Brian Nagele
When visiting Philadelphia, there’s so much to do in a short amount of time. While you may be thinking about tourist attractions, the real sight to see is the restaurant scene.
This city is filled with so many different cuisines from American classics to more exotic foods. But when you just want to relax and have some comforting food, the best place to be is a diner. I’ve put together a list of my favorite diners in town so you can try them for yourself.
Whether you want to go somewhere sleek and modern or a spot that’s been preserved from the day it was built, there’s a perfect spot for everyone on this list. Keep reading to learn a little bit about each location!
Read on to learn more about these Philly diners and find your next breakfast.
Champ’s Diner
1539 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: (215) 769-0995
Visit Website
Searching for a vegan diner? You’re in luck, Champ’s Diner serves all of your favorites, with vegan options as well. Specifically, you’ll find baked goods and comfort food options.
Housed in a retro diner setting, there’s so much to love about this spot.
There’s so many amazing dishes at Champ’s Diner. Be sure to try the cookie dough pancakes, double trouble burger, Sunday morning pancakes, or lobster roll.
Don’t forget to explore the milkshake options, as well!
Penrose Diner
2016 Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: (215) 465-1097
Visit Website
Open for more than 50 years, Penrose Diner is one of the most popular diners in Philly. This spot is open 24 hours on the weekend and serves American classics.
With over 3,500 reviews on Google, you can count on having a good experience here.
Choose between all-day breakfast or lunch and dinner plates at Penrose Diner. We recommend the deluxe, grilled beef liver, Penrose burger, or Tuscan panini.
Be sure to grab a couple of drinks, too!
Oregon Diner
302 W Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 462-5566
Visit Website
Founded back in the 60s, Oregon Diner brings a retro take to the community. Serving large-portioned diner food 24 hours a day, this spot attracts crowds.
With a casual yet sleek interior, this place is great for any occasion.
The options are endless when it comes to the menu at Oregon Diner. Try out the egg dipped french toast, open face reuben, eggs benedict, or or grilled buffalo chicken sandwich.
Make sure to enjoy a few cups of coffee with your meal!
Mayfair Diner
7373 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 624-8886
Visit Website
Another Philadelphia diner with retro vibes is Mayfair Diner. Again, this spot is open 24/7, so no matter the day or time, you’ll be able to stop by.
Once you step into this restaurant, you’ll immediately be transported back to the 50s.
You’ll find all-day breakfast as well as lunch and dinner staples on Mayfair Diner’s menu. We recommend the blueberry pancakes, pizza steak, olney burger, or grilled reuben.
Be sure to try the famous bread pudding while you’re there!
Little Pete’s
2401 Pennsylvania Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 232-5001
Trying to find a place with outdoor seating? We suggest Little Pete’s.
This little diner offers filling meals with options like sandwiches and hoagies. And with outdoor seating, you can enjoy the fresh air while you dine.
People love the wide range of dishes offered at Little Pete’s. Be sure to try the cheesesteak, french toast, meatloaf, or Mediterranean crab salad.
Don’t forget to order dessert to complete your meal; we like the strawberry shortcake!
The Dining Car
8826 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: 215-338-5113
Visit Website
The Dining Car is north of the city center in Holmesburg, within walking distance of the Delaware River.
You can’t miss this diner because it has large red neon signs and looks frozen in time from 1960 when the restaurant opened. Unlike other diners in the city, this one is huge and has plenty of seating.
I love The Dining Car because it has large portions for a great price. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the menu and even serve alcohol.
Some of my favorite dishes here are their classic pancakes, broiled flounder, and deviled crab cakes.
Sam’s Morning Glory Diner
735 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-413-3999
Visit Website
Sam’s Morning Glory Diner is nestled between Washington Square West and Bella Vista. This cash-only diner features a black and white checkered floor with deep blue walls that create a unique diner experience.
Sam’s Morning Glory Diner has special takes on classic diner meals. They’re open for breakfast and brunch; going here on weekends is my favorite.
Some of the best dishes on their menu are their MOGLO crab cake breakfast and the chicken chorizo burrito.
Bob’s Diner
6053 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: (215) 483-9002
Keeping with the theme of retro-inspired diners is Bob’s Diner. This local restaurant serves American diner food and all-day breakfast.
With a 1940s theme, this old-school spot is plenty of fun for everyone.
If you can’t seem to figure out what to order at Bob’s Diner, try out the buttermilk pancakes, scrapple, grilled chicken sandwich, or any of the omelettes.
Make sure to bring along a bottle of your favorite alcohol if you’re hoping to drink!
Down Home Diner
Reading Terminal Market, 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 627-1955
Visit Website
Rounding out our list of diners in Philadelphia is Down Home Diner. This neighborhood diner serves Southern-inspired homestyle food that you have to taste to believe.
With a kitschy, old-school look, you’re bound to love it at this spot.
The menu at Down Home Diner is simple and straightforward. Be sure to try aunt Linda’s kitchen sink, scram bowl, french toast, or cheesesteak omelet.
Don’t forget to sip in some coffee to complete your meal!
Llanerch Diner
95 E Township Line Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Phone: 610-789-6057
Visit Website
To get to one of the best 24/7 diners Philly offers, you have to head west to Upper Darby. It’s only about 9.6 miles from the city center, so it’s not overly out of the way.
Llanerch Diner is a staple in the community and a must-try if you’re craving diner food during your visit. It’s cozy and has several booths and breakfast bar seating.
Llanerch Diner’s menu features a little bit of everything you’d expect from a 24.7 diner. They have breakfast food and a variety of lunch and dinner options too.
Breakfast is excellent here, but I love their non-breakfast options. Their classic burger is to die for, and some other options I strongly recommend are the four gyro sliders and fried mozzarella sticks.
Station Diner
9 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: 215-476-5722
Station Diner is in West Philadelphia, just south of Market Street. The restaurant is laid-back and has old-school furniture throughout.
It’s the perfect spot in West Philly when you want a diner atmosphere. It’s pretty bare, and most of the seats are at the breakfast bar. It’s a busy spot, but it’s worth the wait.
When you look at the menu at Station Diner, you’ll see all your classic breakfast food. They have eggs in various ways, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and everything to fill you up before your day in Philly.
I love the classic meal with two eggs your way, your choice of breakfast meat, and home fries.
Silk City
435 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 592-8838
Visit Website
Located in a vintage, renovated diner, Silk City Diner is a fantastic spot to grab a bite. Enjoy classic meals like fried chicken and meatloaf at this restaurant.
With parts of the original interior intact, you’ll feel like you’ve gone bak in time here.
Silk City’s menu is a little more creative than most diner menus, and it even has vegan options. Try out the spicy chicken sammy, vanilla vegan pancakes, shrimp burger, or bananas foster french toast.
Make sure to sip on a beer or cocktail!
So, the next time you’re craving some diner food (even if it’s 2 in the morning) you’ll know exactly where to go. Though the diner options are endless in Philadelphia, we know you can always count on these ones.
Which diner will you try first? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you drop us a line and we’ll check it out!
Why isn’t the Quaker diner on your list…?