There’s just something so cozy and welcoming about diners. They’re standards in the community, meeting points and the center of all that’s happening in small towns. They’re spots where the regulars have been their longer than some of the workers have been alive and the food has been fueling up the locals and getting them ready for their day. Finding a really great diner is like finding another home. It’s somewhere you feel comfortable and welcome. Where you don’t have to impress anyone and you are as nourished by the company as you are by the meal. Here are 11 spots all across the state where you’ll feel like you’ve been invited into a private kitchen to share a meal and some conversation. There’s nothing so universal as food and these diners treat their customers like family.
This spot near the Illinois border has a hearty menu with all kinds of favorites, but you'd be well served ordering from the specials board. Try some of the homemade bakery and soup while you're there.
Located at at 239 Allen St., Clinton, WI 53525..
This diner is smack in the middle of an airfield and plenty of the folks inside flew their small planes to get here. It's a bit of a secret club and you'll love listening to the stories of the regulars. It's a unique, totally off-the-beaten track place you absolutely have to check out. Located at E2513 Co Rd JJ, Spring Green, WI 53588.
These folks are well known statewide for their pies, but if you were to only head here for dessert, you'd be missing out. This is one of those spots that's as enmeshed in the neighborhood as the street signs. It's just a way of life up here to eat at OJ's. Located at 128 W Main St., Gillett, WI 54124
Catering to the younger crowd in Madison, Hubbard Avenue Diner is a bit more hip than some of the other spots. You'll find them innovating with things like pie tacos and other unusual foods to draw in the crowds, but at its heart, Hubbard is just a cozy, local diner where folks meet up for coffee and a chat. Located at 7445 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562..
Schubert's is a Mount Horeb institution. For more than a century, they've been known for their Swedish and Norwegian bakery and using their awesome products to create delicious dishes like a Lefse Omelet or a Reuben on their signature Swedish Rye. Eating here is like visiting Oma or being taken in by a friend's family. Located at 128 E Main St, Mt Horeb, WI 53572.
Set right on Main Street in Fort Atkinson, Scottie's is an absolute institution. The original diner opened here in 1935 and this same place has been serving up greasy-spoon goodness ever since. There are just 16 seats, so it's a small, cozy spot, but it's so worth the wait. Located at 124 N Main St., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538..
Another spot that's all but synonymous with its town, you're as likely to see a snowmobile as a truck in the parking lot here. This quirky spot is always thinking up new ways to serve you diner favorites. Located at 14385 County Highway H, Delta, WI 54856.
A small-town, family-owned spot that's also known for amazing pies, Crystal Cafe is one of those places you'll think of fondly long after you ate there. I wish it were closer! Located at 126 N Main St., Iola, WI 54945.
Who doesn't love a small-town diner where you know most of the folks are regulars and the food is consistently the type of comfort food you dream about? These folks are known for their hash browns, so make sure to add some to your order. Located at 120 N Main St., Birchwood, WI 54817.
A total throwback, Broadway Diner lives in the past in the most delicious and nostalgic ways. It's a wonder stroll down memory lane and the old-timers here will keep you coming back with their stories. Located at 304 Broadway St., Baraboo, WI 53913.
Monty's not only does diner food better than most, but they also have an amazing vegetarian and vegan menu. They're old school diner meets Madison sensibilities and they pull it off well. Located at 2089 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704.
Where are your favorite local spots and diners that just make you feel comfortable and welcome? Let us know about them in the comments!
