The Best Breakfast Spot in Each U.S. State
Whether you’re looking for a place to grab breakfast or an inexpensive meal, on a vacation, road trip or in your home state, this list of diners, pancake houses, or beloved small independent restaurants is for you. In this list you won’t find any chain restaurants, but small businesses with only one or two locations so that can grab a great meal, and get an authentic taste of living in that town without spending a lot of money.
So take a look at our picks and see if you agree with our Best Breakfast Spot in Each U.S. State.
Alabama: Salem’s Diner
Address: 2913 18th St. S., Birmingham
Details: Not only can you get a great stack of pancakes or biscuits and gravy here, they’re famous for their cheesesteaks. Still have room for dessert? Try the homemade lemon ice box pie.
Image Credit: courtesy of Salem’s Diner.
Alaska : Kriner’s Diner
Address: 2409 C St., Anchorage
Details: This diner has been in the family for four generations, and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Their breakfast platters will leave you full all day — and if you have kids in tow, they can order off the Grandkids menu, named after the owner’s own grandchildren.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Kriner’s Diner.
Arizona : Handlebar Diner
Address: 5149 S. Inspirian Way, Mesax
Details: This retro spot is based out of a vintage, red-and-white pre-fab diner outside of Phoenix. Choose from house-made pastries or bagels if you’re in a rush or check out their extensive weekend brunch menu with hashes and build-your-own omelets.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Handlebar Diner.
Arkansas : Dan’s I-30 Diner
Address: 17018 I-30 N., Benton
Details: Sitting right alongside the highway, this charming diner offers breakfast all the time and at very low prices. Their specialty is the I-30 Flatliner: an omelet full of ham, sausage, bacon, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms and cheese.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Dan’s Diner.
California: Nick’s Cafe
Address: 1300 N Spring St., Los Angeles
Details: Located in Chinatown, this old-school diner has been serving up all the classic diner fare since its opening in 1948. Try one of their signature omeletes for breakfast — but be warned, it’s cash only.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Nick’s Cafe.
Colorado: King’s Chef Diner
Address: 110 Costilla St., Colorado Springs
Details: Housed in a purple castle, King’s Chef is a delight of a diner — and it has won enough awards to prove it. Try the huevos rancheros, and don’t forget to grab yourself a can of green chili sauce on your way out.
Image Credit: Courtesy of King’s Chef Diner.
Connecticut: Tomlinson’s Restaurant
Address: 1400 Noble Ave., Bridgeport
Details: What started out as a hot dog stand has become a large diner, perfect for a big meal after a night out. Everything on the menu is under $7 — try the steak, egg and cheese sandwich with hashbrowns and coffee.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Tomlinson’s .
Delaware: Hollywood Grill
Address: 1811 Concord Pike, Wilmington
Details: The Hollywood Grill is a classic diner with a classic value proposition: big portions in a friendly setting. Check out the “big breakfast” section of the menu if you came with an appetite.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Hollywood Grill.
Florida: The Southern Grill
Address: 800 Flagler Ave., Jacksonville
Details: The restaurant has served Jacksonville for more than 18 years, and for good reason. The Southern Grill’s huge breakfast menu offers something for everyone, from beef brisket and eggs for meat lovers, to giant veggie omelettes for meat abstainers.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Southern Grill.
Georgia: Joy Cafe
Address: 1100 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 110, Atlanta
Details: Joy Cafe merges traditional traditional southern and European fare that makes any morning sweet. Try a Belgian waffle with berries or the steak and egg tacos.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Joy Cafe.
Hawaii: Dean’s Drive Inn
Address: 45-270 William Henry Rd., Kāneʻohe
Details: Showcased on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” this spot is run by a local chef, with the help of his wife and daughter. Local specialties include the ginger soy ono (a popular Hawaiian white fish) and the broiled teriyaki beef.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Dean’s Drive Inn.
Idaho: Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro
Address: 108 S Capitol Blvd., Boise
Details: Located in the heart of downtown Boise, the small mom-and-pop shop is known for its hollandaise sauce and specialty mimosa. If you aren’t in the mood for a drink, take advantage of the full espresso bar.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro.
Illinois: Otto’s Place Cafe & Lounge
Address: 100 Bouthillier St., Galena
Details: The cafe walls are decorated with paintings by local artists, so you can enjoy a de facto art show alongside specialties like bread pudding French toast and assorted Bloody Marys.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Otto’s Place Cafe & Lounge.
Indiana: Milktooth
Address: 534 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis
Details: Owned and operated by award-winning chef Josh Kline, the buzzy — and boozy — brunch spot’s menu alone will make your mouth water. Enjoy a toddy 2 hotty with your sourdough brioche pecan sticky bun.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milktooth.
Iowa: Waveland Cafe
Address: 4708 University Ave., Des Moines, & 35653 Ute Ave., Boonesville
Details: Boasting two locations in the Hawkeye state, the old-school diner promises “the best hash browns in the galaxy.” Most of the staff has been working at the diner for over 20 years, and all recipes come from friends, family and customers, prepared from scratch.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Waveland Cafe.
Kansas: WheatFields Bakery
Address: 904 Vermont St., Lawrence
Details: Check the artisan cafe’s website for the daily specials, which include everything from specialty pretzels to a “breakfast pizza” — a homemade flatbread topped with spinach, ham, ricotta, mozzarella and two eggs, sunny-side up.
Image Credit: Courtesy of WheatFields Bakery.
Kentucky: Windy Corner Market
Address: 4595 Bryan Station Rd., Lexington
Details: If you’re looking for an authentic Southern breakfast, look no further. From buttermilk biscuits to several styles of po-boys to classic bacon and eggs, Windy Corner Market proudly serves meals made from Kentucky ingredients in a building modeled after a country store.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Windy Corner Market.
Louisiana: The Bekery
Address: 206 W. 11th St., Lake Charles
Details: Prefer fresh-baked pastries for breakfast? Head to The Bekery for scones, cinnamon roll bread pudding or cookies if you have a sweet tooth. They also offer up savory brunch options, including quiche and sandwiches.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Bekery.
Maine: The Frog & Turtle
Address: 3 Bridge St., Westbrook
Details: Breakfast foods are only served on Sundays, but the benedicts, omelets and house-made donuts are worth the wait. If you’re hungry, try the GIP: it has steak, cheddar, bacon and caramelized onions, topped with a horseradish cream sauce.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Frog & Turtle.
Maryland: Rusty Scupper
Address: 402 Key Hwy., Inner Harbor Marina, Baltimore
Details: If you’re in the mood for a seafood breakfast, you can’t beat Rusty Scupper’s Live Jazz Brunch. Featuring everything from oysters to shrimp to smoked salmon, you can enjoy your brunch right on Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor. But before you go, make sure to check out these ways to save on seafood.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Rusty Scupper.
Massachusetts: The Paramount
Address: 44 Charles St. & 667 E. Bdwy., Boston
Details: Featuring classic breakfast food such as pancakes and french toast with a side of pure Vermont maple syrup, The Paramount’s two locations are perfect to grab a classic diner breakfast in Beantown.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Paramount.
Michigan: The Jagged Fork
Address: 18480 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms & 188 Adams Rd., Rochester Hills
Details: At Jagged Fork, you’re promised the “two Q’s”: quality and quantity, and they don’t skimp on either. If you make it to this metro-Detroit breakfast Mecca, be sure to try the banana pecan pancakes for sweet, and for savory, order the voodoo benedict.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Jagged Fork.
Minnesota: Birchwood Cafe
Address: 3311 E 25th St., Minneapolis
Details: Birchwood Cafe is one of the Twin Cities’ best for quality, locally-sourced breakfast food and an unbeatable atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with any of Birchwood’s veggie-forward dishes, but the impeccably griddled savory waffle with a sunny-side-up egg and diced thick-cut bacon is tough to beat.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Birchwood Cafe.
Mississippi: Brent’s Drugs
Address: 655 Duling Ave., Jackson
Details: Transformed from a 1946 drug store into a quaint diner, Brent’s Drugs serves up local diner fare in a vintage setting. Make sure to look around while you’re eating — the movie “The Help” was filmed inside. Try the fried pickles or the chicken and waffles.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Brent’s Drugs.
Missouri: The Bruncheonette
Address: 424 N Main St., Joplin
Details: Start your day off right at The Bruncheonette, a small breakfast and brunch destination with big flavor. You can’t go wrong with any of their eggs benedict offerings, but the real winner here is the chorizo biscuit and gravy.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Bruncheonette.
Montana: The Nova Cafe
Address: 312 E Main St., Bozeman
Details: Bozeman is known for its endless selection of amazing breakfast joints, but The Nova Cafe takes the (pan)cake as the best spot in town. Be sure to try the lavender and cardamom-infused London fog latte for your caffeine perk-up. And for food, go with the the bison chorizo omelette or the forbidden hash bowl. Want something off the griddle? Try the “Morning After” waffle.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Nova Cafe.
Nebraska: Hi-Way Diner
Address: 2105 Nebraska Hwy. 2, Lincoln
Details: The Hi-Way Diner is a 24/7 spot popular with students, drivers and everyone in between. Their “magic” toast is the perfect accompaniment to perfectly-cooked eggs, which are always three for the price of two. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free coffee refills and the perfect diner atmosphere.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Hi-Way Diner.
Nevada: 50’s Diner and Omelet House
Address: 3050 East Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas
Details: Late nights in Las Vegas just beg for big diner breakfasts, and the 50’s Diner and Omelet House has been serving them up for nearly 30 years. Choose from one of the diner’s 35 three-egg omelets, and if you’re really hungry, you can supersize it to a six-egg omelet for just $1 more.
Image Credit: Courtesy of 50’s Diner and Omelet House.
New Hampshire: Joey’s Diner
Address: 1 Craftsman Ln., Amherst
Details: Joey’s Diner is a time machine back to the 1950s, with vinyl chairs and booths and, of course, the classic eats of a bygone era. Enjoy Greek diner classics from omelets to burgers to spinach pie, and don’t forget to save room for dessert: the rice pudding is the house specialty.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Joey’s Diner.
New Jersey: The Allwood Diner
Address: 913 Allwood Rd., Clifton
Details: This diner checks all the boxes: good food, extensive and classic menu, priced reasonably and quick delivery of food to table. From omelets and pancakes to spaghetti and smoothies, if you crave it, they can make it. And the best part is that all the baking is done right on-site, so you know you’re getting the freshest meal.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Allwood Diner.
New Mexico: Standard Diner
Address: 320 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque
Details: The classic vinyl in this diner has been replaced with black leather and interior has large windows, exposed brick and an elevated feel. You can get classic diner fare here, but the Standard Diner’s specialty is southwestern staples like huevos rancheros and chicken enchiladas.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Standard Diner.
New York: Maison Pickle
Address: 2315 Broadway Ave., New York
Details: This diner offers some of the best Southern cuisine up north. Big and bold, this diner-inspired brunch spot packs tons of sweet and savory flavors into each dish. Come hungry or ready to share, because the gravy-and-cheese-smothered poutine tots and the fried chicken and toast will put you in a food coma for a week.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Maison Pickle.
North Carolina: Metro Diner
Address: 8334 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Charlotte
Details: Three words: cinnamon roll pancakes. This diner consistently ranks among the best eateries by locals who know best — and was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on Food Network. Try the fried chicken and waffle or corned beef hash with poached eggs and toast.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro Diner.
North Dakota: The Shack on Broadway
Address: 3215 Broadway North, Fargo
Details: The Shack has a fresh take on your typical diner breakfast. They don’t skimp on the good stuff, like their hot turkey breakfast soaked in gravy. Satisfy your sweets craving with a cinnamon roll, or add sweet potato waffle fries on the side to complete a filling morning meal.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Shack on Broadway.
Ohio: Delaney’s Diner
Address: 5916 Westerville Rd., Westerville
Details: Delaney’s captures that traditional diner vibe, but they’re anything but old-fashioned. For one, you can choose from three different biscuits-and-gravy options. And if that’s not filling enough, brave souls can stuff their face with Big Daddy’s Breakfast: a generous helping of country-fried steak, sausage gravy and all the trimmings.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Delaney’s Diner.
Oklahoma: Sid’s Diner
Address: 300 S Choctaw Ave., El Reno
Details: This diner may be one the smaller side but it packs in a lot of love for its community: One wall honors our men and women in uniform. Try their homemade hot dog slaw with one of Sid’s famous coneys.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sid’s Diner.
Oregon: Fried Egg I’m in Love
Address: 3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland & 780 S.W. Bdwy., Portland
Details: This food truck-slash-restaurant duo is serving up some of the best (and punniest) egg sandwiches in Portland. From the Yolko Ono to the Egg Zeppelin, there’s something for everyone – and, all of their sandwiches can be made gluten-free or vegan.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fried Egg I’m in Love.
Pennsylvania: Middle Child
Address: 248 S. 11th St., Philadelphia
Details: This trendy little spot is great for eating in or taking out and serves breakfast all day. If you’re in the mood for one of the best breakfast sandwiches in town try the Herschel Waker (with eggs, American cheese and short-rib corned beef) or opt for their Jam Toast topped with whipped ricotta and seasonal jam.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Middle Child.
Rhode Island: Troop
Address: 60 Valley St., Providence
Details: Troop may be one of the coolest places to brunch at in the state. Their french toast topped with sweet cream custard, brown sugar, real maple syrup and fruit is always a good choice. But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try the Loco Moco – white rice and a 6-oz beef patty covered in gravy with a fried egg.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Troop.
South Carolina: Early Bird Diner
Address: 1644 Savannah Hwy., Charleston
Details: This little diner is serving up some of the best southern breakfasts in town. Their signature chicken and waffles are a top seller, but they have everything from shrimp & grits to the burgers. Great for early birds or night owls, this joint opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Early Bird Diner.
South Dakota: Cafe Brulé
Address: 24 W. Main St., Downtown Vermillion
Details: What happens when a country-style cook and French pastry chef open a breakfast place? Cafe Brulé, a destination for homemade treats and Southern fare. This may be the only place you can order the “OMG” Chili Cheese Winders and crème brulée together.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Cafe Brule.
Tennessee: Sun Diner Cafe
Address: 105 3rd Ave. S, Nashville
Details: Breakfast with true Nashville flavor is exactly what you’ll get here, from the cleverly named menu items (like Let’s Do the Twist Creme Brulee French Toast, Love Me Tenders and the Feelin’ Good Breakfast Burger) to the Nashville music inspired decor. Best of all? They’re open 24-hours a day, so you can get breakfast any time.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sun Diner Cafe.
Texas: The Magnolia Pancake Haus
Address: 606 Embassy Oaks, San Antonio & 10333 Huebner Rd., San Antonio Texas
Details: As you can imagine, pancakes are the specialty here. You’ll find everything from traditional blueberry pancakes to their specialty dish, the Authentic Apfel Pfannekuchen, which is a real treat — perfect for your birthday. And yes, this is the one that was featured on Guy Fieri’s show back in 2011.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Magnolia Pancake Haus.
Utah: Tulie Bakery
Address: 863 E. 700 S., Salt Lake City & 1510 S. 1500 E., Salt Lake City
Details: Everything about this bakery will charm you into coming back. Breakfast options include brioche French toast with fresh fruit and liege waffles with orange vanilla syrup. Even the toast is delectable, with topping options including local apricot honey, almond butter and housemade ricotta.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Tulie Bakery.
Vermont: Drewski’s on the River
Address: 586 U.S. Rte. 4, Bridgewater Corners
Details: Carrying on the tradition when it was Blanche and Bill’s Pancake House, this gem still serves some of the best pancakes and waffles around. But if you’re looking for something a bit heartier, we recommend the kitchen sink omelette.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Drewski’s on the River.
Virginia: The Little Grill
Address: 621 N. Main St., Harrisonburg
Details: The menu here is predominantly vegetarian and vegan, but they do have meat dishes. Eggs are local and there are plenty of egg dishes to try, including several types of omelettes. If you want pancakes, try the carrot cake (carrot, apple, raisins, walnuts, brown sugar and cream cheese glaze) or blue monkey (blueberries and bananas).
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Little Grill.
Washington: Oak Table Cafe
Address: 292 W. Bell St., Sequim
Details: Located in the charming city of Sequim, at the base of the Olympic Mountains, the Oak Table Cafe is a longstanding local favorite. Opened in 1981, this family-owned, all-day breakfast spot serves classic eggs and potatoes along with specials like Swedish pancakes, a shrimp omelette with bechamel sauce and brandied peach crepes.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Oak Table Cafe.
Washington, D.C. The Diner
Address: 2453 18th St., NW
Details: Ask any D.C. local for their go-to breakfast spots and they’re sure to mention The Diner. This modern version of a classic diner serves breakfast all day, with traditional favorites like biscuits and gravy, buttermilk pancakes and a selection of omelettes. The Diner also serves up some innovative dishes, like their short-rib benedict on fried green tomatoes, or their vegan tofu scramble.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Diner.
West Virginia: Bright Morning Inn
Address: 454 William Ave., Davis
Details: If you’re looking for a classic country breakfast, look no further than the restaurant at the Bright Morning Inn in Davis. The eatery at this cozy B&B serves Southern specialties like biscuits and gravy as well as lighter dishes, like locally-made granola and yogurt. Best of all, they source much of their produce and honey from local suppliers.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Bright Morning Inn.
Wisconsin: Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
Address: 2089 Atwood Ave., Madison
Details: The wait can be long at this ‘50s-style retro diner in Madison, but it’s definitely worth it. Located in a converted gas station, Monty’s is known for a wide-ranging breakfast menu with lots of vegan and vegetarian options you won’t find at just any diner. They serve everything from meatloaf hash to potato zucchini pancakes to a special almond milk french toast.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Monty’s Blue Plate Diner.
Wyoming: The Bunnery
Address: 130 N. Circle, Jackson Hole
Details: You can find freshly squeezed juice, coffee and breakfast food made from scratch. Enjoy their signature Bloody Mary, and grab a bag of their trademarked pancake and waffle mix on your way out.
Got a sweet tooth after breakfast? Check out Persephone Bakery around the corner — it’s on this list of best local bakeries.
This article originally appeared on Policygenius and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: Courtesy of The Bunnery.