Check Out These Adorable North Carolina Diners
Do you love a good diner? Are you on the hunt for an adorable North Carolina diner? Check out these charming eateries across NC!
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There are few things in this world that can’t be solved by a patty melt, some pie, and a cup of hot coffee.
Maybe it’s just me, but vittles of any kind seem to taste better on a brightly colored stool at the counter of an old-fashioned diner. And maybe it’s just me (again), but heartfelt conversations and spontaneous laughter hit different tucked away in a booth with a view of sizzling onions on the flat top.
Did you know the American diner actually traces its origins to late-1800s horse-drawn lunch wagons? These mobile eateries gained a foothold in the 1920s thanks to Patrick J. “Pop” Tierney, whose manufactured eateries were nicknamed after railroad dining cars. Diners are hold-outs in the dainty culinary movement, “swaggering outlaws” that defy foodie trends, micro-gastronomy, and chef tweezers. They serve up classic comfort food in a timeless or funky atmosphere that’s somehow always familiar and homey.
(If you love diners, history, or clever food writing, you’ll love Michael Stern’s article, “Diners Are the Bad Boys We Aren’t Supposed to Love.”)
I travel a lot for work, and I’m always on the hunt for a charming diner. I love authentic, vintage diners, sleek, modern diners, and kitschy, retro diners. There’s something cozy and nostalgic about diners that I can’t get enough of, and each one seems to have its own special flavor. And while my day job takes me to photograph the fanciest of miniature dishes, the finest of roasted ducks that were flown across the country, etc., often… I can’t wait to tuck into a good, old-fashioned Rueben sandwich or grilled cheese when it’s over. You can’t beat a classic, y’all.
So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite North Carolina diners to check out when you’re on the road!
The Local Joint: Fairview, NC
Located in the heart of Fairview, NC, The Local Joint is a colorful modern take on the classic diner. This fun, vibrant spot slings a tasty menu that’s notably focused on local ingredients and offers flavorful twists on classic diner fare. Here, you’ll find brussel fries with tarragon aoli across the menu from classic nachos, and a yummy buffalo shrimp salad listed below the beloved American classic chicken salad.
What I’m saying is there’s literally something for everyone. Bring your foodie friend and roll your eyes when they mention that this gem is adjacent to the gas station - they’ll be right at home on a counter stool once that menu is in their hands.
The beautifully landscaped patio and changing dessert selection also deserve a nod.
The Local Joint
Fairview, NC
Clyde’s Restaurant: Waynesville, NC
Clyde’s Restaurant has been a Waynesville institution since opening its doors in the 1940s. The vintage sign gives you a little taste of the classic, nostalgic feel of this North Carolina diner, and you’re sure to love the period-piece lighting fixtures and upholstered counter stools.
Clyde’s serves large portions of Southern-inspired and classic diner fare like onion ring baskets, pimento cheeseburgers, and patty melts, but other flavorful dishes like chicken livers, stir fry, and ribeye punctuate the menu.
Make sure you save room for a slice of pie, however! They’ve got lemon ice box, coconut cream, peanut butter, chocolate cream, and German chocolate, and I won’t tell if you decide to eat dessert first.
Clyde’s Restaurant
Waynesville, NC 28786
Smith’s: Forest City, NC
Smith's Fountain is the real deal. This veteran Forest City diner has been serving up traditional fare for more than 60 years, and you will be hard-pressed to find better prices on a hot, filling meal.
A bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich for $3.19? Yes, please. A Hawaiian chicken sandwich for $5.99? Sign me up. (I order that sandwich with a side of the parmesan pasta salad nearly every time I go.)
And, if the food and the prices weren't incentive enough to drop in Smith's Fountain, you'll love the hand-painted murals of Forest City, old-timey chairs and stools, and the warm, welcoming staff.
Smith’s
Forest City, NC 28043
Roger’s Diner: Tryon, NC
It’s hard to miss Roger’s Diner. Located in the massive Tryon International Equestrian Center, Roger’s chrome facade shines like an absolute star. This modern eatery boasts an equally hip interior earmarked by metallic ceiling tiles, black and white tilework, and forest green booths that beg you to order another cup of coffee and just stay a while.
The menu is pretty simple, and I say that warmly with great love. I once drove 45 minutes out of my way after shooting a wine and food festival to get Roger’s grilled Southern chicken sandwich (with extra pickles because that’s called self-love). The idea of another bite of aged duck topped with mysterious micro-greens and micro-gastronomy foam was just too much, and that chicken sandwich at Roger’s felt like home.
Roger's Diner
Mill Spring, NC 28756
Ward’s Grill: Saluda, NC
Ward’s Grill is what you’d call a “local gem.” The historic diner is nestled along the main drag in the charming mountain town of Saluda in a building that dates back to the 1890s. Ward’s opened its doors in the 1960s, and it sits adjacent to Thompson's Store. In 2022, however, new owners breathed fresh life into the classic eatery while still maintaining its authentic atmosphere.
Step through the doors under the metal awning, and you’re sure to be greeted by the smell of sizzling onions or bacon. The original menu sign hangs behind the teal lunch counter, and today’s offerings include stick-to-your-bones plates of biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, patty melts, and a not-to-be-missed Rueben sandwich.
Ward’s Grill
Saluda, NC 28773
Beach Mountain Diner: Waynesville, NC
It’s hard not to love the colorful, fresh vibe at Beach Mountain Diner. The modern eatery resides in an old pharmacy in Waynesville, North Carolina, and the bright yellow booths speak to the owners’ Floridian roots.
What are you in the mood for? Classic, cozy diner fare? They’ve got steak and eggs, chef salad, and club sandwiches. Are you feeling a little fancy? Hop on one of those sunny yellow bar stools and grab a Belgian pecan cinnamon waffle, eggs on the bayou, or a tuna and tabouli pita.
Beach Mountain Diner
Waynesville, NC 28786
Elmo’s Diner: Durham, NC
Are you on the hunt for a warm welcome, hearty breakfast, and mug of hot coffee? Elmo’s Diner has been serving up substantial portions in a family-friendly setting for more than 20 years. Known for its made-from-scratch approach to beloved American diner fare, this Durham neighborhood gem offers a well-rounded menu of breakfast classics, quiches, salads, burgers, and more.
Grab a stool at the bar or slide into a forest green booth and order the hearty huevos rancheros with a slice of apple pumpkin bread to go. You won’t regret it!
Elmo’s Diner
776 9th Street
Durham NC 27705
Mike’s on Main Street: Hendersonville, NC
Conveniently located in the heart of Hendersonville's historic district, Mike's on Main Street is a family-friendly, old-fashioned diner and soda shop. The colorful, eclectic eatery is housed in the former Justus Pharmacy, which opened in 1890 and shuttered its doors in 1993, and you'll find endless shelves of old bottles, vintage pharmacy paraphernalia, and retro signage tucked inside.
Grab a table (if you beat the crowd) or perch on a stool at the Coca-Cola bar and tuck into your favorite classic diner fare; my husband is still raving about the Philly Cheese Steak. If you're lucky, you may even enjoy the sounds of live music!
Mike’s on Main Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Do you have a North Carolina diner that’s a must-hit on my next road trip? Drop it in the comments below!
