The Best Diner Foods, Ranked

While they may be lumped into the breakfast category, a fluffy stack of flapjacks is a surefire win at any time of day (or night).

Pancakes

Classic diner milkshakes are best served in a traditional soda shop glass — the best way to show off the creamy consistency and chunky mix-ins.

Milkshakes

©Alst - Getty Images This is one decision we’ll happily make for you: Always get an order of fries. Whether they’re shoestring, crinkle, waffle or curly,

French Fries

Swap a bun for bread, pack it with a hamburger patty, cheese and maybe onions, then smash the whole thing together and you’ll have the patty melt:

Patty Melt

If mac 'n' cheese is on the diner menu, get it. This is one dish that does vary greatly from place to place, but a combination of noodles and melted cheese will rarely be bad. And in the south, we call it a vegetable.

Macaroni and Cheese

It’s important to do a bit of intel gathering before committing to the pie. Was it made in-house, and, if so, when? If the answers are yes and today

Pie

Much like the pie, the soup of the day can be a toss up that requires a bit of questioning. There are way too many varieties of soup to earn it a higher spot

Soup of the Day

It’s best not to ask questions with this one. If your soul needs to be tended to, gravy-soaked country fried steak will do the trick (as long as a nap is an option mere moments after paying the bill).

Country Fried Steak

On every diner menu, you'll find a sandwich piled high with stacks of cold cuts, cheese, bread, lettuce and tomato. It’s a protein-packed option that doesn't have the greasier feel of many diner dishes — and a pickle on the side is always a nice bonus.

Club Sandwich

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