14 American Diners You Absolutely Must Visit

Despite the growth of chain restaurants everywhere, this Mom and Pop places have stayed consistent in their delivery of pancakes, greasy burgers, and chocolate malts.

1. Route 66 Diner (Albuquerque, NM)

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Why You Should Visit: The diner takes customers back in time to the days of neon lighting, checkered kitchen floors, and waitresses in pastel-colored uniforms. Don't neglect the milkshakes; they're said to Albuquerque's finest.

2. Harry's Coffee Shop (La Jolla, CA)

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Why You Should Visit: At Harry's Coffee Shop, breakfast is consistently on the menu and the cinnamon rolls are piping hot. They've also combined bacon and waffles into one amazing superhero-bacon-waffle-dish, ensuring that customers keep coming back for more and more.

3. Mickey's Dining Car (St. Paul, MN)

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Why You Should Visit: Mickey's Diner is a Hollywood landmark. Numerous films and television shows have been filmed inside Mickey's, and when you see the classic interior, you'll understand why. Oh, and in addition to being the ideal image of the classic diner, Mickey's offers buttery omelets and the thickest slices of French toast known to man. You won't want to miss them.

4. AI Diner (Gardiner, ME)

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Why You Should Visit: The atmosphere of this cozy airstream makes diners feel right at home as they gorge themselves on orange poppyseed waffles and rosemary potato cakes. If you're a fan of nostalgia, you'll especially love the pink marble countertops and neon light fixtures. Pull up a barstool, order a malt, and get ready to vent your troubles to the attentive waiter over a plate of homefries.

5. Little Goat (Chicago, IL)

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Why You Should Visit: Little Goat takes the diner-vibe and spins it into a gourmet restaurant with unique twists on classics such as tempura mashed potatoes and dark chocolate chip crunch pancakes. There's also a bread shop next door, so you can bring some of your favorite starches back home for keeps.

6. Moody's Diner (Waldoboro, ME)

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Why You Should Visit: This New England staple offers a blend of seafood classics and homestyle diner food. Stop by for some of the work-class cuisine favorites, including lobster rolls, clam chowder, and homemade blueberry pie. Beachy vibe+diner food=perfection.

7. Goody Good Diner (St. Louis, MO)

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Why You Should Visit: This former A&W Rootbeer stand is designed to provide a comfortable place for hungry guests to get their fill. The menu is stacked with diner staples, so while you might be intimidated, there's really no way you can go wrong. Safe bets include the patty melts, biscuits and gravy, and homestyle hashbrowns.

8. Ruth's Diner (Salt Lake City, UT)

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Why You Should Visit: As one of the oldest dining establishments in Utah, Ruth's has been serving up pancakes since the 1930s. Soak up Salt Lake's fresh air on the outdoor dining tables, or park your tush on the cozy booths located inside. You'll love the friendly waitstaff, and you'll return for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast.

9. Plow (San Francisco, CA)

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Why You Should Visit: Plow takes diner classics and adds a new level of sophistication. Health nuts and foodies alike will drool over the chia seed pudding, and the house-made crispy potatoes are borderline addictive. This hangover-curing diner is perfect for those looking for a unique and delicious breakfast adventure.

10. Starliner Diner (Hilliard, OH)

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Why You Should Visit: The Starliner diner combines diner classics with Cuban cuisine to create a unique and delicious menu. The restaurant strives to offer an alternative to chain places, and succeeds in this effort. Be sure to try the chiliquiles, or southwest scramble. If you're a fan of flavor, you'll love the combo of eggs, smoky cream sauce, and Cuban spices.

11. Nickel Diner (Los Angeles, CA)

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Why You Should Visit: In addition to offering up amazing food, the Nickel Diner strives to bring it's customers back to a simpler time. The place encourages comfort and conversation, and keeps diners happy with dishes such as homemade dutch babies and the spicy BBQ hash. Oh, and don't forget to grab a bacon maple donut before you hit the road.

12. Town Topic (Kansas City, MO)

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Why You Should Visit: The place is famous for their burgers, and that's just the start of this terrific menu. Seeing as it's open 24/7, Town Topic is perfect for the cross-country road trip. Stop by with your belly empty, and see why this place has been running smoothly for over 75 years. Oh, and don't forget your milkshake!

13. Tops the Diner

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Why You Should Visit: Do you like eating? Do you like cheesecake? If you answered yes to either of these two questions, then you need to visit Tops the Diner. In addition to a million flavors of cheesecake, Tops offers martinis, pizza, sandwiches, and pages worth of diner classics. Anyone can find something to eat at this famous, Jersey diner.

14. Tom's Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY)

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Why You Should Visit: While you may have to wait in line, you won't regret it after tasting some of Tom's delicious diner staples. Brooklyn locals go crazy over the lemon ricotta pancakes and loaded omelets. Oh, and don't forget to stack your starches with some of the homemade butters. Flavors include cinnamon, pumpkin, and strawberry, and that's just getting started.