There is something truly special about American diners. The service, the vibes, and, above all, the menu make up America’s favorite dining locations. You can be spoiled for choice when it comes to what to eat, but these are the 17 all-time best diner foods in America.
Pancakes
You will struggle to find a diner where pancakes are not on the menu, and they are often the most ordered food. Pancakes are highly versatile; you can choose from an endless list of toppings and sauces to create unique flavor combinations that will have your mouth watering.
Omelet
A wholesome, hearty menu staple that never disappoints, the omelet is one of the best-loved diner foods for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Packed full of goodness, omelets are incredibly filling and taste delicious with a huge range of toppings. Whether you pick healthy or naughty combinations, omelets are always ‘eggcellent’ choices…ahem.
Biscuits and gravy
It’s one of the South’s favorite breakfast dishes; you just can’t beat biscuits and gravy, especially at a diner. Popular with locals and tourists, biscuits and gravy are the ultimate hearty breakfast, and they taste different at every diner. This is because, according to Forbes, there are countless secret biscuits and gravy recipes.
Eggs Benedict
Often misassociated with British food, Eggs Benedict is actually an American dish popularized in New York City. Poached eggs and thick-cut ham are layered on a toasted English muffin and dripping in hollandaise sauce, making no breakfast more indulgent than eggs benedict. It’s truly mouth-watering!
Loaded fries
Loaded fries are a great comfort food. Whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a shared snack, they are layered with a range of toppings, including cheese, chili, and sour cream. Every American diner offers different options, but one thing remains consistent: loaded fries are always indulgent.
Bacon Cheeseburger
You can’t go wrong with a hamburger on a diner menu, but when you pair it with cheese and bacon, you’re onto a real winner. Believe it or not, some diners will serve up to 1000 bacon cheeseburgers a day! It is really popular, and its legacy is starting to spread worldwide.
Milkshake
In terms of drinks, there is nothing more iconic to American diners than a milkshake. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, you haven’t lived if you’ve never enjoyed a milkshake at an authentic diner. Diner scenes in movies and television always feature a milkshake, making them scream 50s and 60s nostalgia.
Hash browns
With the exception of fries, hash browns are easily the most ordered side in American diners. TastingTable estimates that the original variety of hash browns appeared as early as 1835, yet they’re still as popular as ever. In fact, they can be found as a common breakfast food all around the world these days.
Reuben
A traditional reuben is one of the most popular sandwich choices in North American diners. With corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing layered between toasted slices of rye, what’s not to like!? They are more commonly associated with delis, but they also regularly appear on diner menus.
Waffles
Signs for waffle houses pepper the highways of the US, inviting travelers to indulge in a delicious breakfast dish at any time of day. Whether enjoyed with berries, maple syrup, or southern-style fried chicken, waffles are always a good idea for a tasty treat.
Grilled cheese
Back in 2019, YouGov Today declared grilled cheese to be America’s favorite sandwich, and we doubt this has changed. It’s featured on just about any diner menu and is enjoyable at any time of day. The oozy grilled cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved all around the country.
Pie
Whether you stop by for a sweet treat or enjoy dessert after your meal, pie never lets you down. Warm, comforting, and delicious, a slice of pie is always satisfying. Topped with cream or ice cream, the best pies are homemade and baked with love.
Soup
Warm and wholesome, soup is one of the most popular foods to order at an American diner throughout the winter. Many diners offer a ‘soup of the day’ with a variety of additional flavors to enjoy. Packed with nutrition and extremely filling, throw in bread or crackers, and you have yourself a delicious lunch.
Mac and cheese
Loved by all ages, mac and cheese is almost as popular as grilled cheese and commonly comes as either a main or a side. It’s pure cheesy indulgence, and in the 21st century, you can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and toppings, spicing up a classic menu item.
Club sandwich
Club sandwiches can commonly be found on most diner menus, particularly at lunchtime. There’s just something about the three layers of sliced chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo that just makes for the perfect balance. Travel around the world, and you’ll soon notice that the club sandwich is just as popular on other continents.
Breakfast skillet
Breakfast skillets can often be cooked any way you like them, but they typically feature potatoes, eggs, and bacon alongside a good scattering of veggies. Exceptionally nutritious and very filling, a breakfast skillet can be shared, but if you’re really hungry, they will certainly set you up for the day!
Yankee breakfast
The Yankee breakfast is a classic, bringing together many dishes into one big breakfast. From eggs and bacon to French toast and pancakes, TheCoyoteTrip explains that the exact items in a Yankee breakfast will depend greatly on where you are in the States. However, we’d recommend heading to the East Coast for the most authentic versions.
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