What makes a classic diner? Is it the hearty American breakfast fare packed full of nostalgic flavors? Is it the old-fashioned counter service? Is it the welcoming smell of a pot of drip coffee? Whatever is most important to you when it comes to the perfect diner experience, diners in Delaware have you covered.
From trendy decor and brunch cocktails to nostalgic counters and no-nonsense menus, these classic diners in Delaware serve up great food with a side of nostalgia.
New Castle County
The Legend Restaurant & Bakery
The Legend is a New Castle staple, offering a variety of American comfort foods, pies and pastries, breakfast fare, and more. You can grab a booth or a seat at the counter and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as well as coffee, beer, and cocktails. The Legend is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
201 North Dupont Highway, New Castle
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Wilmington Diner
At the Wilmington Diner, enjoy traditional American food and breakfast staples 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
407 Marsh Road, Wilmington
Crossroads Restaurant
A repeat Best of Delaware winner, this classic diner is a community favorite in northern Delaware. Every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. enjoy everything from breakfast staples like omelets, eggs Benedict, and fluffy pancakes to burgers, fried chicken, and hearty platters.
4579 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington
Angelo’s Luncheonette
This corner diner in Wilmington is straight out of the ’50s. Open weekdays 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Angelo’s Luncheonette is the perfect spot to grab a weekday breakfast. Chow down on breakfast sandwiches, eggs and bacon, scrapple, lunch items, and more at this historic eatery in the heart of Wilmington.
1722 North Scott Street, Wilmington
Newport Family Restaurant
This family-run restaurant is a community staple that serves American foods like breakfast sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, burgers, and sandwiches. Along with your favorite diner classics, enjoy Italian dinner staples, seafood platters, and more. Newport Family Restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
601 West Newport Pike, Graystone Plaza, Wilmington
Goober’s Diner
Everything about Goober’s screams “classic American diner.” The iconic silhouette will transport you back to the ’50s before you walk through the door. The retro vibes continue throughout the experience, from the decor to the food to the friendly diner service. Enjoy American classics like chicken and waffles or steak and eggs in the morning and burgers and fries with a milkshake in the afternoon. Goober’s is open 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday to Tuesday.
1203 North Lincoln Street, Wilmington
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Cosmos Diner/Restaurant
Cosmos Restaurant has been serving locals for more than 40 years and is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Along with American favorites, Cosmos infuses Greek inspirations into the menu with dishes like souvlaki (marinated meat skewers with veggies and rice pilaf) and moussaka (layers of eggplant with meat sauce and cream sauce). Enjoy breakfast staples in the morning and entrees like steaks, roasted turkey, and veal in the evening.
316 South Maryland Avenue, Wilmington
Bellevue Diner
Opened in 2022, Bellevue Diner is a local favorite for all-day breakfast, pies and cakes, and diner classics like sandwiches, steaks, burgers, pasta, and seafood. Bellevue Diner is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
703 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington
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Smiley’s Diner
Smiley’s Diner is a community staple in Newark. A 24-hour diner, Smiley’s attracts everyone from University of Delaware students seeking a hearty meal after a night out to blue-collar workers grabbing breakfast before heading to an early shift. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner any time of day at this classic diner in Delaware.
1025 Christiana Road, Newark
Kirkwood Diner & Restaurant
Every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy American classics at Kirkwood Diner & Restaurant. Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast or lunch and dinner fare like pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, steak, and more, Kirkwood Diner has it all.
3611 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington
Urban Kitchen
Looking for an elevated classic diner experience? Urban Kitchen is the place to go in Delaware. Enjoy buttermilk pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and skillets for breakfast. The lunch and dinner menus contain entrees like barbecue brisket, chicken parmesan, grilled chicken, and flank steak. Urban Kitchen also features a full bar, milkshakes, and plenty of indulgent desserts. The Wilmington hotspot is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. (It’s closed on Monday.)
3228 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington
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Odessa Diner
Odessa Diner is a favorite for Odessa and Middletown residents alike. On Wednesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy breakfast classics like omelets and French toast along with dinner dishes like steaks, pastas, and seafood.
3147 Dupont Parkway, Middletown
Kent County
Smyrna Diner
Open seven days a week starting at 7 a.m., this classic diner is a community staple in Smyrna. Order from the breakfast menu all day to savor favorites like hot cakes and French toast, omelets, and country fried steak. For lunch and dinner, dig into wraps, clubs, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
99 South Cory Lane, Smyrna
Dover Hollywood Diner
If you’re seeking classic American fare with a 1950s aesthetic, Hollywood Diner is a must-visit in Dover. Enjoy breakfast sandwiches, omelets, breakfast platters and more in the morning, and burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and more during dinner hours.
123 North Dupont Highway, Dover
Tomeka’s Homestyle Eatery
Looking for classic comfort food in Dover? Tomeka’s Homestyle Eatery is a hidden gem open Thursday to Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy easygoing fare like fried fish platters, fried pork chops, jumbo lump crabcakes, fried wings, and shrimp and grits. Food sells out fast, so show up early for lunch.
1466 East Lebanon Road, Dover
Sussex County
Frankford Family Diner
In Frankford, enjoy all-day breakfast, a variety of salads and sandwiches, burgers, and seafood at this local eatery. Frankford Family Diner is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
34067 Dupont Boulevard, Frankford
Crystal Restaurant
When it comes to classic diners at the Delaware beaches, Crystal Restaurant is a staple. A 20-minute walk from the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, this family restaurant is a favorite for crab Benedict, omelets, and waffles. Crystal Restaurant is open every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., making it an ideal stop for breakfast or lunch.
620 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Bethany Diner
In Bethany Beach, this classic diner serves up farm-fresh eggs, breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, pancakes, burgers, and much more. Grab a coffee with breakfast or a beer with lunch or dinner, and enjoy a classic American meal in a cozy atmosphere. Bethany Diner is open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
792 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach
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Long Neck Diner
Open since 2008, Long Neck Diner is a favorite for both locals and visitors to southern Delaware. The eatery opens every day at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. The massive menu includes every type of diner food from eggs and waffles to seafood, chicken, steak, hoagies, paninis, and burgers. If you’re visiting the Delaware beaches with a large group of people, Long Neck Diner is a no-brainer when it’s time to grab a bite.
25935 Plaza Drive, Unit 5, Millsboro
Rehoboth Diner
Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, Rehoboth Diner serves everything from pancakes and coffee in the morning to burgers in the afternoon and steak in the evening. Don’t forget to grab a slice of pie or strawberry cheesecake for dessert!
19219 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
Ocean View Restaurant
A hometown favorite for Ocean View locals, Ocean View Restaurant is a charming spot for a great breakfast. Enjoy diner-style fare from inside an old house for the perfect nostalgic dining experience. Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., stop in to chow down on corned beef hash, sausage gravy, waffles, omelets, and much more.
42 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View
The Stargate Diner
Looking for a nostalgic diner with plenty of seating and a sizable menu? The Stargate Diner in Seaford checks all the boxes. Enjoy coffee, beer, wine, and soft drinks along with fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From quesadillas and sandwiches to entrees like country fried steak and baby back ribs, this diner menu is full of American classics. The Stargate Diner opens at 7 a.m. every day and closes at 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday.
23415 Sussex Highway, Seaford
Did we miss your favorite nostalgic diner in Delaware? Email our digital editor Sydney Livingston at slivingston@delawaretoday.com so we can add it.
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