When you see films, cartoons, or Instagram posts of the USA, diners are likely to feature. Symbolic of American culture, you can’t pay the country a visit without eating at one. Check out our list of top American diner food before you travel there.

Yankee Breakfast

The concept of the all-day breakfast is popular in many countries but American diners are world-famous for their take on the dish. The East Coast’s Yankee Breakfast brings together some of the classic breakfast elements such as fried eggs and bacon but then adds an American spin. That normally means some roast potatoes, fried bread and of course pancakes with syrup. Expect this breakfast to be a little different depending on where you are in the country. Whatever the combination, it’s normally delicious! Wash it down with a good cup of joe and be sure to make the most of free refills.

Patty Melt

It’s easiest to describe these as a ‘burger-sandwich’. First, take a ground-beef patty and place it between two slices of grilled bread. Then, to give it that rich American edge, cover the patty with melted cheese and some pepper-corn sauce. To add a little extra, lots of diners include fried onions inside as well. Meaty, saucy, filling, and very tasty.

Apple Pie

When most people think of apple pie they think of this sweet dish served along with a couple of scoops of ice cream. Or maybe just on its own. We can assure you that you’ll find that in plenty of diners but if you’re feeling a little maverick, why not try it with cheese on. Around the New England area it’s fairly common way to serve it and it’s a truly American take. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Waffles

This one’s fairly simple. An ultimate desert dish (sometimes used with main courses) the American waffle is defined by being slightly thinner and crispier than its Belgian cousin. Enjoy these with some syrup and perhaps a few scoops of ice cream.

Biscuits and Gravy

Here we take things more southern. A flagship comfort food for diners in the USA’s south, this dish compromises of American biscuits (a little like bread) covered in a gravy made from sausages. You can have this alone but it’s often served as part of an all-day breakfast. So that means bacon, eggs and hash browns are all common accompaniments. Serving it with a country fried steak is also a common appearance on diner menus.

Milkshake

It’s the sort of image you see in movies about 1950s America. A big, tall milkshake glass served with ice cream on top. You’ll be pleased to hear you can still get these in (pretty much) every diner today. If you’re feeling decadent, go for the classic banana toffee fudge option.

Club Sandwich

Take a normal sandwich and make it triple decker. The club sandwich ranges in fillings but expect some form of it to be there on the menu. The globally popular BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) is a common favourite as is using turkey, bacon, and Swiss cheese as the fillings.

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