cafe dates to 1954 and was originally a nickel slots gambling parlor. Opened by Beth and Harold Eisenstadt, the joint is now famous for its hearty breakfasts and retro charm, and its walls are covered in customer artwork. Open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, Beth's serves classic comfort food that customers can't get enough of.

With a beautifully maintained 1950s diner interior and a perfect menu of breakfast items, it's no wonder MaryAnn’s Diner's original Salem location is a local favorite. Food comes out quickly in large portions and covers all the hits. What to order? The chocolate chip pancakes, the hash browns, and the strawberry shakes all get good reviews. The service is exceptional, even when the place is busy, and there’s a big selection for kids. There are also outposts in Amherst, Windham, and Derry.

For a delicious breakfast with a side of 1950s nostalgia, look no further than Johnny Angel's Diner in Jacksonville. Customers love the kitschy décor, the soundtrack from a bygone era, and the menu of delicious dishes, all of which have retro names. The Richie Cunnigham – two eggs, your choice of meat, and grits or potatoes, plus two cakes or a biscuit with gravy – is the perfect choice for an all-American breakfast. Customers also love the cinnamon French toast and the fluffy pancakes.

This snug, old-school spot – complete with red seats, booths, and a checkered bar – is a local favorite for breakfasts. All the meat is sourced from Missouri, the portion sizes are huge, and the baked goods are made fresh, in house. Even better, the owner gives meals to those in need and runs regular fundraisers, so you know you’re supporting a place that pays it forward. The signature dish is The Stretch (pictured), a plate of hash browns topped with scrambled eggs, chili, Cheddar cheese, and diced green peppers and onions.

Bluebird Diner is an easy-going retro-style diner with three locations (Iowa City, Solon, and North Liberty) – a sure sign it’s doing something right. The menu offers elevated versions of classic country diner fare; the biscuits are freshly baked, the sausages are made by hand, the butter is whipped, and the maple syrup is the real deal. It gets bonus points for catering for different dietary requirements too, with great gluten-free pancakes and vegetarian options.

This Portland institution serves comforting dishes like banana nut French toast, ham steaks with eggs, pancakes the size of dinner plates, and vegetarian options like a tofu scramble. The house slogan, 'You eat here because we let you,' gives you a sense of the restaurant's tongue-in-cheek humor, but don’t worry; the servers are friendly, and they're careful to keep your coffee cup full. It’s small and wildly popular, so be sure to get here early.

Open since 1971 and run by the same family since 1990, Ken’s House of Pancakes is a Hawaiian icon beloved for its eccentricity, Hollywood connections (the owner is Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson’s uncle), and unbeatable macadamia nut pancakes. Located on the outskirts of Hilo, on the Island of Hawai'i, the unassuming-looking diner serves breakfasts all day long. Try the fat pancakes with a selection of tropical syrups, the crab cake Benedict, or the knock-your-socks-off loco moco (a Hawaiian dish consisting of a hamburger patty, a fried egg, miso gravy, and rice).

The Original Pantry Cafe has been open 24/7 since 1924, and it's served classic American fare to the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Marilyn Monroe. Though the line can extend down the block, it moves quickly, and the inside is charmingly retro – think menus on the walls, and chefs flipping eggs behind glass. The breakfasts here are every bit as good as you'd expect.

Named after the owners’ daughter, Josie’s is famous for its family-style Southern hospitality – and with its hubbub of happy customers, welcoming servers, and horseshoe-shaped counter (for easy conversation), you can see why. As for the food, almost everything is made from scratch, including the house-brined corned beef. The menu offers familiar dishes done to a high standard, with some specials making use of seasonal ingredients. Small wonder it has its share of accolades.

Dining at this tiny, quaint local favorite in the historic center of Manchester feels like stepping right back in time, with red wood paneling and tables squashed into a small space. Squeeze onto a counter stool and tuck into a generous helping of corned beef hash, or try the pillowy peach pancakes with a side of elk sausage. It's perhaps not as cheap as some diners, but that's entirely fair given the knockout quality of the dishes.

Boasting the perfect neighborhood diner atmosphere, The Uptowner Cafe serves great American breakfasts, cooked up on a flat-top. Here, there are kids’ drawings on the walls, you can see the cooks flipping eggs, and the crispy, house-made hash browns are unparalleled. The menu offers all the classics (you can’t beat the chocolate chip pancakes) as well as some more exciting options, like a spicy Cajun breakfast. The prices are fair given the quality and size of the dishes, too.

This long-time Baltimore staple was a favorite of Michael Phelps during his training days. Allegedly, he’d order three fried egg sandwiches, grits, an omelet, three slices of French toast, and three chocolate chip pancakes – but you can take it a bit easier if you want. Proudly serving delicious fare for more than 50 years, Pete’s does pretty much everything well; we like the scrapple and pork roll, and the melting pot vibe of the place.

This diner is aptly named; customers rave about its warm atmosphere and attentive, friendly service. Conveniently, the food’s great too, with extra-crispy bacon and an amazing hash made with fresh deli corned beef. The joint's most famous menu item is the cinnamon swirl slammer: grilled cinnamon toast served as a sandwich with sausage, eggs, and cheese. Celiacs will love the option of gluten-free French toast, too.

Clary’s Cafe is a classic Southern-style diner serving legendary waffles, eggs Benedict, and pecan pancakes. Another specialty is the house-made corned beef hash, done just right. Though it's famous (and rightfully so), Clary's is in a residential area, so it isn’t super touristy, and it still has a homey, local vibe. That’s not to say it isn’t busy, though – get here early, or you’ll have to wait for a table.

This much-loved local diner in the little town of Palmer serves fresh, house-made breakfasts against a knockout mountain backdrop. Run by married couple Bill and Glenda Nafus since the 1980s, the place is full of warmth, humor, and local characters. Here, you can tuck into classic breakfast hits, with a sprinkle of reindeer sausage for good measure – and everything comes at a fair price. Our advice? Don’t miss the corn fritters, and grab a slice of pie to go.

Though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, this spacious diner churns out high-quality American breakfasts that’ll please everyone. The generously portioned food is all perfectly presented and supremely comforting; think omelets, breakfast hash, indulgent pancakes, waffles, and amazing vegan options like ‘no huevos rancheros.’ Keep an eye out for the diner's exciting specials (cannoli-flavored French toast, for example), which frequently change; they're the perfect excuse to keep popping in.

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Perk Eatery is a family-run diner serving all-American and Tex-Mex breakfasts. Everything is made from fresh, mostly organic ingredients and hormone-free meat, and you can really taste the quality – particularly with details like fresh rosemary in the house-made fries. Standout menu items include the enchilada breakfast, the lemon ricotta French toast, and a home-style spin on corned beef hash. You’ll appreciate the friendly and attentive servers, too.

This popular Orange Beach joint is just a hop and a skip from the water. Served all day, Duck's Diner's breakfast covers the classics (think omelets, pancakes, and creamy grits) as well as exciting specials like pecan berry biscuits (pictured) – biscuits presented French toast–style, covered in butter pecan sauce and berries. This place also serves a fantastic selection of specialty drinks.

Open daily at 4am to serve the local fishing crews, Becky's Diner is a Portland legend. Customers settle into booths or at the long counter and order happily from a menu of diner classics, interspersed with seafood and lobster creations. Lobster omelet? When in Maine! We love the quaint atmosphere and the mixture of tourists and locals. Prices are very reasonable too, though there can be a bit of a wait.

Located right in the heart of Sioux Falls, this 1950s-style diner, housed inside a silver Airstream trailer, has both substance and style. Think huge omelets, banana bread French toast, huevos rancheros burritos, an Elvis-themed waffle, and so much more. The food is generous, comforting, and extremely delicious. 

Since 1946, this landmark New Orleans diner has been charming customers with its old-school counter seating, vintage uniforms (complete with bow ties), and quality food. For breakfast (served all day), you’ll want to sink your teeth into a perfectly thin, crispy pecan waffle, or a huge omelet served with hash browns, fries, or grits. Make sure you get a slice of the famous pecan pie, too.

The downtown branch of this iconic Denver diner dates all the way back to 1927. The menu is long and full of options, covering everything from smothered burritos to eggs Benedict, omelets, and surprisingly good plant-based chorizo. It’s always buzzy and full of people, but the service is fast, and the servings are huge. Customers say the staff are always friendly and welcoming, too.

Dating all the way back to 1917, it’s no surprise that Jigger’s Diner has learned a thing or two about cooking good breakfasts. Serving dishes made from local farm ingredients (the farms are named on the menu), the charming seven-booth dining car is almost perpetually packed. This being Rhode Island, Jigger’s signature dish is of course johnnycakes, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of other delicious options to try. The place gets bonus points for its gluten-free and vegetarian dishes, too.

This Memphis institution has been filling bellies since 1968. Unpretentious, a little nostalgic, and full of happy customers, it's a Southern counter-service diner done right. The portions are huge, and the prices are pleasing – but on top of all that, the food’s genuinely delicious. House-made biscuits, good bacon, creamy grits... you get the idea! Sure, the line is long, but it moves fast, so don’t make the mistake of getting put off; no one should have to miss out on breakfast at Bryant’s.

Stax Omega Diner has been feeding Greenville's hungry residents since 1988 – and it's loved for its gigantic menu and friendly, welcoming service. It's a popular spot for breakfast; customers particularly rate the pancakes, piled high with berries and yogurt, but other popular orders include the classic eggs Benedict and the chorizo and egg plate. It's a big, busy diner, but everyone leaves full and happy.

This registered historical landmark also happens to serve to-die-for breakfasts. Between the house-made bread, famous cinnamon rolls, and novelty specials (Cap’n Crunch French toast, anyone?), Frank’s is legendary for more than just its history. If you're looking for something savory, go for a garbage plate (eggs scrambled with hash browns, veggies, and your chosen meat), or a golden omelet. Truly, it’s all good. Just know that, this being a lunch car, there isn't much space – so there can be a wait.

The second-oldest restaurant in Utah, Ruth’s Diner has been around since 1930. Still based in a cute little trolley car, the place is famous for its complimentary ‘mile high’ biscuits, which are outrageously fluffy and buttery. Other standout dishes include cinnamon roll French toast with orange cream cheese, and huevos rancheros. You’ll want to grab a seat outside if the weather’s good – the mountain views are amazing.

Established in 1983, The Serving Spoon is a family-owned diner whose specialty is comfort food – and it promises customers 'love at first bite.' The joint is famous for its hearty breakfasts and top-notch service. Get the Spooner Breakfast, which comes with two eggs, your choice of meat (ham, bacon, or sausage), sides such as home-style potatoes and tomatoes, and a choice of bread. Other popular orders include the breakfast burrito and the pancakes.

Named after the owner's mom, whose home recipes form the backbone of the diner menu, this no-nonsense coffee shop with classic counter seating serves delicious breakfasts: thick-cut bacon, huge cinnamon rolls covered in frosting, and delightfully large portions of biscuits and gravy. The menu names are racing car–themed, because the joint started out providing food for a race car banquet. It's all part of Tina’s charm!

Often there’s a line outside Scrambled. The trick is to reserve your seat ahead of time, because this charming diner’s knock-your-socks-off breakfast is by no means a secret. Diners are usually prepared to wait for stacks of lacy-edged pancakes, crab cake Benedicts, buttery biscuits and gravy, deliciously cheesy grits, and the joint's renowned fried green tomatoes.

Family owned and operated, this local favorite makes absolutely everything from scratch – even the butter. The atmosphere inside is homey, making it the perfect place to chow down on dinner plate–sized cinnamon rolls slathered with frosting. Regulars also rave about the chicken-fried steak and the hearty, well-seasoned corned beef hash, as well as the attentive servers, who are always ready to top up your coffee. One thing’s for certain: you won’t leave this diner hungry.

Consistently voted the best breakfast place in Helena (and rated as one of the best diners in the whole of the US), Steve’s Cafe almost always has a line outside. It’s a short wait, though, as the staff are efficient, and they even serve you coffee while you wait. Inside, the most popular dishes are the Irish Benedict, with corned beef hash, poached eggs, and Hollandaise, and the huckleberry French toast, stuffed with sweetened ricotta. The menu is large and affordable, and there’s a whole selection of gluten-free options, too.

76th Street Diner is a truck stop, but it certainly isn't your typical truck stop. You can tell the chefs take real pride in their work, serving flavorful, well-executed dishes. With tasty menu items like crispy hash browns with onions, and scratch-made sausage gravy, the place is unpretentious and unfussy (with huge portions), and the food always hits the spot. The atmosphere inside is fun and lively, and there’s generally a line. There are two locations in Detroit.

At the tiny Ladybird Diner, quality is the name of the game; the restaurant serves local sourdough, hand-breaded chicken-fried steaks, and pies that are baked in house. Standout breakfast dishes include sweetcorn griddle cakes, served with stone fruit preserve and spiced honey butter, bananas Foster French toast, and delicious pancakes. Though it's perpetually packed with hungry customers, the service is fast and attentive, and the vibe is retro and friendly.

A refurbished Denny’s, this locally owned mom-and-pop diner has been going strong since 1968. It does all the classic American breakfast staples (pancakes, Texas French toast, eggs and bacon, biscuits and gravy), but it's the Southwestern dishes that really shine. Think huevos rancheros served with scratch-made tortillas, and a really flavorful breakfast burrito. Kap’s is also famous for its cinnamon coffee, so make sure you get a cup or two.

Run with care by Ally herself, this mom-and-pop joint serves breakfast staples, made from scratch each day. The staff are efficient at turning tables – so, despite a ton of local love and a small interior, wait times aren’t as bad as you’d think, which is ideal for diners hungry for Ally’s big breakfast sandwiches and pancake stacks. Menu highlights include house-made buttermilk pancakes (which come with a variety of toppings), and a Mexican omelet with white cheese and spicy salsa.

Evan's Restaurant is a relaxed diner specializing in classic American and Greek comfort foods – and it has a hearty breakfast menu that's loved by regulars. Customers say the huge Philly cheesesteak omelet is perfect, and they also rave about the French toast and breakfast sandwiches. Everything on the menu is delicious, though, and you'll want to return to try the popular gyros platter.

This cozy, casual neighborhood diner is consistently rated highly by customers, who love the delicious food and friendly service. There's a whole host of delicious options on offer here, but highlights include omelets topped with tomato, mozzarella, and pesto (pictured), scrambled eggs with avocado, feta cheese, and smoked salmon, and croissants stuffed with bacon, egg, and cheese.

With only a handful of bar stools to speak of, the oldest diner along Highway 72 is a tiny family-run shack boasting totally eclectic décor, inside and out. Oh, and the food is sensational. Here, you'll find perfect freshly made biscuits, fried pork tenderloin, rich scrambled eggs, and famous cookies (if you feel like finishing your meal with something sweet). Essentially, it’s perfect Southern cooking served with style, and in quirky surrounds.

Hoot Owl Cafe gets rave reviews for its huge breakfasts and brunches, friendly service, and fun, colorful décor. Here, breakfast is served all day – and menu highlights include a breakfast burrito (filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, mushrooms, cheese, and hash browns) and chocolate chip pancakes, which come topped with whipped cream.

Since 1940, the relatively modest Pancake Shop has been thrilling customers with its old-school charm, efficient service, and great food – gradually becoming one of the most talked-about breakfast joints in Arkansas. It fills up fast and can have long wait times, but that’s no surprise given the quality of the food; you can expect huge portions of deep-fried French toast, apple butter pancakes, and omelets, with freshly squeezed orange juice on the side.

Built in 1962, this elegant diner sources its ingredients from Catskills and Hudson Valley farms, cooking them up into elevated diner classics. Here, customers can expect to find seasonal pancake toppings, locally smoked lox, gluten-free options, and an array of breakfast skillets. With food this local, even the orange juice is a standout. The diner itself is quaint, and the food is beautifully presented.

Though it's not much to look at from the outside (and pretty no-frills inside, too), the Olde Country Diner serves some seriously good food. Focus on the amazing platters of blueberry pancakes, the omelets, and some of the best fried chicken for miles (served draped over syrupy waffles), and get a slice of one of the tempting house-baked pies to go.

The Diner is a small, buzzy joint serving traditional homestyle and Tex-Mex meals. The owner, Bonnie, is the fourth generation of a family famous for its chili, and she proudly continues the tradition by peppering her breakfast menu with delicious Southwestern flavors. Think breakfast tamales, an 'eggarito,' and huevos rancheros (pictured), in addition to staples like blueberry pancakes. Thanks to its bright décor, timeless charm, and delicious food, The Diner is a firm local favorite.

This unassuming old-school spot is everything you could want from a small-town eatery. Guests crowd the counter for towering stacks of homemade pancakes – in flavors like cannoli, Oreo, and banana-praline – as well as the diner’s legendary corned beef hash, crisped to perfection on the griddle. The vibe is as friendly as it is nostalgic, making Laurel Diner the kind of place where you come for breakfast once and find yourself coming back for years.

Open early five days a week, this old-school lunch counter has a loyal local fanbase thanks to its home-style Southern feel – and it's been going strong since 1939. Combining a warm atmosphere with truly delicious food, Dixie serves up perfectly executed biscuits with sausage gravy, as well as buttermilk hotcakes, scrapple and eggs, cheese omelets, and more.

Phoebe's Diner has three locations in Austin – and it's the place to go when you're in the mood for something a little bit special for breakfast. Menu highlights include fried chicken with chorizo gravy, eggs, and house-made chilies (pictured), and a crab cake Benedict, which comes with two crispy lump crab cakes, poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce, green onions, and sautéed asparagus. Not only is the food delicious, but customers also say the service is great from start to finish.

Run by a Canadian missing the taste of home, Maple Leaf Diner serves huge, indulgent breakfast dishes, with an emphasis on real Canadian maple syrup and peameal bacon. The long menu is full of hits – including Canadian eggs Benedict, chicken, bacon, and waffles, swirly pumpkin pancakes, and even poutine – all of which are cooked to perfection and served prettily on the plate. Join the online wait list ahead of time to avoid hanging around.

Nothing short of iconic thanks to its 1900s Pullman car lunch counter, Frank’s Diner has been a Spokane institution for more than 100 years – and it's been run by the same family since 1978. It's little wonder the food is so good; they’ve had a lot of practice! Nearly everything is made from scratch, and a high level of care is poured into the little things, like the extra-crispy hash browns. Regulars love the fried green tomatoes, the dollar hotcakes, and the elk chop steak and eggs.

A family-run spot with red vinyl booths and neon lights, Tommy's Diner has been serving the Franklinton neighborhood for more than 30 years, slinging great breakfasts in a nostalgic diner setting. The food is made from scratch and is all the better for it; here, you'll find soft and fluffy biscuits with a craggy exterior, perfectly golden hash browns, and meat with a delightfully smoky flavor. It’s always busy, and for good reason.

Acclaimed far and wide, this Eastside diner – with a funky jazz soundtrack and eclectic wall art – dishes up a positively dreamy breakfast. Think diner classics (steak and eggs, corned beef hash, and waffles), but also avocado toast, salmon horseradish latkes, and even a whole vegan menu. The vibe is cozy and welcoming, right down to the complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie you get with the check.

Located in the Two Bridges area of New York City, the Golden Diner serves up all-American diner classics with a Korean twist – and it wins rave reviews for its innovative breakfast menu. Highlights include honey butter pancakes, lemongrass avocado toast, and the breakfast burrito, which comes stuffed with scrambled eggs, American cheese, refried beans, crispy potatoes, and pico de gallo. 

Established in 1942 and run by its current owners since 1972, this East Newark institution is arguably unmatched when it comes to food, service, atmosphere, and attention to detail. You can expect to wait during peak times, but that figures. The menu is filled with expertly prepared diner classics like omelets, pancakes, waffles, and grilled corned beef hash, all served in huge portions. 

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Last updated by Jessica Morris.