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Road Trip Cheat Sheet: The Best Diners in America

Amanda Gabriele
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It’s hard to believe summer’s end is almost here. With Labor Day around the corner next weekend, it’s time to cross those last “to-dos” off this season’s bucket list and start looking ahead to fall. And if you haven’t taken a good ole cross-country road trip yet this summer, there is still time to make it happen. And now that you have a list of our favorite roadside diners across America, you have one less thing to do in preparation for your journey.

New England
Casey’s Diner – Natick, MA
This 10-stool diner serves food seven days a week to hungry Natick natives and travelers alike in a 1922 Worcester Lunch Car. Run by the Casey family for four generations, this is the oldest operating diner in the area. Order one of their famous hot dogs “all-around” like the locals do. Image credit: Facebook

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Midwest
Wheel Inn – Sedalia, MO
This burger joint has been pumping out patties since the 1940s. The establishment had to move locations awhile back because of construction, but it’s still as charming as ever even without the drive-in element. “Home of the Original Guberburger,” you know what to order – their signature beef patty on a white bun topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo and peanut butter. Image credit: Silly America

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Southeast
Penguin Drive-In – Charlotte, NC
Family-owned since 1954, Penguin Drive-In has been serving generations of families for years – it was even voted Charlotte’s most “iconic” restaurant. You should probably get the namesake Penguin Burger, topped with pimento cheese, their famous fried dill pickles, lettuce and mayo. Image credit: Visitnc.com

Southwest
Blue Bonnet Cafe – Marble Falls, TX
Ever heard of a pie happy hour? Well that’s what goes down at Blue Bonnet Cafe from 3-5pm Monday through Friday, where a slice and drink will set you back $3.50. Established in 1929, locals and travelers alike have been enjoying the restaurant’s delicious pies like chocolate meringue (the top seller) and cherry for generations. Image credit: The Everyday Adventurer

West
The Gold ‘N Silver Inn – Reno, NV
The neon sign says it all – always open, breakfast served 24 hours, cocktails, slot machines. Hell, they even like kids! If you’re staying in Reno or just passing through, you have to stop by this legendary diner for some serious American comfort food like pot roast and chicken fried steak. Image credit: Facebook

What did we miss? Let us know about your favorite roadside American eatery in the comments.

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Amanda Gabriele
Amanda Gabriele
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Amanda Gabriele is a food and travel writer at The Manual and the former senior editor at Supercall. She can’t live without…
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