A delicious and well-balanced breakfast is hard to come by these days, and this seems especially true on the road.
If you’re savvy enough to book a hotel that offers free breakfast, then your morning hunger shall surely be satisfied before checkout. The rest of us, however, must find creative ways to cure our cravings for eggs, bacon and a tall cup o’ joe.
So, what is a weary traveler to do? Fortunately, the United States is home to more than just fast-food chains. In fact, the first diner was established in 1872, when a 17-year-old entrepreneur by the name of Walter Scott supplemented his income by selling sandwiches in horse-drawn covered wagons.
Although diners have evolved since that time, their success and symbolism has remained steadfast. Like apple pie, baseball and Johnny Cash, diners continue to represent an iconic piece of American history. Without further ado, I present to you The Nation’s Best All-American Diners:
1. Tops Diner – Harrison, NJ
Its name isn’t the reason Tops topped our list of favorites. Rather, it’s the restaurant’s commitment to food quality, customer service and historic preservation that makes this New Jersey diner a 5-star standout.
2. Mickey’s Diner – St. Paul, MN
The word “diner” is actually a derivative of “dining car” and that’s precisely what you will find at Mickey’s. Designed to resemble an old-fashioned railroad dining car, this iconic establishment serves hungry customers 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
3. Ruth’s Diner –Salt Lake City, UT
As the second oldest restaurant in Utah, Ruth’s Diner has truly stood the test of time. Ruth’s features a diverse menu of classic American fare that is sure to tickle your tastebuds. The best part? You also have the option to be seated on the outdoor patio overlooking the Rocky Mountains.
4. Town Topic Hamburgers – Kansas City, MO
Serving up breakfast, hamburgers and homemade chili 24 hours, 7 days a week, this All-American diner has established itself as a Kansas City favorite for more than 75 years. Tip: Order the grilled onion burger.
5. Rosie’s Diner– Aurora, CO
If you like poodle skirts and greasy hamburgers, then this classic 50’s café is right up your alley. Rosie’s also features retro jukeboxes, indoor/outdoor seating and a complete selection of beer, wine and cocktails.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or greasy spoon that you would like to see added to our list of The Nation’s Best All-American Diners? Comment below or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus!
