Larrison’s Diner (Seymour, Indiana)

Larrison's Diner has been a familiar staple in Seymour, Indiana for over 80 years. Located in the historic downtown area, Larrison’s was originally built as a grocery store over a century ago. Ed and Jan Larrison purchased the diner in 1975, and today it is run by their children, Liz and Kevin.

“Come for the Train Wreck, and stay for the hospitality,” says Roadshow host Greg Hutson, adding that it’s not what you think - the Train Wreck is a popular, hearty menu item consisting of a breaded tenderloin with cheese, chili and onions on an open-face bun. Or you might like the Big-E Plus, which is a half-pound burger with all the trimmings, including bacon and cheese. 

Learn more about Larrison’s Diner by visiting their full listing here: https://americasbestrestaurants.com/rests/indiana/larrisons-diner. 

4th & State (Columbus, Ohio)

Even vegans can get the full diner experience if they go to downtown Columbus, Ohio to sample such fare as plant-based pizza and soy ice cream milkshakes. This family-owned restaurant is based on a restaurant concept of co-owner Chad Goodwin’s grandmother, Betty Jean Goodwin Eyler, who owned numerous restaurants, including The Toasty Shop in Terre Haute, Indiana. 

This is Goodwin’s second Columbus-area vegan restaurant. “This one features a lot more dine-in breakfast items, pizza, burgers, a lot of nostalgic flavors that will keep you coming back for more,” he says. 

4th & State offers a full breakfast, brunch and lunch menu with specialties that are all plant-based. Vegans and non-vegans alike will enjoy the delicious food and warm, inviting atmosphere. 

Find more information about 4th & State by visiting their full listing here: https://americasbestrestaurants.com/rests/ohio/4th-and-state. 

Lexington Diner (Lexington, Kentucky)

This Lexington, Kentucky diner has a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. They offer scratch made meals with an upscale twist. Led by chef Karin West, a Lexington resident since her teens, the menu offers breakfast all day, daily specials, and a full cocktail menu, not to mention a very popular Sunday brunch! you

You will definitely want to try the Kentucky Bourbon Burger, a half-pound patty topped with bourbon barbecue sauce, ghost pepper cheese, bacon and onion straws.

“This one’s a classic; it’s been with the diner since the beginning,” says Chef Karin, noting it was also a 2015 Taste of Bluegrass award winner! 

You can read all about them at their full listing here: https://americasbestrestaurants.com/rests/kentucky/lexington-diner. 

Rick’s White Light Diner (Frankfort, Kentucky)

Frankfort Kentucky’s oldest restaurant is Rick’s White Light Diner, established in 1943. Chef Rick Paul started cooking at age seven, following up with a stint in the Navy and then attending culinary school. The diner is close to Frankfort’s “Singing Bridge”, and within walking distance of many art galleries, shops, and the historic Grand Theatre. 

Cajun and Creole specialties highlight the menu, including crawfish pie, deep fried asparagus, and a fried oyster po’ boy. “If you’ve never had deep fried asparagus, it’s the only way to eat it, as far as I’m concerned,” Chef Rick says.

The theme continues with the breakfast menu, with beignets and a Cajun omelet. A proponent of quality ingredients, Chef Rick utilizes local farmers’ products whenever possible.

Read more about Rick’s at their full listing here: https://americasbestrestaurants.com/rests/kentucky/ricks-white-light-cajun-diner. 

Gus’s Diner (Verona, Wisconsin)

You’ll swear you stepped into the 1950s when you hit Gus’s Diner in Verona, Wisconsin - the space is filled with black, white and red decor accented with chrome and a jukebox on most tables. With an extensive menu and fabulous customer service (they won “Best Customer Service” in a local newsletter two years in a row) you’ll feel right at home and welcome at Gus’s. 

The corned beef hash is made from scratch, and a customer favorite. “It’s a simple meal. . . but it takes time to assemble it,” notes Gus. 

Or you could try the bacon pepper jack burger with onion straws on a brioche bun, a hand-spun milkshake, and the “best pancakes in Wisconsin". 

More information can be found at their full listing here: https://americasbestrestaurants.com/rests/wisconsin/guss-diner. 

We hope you had as much fun reading our list of top diners in the United States as we did visiting them and highlighting their menu items and atmosphere. If you want classic, filling comfort food served in a relaxed environment, step back in time into an American diner and enjoy a no-frills meal sure to leave you satisfied!

We're always looking for new places to try for our Roadshow! If you know of a restaurant, including a diner, you would like to nominate to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants, please do so HERE

About America's Best Restaurants:

ABR, a national media and restaurant marketing company based in Florence, KY, travels the country telling the stories and highlighting the unique food of locally owned independent restaurants as part of their ABR Roadshow. Restaurants are featured not only on ABR’s Restaurant Network of social media channels and website, but also each individual establishment’s Facebook page. With over 700 episodes filmed, America’s Best Restaurants is the premier marketing agency for restaurant owners and operators to have their story broadcast coast-to-coast. Visit AmericasBestRestaurants.com to learn more and to view the episodes and profiles of hundreds of America’s Best Restaurants!