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.

Click or scroll through the gallery to take a trip through some of the best roadside restaurants in the USA, 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.

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 bottles.

At Schatz Crossroads in Minot, you can get hash brown combos (with bacon, sausage, egg, and ham) 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.

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 freshly made fudge (pictured) for the road.

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 huge billboards and statues alerting passersby 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 – great if you feel like having a drink with your meal.

The Boise Stage Stop is one of the most beloved truck stops in the US, and for good reason. Established in 1891, it stands as one of Idaho’s oldest continuously operating businesses. Today, it’s best known for its outstanding steakhouse, where diners enjoy juicy sirloin steaks paired with crispy shrimp and a hearty selection of burgers. Early risers are in for a treat too, with breakfast offerings that include T-bone steaks, fluffy omelets, biscuits and gravy, and oversized sandwiches. 

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. The service is always friendly, too.

It’s not just truckers who love Russell’s Restaurant – locals from all over Salina rave about the joint's well-priced food and huge portions. Stop in to enjoy all-you-can-eat fried chicken, chicken livers, and gizzards. Also on the menu are other Midwestern comforts like crispy fish, fries, and coleslaw, available to eat in or take out.

Brody’s Diner is an unpretentious dining spot that offers humongous stacks of buttermilk pancakes, as well as 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."

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 were the Hungarian goulash, the shrimp Creole, and the potato-crusted salmon. We wouldn’t say no to a house-made dessert, either. 

Traveling through Salt Lake City and in the mood for a burger like no other? Crown Burgers, with eight 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 burgers with cheese and pastrami. Some say they're the best in the West.

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 an 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.

There’s no shortage of places to stop and eat along Route 66 – the tough part is choosing which ones are worth your time. Self-proclaimed as ‘not a fast food restaurant,’ Roadkill Café guarantees food that you won’t mind waiting for. The diner is famous for its charbroiled and buffalo burgers, with playful names matching the theme (including Fender Tenders and the Splatter Platter). After eating, don’t miss out on a tour of the antique-packed saloon and the old Arizona Territorial Jail.

Stretch your legs at the Chelsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro, just off I-91. This spot offers comforting dishes like chicken-fried steak, smoked barbecue pulled pork, and clam chowder, all in the coziest New England setting. Renovated and reopened under new management in 2024, the diner has added Indian food to its menu, and it offers premium hand-crafted ice cream, too.

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, and people drive across the Cornhusker State to try it.

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 (which was towed from Virginia in 2008), but you can sit outdoors if you’d prefer. Customers love the Ohio State Buckeyes football memorabilia, the quick service, the good prices, and the huge servings of fries.

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.

As its name suggests, this charming diner sits right on the iconic Route 66, making it a must-stop destination along the historic highway. Step inside and you’re instantly transported to the 1950s, thanks to its nostalgic décor, vintage jukebox, and old-school soda fountain. The menu is packed with classic diner favorites, but no visit is complete without the legendary 66 Fries: a generous helping of crispy fries smothered in house-made queso and chopped green chile. 

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 houses a collection of old-school lunchboxes (featuring the likes of Pac Man, Barbie, and Mickey Mouse). Visitors love The Oasis Burger, complete with two beef patties, pulled pork, bacon, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, pickles, and Cheddar.

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.

Just off Highway 93, Betty’s Diner is a must-visit for anyone who loves vibrant retro vibes, welcoming service, and hearty house-cooked meals. The menu is full of comfort food classics, with standouts like steak and eggs, sizzling Philly cheesesteaks, and towering burgers. For an extra treat, grab a seat outside and soak in the scenic views of Flathead Lake before hitting the road again. 

A Route 66 fixture since 1939, Rock Cafe takes its diner credentials very seriously. This old-school joint is easy to spot thanks to its neon red and green signs, and fans say the food is well worth stopping off for. Try favorites like the house-made chili, bacon cheeseburger, grilled cheese, and loaded cheese fries.

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.

Just off Route 27, Bea’s Restaurant has been feeding hungry families for four generations. The Chattanooga eatery offers homestyle favorites, mixing things up each day – expect treats ranging from seven-hour smoked ribs, spaghetti, and fried chicken to cherry cobbler, banana pudding, and plenty of cornbread, all served family style on a lazy Susan. A true pillar of the local community that's been in business since 1950, it’s an essential stop on your way through the city, perhaps heading to Atlanta (or further south).

Plan your road trip from Kansas to Kentucky so you drive into Kansas City at lunchtime – that way, you can stop at Mugs Up Drive In for a refreshing house-made root beer, a wiz burger (a loose meat burger with mustard, pickles, and American cheese), and some chili cheese tots. You can even buy a t-shirt to mark the mighty occasion.

No road trip through the Nevada desert is possible without stopping at the alien-themed Lilttle A’Le’Inn. Located just off the Extraterrestrial Highway and near Area 51, it’s filled with space-inspired trinkets and photo-worthy displays, including the dollar note–filled ceiling. Expect plenty of handheld favorites including burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

Pay a visit to The Old Fashioned on your way out west from Milwaukee, or maybe as you journey to Chicago along I-90. This Madison institution is themed after its home state, meaning the menu is crammed with local favorites. Expect fondue made with local cheese, crispy pork schnitzel, and a classic Wisconsin fish fry (beer-battered cod with matchstick fries, tartar sauce, and rye bread). But it’s the hot, gooey, crispy cheese curds you really don’t want to miss – freshly made in-house with a beer batter, they’re widely regarded as the best you can get.

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 a tofu scramble made with mushrooms, onion, spinach, and celery – but if you're in the mood for something meatier, there are also traditional options like corned beef hash on the menu. You can dine in, carry out, or choose delivery.

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 the joint's huge cinnamon rolls for the road.

Though this Minneapolis diner just off I-94 is tiny – it claims to be the narrowest diner in the state – its 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 must-visit for anyone traveling along Highway 61, Mammy’s Cupboard is a charming diner in Natchez. This striking spot is designed to look like a woman wearing a pink petticoat and holding a baking tray. Inside, you’ll find a sweet gift shop and dining room which serves up Southern classics (think meatloaf with gravy, chicken pot pie, and red beans and rice). It’s well worth stopping just for a photo alone.

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 house-made chips. The favorite, the Big Mother Trucker, features two half-pound patties, three slices of sourdough, Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, crispy onions, sauce, and salad.

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.

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.

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 it attracts hordes from near and far, with people desperate to try the signature sausage sandwich. The famous snack features two juicy, well-seasoned sausages and scrambled eggs in a soft roll. In 2023, the diner opened a second location in Newark.

For an upmarket truck-stop experience, head to Haywood 209 Cafe, a known favorite on the interstate. Visitors rave about the meatloaf, the country-fried steak, and the tenderloin beef tips with mushroom gravy. After your meal, check out the dessert case full of freshly baked pies and cakes.

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.

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 décor, and the best loaded hot dogs and fries around. The Ala Cheesy Beefy Weenie (a deep-fried dog topped with American cheese, nacho cheese, bacon, chili sauce, a mac ’n’ cheese wedge, and shredded cheese) is always a hit.

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 drink 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.

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.

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, (which is loved by regulars on Route 8), plus one on North Avenue, and another in Wexford.

Described by patrons as a hidden jewel, Gas Grill Family Restaurant can be found just off I-70 between Indianapolis and Columbus. With friendly service and well-priced, perfectly cooked steaks, porterhouse pork chops, cheese omelets, and Greek options (think moussaka, spinach pie, and souvlaki), you’ll feel like you’re back in grandma’s kitchen.

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've broken down on the surrounding roads – how’s that for Southern hospitality?