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 joints 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 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.

Located halfway between Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida, Derailed Diner can be found off exit 53 on I-10. It's a quirky spot to say the least; set inside a full-size train car with tailgates for tables, it’s filled with transport paraphernalia and wall art, from skis to bobsleds, as well as a counter that looks like a school bus. Here, customers refuel on hearty servings of country-fried steak, meatloaf, and burgers. The Train Wreck sandwich, with Buffalo chicken and bacon, comes highly recommended. 

This 1950s-style diner is a short stroll from the white beaches of Gulf Shores, and it’s beautifully suited to its surroundings. 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. Eat classic all-day breakfast dishes and more modern favorites, like an avocado eggs Benedict, in fun retro surroundings that include a car-shaped booth.

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 décor 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 house-made root beer.

This diner's theme is simple: the color purple. Each Purple Cow outpost pays homage to the classic 1950s model, with a retro soda fountain and plenty of neon. The original diner, on Cantrell Road in Little Rock, opened in 1989 and there are now six family-friendly locations to choose from (three in Little Rock, one in Hot Springs, one in Conway, and one in Benton). They all serve diner favorites, including a wide range of burgers, hot dogs, and toasted sandwiches, plus now-iconic purple shakes and malts, ice cream and desserts.

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 décor. Every inch of the walls and ceiling is 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, then dipped in batter and deep fried.  

Complete with neon signs, diner staples, and rock ‘n’ roll vibes, Corvette Diner is a San Diego must-visit. Waitstaff are dressed in classic 1950s attire, including bouffant hairdos, while the interior is bursting with retro-inspired décor (think jukeboxes, neon lights, and leather booths).  Corvette Diner serves up plenty of delicious dishes, including chicken-fried steak, spaghetti and meatballs, and burgers. There’s an old-school soda fountain and an arcade area, too.

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 interior 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 pink paradise is impossible to miss, and it’s become a bit of a tourist attraction. Diners love the colorful exterior and matching pink VW Beetles, which can be found parked outside the restaurant front. Inside, the pink theme continues, with bright booths and a retro bubblegum machine. The menu is just as exciting, with breakfast burritos, burgers swaddled between waffles, and fudge brownie sundaes.

This gem of a Sunshine State diner serves mango with just about everything, from waffles and French toast 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 Sarasota and another in Holmes Beach, 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 the Fonzie French fries to the Bond 007 barbecued pork pizza. Beef hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes also fill the menu, alongside an array of tempting ice cream sundaes. 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 chicken tortilla, 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 sets 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 lunchboxes 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 drinks 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.

Decorated in ice cream shades, with black and white checkered flooring, Kayla's Diner is a beloved spot that charms locals and visitors alike with its classic diner fare, jukebox playing retro hits, and inviting atmosphere. Despite only opening in 2022, this bright and colorful spot has a distinctly old-school feel – customers say walking through the door is like stepping back in time and they rave about the steakhouse burger, loaded fries, and friendly service.

As the name suggests, Dodson Roadside Cafe and Creamery serves ice cream alongside classic diner favorites. Expect the likes of country-fried steaks, fried catfish, and meaty burgers stacked with toppings, plus plenty of icy treats for dessert. The striking 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 also rather special. The diner's mirrored exterior makes it a cool photo spot, 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 'chicken' Parm with penne, sauce, and cheese. 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. The retro treats don't stop there – the spot also serves floats, lavish sundaes, classic burgers, and sandwiches.

With two locations in the state, Fleetwood Diner has become something of a Michigan institution. Customers love the joint's signature breakfast dish, the Hippie Hash, which sees hash browns tossed with grilled tomatoes, green bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and feta cheese. The interior is charming too, with walls 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 house-made 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 its outdoor seating really allows customers to 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.

The alien-themed Little A’Le’Inn is a must-visit landmark for those interested in extraterrestrial activity. The joint is located in the middle of the Nevada desert, off the Extraterrestrial Highway, and near Area 51. It’s well worth exploring, with alien-inspired décor and hundreds of dollar notes pinned to the ceiling. Order the Alien Burger, a juicy patty topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and ‘alien’ sauce, and tuck in while listening to stories about alien sightings.

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 Epsom, 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.

As its name suggests, this retro diner is located right on the iconic Route 66, making it a must-stop destination along the historic highway. Step inside and you’re instantly transported back to the 1950s, thanks to its nostalgic décor, vintage jukebox, and old-school soda fountain. The theme continues with the menu, which is packed with classic diner favorites, but no visit is complete without sampling the 66 Fries (a generous helping of crispy fries smothered in house-made queso and chopped green chile) or tucking into the legendary Pile Up – a pile of pan-fried tomatoes, chopped bacon or sausage, eggs, Cheddar and chile sauce.

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 complete 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…

It’s not every day you see a prop plane sitting atop a building, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at this quirky dining spot. Seaplane Diner is loved for its fun exterior and homey vibe, with locals saying it’s the best joint in Providence for breakfast. Choose between diner favorites like steak and eggs, cheese omelets, and buttermilk pancakes drowned in syrup.

Expect fun décor abound at this Great Falls hotspot. Interesting trinkets, artworks, and miscellaneous items adorn the walls and interior at Flopeye Diner, and the spot really goes all out on decorations during the various holiday seasons. On the menu you’ll find hearty diner fare, including burgers, fried chicken, and hoagies.

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.

Serving up old-school charm, retro interiors, and 1950s foodie classics, Mel’s Diner is adored by locals. Step inside and you’ll instantly be drawn to the eye-catching décor, complete with quirky artwork, murals, and a vintage jukebox. Alongside hearty dishes like liver and onions, pot roast, and meatloaf, the spot is famous for its banana splits. Scoops of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream sit snugly between a split banana and are topped with strawberry and pineapple pieces, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry.

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.

With a history stretching back to 1930, Ruth’s Diner is an Emigration Canyon landmark in its own right. One of the reasons this spot is so special is that it’s built inside an old trolley car, with low ceilings and limited space, but there’s also an equally charming patio that’s perfect for warmer weather. The other reason diners continue to flock here is its late founder Ruth Evans, who was a cabaret singer turned restaurant owner and always had a story to tell. Nowadays, her legacy lives on through the hearty dishes, which all come accompanied by her famous Mile High biscuit. 

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. 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 décor, 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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Last updated by Emily Shardlow-Price.