Discover Washington's Best Diners: Comfort Food Favorites
Diners have been the backbone of simple delicious food for decades. With meals that remind you of home and a nostalgic atmosphere, diners are a comfortable place to retreat. From hidden gems to well-known fixtures of the community, here are the best diners in Washington.
Bobby’s Hawaiian Style Restaurant, Lynnwood, WA
Island flavor and great service is what Bobby’s Hawaiian Style Restaurant in Lynnwood is all about. You can enjoy the tastes of the tropics without traveling when you stop by and order popular dishes like the Mochiko Chicken or Kalua Pork. Daily lunch specials and friendly service await you.
Frank’s Diner, Spokane, WA
Frank’s Diner in Spokane has been feeding hungry travels for more than 100 years, so travel down and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. This is scratch cooking at its best, and you’ll know why it’s been voted the best breakfast diner for 18 years straight when you try anything on the menu. Meatloaf, chicken fried steak, and fish and chips just the way momma used to make, but better.
Bruno’s German Restaurant, Lakewood, WA
Americans aren’t the only ones who understand what makes a great diner. Bruno’s German Restaurant in Lakewood has a great grasp of the concept. Most everything on the menu is made fresh daily, and they have lunch and international specials that will satisfy your appetite and put a smile on your face. Try their version of the Bratwurst with German potato salad and sauerkraut.
Zeke’s Drive In, Gold Bar, WA
Zeke’s Drive In hasn’t been around since gold was discovered in the state, but it’s been around for a while. If you love a casual atmosphere and good food, this is the place for you. Located in Gold Bar, eat inside, out at the picnic tables, or take home and share with your family. The colorful menu is written on the blackboard with cute names like the Honeymoon Special.
Mr. T’s Family Café, Mt Vernon, WA
With homemade biscuits bigger than the plate, Mr. T’s Family Café in Mt. Vernon serves up comfort food with a flare. You can get breakfast all day and the prices are small compared to the portions. It might need a little makeover, but don’t let that keep you from going there.
The Grub Hut, Kingston, WA
Specialty burgers and other comfort grub is what’s on the menu at The Grub Hut in Kingston. This is a great place to eat and they have a kid-friendly menu that the young members of your family will enjoy. With over 30 classic and gourmet burgers, homemade chili, and 29 different milkshake flavors, there’s something for everyone.
Piroshky Piroshky, Seattle, WA
No doubt about it—the piroshkies at Piroshky Piroshky are wonderful. Even if you’ve had a meat pie elsewhere, you’ve never had one that tastes like the ones made at the little bakery/diner in Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong with any of these delicately made pastries. The smoked salmon pate is a popular favorite and worth trying.
59er Diner, Leavenworth, WA
Whatever you’re hungry for—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—you can find it at the 59er Diner in Leavenworth. This fun place has old-fashioned malts and shakes and is decorated inside like the diners of the 1950s, even down to the working jukebox. Fresh made food from locally sourced gardens.
Caveman Kitchen, Kent, WA
This no-nonsense diner features meat, meat, and more meat cooked over smoked wood and fire. The owners are adamant about this being a smokehouse diner not a barbecue joint. You’ll know the difference when you get your first whiff because it tantalizes your nose. You’ll taste the difference when you experience the time-honored recipes that have been used for over 50 years.
Hal’s Drive In, Sedro-Woolley, WA
You just don’t get any better than this. Homemade American classics, great services, and a retro feel will have you twisting and shouting at Hal’s Drive In. Located in Sedro-Woolley, you can still get old-fashioned burgers, fries, and milkshakes, but they have more than 15 varieties of burgers including a giant half-pound whooper.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Bobby’s Hawaiian Style Restaurant, Lynnwood - Experience tropical flavors like Mochiko Chicken and Kalua Pork along with daily specials and friendly service.
- Frank’s Diner, Spokane - This 100-year-old diner is known for its scratch-made cooking and award-winning breakfast dishes, including meatloaf and chicken fried steak.
- Bruno’s German Restaurant, Lakewood - Offers German-style comfort food made fresh daily, featuring dishes like Bratwurst with German potato salad and sauerkraut.
- Zeke’s Drive In, Gold Bar - Enjoy a casual atmosphere with a playful menu, dining inside, outside, or taking it to-go from this local favorite.
- Mr. T’s Family Café, Mt Vernon - Known for its oversized homemade biscuits and generous portions, serving all-day breakfast at affordable prices.
- The Grub Hut, Kingston - Features over 30 classic and gourmet burgers, homemade chili, and 29 milkshake flavors, plus a kid-friendly menu.
- Piroshky Piroshky, Seattle - Located in Pike Place Market, this bakery/diner is famous for its sweet and savory piroshkies, including popular flavors like smoked salmon pate.
- 59er Diner, Leavenworth - A retro 1950s-themed diner offering all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner with old-fashioned malts, shakes, and locally sourced ingredients.
- Caveman Kitchen, Kent - A smokehouse-style diner specializing in wood-smoked meats with recipes passed down for over 50 years.
- Hal’s Drive In, Sedro-Woolley - A classic American drive-in offering retro vibes and a wide range of burger varieties, including a half-pound burger for big appetites.
