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LOOK: The 10 Best Classic Diners In America

LOOK: The 10 Best Classic Diners In America
Deborah Long
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SPECIAL FROM Grandparents.com

Chrome and vinyl and neon, oh my! Burgers, fries, milkshakes, and pies! Memorialized in songs, movies, paintings and books, the American diner is world-famous for serving simple comfort food at fair prices. Part of what gives the diner its allure is that it becomes part of the fabric of a community in a way no fast food restaurant can. Whether you’re a regular or just traveling through, you can count on a warm welcome and a hot meal at any of the 10 classic American diners featured here. Many of them have been in business since the 1930s, and still are family owned and operated.

Read on to find places to enjoy a slice of history with your slice of pie!

Zip's Dining Car
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Location: Dayville, CT When the locals of Dayville want to go where everybody knows their name, they head to this family-owned and operated diner on Route 6 for a chocolate frappe and maybe the “Zip’s Special” – an open-faced sandwich featuring an 8 oz. rib-eye seared to perfection, served with a side of fries. Since it first opened in 1954, Zip's has attracted local residents and travelers alike, including Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Liberace, Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, and Renee Zellweger. The diner has a literary presence, too; it was used in Steven King’s novel 11/22/63, and made the cover of J.A. Jance’s Ring in the Dead.Get more information: Zip's Dining Car
Skyliner Diner
Flickr:Jenn Durfey
Location: Rochester, NY Guests to the Strong Children’s Museum in Rochester are literally in for a treat if their visit includes a stop at the Skyliner Diner. Diners were built to be mobile, and the Skyliner traveled from its original location on Route 15 near Williamsport, PA, to its current home in the museum's atrium. Today, you’ll find children and their parents and grandparents enjoying milkshakes or root beer floats on the stools and in the booths, where long-distance truckers used to sip coffee and snack on pie. Want more than a drink? The Skyliner has a full menu of diner favorites available. Get more information: Skyliner Diner
Pink Cadillac Diner
Flickr:Talusss
Location: Natural Bridge, VA Located just a few miles from Virginia’s Natural Bridge, which attracts visitors from around the world, the Pink Cadillac Diner is a must if you’re in the area. The food is tasty diner fare; you can get a plate of chili fries with cheese, or munch on an “Elvis” burger, with its house-made secret special sauce. Plus, the ice cream bar serves up shakes and sundaes that are sure to please. But what you’ll remember best about the Pink Cadillac is the décor. Memorabilia including life-size cutouts of movie icons from Elvis to Marilyn Monroe, a vintage jukebox, and even a Texaco gas pump make the dining experience fun for everyone. Get more information: Pink Cadillac Diner
Goody Goody Diner
Flickr:pasa47
Location: St. Louis, MO No one is sure how the Goody Goody Diner got its name. One story is that it was inspired by the Johnny Mercer tune of the same name, but the most popular legend is that kids would exclaim, “Goody! Goody!” when their parents took them to this St. Louis eatery, and the name stuck. The Goody Goody has been operating since 1948, and has been owned by the same family since 1954. The place can get crowded, especially on weekends, but it’s generally agreed that a meal here is worth the wait! A particular favorite: chicken and waffles. Get more information: Goody Goody Diner
66 Diner
Flickr:jamesjoel
Location: Albuquerque, NM It’s not as easy to get your kicks on Route 66 as it used to be, but the 66 Diner still delivers. With all the bells and whistles a 50s-style diner should have – neon lighting, a checkerboard floor, a jukebox, wait staff in crisp uniforms, and plenty of kitschy décor – you can easily imagine you’ve stepped back into the heyday of “the Mother Road.” The 66 Diner has a full soda fountain that boasts the best milkshakes in Albuquerque, and still offers Blue Plate Specials, too. Get more information:66 Diner
Ruth's Diner
Flickr:Ritycan
Location: Salt Lake City, UT Just two miles from the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, you’ll find one of the oldest dining establishments in the state of Utah; Ruth’s Diner has been serving up award-winning comfort food since 1930. What started in a trolley car now features outdoor tables with a view, as well as cozy indoor options. And with specialties like the Mile High Biscuits with Country Gravy, Pecan Cinnamon Roll French Roast with Lemon Cream Cheese, and the Holy Smokes Pulled Pork Sandwich with house-made barbeque sauce, you may want to visit more than once. Get more information: Ruth's Diner
Mickey's Diner Car
Flickr:cliff1066™
Location: St. Paul, MN Since 1939, Mickey’s Dining Car has been serving customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and boasts a media presence that rivals that of Honey Boo Boo, having been featured on the Food Network, the Travel Network and in films like The Mighty Ducks, Jingle All the Way, and A Prairie Home Companion. But locals crowd into Mickey’s today for the same reasons their parents and grandparents did: good food at a fair price. Tuck into a signature sandwich like Mickey’s Sputnik – a double decker burger with lettuce and special sauce – or try a malted “so thick you can eat it with a fork.”Get more information: Mickey’s Dining Car
Slim Goodie's Diner
Shutterstock
Location: New Orleans, LAVisit the website for Slim Goodie’s Diner, and you’ll find a page that lauds “the best customers anyone could ask for,” adding “we love them one and all.” After Hurricane Katrina, the staff made good on this proclamation of love, by rallying and feeding hundreds of local residents, even though there was no power. After Hurricane Isaac, displaced victims were fed and asked to “pay what you can.” In other words, beneath the shine of chrome and steel at Slim Goodie’s beats a heart of gold that pulls visitors from around the world through the door. The mouthwatering food and the toe-tapping music are just a bonus - sure to keep you smiling long after your meal is done.Get more information:Slim Goodie’s Diner
A1 Diner
Flickr:zappowbang
Location: Gardiner, ME Since it opened in 1946, the A1 Diner has changed its name a few times, but what hasn’t changed are the vinyl stools and the pink marble counter tops. More importantly, the A1 still is as committed to serving wholesome food to the hard-working residents of Gardiner as it was the day it opened. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, making the menu truly fresh. Locals and tourists alike rave about the quality of the meals, including dinner specials like Oakland Farms Beef Stew or the Sicilian Lamb Stew. If you go, make sure to save room for dessert! Watch for seasonal treats like Pumpkin Caramel Pudding; chocolate lovers will swoon over the Warm Brownie Cup a la Mode. Get more information: A1 Diner
Wellsboro Diner
Flickr:woodleywonderworks
Location: Wellsboro, PA Located on a street still lit by antique gas lamps, the Wellsboro Diner is an integral part of what is easily one of the prettiest towns in America. Visitors to the nearby Pennsylvania Grand Canyon often find their way to the diner before or after seeing the gorge, and enjoy the sensation of stepping back in time. A cake stand on the counter showcases the mouthwatering, mile-high cake of the day, like the chocolate and peanut butter or banana cake with buttercream icing. Everything is baked on-site, and locals come in for the pie and coffee today just as they did in 1939, when the diner first opened its doors. The food is comfortably simple, and served in generous portions. Get more information:Wellsboro Diner

Read more from Grandparents.com:6 Affordable Trips for Your Travel Bucket ListRoad Trip Food: 7 Best Food and Beverage Trails Across America10 Incredible Travel Spots You've Got to See

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Before You Go

6 Warm-Weather Getaways
Destination: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands(01 of06)
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St. John’s sister island St. Thomas might have the shopping and cruise ships, but if you’re looking for pristine white-sand beaches, natural beauty and quiet charm, St. John is the place. Over half the island is national park, which means lush greenery and hiking trails, as well as historic ruins from the island’s colonial past. Where To Stay and Dine: For an eco-friendly family adventure, try the Maho Bay campground, where pretty tent-cottages sit right near water’s edge and the resort has a load of daily activities including yoga, snorkeling and even glassblowing. The more luxurious will want to stay at the Westin St. John Resort & Villas with its beautiful rooms, spa and tennis courts. For Sunday brunch Ms. Lucy’s is an island must--be sure to try the conch fritters and callaloo soup. Where To Play: Trunk Bay, considered one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean, is the place to head to for snorkeling. For shopping, go to the artisan shops and boutiques in Mongoose Junction. Hikers will want to head to the Reef Bay Trail to see the petroglyphs left over from the island's Amerindians, as well as ruins of sugar plantations. (credit:Alamy)
Destination: Delray Beach, Florida(02 of06)
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The under-the-radar "Gold Coast" town of Delray Beach is bursting with arts and culture, a blossoming restaurant scene, and wide, sandy beaches. Where To Stay and Dine: The sprawling, Mediterranean-style Delray Beach Marriott has two heated pools and spacious rooms with sofa beds perfect for traveling with a large family. Dine at one of its acclaimed restaurants such as O'Grady's Lounge or the Seacrest Grill. Where To Play: The area of Delray Beach is within walking distance of museums and ballet-and-jazz-performing spaces. In Old School Square, ride the carousel in-season, or take in exhibitions at the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture. A few minutes drive from downtown is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens where kids can enjoy the exhibition, Japan Through the Eyes of a Child. (credit:Alamy)
Destination: Los Cabos, Mexico(03 of06)
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A desert oasis with a mixed personality, Cabo is at the tip of Baja California Sur. Cabo San Lucas is party central, where every day feels like a holiday. Its mellower sister city, San José del Cabo, is popular with the Hollywood elite for serious R&R. Where To Stay and Dine: You'll have to drag the kids away from the kids' club and the lagoon-style pools at the all-inclusive Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, which specializes in making families feel at home. The Mexican menus feature guacamole made at your table and served in a molcajete (stone mortar and pestle).Where To Play: There are plenty of beaches for sunbathing, but the ocean here is notoriously choppy and unfit for casual swimmers; therefore, the pool culture is alive and well. The area also boasts day-trips to nearby beaches, golf courses, and snorkel sites. (credit:Shutterstock)
Destination: San Diego, California(04 of06)
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Though still sunny, winter brings light jacket weather to San Diego, famous for its zoo and large U.S. Navy and Marine military community. Where To Stay and Dine: A wallet-friendly home base is the 115-room, 80-year old La Valencia Hotel, in the middle of downtown La Jolla, with easy access to the two-mile boardwalk fronting the Pacific. Before heading to Point Loma, see the online camera trained on the line at Phil's BBQ, where diners say it's worth the wait for the price-is-right mesquite-grilled ribs and crispy onion rings. Where To Play: There are tons of family-friendly activities, including whale-watching and seal-watching at SeaWorld and the Birch Aquarium, imagination-stretching at LEGOLAND, and, of course, a visit to the San Diego Zoo, home to 3,700 animals and 700,000 plants. For more activities in San Diego, visit our City Guide. (credit:Shutterstock)
Destination: St. George's, Grenada(05 of06)
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St. George's is called the "Spice Island" because of the nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves that grow abundantly in the island setting. This Caribbean beauty is thriving again after being struck by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Where To Stay and Dine: The all-suite Calabash Hotel & Villas sits on eight acres of gardens facing L'Anse Aux Épines beach. English chef Gary Rhodes's restaurant at the hotel uses touches of spice in dishes like dorado with ginger-butter sauce and vanilla and nutmeg custard brioche. Where To Play: Busy St. George's Market in the center of town is a must for buying freshly dried herbs and pungent spices. At the Gouyave Nutmeg Cooperative, women process nutmeg and mace for export; watch their nimble hands work at unbelievable speed. (credit:Alamy)
Destination: Oahu, Hawaii(06 of06)
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The fiftieth state is all-exotic, but Oahu is comfortingly all-American. It's a fantastic and fun location for families, and the weather couldn't be more enjoyable. Where To Stay and Dine: Hotels here can be quite expensive, but the Aqua chain, with some lanai (patios) and kitchen-equipped rooms and suites in its 14 locations around Honolulu, are made for families. With the savings -- rooms can be had for less than $100 a night -- you can splurge on shave ice, a sorbet-like ice cream that's an island favorite. Where To Play: The legendary beaches of Waikiki beckon surfers to take lessons at the Hans Hedemann Surf school. Head to Oahu's north shore for educational hula shows at the Polynesian Cultural Center. (credit:Shutterstock)
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