4 american diner rooms worth the trip across United States, editor-ranked. All cuisines in United States.
Katz's Delicatessen ★ 5.0 · New York City
lower-east-side · 205 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002
Katz's on East Houston has cured, smoked and hand-sliced pastrami in New York City since 1888. The corner-of-the-counter sandwich is the deli's whole point.
Tip: Tip the slicer a dollar when you get your ticket; a thick fatty slice samples your way and the sandwich comes built right.
Russ & Daughters ★ 4.9 · New York City
lower-east-side · 179 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002
Russ & Daughters has slung appetising on East Houston in New York City since 1914: hand-sliced smoked salmon, sturgeon, schmaltz herring and bagels to take home.
Tip: The shop is for take-away. Sit down at Russ & Daughters Cafe around the corner on Orchard for table service.
Hob Nob Hill ★ 4.2 · San Diego
bankers-hill · 2271 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Hob Nob Hill in San Diego is the Bankers Hill American diner at 1st and Juniper since 1944, the 80-year-old institution reopened in 2025 with a throwback breakfast-and-comfort-food menu.
Tip: Open daily 8am-8pm; the bakery starts at 6am, fresh muffins and cakes come out by opening.
Ted's Bulletin ★ 4.0 · Washington DC
logan-circle · 1818 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Ted's Bulletin in Washington DC is the 14th Street art-deco American diner from the Matchbox group, an all-day breakfast room with the in-house adult pop-tart line as the signature.
Tip: Weekend brunch fills up by 11:00; the original Barracks Row Ted's takes walk-ins on weekday mornings.