5 Great Diners to Try in the Southern U.S.
There’s nothing better than an old school diner with some southern charm. When traveling to the southern part of the U.S., it’s essential to visit at least one iconic diner. There are so many to choose from, but here’s five of the most widely acclaimed throughout the entire south: Mel’s Diner, The Diner – Nashville, Texan Diner, Sunliner Diner, and Marietta Diner.
Mel’s Diner – Lafayette and Broussard, Louisiana
The story behind this diner is just as amazing as the food. Mel had a lifelong dream of opening her own 50’s themed diner, and her husband helped make the dream come to life in 1992. For more history and diner information visit TheMelsDiner.com. Mel’s Diner has two locations; the original is located in Lafayette, Louisiana, and the second can be found in Broussard, Louisiana. This retro diner serves delicious food 24 hours a day; anything from omelets, to catfish, to cheesecake. Next time you are in Louisiana, you must make a stop to Mel’s Diner!
The Diner – Nashville, Tennessee
The Diner Nashville is a 6 story establishment that offers both casual and formal dining. This restaurant has a variety of offerings: pastries, milkshakes, breakfast/brunch options, dinner entrées, sushi, cocktails, and more! Not only are there delicious options, but The Diner also offers 24 hour service. This modern diner is a popular place among both locals and travelers. Make sure you book a reservation before deciding to make a visit; there’s rarely an empty table!
Texan Diner – Haslet, Texas
This diner located in Haslet, Texas offers fresh and innovative brunch items. The Texan Diner prides itself on using as many local products as possible. On their website they explain, “Our love of food and our community demands that we buy local, hire local and feature local products on our menu.” On their menu you can find items like breakfast monte cristo, chicken & waffles, Cajun club sandwiches, and much, much more.
Sunliner Diner – Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Sunliner Diner is located in two separate states: Alabama and Tennessee. When visiting either state, try to make a visit to these establishments. Everything from the décor to the food will make you feel like you’re back in the 50’s. The Sunliner has a wide variety of all the classic breakfast meals, and they serve them all day long! Make sure to get one of their specialty milkshakes or cocktails in addition to your entrée.
Marietta Diner – Marietta, Georgia
Marietta Diner is another 50’s themed, retro diner that is located in Marietta, Georgia. It has been featured on Food Network’s “Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives” program, receiving national recognition. The diner building is covered in metallic and neon lights, making it very easy to spot! Marietta Diner has been open since 1995 and serves all your favorite diner dishes. The diner has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, and is serving food 24 hours a day.
When visiting the South, you’re sure to spot a few diners along the way. Make sure to check out these five suggestions for great food, service and atmosphere. Whether you’re in Tennessee for the music experiences, in Alabama for a Gulf visit, or Louisiana for a Mardi Gras celebration, you can visit one of these locations!