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- More Of The Best Retro Diners In The USA
Retro diners are a novelty for those who appreciate all things vintage. There's something nostalgic about walking into a dining establishment that has been around since the 1950s or earlier when the golden era of diners was truly at its peak. These continue to exist today and are showcased in their full vintage glory around the U.S.
Making the list of the top 13 retro diners that everyone should visit at least once are these, which are perfect for those who will appreciate their vintage charm (and excellent food).
UPDATE: 2023/02/06 11:11 EST BY AARON SPRAY
More Of The Best Retro Diners In The USA
The United States is famous around the world for its retro roadside diners and the diners are a key part of any road trip. Some of the best diners are well known, while others are outposts in the desert with their own generators off the grid. This list was expanded to include some more of the best diners to consider calling by in the United States.
13 Sami's City Diner In Spenard, Alaska
Sami's City Diner is family-owned and has been a long-standing tradition in Spenard, Alaska, for some time now. With retro 1950s details that are unmistakable from the outside in, Sami's is serving up a classic menu along with some local Alaskan favorites. If the neon sign doesn't draw a diner in, then the soft light glowing from within this 50s-style diner certainly will. With delicious dishes such as reindeer sausage, chicken and waffles, a number of skillets, and a classic chili burger with 'Granny's chili,' this menu is sure to warm anyone up on a cold Alaskan day or night.
12 The 59er Diner In Leavenworth, Washington
If this diner sounds familiar, it's probably because it was also featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. However, this retro diner had a reputation long before its episode ever even aired. Not far from the Bavarian Village in Leavenworth, this diner is serving up a classic menu that's preceded by its unbelievable decor - which looks like it could be straight out of a 1950s kitchen. Diners can go with a world-famous burger or try one of their monstrous shakes, all while being surrounded by red checkered curtains, decade-accurate kitchenware, and classic Formica tables.
11 The Dutch Mill Diner In Tillamook, Oregon
The Dutch Mill Diner is famous for its burgers, which are hailed as the best on the West Coast. Their 50s-style decor will surely transport diners back to a time and place when things were simpler, and diners were the number one place to socialize. With a delicious burger, a side of fries, and a classic milkshake or float, there's no way this won't conjure up some serious nostalgia for one of the most prominent 20th-century decades.
10 Varsity Diner In Moscow, Idaho
It's not hard to fall in love with Idaho's Varsity Diner, especially with a whole display of (homemade!) baked goods like these. Not only is the decor entirely 50s-style, but the menu - and desserts - also reflect that iconic flair. While many people are obsessed with its cakes, Finnish pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and other local favorites, the entire menu is everything a person could want in a retro diner.
9 Pann's In Los Angeles, California
Pann's opened its doors for the first time in 1958 and has been serving up classic diner dishes ever since. Not only does this diner offer special menus for the holidays, but it's a popular fixture in L.A., where the locals know they can go to get comfort food and so much more. If it's not the iconic Googie architecture that captivates the hearts of diner lovers, then it will certainly be the characteristic late-50s style of this diner that wins them over.
8 Olympia Diner In Newington, Connecticut
Olympia Diner is known as the oldest stainless-steel diner in the U.S., giving it another layer of history following its opening back in 1954. It's quite stunning from the outside, with steel walls and an iconic neon sign above, and upon entering the diner, it's obvious why it's so beloved by the locals and highly regarded by tourists. This diner doesn't need to try very hard to be retro, and its menu items speak volumes about its history - there's not a thing here that's not delicious.
7 Marietta Diner In Marietta, Georgia
Marietta Diner shows off in the best way, featuring dramatic exterior decor that screams retro without even trying. This diner was also featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and it's easy to see why. Serving up classic diner comfort food alongside Greek specialties, Marietta Diner has quickly become a favorite for locals and tourists. Those visiting shouldn't leave without trying the diner's baklava, which is a favorite for almost everyone.
6 Rock Island Cafe In Honolulu, Hawaii
Located in the heart of Waikiki, Rock Island Cafe is an homage to all things the 1950s, with a perfect diner atmosphere to boot. Nowhere else can diners experience nostalgia both on and off the menu while being introduced to memorabilia that's probably one-of-a-kind in Honolulu. When it comes to retro dining establishments in Hawaii, this is one place that visitors to Waikiki are not going to want to miss out on.
5 Oasis Diner In Plainfield, Indiana
What makes the Oasis Diner so unique is in part due to its construction, which features a steel box that's classic of many 1950s-style diners. The diner does date back to this decade and further proves that with its display of circa-1950s lunchboxes. With dining both indoors and outdoors, either seating arrangement is a great way to enjoy a local favorite: the Oasis Burger.
4 A1 Diner In Gardiner, Maine
As one of the oldest diners on the list, the A1 Diner dates back to 1946. The inside of this diner is just as classic as the outside, featuring mellow yellow walls, neon signs, retro barstools, and iconic vinyl booths. With Maine-specific menu items - along with a few retro classics - this diner has long been a favorite of locals and has the tourists to Gardiner falling in love with it, too.
3 Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In, Route 66
One of the most humorous diners located along the historic Route 66 is Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In. This is one of the more interesting vintage diners to visit and one that survived the rerouting and decommissioning of Route 66. Patrons to this diner are greeted with all manner of pranks and jokes - like the door with two handles (one of which works). This is a diner where diners get cheese with their cheeseburgers and a sign apologizing "Sorry, We're Open." It was established in 1953.
2 The Heart Attack Grill, Nevada
Sin City's Heart Attack Grill is a place where visitors need to decide if the burger is worth the cardiac arrest. This is a tongue-in-cheek diner centered around the notion that burgers are unhealthy and full of cholesterol. The diner's waitresses are 'nurses' and those over 350 lbs or 160 kg eat for free. Its burgers range from "Single" to "Double" to "Triple" all the way up to "Octuple Bypass" burgers weighing an impossible 32 ounces (or 910 grams) of beef. Remember one can enjoy a big greasy burger every now and again, but overall one's diet should be kept healthy.
1 Middlegate Station, Nevada
Middlegate Station is a sort of gem hidden away in the deserts of Nevada. It is a remote outpost along the deserted Highway 50 some distance from the town of Fallon, Nevada. The Middlegate Station dinner and campground is so remote that they use a generator for electricity. Middlegate Station has a Wild West charm with a richly decorated interior and with great burgers. The appeal of this place is its remoteness and that no one visits. It is a dinner in the middle of nowhere with a generator.