Missing the old-fashioned days? There’s no better way to go back in time than to get into your car and go to the nearest diner in the city. Or maybe you’ll want to try again that amazing burger you ate decades ago on Route 66.

Either way, diners are still an icon for the cultural history of America. From teenagers meeting after school to drink fresh milkshakes, to exhausted drivers stopping by for a quick break and a snack, they are a symbol of positivity and prosperity for the United States.

Guess what, there are many diners that are still opened after almost a century, with the same pop-art, rock & roll design and the same comfort foods on the menu.

Here are 11 diners that will make you want to go back in time immediately.

1. Tom’s Restaurant

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, in the mood for salty or sweet, you’ll definitely find something at Tom’s restaurant. Located in Manhattan, NYC, and owned by a Greek-American family, it has been opened since 1940.

The diner is pretty famous and it’s frequented by students from Columbia University because it’s located on the ground floor of the building. Not only that, but several politicians, like Barack Obama and John McCain, tried the delicious dishes Tom’s restaurant has to offer.

Moreover, its exterior was used in the sitcom Seinfeld, but with a fictional name, Monk’s Café, where the main characters were gathering to eat.

2. Lori’s Diner

Pop Art design, breakfast for dinner, pinball machines, Elvis Presley on the Jukebox, at Lori’s Diner you can go back in time in a split second. The restaurant conserves the 50s trends and it was first opened back in 1986, in San Francisco.

Are you hungry? Go for a burger. Want something lighter? You can’t go wrong with a salad. Also, no one will judge you if you eat an omelet at 5 p.m.

Unfortunately, back in 2017, the Union Square original location of the restaurant closed its doors, but people can still enjoy the delicious dishes at other locations.

3. The Blue Benn diner

As the name says, at Blue Benn diner everything is blue, or better said, you can find a “silk city”, according to its description. It’s designed as a diner van and it can get you back in time in a second.

The restaurant, located in Vermont, was built in 1948. The business was managed by Sonny Monroe and his wife, until he died. Right now, The Blue Benn has another owner, but the diner remains the same without additional changes, aside from some COVID-19 measures.

“If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It!” became the diner’s motto, as it emphasizes the importance of conserving tradition.

Their menu has a page full of a variety of omelets, and you even have the possibility to make your own, mixing ingredients however you like. Pancakes and French toast, donuts, muffins, oatmeal, cheerios, plus daily specials, it’s just impossible to resist.

4. The Waverly Diner

The restaurant is located in New York, Manhattan and it’s perceived as a family-friendly place, where you can enjoy your favorite comfort food at a reasonable price.

As they describe themselves, they remain true to the American tradition, by serving breakfast all day and providing a lot of omelets choices and classic diner food. You can actually order eggs and they will arrive in their frying pan.

However, they also added some European influences. You can eat pasta, seafood, a delicious Greek souvlaki, and then enjoy some French toast for dessert.

5. Mickey’s Diner

Located in Minnesota, Mickey’s Diner looks like a classic diner van, with neon lights that will definitely catch your attention during the night. On their menu you can even find pre-war recipes, like Buttermilk Pancakes and Baked Beans.

It was opened in 1939 and managed by David “Mickey” Crimmins and John “Bert” Mattson. The restaurant is known as one of the first Diners built in Art Deco Style. It implemented a different design than the rest during that time, using red and vanilla-white as its colors.

The diner was visited by many important personalities, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jimmy Fallon, Julio Iglesias, Lindsey Lohan, Meryl Streep, and the list goes on.

6. Pann’s Restaurant

This Los Angeles diner will make you crave some delicious waffles just by searching its name on the Internet.

It’s designed like a futuristic coffee shop. It provides the traditional diner menu, with a classic, consistent 1958 breakfast where you can choose from eggs, hash browns, fruit, vegetables, fried chicken, and of course, waffles.

However, when you take a look from the outside it looks like a modern café, that gives off holiday-vibes: kind of like a go-to restaurant, where you can eat something delicious after you’ve been staying all day at the beach.

7. Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner

Are you feeling really hungry? Then, Mr. D’z Diner might be a great choice for you. They literally have a 4 pound burger on the menu. The retro-inspired restaurant is located on the famous Route 66, where the old gas pumps of Kimo Shell Station used to be.

With its colorful, pink and turquoise design, and the staple, vintage Coca-Cola drinks, this place is perfect if you want to experience a couple of hours back in the 50s. You can see pictures of famous celebrities on the wall, like Marylin Monroe and Elvis Presley, as well as all the memorabilia.

They are well-known for their homemade pizza and beer.

8. Eveready diner

Located in the famous Hyde Park, Eveready diner will provide your favorite comfort food, in a retro environment.

The menu is filled with the most loved diner dishes: waffles and pancakes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, fries served in a little red Cadillac, and delicious omelets, that will make you want to have breakfast for dinner.

They also have a variety of pastries you can enjoy with some coffee or a milkshake.

9. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner

Enjoying a delicious burger or classic sandwich when you are hungry it’s amazing, but having the waiters sing while getting your order is unique, and definitely not impossible at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner.

The restaurant is located in Branson, and its employees are professional musicians, with many of them having released songs. You can enjoy your food with a show, and if you can’t get enough of it, you can buy their album, to have a long-lasting Branson memory.

The place is perfect for families with children, as they even have a distinct children menu, where the kids can choose from Mac & Cheese, hot dogs, grilled chicken and more.

10. Park West Diner

When you enter Park West Diner, you’ll feel like you just got back in time, in a 60s movie. The New Jersey restaurant gives off this vintage rock & roll vibe that will make you want to turn up the jukebox and start dancing on old hits.

The menu has the original diner comfort foods, like pancakes, fries, sandwiches, fajitas and all your favorite dishes that will improve your day.

11. Lou Michell’s

Lou Michell’s Diner is approaching its 100-year-old birthday and it’s still a classic icon, especially for Route 66 lovers. It’s located in Chicago, at the beginning of the famous “Mother Road”, which makes it a great place for travelers to have a great meal before hitting the roads.

Aside from the delicious main dishes, and fluffy pancakes (which are a celebrity at Lou Michell’s), hospitality is really important. The tradition of offering a sweet gift to guests as a welcome greeting is still respected today.

They usually offer donuts, and women and children receive Milk duds, a classic chocolate and caramel snack, manufactured in Chicago, by The Hershey.