Find the Best Things

Classic American Eats: Best Diners in Connecticut

ct diners

Some of them are open 24 hours. Some of them are adorned with long countertops, neon signs, and red leather booths. Nothing quite evokes the feeling of nostalgia like a diner does. These American icons are flourishing in Connecticut as the perfect early morning pit stop and the ideal late-night bite. For a comfortable atmosphere and classic American eats, check out the best diners in Connecticut.


Uncle D’s Diner, East Berlin, CT

Early birds can enjoy classic diner dishes such as egg sandwiches made with two eggs served on a hard roll, omelets, and breakfast wraps, to just name a few. The hearty options will wake you up for your early mornings and keep you going with ample fuel till lunch time. Speaking of lunch, Uncle D’s is also known for its tasty sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and soups. Daily specials are also available to allow you to switch it up from time to time.

Georgie’s Diner, West Haven, CT

Georgie’s Diner has been serving hungry Connecticut residents in West Haven since 1967. It was completely restored in 2009 to better serve diners with both their regular and gluten free menus. Opt for a hearty omelet, such as the Tuscan omelet, which comes with toast and your choice of home fries, grits, tomatoes, or a fruit salad. A vegan breakfast menu is also available for those hankering for a very healthy option. There are also a few Greek options on the menu including gyros, souvlaki, and spanakopita.

Norm’s Diner, Groton, CT

Upon simply viewing Norm’s Diner, visitors will see the charm of “old-school” American diners, as Norm’s is located within an old dining car. You’ll definitely get the feel of a diner when you enter and sit down at one of the booths or on a cushioned metal bar stool. As far as food goes, diners have ample choices for both breakfast and lunch, with options such as French toast, croissant melt, eggs Benedict, and sausage scramble. Lunch is a hearty affair, with meatloaf, chicken and waffles, and a variety of soups.

Herman’s Diner, Colchester, CT

This cozy diner, located in an unassuming building, serves breakfast and lunch each day of the week. In addition to typical diner fare, Herman’s Diner makes and sells freshly baked muffins, which are a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Opt for one of six different types of eggs Benedict for breakfast (or make your own) or indulge in chocolate strawberry pancakes—yum! The staff are also especially friendly and are happy to make a few alterations to dishes, if needed.

Dottie’s Diner, Woodbury, CT

Dottie’s Diner is well-known throughout Connecticut for its award-winning doughnuts. Dottie’s Diner also serves other baked goods as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast menu features egg sandwiches served on English muffins, eggs Benedict, pancakes, and egg dishes, while the lunch menu offers items such as hearty soups and chicken pot pies.  

Olympia Diner, Newington, CT

Relax in the classic atmosphere with a juke box, metal stools, neon signs, and classic booths in this typical dining car diner. The hospitable staff welcome you upon entrance and serve up breakfast at any time of day, with all the favorites Americans know and love. And, Olympia Diner is open for lunch and dinner too, serving sandwiches, open face warm sandwiches, salads, entrees, and desserts. The Olympia Diner is particularly notable because it is the longest metal car diner in the country.

Aero Diner, North Windham, CT

This delectable diner is another stainless steel and neon throwback to a typical 1950s diner complete with bar stools and a long counter. No matter what time you dine at Aero Diner, you can select from the extensive breakfast menu packed with egg sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, breakfast combos, and omelets. The lunch and dinner menu is also loaded with flavorful options, and be sure to save room for a thick milkshake or root beer float.

Blue Colony Diner, Newtown, CT

Located in a large stainless steel building, Blue Colony Diner is a feast for the eyes with their typical booth seating, bar stools, and neon lighting. Treat yourself to a loaf of their homemade challah bread for home, or taste it in the diner with challah French toast. Also on the menu are bagels, egg sandwiches, waffles, pancakes, and egg dishes. For lunch, the sandwich and salad menus are a page deep with options, and there are also numerous snack options such as nachos, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and more. Alcoholic beverages are also served at Blue Colony Diner.

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Uncle D’s Diner, East Berlin - Classic breakfast dishes and hearty lunch options, including omelets, sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. Daily specials keep things interesting.
  • Georgie’s Diner, West Haven - Serving since 1967 with a menu featuring traditional, gluten-free, and vegan options, plus Greek dishes like gyros and spanakopita.
  • Norm’s Diner, Groton - Located in a vintage dining car, offering a nostalgic vibe with breakfast and lunch staples like eggs Benedict, meatloaf, and chicken and waffles.
  • Herman’s Diner, Colchester - Cozy diner known for freshly baked muffins and customizable breakfast options like chocolate strawberry pancakes and six types of eggs Benedict.
  • Dottie’s Diner, Woodbury - Famous for award-winning doughnuts, plus a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu featuring dishes like chicken pot pie and hearty soups.
  • Olympia Diner, Newington - A classic diner atmosphere with juke box, neon lights, and the longest metal car diner in the country; offers breakfast all day, sandwiches, salads, and more.
  • Aero Diner, North Windham - Retro 1950s vibe with a full breakfast menu served all day, along with lunch, dinner, and dessert options like milkshakes and root beer floats.
  • Blue Colony Diner, Newtown - Large stainless steel diner known for challah French toast, a deep sandwich and salad menu, snack options, and even alcoholic beverages.
  • Hot Stories
    Select a Connecticut town to find
    the Best Things To Do and Places To Go around you