Fact: We love diners in Massachusetts. The proof is in the sheer amount of them to be found. But like all restaurants, some are better than others. Where do we find the best diners in the state? With the help of Yankee Magazine, CBS News, Trip Advisor and Best Things in Massachusettshere’s a handy little guide to weed through the pile. and present you with a few of the best. These 6 awesome old school diners in Massachusetts are among the best, according to these sources (and some personal knowledge).

Merriam-Webster defines a diner as: ” a typically small, informal, and inexpensive restaurant that has an extensive menu and that is often made from or designed to resemble a modified railroad dining car.” At one point in American history, diners were abundant in our culture. Shippable dining cars were all the rage in the mid 1920s. Over time,  the name was shortened to “diners”as explained in Southern Living. For a while, Diners became famous as a place to go after the bars closed. Now, diners mostly exist as breakfast and lunch spots.

 

  • Miss Worcester Diner

    300 Southbridge St, Worcester

    Food & Wine calls this gem a “loveable little establishment. Miss Worcester Diner actually started as model for the Worcester Lunch Car Company, according to the article in Food and Wine. They recommend the house-made corned beef hash.

    Miss Worcester Diner -

    If you're looking for the best diner in Worcester, look no further than the Miss Worcester Diner. Conveniently located in downtown Worcester and just minutes from the Mass Pike, The Miss Worcester Diner has earned the reputation of best diner time and time again.

  • Wheelhouse Diner in Quincy

     453 Hancock St, Quincy

    It’s the “diner everyone talks about,” as the Wheelhouse Diner website says. It really is because if you drive by it, you can’t help but wonder about it. How may people could they fit in that old school railroad car? It is very small, but serves up big flavor, and portions according to reviews.  The diner first opened in North Quincy in 1947. On reviewer wrote: “Bro. This little narrow diner blew my mind,” after indulging in the Italian Breakfast (eggs with sausage and pepperoni). 

    Home - The Wheelhouse Diner

    The Wheelhouse Diner| Home

  • Capitol Diner in Lynn

    431 Union St. Lynn

    The Capitol Diner was built in 1928 and is said to be the J.G Brill Company’s last operating diner. You’ll fin it listed on  National Register of Historic Places, although you won’t find a website. A Yelp review declared, If you’re looking for the best breakfast diner in the North Shore, I would totally recommend coming to Capitol Diner in Lynn.

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g41651-d891624-Reviews-Capitol_Diner-Lynn_Massachusetts.html

     

  • Agawam Diner

    166 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley

    Yankee Magazine said, “This place epitomizes the way a good diner (or any restaurant, for that matter) should be run. Housed in a compact, stainless steel, 1950s Fodero diner car, the Agawam efficiently serves up a very basic and very excellent menu of diner classics.”  Famous for their pies, they bake more than 40 of them a day, including upside down chicken pie. 

    Lunch & Dinner Menu

    ​​Call for Available options for Homemade Soups: Homemade Beef Stew Homemade Chowders ( corn, fish, clam) Chicken Noodle, Chicken Rice, Tomato Rice ​Chili

     

  • Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown

    627 Mt Auburn St. Watertown

    Known as a family run business that treats you like family, the Deluxe Town Diner has been serving up the classics since 1947.  Reviewers rave about this place and one said, “Adorable old time Diner. Genuine great food. Homemade apple fritters…THE BOMB.”

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  • Iron Town Diner in Saugus

    325 Main St. Saugus

    Best Things In Massachusetts wrote, “The Iron Town Diner serves up some meals that dreams are made of. Their blueberry pancakes and French toast are akin to decadent desserts.” Sign me up. This neighborhood joint serves up mighty portions of American and Greek favorites. 

    Breakfast All Day | Iron Town Diner | Saugus

    Iron Town Diner is a landmark casual dining destination in Saugus serving breakfast all day 6am-3pm!