America's Best Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Restaurants In Every State
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but not every restaurant treats it that way. For many eateries, breakfast is just an afterthought, a way to keep the kitchen running until the lunch crowd comes in. So, it's always a joy when you find a restaurant that makes breakfast king. A joy, and a perilous burden: Tip off too many people about the breakfast paradise you've found, and suddenly there's a line of brunch enthusiasts down the block and no seat at the table for you.
That's why so many locals treat their favorite hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint like a secret legacy, passed down only to the worthiest. While tourists flock to the most popular chain breakfast restaurants, those in the know get their pancakes and breakfast waffles served up on greasy griddles far from prying eyes.
Until now, that is. We've scoured the truck stops, back alleys, and forgotten side streets of America to find the best hole-in-the-wall breakfast joints in every state. So welcome to the fellowship of breakfast. We're sure the secret is safe with you.
Alabama: Satsuma Breakfast & BBQ
You can sometimes find some great hot dogs at a gas station. But breakfast? For residents of Satsuma, Alabama, the Satsuma Chevron is a place to fuel your body as well as your car. That's because hidden away inside the gas station is the Satsuma Chevron Breakfast & BBQ, which proudly proclaims itself the "Home of the Breakfast Gumbo."
And patrons can't get enough, with one writing on Yelp, "The food is amazing. Don't let the fact it's a gas station stop you from going. There is a line for a reason."
https://satsumabreakfastandbbq.com
(251) 679-6070
6105 US Route 43, Satsuma, AL 36572
Alaska: Coldfoot Camp Trucker's Cafe
Anchorage may have a special Big Mac you can only find in Alaska, but if you want a real Alaskan breakfast, Coldfoot Camp Trucker's Cafe in Coldfoot, Alaska, is the place to go.
Located 55 miles above the Arctic Circle, Coldfoot Camp serves breakfast to truckers on the famous "Ice Road." But it's worth the trip for both the scenery and the delicious food. "Biscuits and Gravy were fantastic ...," one diner wrote on Yelp. "... a large portion, flaky biscuit, flavorful gravy. Couldn't imagine a better start to the morning."
https://www.coldfootcamp.com/eat
(907) 474-3500
Mile 175 Dalton Highway, Coldfoot, AK 99701
Arizona: Bobo's Restaurant
Bobo's Restaurant is a no-frills, old-school breakfast diner in Tucson, Arizona, which is famed locally for its delicious food. Just how highly esteemed are Bobo's legendary pancakes? One diner told Tucson.com that they are "the best in the world."
They're certainly among the best in the state at the very least, as Bobo's Restaurant also landed on USA Today's list of the 10 best homestyle restaurants in the city. One fan wrote on Yelp, "The pancakes are MASSIVE and worth the wait every time."
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051214635211
(520) 326-6163
2938 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
Arkansas: Bellwood Diner
From the outside, Bellwood Diner in Little Rock, Arkansas, looks like little more than several old shacks somehow cobbled together to make one larger shack. But this place is secretly a sugar shack, because the breakfast there is top shelf.
"Not much to look at but the breakfast was excellent and very filling," wrote one fan on TripAdvisor. Another took to Reddit to hype the food, adding "Bellwood Diner ... defines 'hole in the wall.'" Leave your pretensions at the door, but bring your appetite.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Bellwood-Diner-100041611248634/
(501) 753-1012
3815 MacArthur Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72118
California: Pacific Diner
The Los Angeles area is filled with trendy, bougie brunch spots with long waits and longer lines of influencers, all waiting for a chance to snap their avocado toast. But in San Pedro, locals in the know dig into old-fashioned breakfast delights at the no-frills, old-school Pacific Diner.
"Pacific Diner in San Pedro feels like time travel — back when breakfast was meant to be greasy, filling, and actually good," wrote one reviewer on Instagram. We'd like and subscribe to that kind of breakfast!
https://pacific-diner.restaurants-world.com/
(310) 831-5334
3821 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
Colorado: George's Drive-Inn
George's Drive-Inn is a classic roadside dive that has been dishing up delicious breakfast options to the citizens of Walsenberg, Colorado, since 1977. Indeed, George's Drive-Inn is the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Colorado, and is a must-visit for foodies who travel off the beaten path.
"This is a mom and pop diner. The ambiance reflects this," wrote one Yelp diner. "The eggs were perfect and the pancakes were delicious." Who could ask for anything more?
(719) 738-3030
564 US-85 #87, Walsenburg, CO 81089
Connecticut: Dom's Broad Street Eatery
Friendly's restaurants may be disappearing, but in Windsor, Connecticut, a legendary breakfast joint has arisen in their place. The building that houses Dom's Broad Street Eatery used to be a Friendly's, and according to a poll by WSFB that reportedly attracted "hundreds of thousands" of votes, it's now home to the best breakfast in the state.
"The omelet was probably the best western omelet I ever had," enthused one fan on Yelp, while another wrote, "We are going back very soon and my biggest problem will be 'what do I try next.'"
https://www.domsbroadsteatery.com/
(860) 298-9758
330 Broad St, Windsor, CT 06095
Delaware: Helen's Sausage House
Helen's Sausage House is a classic old-school roadside dining shack, but it's not just any old dive. Signs out front boast delicious home fries and famous sausage, and for once, there's truth in advertising, as Helen's more than delivers on both promises.
Just ask patrons. "The food is great, the home fries are always tasty and hot. The sausages are the best," one wrote on Yelp. And another chimed in, "Old school food and ambience. Not low cal but delicious. We loved the breakfast sausage special with sausage gravy."
https://www.helenssausage.com/
(302) 653-4200
4866 N Dupont Hwy, Smyrna, DE 19977
Florida: Doe Doe's Diner
Doe Doe's Diner in Saint Petersburg, Florida, is a classic old-school diner that's beloved by the locals. There you'll find a wonderful mix of classic diner breakfast staples like pancakes and bacon, as well as more adventurous offerings such as scrapple and a Spanish omelet that one Yelp reviewer said was "ridiculous."
"The pancakes were delicious and almost melted in your mouth. I had Eggs Benedict with hash-browns," another wrote. "These were sooo crispy and sooo good!!"
https://doe-does-diner.store/
(727) 398-2407
9395 Bay Pines Blvd, Saint Petersburg, FL 33708
Georgia: The Silver Skillet
The Silver Skillet in Atlanta, Georgia, opened way back in 1956. Stepping through its doors is like stepping back in time to an age when good breakfast eats would stick to your ribs all day, making it a touchstone for generations of locals.
"This is probably the most enjoyable brunch experience I've had ever!" gushed one Yelp reviewer, adding that the whole thing "just felt like a big warm hug." Now that's a breakfast we want to experience!
https://www.thesilverskillet.com/
(404) 874-1388
200 14th St, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Hawaii: Harry's Café
A local tradition for decades, Harry's Café in Honolulu, Hawaii, is known for serving classic Hawaiian breakfasts. Named one of its favorite old-school diners by Honolulu magazine, Harry's Café earned particular praise for its pancakes and its kimchee fried rice omelet.
Harry's Café has also appeared on TV shows like "NCIS Hawaii" (as the Hula Palace Diner), but its food is still the main attraction. "The star of the show for me was the Banana pancake," wrote one diner on Yelp. "It was soo fluffy and delicious."
(808) 593-7798
1101 Waimanu St, Honolulu, HI 96814
Idaho: Capri Restaurant
It's hard to miss the Capri Restaurant in Boise, Idaho. Rising above this vintage diner is its iconic rooster sign, along with a massive banner hyping its "Famous Biscuits & Gravy," which the restaurant claims might be "the best Biscuits and gravy in the world."
One Yelp reviewer said "the loaded biscuits and gravy was in the top couple I have ever had," while another chimed in that it was the "best country gravy I've ever had. The whole meal and experience was delightful. 5 star."
https://capriboise.com/
(208) 342-1442
2520 West Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83702
Illinois: The Diner Grill
The Diner Grill in Chicago, Illinois, is a snapshot of a lost legacy of dining. Old, tiny, and cramped, this shotgun diner only has seating at the counter, where you can watch the line cook sling your hash 24 hours a day. And this iconic breakfast joint has been that way since it opened way back in 1937, rebuilding after a 2016 fire to rise from the ashes like some extra crispy bacon.
Still, it's made some updates to the menu over the past nine decades that will have your mouth watering, with patrons especially lauding the breakfast burrito.
https://www.dinergrill.com/
(773) 248-2030
1635 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
Indiana: The Steer-In Restaurant
The Steer-In Restaurant in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a certified dive with a capital D, as it was featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" back in 2011. However, Fieri chose to have dinner, meaning he missed out on the iconic breakfast menu that has made The Steer-In a local landmark.
Of particular note is its corned beef hash. "Home made corned beef hash with eggs. That is all you need to know," wrote one satisfied customer on Yelp. And another ventured, "The in house roasted corned beef hash is exceptional."
https://www.steerin.net/
(317) 356-0996
5130 E. 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Iowa: The Grove Cafe
The Grove Cafe in Ames, Iowa, isn't just the best breakfast in Iowa. In 2011, Local Eats named it one of the 20 best breakfast restaurants in America, and Food Network has proclaimed it the best place to eat pancakes in Iowa multiple times.
Grove Cafe opened in 1948 and has had a second life as a place to get some of the best tailgating foods for Iowa State fans. But the real score here is the breakfast, with one Yelp reviewer writing, "Best pancakes I have ever had!"
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Grove-Cafe-100063501071480/
(515) 232-9784
124 Main St, Ames, IA 50010
Kansas: Sale Barn Cafe
When you go out to brunch, you typically don't expect to buy a live cow. But Sale Barn Cafe in Manhattan, Kansas, defies all expectations thanks to its weekly livestock auction. It's the perfect place to settle the Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef debate, as well as to order a delicious breakfast such as The Rodger, which is half biscuits and half hashbrowns in gravy.
"The best biscuits and gravy I have ever had," gushed one Yelp fan. "Hash browns with gravy on top are also amazing." Simply moo-velous!
https://www.facebook.com/manhattancommission/
(785) 776-4815
8424 E Hwy 24, Manhattan, KS
Kentucky: The Cliffside Diner
The Cliffside Diner is exactly as advertised: a narrow shotgun diner barely squeezed in between a cliff and the Kentucky River. But it also squeezes the most out of its delicious breakfast options for one of the most unique dining experiences around.
"We had a delicious, satisfying breakfast. The biscuits are crispy on the outside and soft inside," wrote one reviewer on Yelp. "The service, music and ambience did not disappoint. Go here!"
https://cliffside-diner.goto-where.com/
(502) 352-2454
175 Old Lawrenceburg Rd, Frankfort, KY
Louisiana: Cafe USA
Come for the patriotism, stay for the pancakes. That could be the unofficial motto of Cafe USA in Bossier City, Louisiana. Situated just outside Barksdale Air Force Base, Cafe USA is festooned with patriotic messaging. But it's the delicious food that makes this a destination for discerning locals.
"Amazing breakfast experience. The food was great," wrote one satisfied diner on Yelp. "Will definitely come back to eat here again!"
https://www.facebook.com/cafeusa3380/
(318) 742-9600
3380 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71112
Maine: Q Street Diner
Q Street Diner is an unassuming little roadside diner in South Portland, Maine. But inside that vintage exterior is a secret world of delicious dining options, including a breakfast sandwich that Down East magazine cited as one of the best breakfasts in Maine.
That's just one dish that has locals coming back for more, though. "The pancake is one of the best I have had in a long time! Flavorful, fluffy on the inside but had a great outer exterior!" wrote one Mainer on Yelp. "This is the hole in the wall diner I have been hoping for!"
http://www.qstreetdiner.com/
(207) 767-0299
9 Q St, South Portland, ME 04106
Maryland: Nick's Diner
Nick's Diner in Wheaton, Maryland, has been serving up classic diner breakfasts for decades, earning accolades for its home fries and an atmosphere you just can't fake.
"This is Americana at its best. It's a meeting place," regular patron Dave Carter told The Beacon. "It's the people's diner." And it delivers flavor too, with one person writing on Yelp, "Food was soooo good. I love French toast and this place didn't disappoint – soft inside with a nice crisp. Big portions and great prices. Eggs cooked perfectly. I could go on."
https://nicksdiner.square.site/
(301) 933-5459
11199 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
Massachusetts: Deluxe Town Diner
The Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown, Massachusetts, may be old, small, and cramped. But thanks to the legendary breakfast it began serving in 1947, the Deluxe Town Diner has become such a local institution that the community donated over $82,000 in one week during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep it open.
And it's worth every penny. "Not a Fancy place but truly a Diamond," one diner wrote on Yelp. "I am a foodie and this place had me at my first bite."
deluxetowndiner.com
(617) 926-8400
627 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA
Michigan: Bomber Restaurant
Opened in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1936, the Bomber Restaurant got its name serving factory workers during World War II who were building bombers for the war effort. Now a mural outside proclaims "our food is the bomb" — and it ain't lying.
"The portion sizes are huge and the food is absolutely delicious," one rapturous Yelp fan wrote. "If you are into airplanes or war history, come check out the decor!"
(734) 482-0550
306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI
Minnesota: Peg's Countryside Cafe
Known affectionately as "The Chicken House," Peg's Countryside Cafe in Medina, Minnesota, is a giant roadside shack decorated with cartoon chickens. But locals swear by the brunches here, especially owner Peggy Rasmussen's signature stuffed French toast.
"It's their French toast made into a sandwich with egg, cheese & sausage and served with hash browns," one Yelp fan enthused. "The sweet and savory combination is to die for!"
(763) 478-6869
842 Hwy 55, Hamel, MN 55340
Mississippi: The Donut Shop
Step aside, Dunkin, Krispy Kreme, and Tim Horton's. Down in Natchez, Mississippi, there's a dinky roadside confectionery that puts Big Donut to shame. At The Donut Shop, locals queue up for some of the best hand-crafted donuts money can buy.
Just ask fans, some of whom make a trip to The Donut Shop into a daylong pilgrimage. "Donuts are best I've ever had and we drive 2 hours to get these on occasion," one wrote on Yelp. "We are their biggest fans."
(601) 442-2317
501 John R Junkin Dr, Natchez, MS
Missouri: Druff's Diner
Druff's Diner in Springfield, Missouri, is a relative newcomer to the breakfast life. When the tiny shotgun eatery opened in 2016, it specialized in grilled cheese sandwiches. Now it's pivoted to breakfast sandwiches, quickly becoming destination dining for besotted foodies.
"I started my love affair with Druff's some time ago, I can't tell you how this food changed my life. I couldn't stop. The wife and kids eventually got sick of me always sneaking away," confessed one ardent Yelp fan. "I love you Druffs."
yumdruffs.com
(417) 719-1719
331 Park Central E, Ste 101, Springfield, MO
Montana: Hog Wild Cafe
Hog Wild Cafe in Billings, Montana, is the kind of classic mom-and-pop diner your stomach craves. Located within shouting distance of I-90, it's the perfect breakfast stop for locals and travelers alike, with portions big enough to keep you going all day.
"I had a country Benedict scramble that was crazy good and my wife had biscuits and gravy. The chunks of sausage in the gravy were bigger than most pizzas have on them," wrote one Yelp enthusiast. "Definitely a worthwhile little secret spot for breakfast."
(406) 256-5599
204 N 22nd St, Billings, MT
Nebraska: Vidlak's Family Cafe
Formerly known as Vladek's Brookside Cafe, this Omaha, Nebraska eatery recently rebranded to spotlight its family-friendly focus. But one thing that hasn't changed is its huge breakfast menu, allowing hungry diners to create their own dream morning meal.
Take special note of its cinnamon rolls, though, which one Redditor shouted out for being "homemade and big as your head." Just make sure to keep your afternoon clear for a big nap afterwards!
vidlaksbrooksidecafe.com
(402) 330-0914
15668 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE
Nevada: Lou's Diner
Lou's Diner has been a Las Vegas, Nevada mainstay since it first opened in 1969 as Jo-Ells. Located in an unassuming strip mall well away from the strip, Lou's earned its reputation by serving up delicious breakfasts for generations of hungry locals.
"Eggs cooked perfectly to order sitting atop a bed of biscuits and gravy, over top of hashbrowns covered in cheese with two crispy strips of thick cut bacon," one diner gushed on Yelp. "Trust me when I say you need this in your life!"
lousdinerlv.com
(702) 870-1876
431 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
New Hampshire: Arnold's Wayside Diner
Anchoring the western terminus of the famed Kancamagus Highway is Lincoln, New Hampshire. And anchoring Lincoln's breakfast scene is Arnold's Wayside Diner. For leaf peepers and bikers heading out for a scenic drive, this vintage diner is the perfect way to start the day.
Just ask fans on Yelp. "The omelette was glistening with a fluffy interior stuffed with the mouth watering corned beef hash," one wrote, "while the pancakes were so fluffy they would probably bounce." It's so fluffy!
(603) 745-4833
90 US Route 3, Lincoln, NH
New Jersey: Mariner's Cove
Known to locals as The Omelette House, Mariner's Cove has earned the name by featuring over 250 different omelet options on its menu. Its delicious assortment of breakfast options landed it a feature in The New York Times, with hungry patrons packing the tiny joint for a chance at eggs over awesome.
"Everything was cooked to perfection and I loved the portions," one devotee testified on Yelp. "BEST BREAKFAST EVER!!!" One down, 249 to go!
(732) 528-6023
712 Union Ave, Brielle, NJ
New Mexico: Papa Frank's
Unusually for a breakfast joint, you can't get Sunday brunch at Papa Frank's in Albuquerque, New Mexico, because it's closed on weekends. But when it's open, you can get some great breakfast food, especially its signature breakfast burritos.
"One of the best breakfast burritos I've had, and I've had MANY breakfast burritos," one person wrote on Yelp. "Nice amount of heat, not too much potatoes (ratio is key), and they use real eggs – you can tell while eating it."
https://papafranksalbuquerque.com/
(505) 842-8944
218 Marble Ave, NW Albuquerque, NM
New York: Johny's Luncheonette
You've got to have really good food to stand out in New York City's crowded breakfast landscape. Johny's Luncheonette delivers — and then some. Located just a couple of blocks from the iconic Flatiron Building, Johny's is also short on space but big on local flavor.
"The Farmer's omelette was amazing and the homefries were among the best I've had," wrote one Yelp fan. "There isn't much space inside so you may have to wait, but it's well worth it."
johnysluncheonette.com
(212) 243-6230
124 W 25th St, New York, NY
North Carolina: Herbie's Place
Herbie's Place in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a no-nonsense greasy spoon that serves breakfast all day. Thanks to its "Herbie the Love Bug" mascot, it's a great place to catch sight of vintage Volkswagens, but it's an even better place to get a quick and satisfying breakfast without any fuss or muss.
That's something the locals appreciate. "Great for a hangover all day, and good after church service with the kids," wrote one Yelp reviewer. "Sit down shut up and eat your greasy goodness."
herbiesdiner.com
(336) 288-8896
3136 Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC
North Dakota: Darcy's Cafe
"Better than your grandma's, as good as your mom's." That's not a "your mom" joke, it's the slogan of Darcy's Cafe in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It may not look like much, but this no-frills diner serves up pancakes that have become the stuff of local legend.
"The exterior is rather non-descript but that all changes when you eat the food," gushed one Yelp fan. "I had the cinnamon roll pancake and it was humongous and SO GOOD!"
darcyscafend.com
(701) 775-4050
1015 N Washington, Grand Forks, ND
Ohio: Big Al's
Named the Best Diner in Ohio by Business Insider in 2014, Big Al's Diner in Cleveland has been an iconic part of the city's landscape since it opened in 1994. Space is limited, but you'll want to make sure there's plenty of room in your stomach for specialties like its chocolate chip pancakes.
One patron wrote on Yelp, "a quite literal hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but a fantastic one at that [...] the food is worth the wait."
bigalsdiner.shop
(216) 791-8550
12600 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH
Oklahoma: The Diner
The Diner in Norman, Oklahoma, is a classic throwback diner in every sense of the word. Seating is limited, but you can grab a stool by the counter and watch your cook flip cakes on the griddle right in front of you for a perfect mouthwatering sneak preview of your breakfast future.
"The food was AMAZING," one diner wrote on Yelp. "Meat is cooked to perfection, love the peppers, cheese, sauces and the hash browns as well."
thedinerofnorman.com
(405) 329-6642
213 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Oregon: Otis Cafe
Otis Cafe in Lincoln City, Oregon, has been a staple on the Pacific coast for a century. Nearly destroyed by fire in 2019, Otis Cafe remains the go-to destination for locals and tourists, especially those looking for a taste of its iconic "German Potatoes."
Make sure you have room if you order this twist on home fries. "Oh my goodness, this was so much food," one person wrote on Yelp, while another diner added, "Beware: if you order the German Potatoes that a full order is MASSIVE!!!"
otiscafe.com
(541) 994-2813
4618 SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR
Pennsylvania: Tom & Joe's Restaurant
Tom & Joe's Restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is another iconic local institution, dishing up fabulous breakfasts since 1933. Named one of the 10 Best Roadside Diners in America by USA Today in 2025, Tom & Joe's is still run by the family that owned it, and some of the current decor dates back as far as the 1950s.
It's the food that's really timeless, though. "One of the best breakfasts we've had," one Yelp review reads. "Everything was cooked to perfection and so tasty."
tomandjoes.com
(814) 943-3423
1201 13th Ave, Altoona, PA
Rhode Island: The Middle of Nowhere Diner
If you want the best breakfast experience in Rhode Island, you're going to have to literally go to the middle of nowhere. That's because The Middle of Nowhere Diner in Exeter has developed a reputation as the go-to spot for delicious diner staples, plus more unusual offerings like baked apples.
Just don't tell anyone. As one Yelp reviewer said, it's "one of those places that you kind of want to gatekeep because it's already obscenely popular and hard to get in."
(401) 397-8855
222 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI
South Carolina: Howard's Restaurant
Since 1958, Howard's Restaurant in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, has been dishing up delicious breakfasts to all comers. How old school is this place? There aren't even any menus, so just tell the cook what you want and see what happens!
Howard's Restaurant is open from 5 AM until 3 PM and serves breakfast all day, so whether you want breakfast for lunch or just need some good pre-dawn grub before your big fishing trip, this is the place for you.
(843) 761-8565
336 E Main St, Moncks Corner, SC
South Dakota: The Mud Hole of the Black Hills
The Mud Hole of the Black Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a unique dining experience, serving breakfast on paper plates in the back of a thrift store. Though it has become a dining destination, owner Teresa Roland has no plans to stop hawking antiques alongside the pancakes.
"I will not go full blown café," Roland told Elevate Rapid City. "The Mud Hole is having breakfast in the middle of a thrift store."
(605) 431-3860
7 Main St, Rapid City, SD
Tennessee: Lil Black Bear Cafe
Located in scenic Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, less than three miles from Dollywood, Lil Black Bear Cafe is a tiny roadside shack that's easy to miss. But this family enterprise offers up really big flavors for such a small package.
Just make sure you also pack a really big appetite. As one sated Yelp reviewer wrote, "everything was amazing, including breakfast sandwiches, omelets, hillbilly grits, biscuits and gravy and the most substantial pancakes we had ever seen."
https://pigeonforge.wixsite.com/lilblackbearcafe
(865) 366-1181
3068 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
Texas: Tel-Wink Grill
Opened way back in 1940, the Tel-Wink Grill in Houston, Texas, is part of the city's fabric. Named one of the Best Diners in America by KOA, the Tel-Wink Grill is beloved for its massive menu of traditional breakfast diner options. Want breakfast with a Texas twist? Try the Tex-Mex Jalapeno Sausage and Egg, or the Catfish Fillet with eggs.
And don't sleep on the great service either. As one Yelp reviewer promised, "the servers treat you better than mom herself!"
tel-wink.com
(713) 644-4933
4318 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX
Utah: Over the Counter Cafe
Hidden in a strip mall in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a rinky-dink slice of breakfast paradise: Over the Counter Cafe. The food is delicious, and there's plenty of it, as locals rave about the huge portions and massive pancakes.
It's small and cramped, but for many, it feels like home. "Everything is made right there in front of you," wrote one fan on Yelp. "The service is always quick, and the ambiance is like your visiting your grandmas kitchen!"
overthecountercafe.weebly.com
(801) 487-8725
2343 E 3300th S, Salt Lake City, UT
Vermont: P&H Truck Stop
If you want to refuel both your soul and your 18-wheeler, P&H Truck Stop right off of I-91 in Wells River, Vermont, is the place you've been looking for. This is hearty food for working-class folk. Nothing fancy, but everything is filling –- and delicious.
In particular, customers rave about its homemade, freshly baked bread, which it also uses for its french toast. Breaker 1-9: looks like we've got ourselves a breakfast!
pandhtruckstop.com
(802) 429-2141
2886 Route 302, Wells River, VT
Virginia: Jack's Place
Jack's Place in Alexandria, Virginia, is no frills, all flavor. You'll be lucky to find a seat in this tiny and cramped shotgun diner, but there's a reason locals are lined up out the door for dishes like its signature breakfast panini.
So leave your pretensions at the door and just savor the grub. "French toast had a hint of cinnamon, crunchy outside, warm and yummy inside," one fan wrote on Yelp. "You could pay more for better ambiance but why, when food & service are so good."
(703) 684-0372
222 N Lee St, Alexandria, VA
Washington: Twede's Cafe
Twede's Cafe in North Bend, Washington, is so authentic it almost seems fake. That's in part due to the fact that it was chosen to be the filming site for the RR Cafe in "Twin Peaks."
But don't let Hollywood fool you: Twede's Cafe is the real deal, as evidenced by every plate of down-home diner food it dishes out. "The food was incredible," raved one fan on Yelp. "My husband [...] thought they were the best eggs he's ever had."
twedescafe.com
(425) 831-5511
137 W North Bend Way, North Bend, WA
West Virginia: Grandma's Country Kitchen
Nestled among the mountains of West Virginia is Grandma's Country Kitchen. Situated in Westover, just across the river from the University of West Virginia, this simple dining hall has become a breakfast nexus for locals from all walks of life.
Why? The food is as homey as it comes, made by "legit, family grandmothers" with personal care. "The food was homemade, loaded with real potatoes, eggs, and bacon that tastes like it was a local pig farm," one charmed diner wrote on Yelp.
(304) 212-5184
1129 Dents Run Blvd, Ste 3 Westover, WV
Wisconsin: Barre Country Diner
Out in western Wisconsin, just a stone's throw from the Mississippi River, you can find Barre Country Diner. Opened in 2013, this unassuming rural diner has quickly become a breakfast hot spot thanks to specialties like its Eggs Benedict and French toast.
One other recommendation from a Yelp reviewer: the Country Special. "[It]was incredible! Two scrambled eggs, hash browns [...] with bacon and wheat toast was a great breakfast!"
https://foodeist.com/place/barre-country-diner
(608) 786-0665
W4007 Country Rd, 0 West Salem, WI
Wyoming: Silver Spur Cafe
Wyoming is known as "big sky country," but thanks to the Silver Spur Cafe in Sheridan, it's earning a new nickname: Big Breakfast Country. This tiny diner is wedged in between a gas station and an office building, but don't sleep on its huge portions and huge flavor.
"We ordered the breakfast sandwich on a biscuit and a cinnamon roll and OMG! So good!," wrote one Yelp diner. "The cinnamon roll... [is] the size of your head. [...] It's freaking DELICIOUS!!"
silverspurcafe.com
(307) 752-3301
832 N Main St, Sheridan, WY
Methodology
In order to determine the best hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint in each state, we emphasized both the quality of the food and the dining experience. We focused on small, unknown, or out-of-the-way restaurants that came recommended by actual breakfast patrons through Yelp reviews, Google reviews, Reddit and Facebook comments from local patrons, and online travel guides. Where possible, we also visited the restaurant to try its breakfast in person. Some excellent breakfast restaurants were not included due to being too upscale, while some hole-in-the-wall restaurants failed to make the cut because the food wasn't good enough. The resulting list represents the best mix of both food and true hole-in-the-wall atmosphere.