Related: 46 Restaurants to Satisfy Late Night Cravings
Alabama: City Diner Cafe
Huntsville What to Order: Catfish & Eggs City Diner Cafe is loved by locals for its breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all hours. Its motto is “No one leaves hungry,” and reviewers agree, citing sizable portions and delicious menu items of all sorts. Folks also love the pleasant and knowledgeable service.
Alaska: The Cookie Jar
Fairbanks What to Order: Stuffed Nolan The Cookie Jar in Fairbanks has garnered hundreds of fans, thanks to its decadent menu and “warm welcome in cold Fairbanks,” as one reviewer puts it. The Stuffed Nolan, a fluffy cinnamon roll with cream cheese, strawberry jam, and whipped cream gets rave reviews. It’s said that “it will change your life,” in fact.
Arizona: Luci’s At The Orchard
Phoenix What to Order: Corned beef Benedict Located in a historic Phoenix ranch home, Luci’s at the Orchard is part gourmet market, part cafe, plus a coffee, juice, and gelato shop. Reviewers warn that there will be a wait if you go on the weekend, but once you’re in, the food is delicious and priced well. Should you be craving a bubbly cocktail, their bellini features your choice of their strawberry or raspberry gelato, topped with champagne.
Arkansas: Lucy’s Diner
Rogers What to Order: Steak and Eggs Quirky, cute Rogers, Arkansas, boasts having had the first location of Walmart and is one of the quickest growing metro areas in the country. Local favorite Lucy’s Diner is a great place for a “breakfast after church” vibe in a 1950s style diner. Online reviews praise the heaping portions, kind service, and consistent quality. The steak and eggs breakfast receives consistent praise for flavor and portion size, but if you’re extra hungry, the hashbrown is also a house specialty.
California: Maggie’s Café
San Diego What to Order: Country fried steak and eggs San Diego reviewers love the food at family-owned Maggie’s Café, which has been serving San Diego fresh, delicious Tex Mex since 2014. The extensive menu has a range of American and Mexican-inspired dishes, with “good portion[s] of delicious food.” The name “Maggie’s” is after the owner’s mother Margarita, who always loved cooking.
Trending on Cheapism
Colorado: Los Molinos
Denver What to Order: Breakfast burrito Los Molinos started out as one of downtown Denver’s first food trucks in the ’80s. Now, it’s a thriving neighborhood Mexican joint, which reviewers praise for its authentic, flavorful food and cheerful service. The customizable breakfast burritos are a longtime house favorite.
Connecticut: Elm Street Diner
Stamford What to Order: Churro French toast Elm Street Diner is known throughout Connecticut for being a storied, family owned diner that does your favorite dishes extremely well. The French toast is highly praised online, with one reviewer saying it was “Probably one of the best French toasts we’ve had.” You can also count on good prices, plenty of parking, and attentive service.
Delaware: Countrie Eaterie
Dover What to Order: Eggs Benedict Country Eaterie is a no-frills local spot which reviewers praise for its homey feel and classic breakfast fare. One reviewer marveled that his breakfast of two eggs, two sausage links, and two pancakes cost only $4.95. Plus, if reviews are to be believed, the pancakes are properly fluffy.
Sign up for our newsletter
Florida: Flashback Diner
Hallandale Beach, Davie, Boca Raton What to Order: Holy Cannoli PancakesFlashback Diner is a small Florida chain which has been providing healthy comfort food 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to its patrons for more than 30 years. They offer a wide range of sweet and savory breakfast favorites, including some eggs Benedicts named after the famous Bennys of the world — Benny Goodman, Benny Hill, Benny Parsons, and Benny Carter. Reviewers appreciate that there’s a delicious dish for everyone on the menu and that even when it’s busy, the service is responsive.
Georgia: Folk Art Restaurant
Atlanta What to Order: Sweet potato pancakes with maple syrup Atlanta’s Folk Art Restaurant has a local diner vibe and promises “artful eats for simple folks.” In true Southern tradition, they make good use of sweet potatoes by way of waffles, pancakes, and beignets. Reviewers love the restaurant’s intimate vibe, friendly quick service, and the range of delicious options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Hawaii: Goofy Cafe & Dine
Honolulu What to Order: Loco Moco Goofy Honolulu serves up Hawaiian favorites using healthy, local ingredients. Reviewers adore the eclectic ambiance, congenial servers, and “ridiculously delicious” food. The Loco Moco is a local favorite, with rice and a hamburger patty in gravy, with two eggs atop, but even something as simple as the omelet features local eggs, meat, and veggies.
Idaho: Gator Jacks
Rexburg What to Order: Breakfast burrito Gator Jacks in the tiny college town of Rexburg is a much-loved local sandwich shop with a few all-day breakfast options. One review on their Facebook page raves, “The food is great! super friendly atmosphere and great location!” The breakfast menu isn’t huge, but the breakfast burrito has somewhat of a cult following.
Illinois: Nookies
Chicago Edgewater, Oldtown open until 10 p.m. What to Order: Crepes Nookies started out in 1973 as “Nookies Snack Shop” in Chicago’s Old Town. Now there are four locations, with two of them open until 10 p.m. Still family owned, Nookies is known for its old school diner vibe and breakfast standbys. Reviewers appreciate that it’s BYOB and wax poetic about having visited decades ago with family members. The portions are also “crazy big” and the crepes, with your choice of cinnamon apple or berry filling plus sweet cream cheese, are a house specialty.
Indiana: Sara’s Family Restaurant
Fort Wayne What to Order: Jefferson’s Breakfast Sara’s Family Restaurant gives off strong Americana vibes and has been voted the best locally owned restaurant many times by the local newspaper. The Presidential Breakfasts are named after a few favorite presidents, like Jefferson’s Breakfast with steak and eggs or FDR’s breakfast with eggs and a boneless pork chop. Reviewers appreciate the patriotic theme, the extremely large menu (around 15 pages), and the consistency of the food.
Iowa: Drake Diner
Des Moines What to order: Eggs Benedict Drake Diner has been in the Drake neighborhood of Des Moines since 1987. The vibe is “upscale ’50s diner” and the menu includes tried and true favorites like eggs benedict, as well as more creative dishes to appeal to kids at heart like “Waffle Dogs” (corn dogs but inside a waffle instead of the typical corn batter) or Cap’n Crunch French Toast. Customers note its status as a local staple and appreciate the homemade feel to the food.
Kansas: Pegah’s Restaurant
Shawnee, Lenexa, Merriam What to Order: Malted waffle Local chain Pegah’s is loved for its “top notch” breakfast, which it’s been serving to Johnson County, Kansas, for 30 years. Reviewers love the “amazing” staff, always crispy bacon, and flavorful food. Visitors can expect quaint surroundings and a meal that feels home cooked.
Kentucky: North End Cafe
Louisville What to Order: House-smoked trout hash North End Cafe, in a historic Louisville brick building, has been serving breakfast favorites since 2003. You can find carnivorous favorites, vegan options, and gluten-free versions of classics like pancakes. Diners love the laid back vibe, seasonal menu (if the carrot pancakes are available, they should be ordered), and range of creative options like the house-smoked trout hash.
Louisiana: Frank’s Restaurant
Baton Rouge and Prairieville What to Order: Atchafalaya Benedict Frank’s Restaurant was established in 1964 and claims to have “the best homemade biscuits in the world.” And, if you don’t feel like biscuits, there are dozens of other options, including 16 different omelets. Their Atchafalaya Benedict comes with two poached eggs over a homemade biscuit with spicy alligator sausage, fried green tomatoes, and New Orleans creole sauce. Online reviews praise the range of delicious options and friendly staff.
Maine: Nicky’s Cruisin’ Diner
Bangor What to Order: The Virtual Buffet This 1950s-themed diner offers all your breakfast favorites with a heaping side of nostalgia. Nicky’s has an extensive menu, with generous portions and great decor, according to Yelpers. If you’re hungry, try the “Virtual Buffet,” which comes with four eggs, three pancakes, two sausage patties, home fries, and baked beans.
Maryland: Blue Moon Cafe
Baltimore What to Order: Sweet Baby Jesus Baltimore’s Blue Moon Cafe prides itself on its “breakfast with a rock and roll attitude.” Reviewers call it “yummilicious” and say it’s a breakfast “go-to.” For some of that famous Baltimore crab, the Sweet Baby Jesus with Old Bay and crab, cheese, hash browns, eggs, and hollandaise simply can’t be beat.
Massachusetts: South Street Diner
Boston What to Order: French toast South Street Diner was first opened as the Blue Diner in 1974. Since then, it’s become a landmark for after-party eats and is still locally owned and operated. It’s also a hangout for local firefighters and police officers. Reviewers praise all aspects of the experience — good comfort food, low-key vibe, and $6 mimosas.
Michigan: Honest John’s
Detroit What to Order: Fruity Pebble French toast Honest John’s promises that “When you’re up, we’re up” and is a standby for late-night food in Detroit. You can expect “food and booze until 2am,” plus a Bloody Mary bar during the day on weekends. Reviewers appreciate the “hole in the wall” vibes, wide range of tasty options, and the great service. Also very fun: their whimsical French toast rolled in colorful Fruity Pebbles.
Minnesota: Hi-Lo Diner
Minneapolis What to Order: Gary Cooper Hi-Lo Diner, which is “unlike any other eatery in Minneapolis” according to one reviewer, is known and loved for its ambiance and flavorful, creative menu options, often named after celebrities. The popular Gary Cooper features buttermilk fried chicken, maple-bourbon syrup and country gravy served over a house-made doughnut.
Mississippi: Fill-Up with Billup’s
Oxford, Biloxi, other locations What to Order: Bananas Foster Waffles Fill-Up with Billup’s offers early morning and late night Southern breakfasts to hungry Mississippians, using local ingredients. They buy from local farmers as much as possible and their grits are made with locally grown corn, ground on the local Miss Gorgeanne’s 1910 Meadows Stone Grist Mill. Reviewers rave about the southern hospitality, the fun of the Biloxi location being in an old gas station, and charming touches on the delicious food. The Bacon Bloody Mary, for instance, comes with three strips of bacon!
Related: 26 Over-the-Top Bloody Marys Across America
Missouri: Druff’s
Springfield What to order: Cornbread Crumble Reviewers call Druff’s the “best breakfast in town.” While the breakfast menu isn’t gigantic, it offers a wide range of sweet and savory options, including some vegan and gluten-free options. The famed Cornbread Crumble comes with two eggs over easy, cornbread crumble, sausage, fresh greens, and cheddar cheese.
Montana: Shellie’s Country Cafe
Helena What to Order: “Holy Cow” Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast Located in a strip mall, locals know that Shellie’s Country Cafe may not look fancy, but the service and the food keep folks coming back. Customers love the “no-nonsense straight good food” and friendly servers with great personalities. You can also count on huge portions — the “Holy Cow” Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast is aptly named. The homemade pies are also highly praised.
Nebraska: Penny’s Diner
North Platte What to Order: Sunrise Skillet Penny’s Diner, located in North Platte’s Oak Tree Inn, is a go-to for both locals and travelers. Reviewers praise the “fresh and wholesome” food, and the friendly service in retro digs. Another bonus: the food comes out quickly, which is important when you’re a ravenous traveler. The Sunrise Skillet comes with hash browns, eggs, sausage, onion, tomato, bell pepper, mushroom, jalapeno, and cheese, plus two eggs and toast.
Nevada: Southwest Diner
Boulder City What to order: Chile Relleno Breakfast Casserole Quaint little Southwest Diner feels like you’re in Grandma’s kitchen (knick knacks and all), according to one reviewer, with home cooked quality meals and friendly service. Reviewers love the mom and pop feel, southwestern inspired breakfast like the Chile Relleno Breakfast Casserole, and its proximity to the Hoover Dam. Save room for dessert — the pie is also delicious.
New Hampshire: The Friendly Toast
Portsmouth, Bedford, and Other New England Locations What to Order: French toast It’s hard to find a New England eatery more beloved than The Friendly Toast. New Hampshire’s two locations are loved by locals and tourists, thanks to the fresh ingredients, convivial atmosphere, and genuine staff. One reviewer raves, “This place rules so hard every time.” The French toast is customizable — choose from any of the house made breads (including a gluten-free options), and you can add caramelized bananas for $3.
New Jersey: Sugar Daddy’s
Newark What to order: Chicken and waffles Reviewers love the grungy, graffiti-lined surroundings of Sugar Daddy’s in Newark. While the surroundings might be less than pleasant if the food weren’t good, folks love the quality range of food and say it’s worth the hype. The chicken and waffles are especially loved — the waffles are fluffy and have a sprinkle of cinnamon in the batter.
New Mexico: WOW Diner
Milan What to order: Huevos rancheros WOW Diner, off of New Mexico’s Interstate 40, was started with the intent to give folks a break from their driving with a tasty meal and a fresh, hot cup of coffee. It has been doing this for 12 years, and apparently quite successfully — reviewers praise the classic diner feel, friendly service, and simple delicious food, with both Southwestern and classic American diner faves. The huevos rancheros are highly praised for their flavorful green chile topping. After all, it is New Mexico.
New York: Betty Boop Diner
Albany What to order: Turkey hash and eggs Betty Boop Diner is praised online for its fun, relaxing atmosphere and good food. The locally owned vibe means you’ll find old knickknacks decorating the restaurant and a Facebook post says “We will be closing at 5pm for my daughters [sic] graduation thank you for understanding.” The family-owned charm carries through to the food — the turkey hash is filling and tasty.
North Carolina: Sunny Point Café
Asheville What to Order: The Southern omelet Sunny Point Café is “totally worth” the 1-2 hour wait to get in, says one Yelper. This farm-to-table joint is family-owned and grows much of its produce in an adjacent garden, which you can wander before your meal. The Southern omelet has pimento cheese, bacon, and fresh tomatoes. The organic carrot hotcakes are also widely praised online.
Related: 23 Restaurants with Crazy Lines That Are Still Worth the Wait
North Dakota: Cajun Café
Fargo What to Order: Crawfish omelet When you think of North Dakota, you may not think of killer Cajun food. But, after you try the Cajun Café, that is sure to change. Reviewers praise its “southern-level friendly” service, “excellent food” and its status as a “local hangout.” The crawfish omelet, which comes with the flavorful house red sauce shouldn’t be missed.
Ohio: The Big Egg
Cleveland What to Order: French toast The Big Egg is an iconic Cleveland diner with several locations that takes its theme seriously — the restaurant has a giant egg-shaped menu. It opened in 1952 as the Egg Palace and has been called the Big Egg since 1970, when it started becoming the late-night go-to “for cops and insomniacs” as the website says. Yelpers say you’re sure to get a great meal there and love that it’s family friendly.
Oklahoma: Beverly’s Pancake House
Oklahoma City What to Order: Waffles with fresh strawberries and cream Beverly’s Pancake House welcomes travelers and locals with its faded red sign and no-frills diner charm. Reviewers love the friendly service (one reviewer noted that their server had been there 28 years), inexpensive and delicious food, and the fact that it’s open 24 hours. The waffles are crisp and fluffy — a house favorite.
Oregon: Pig ‘N Pancake
Portland, Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Other Oregon Locations What to Order: Sand Dollar Pancakes With several locations along the Oregon Coast, the cozy Pig ‘N Pancake offers 35 varieties of breakfast. Established in 1967, many locals have been going here since childhood, and have an immense amount of local pride in Pig ‘N Pancake. One reviewer calls it “the pride and joy of breakfast.”
Pennsylvania: Penrose Diner
Philadelphia What to Order: South Philly Breakfast Omelet The Penrose Diner has been a South Philly staple for more than 50 years. Customers love the clean, old-school surroundings and the no frills food, full of breakfast classics done well. The South Philly omelet comes with Italian sausage, sweet peppers, onions, and provolone cheese.
Rhode Island: Pazi’s Place
East Providence What to Order: The Fonz Pazi’s Place is a fun ’50s diner serving nostalgia and a delicious range of breakfast food, including several three-egg omelets, each named after a Hollywood icon. “The Fonz” comes with sausage, tomato, mushrooms, and mozzarella. Reviewers say the food is excellent, and they love the fast and friendly service.
South Carolina: Venus Restaurant & Catering
Florence What to Order: Southern Pecan Pancakes Venus Restaurant and Catering has been serving its community for more than 40 years and promises “Great service and quality food at reasonable prices.” Reviewers seem to think it holds up to that promise — folks call it a “go-to” and appreciate the great food, friendly service, and fluffy pancakes.
South Dakota: Belle Inn Restaurant
Belle Fourche What to Order: Peanut Butter Frosted Cinnamon Rolls Belle Inn is a cozy hometown diner, and one reviewer on the website’s Facebook page says “in my 6 years coming here, never had a bad meal!!” Cinnamon Roll lovers will love the range of cinnamon rolls, and reviewers say the meat lover’s omelet has more meat than egg. Plus, “they don’t mess around when it comes to their pancakes!”
Tennessee: Frothy Monkey
Nashville, Franklin, and Chattanooga What to Order: The California With several locations across Tennessee, Frothy Monkey offers an “awesome selection” of breakfast food, according to reviewers, including excellent coffee. A favorite dish is the California, featuring two fried eggs over medium, on top of sourdough toast, with an avocado wedge, alfalfa sprouts, and house-made salsa. Even picky children will like this spot, if the reviews are to be believed.
Texas: Blue Bonnet Cafe
Marble Falls What to Order: Two Eggs with Chicken Fried Steak Blue Bonnet Cafe has been open since 1929 and at its current location on Highway 281 since 1946. It’s famous for its simple egg dishes, which reviewers love for their flavor and portion sizes. Their weekday pie happy hour from 3-5 p.m. also gets rave reviews. You can also expect professional service — their average employee tenure is eight years, and some employees have been there for over 25 years!
Utah: The Bridge Café and Grill
Park City What to Order: Açaí bowl The Bridge Café offers American classics with a Brazilian twist in Park City Utah. Yelpers love the variety and quality of food, fair pricing, and attentive wait staff. While The Bridge’s avocado toast gets a lot of love online, the real star is the açaí bowl with pure organic açaí pulp, coconut, and guaraná syrup, topped with berries, organic granola, and almonds.
Vermont: Kountry Kart Deli
Burlington What to Order: Morning Shiner Kountry Kart Deli is an unassuming spot on Burlington’s Main Street, originally opened a few blocks away in 1989 during the coldest winter on record at the time. It is open 20 hours a day, 363 days a year. Reviewers call it “the best breakfast in town.” The breakfast menu is limited, but highly praised — the Shiner is a sandwich with bacon, egg, cheese, and hashbrown on a soft roll.
Virginia: Bob & Edith’s Diner
Arlington What to Order: Walnut waffle Bob & Edith’s Diner has been family owned and operated since 1969, with a long history of serving the D.C. area no-frills, tasty food around the clock, with a side of Dallas Cowboys fandom. Reviewers call it “awesome,” with the only complaint being the lack of great parking nearby. But, that’s not a big deal when you’ve got fair prices, delightful staff, and great grub!
Washington: Hob Nob
Tacoma What to Order: Prime rib omelet Hob Nob is a no-frills diner, loved by locals who praise its cozy ambiance and delicious food. Vegans love the meat-free options, especially the soy chorizo, and as you’re dining, you can enjoy the historic photos of Tacoma on the walls. One review promises it will be a “great experience.”
West Virginia: Omelet Shoppe
Beckley, Parkersburg What to Order: Western omelet The Omelet Shoppe is a small local chain serving breakfast 24/7, with “half-off Tuesdays” where any omelet is half price. Facebook reviewers love the fast, friendly service and range of delicious omelets. The Western Omelet is a classic.
Wisconsin: Short Stack Eatery
Madison What to Order: Blind Special Should you need a great breakfast in downtown Madison, get to Short Stack Eatery early — there will almost certainly be a line. Open 24/7 on weekends, this community-minded café is “excellent,” according to reviewers, thanks both to its creative menu and its cozy, welcoming vibe. The Blind Special, which can change at any time is basically ordering without knowing what you’re getting, though you can ask if it’s sweet or savory. It’s $7 to try, or if you ask what’s in it, it’s $11.
Wyoming: Staci Ann’s Café
Green River What to Order: Mechanics Breakfast Just off Interstate 80 in far western Wyoming, Staci Ann’s Café offers travelers and locals a place to “Re-Fuel your belly” amid an unpretentious atmosphere featuring corrugated steel and gas station and garage memorabilia. Breakfast options range from the Mechanics Breakfasts with combinations of eggs, meat, potatoes, pancakes, waffles, and toast and extend to several kinds of breakfast burritos and skillets. Diners hail the friendly service at Staci Ann’s along with the quality of its homemade breads and pies.
