Diners

The 5 Point Cafe: Breakfast at Seattle’s best dive bar

Salmon Benedict, The 5 Point Cafe, Seattle

The 5 Point Cafe, located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, is a historic diner and dive bar known for its hearty dishes and stiff drinks. Open in 1929, the no-frills 24-hour cafe has survived prohibition, war, and politics. Today, the cafe is one of the oldest family operated eateries in Seattle and the oldest bar in Belltown. It is also known for being one of the best dive bars in the city. As the menu states, everyone is welcome no matter …

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Phoebe’s Diner: Classic American diner in South Austin

The Brisket Benny, Phoebe’s Diner, Austin

Phoebe’s Diner, located in Austin, Texas, is a casual diner serving everything from scratch-made American classics to barbecue. In 2017, the owners of Winebelly, one of South Austin’s best wine bars, opened Phoebe’s Diner. The diner, located a few doors down from Winebelly, sits next to a gas station in a strip mall off W Oltorf St. Since opening, the breakfast and brunch spot has gained a following for its extensive menu featuring made-from-scratch Americana dishes. Dishes include fried chicken, …

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Sam’s No. 3: Iconic downtown Denver diner dating back to 1927

The iconic Sam's No. 3 located on 15th and Curtis in downtown Denver

In 1927, Greek immigrant Sam Armatas opened the first Sam’s No. 3 diner in downtown Denver on 15th and Curtis. While this location closed many years ago, Sam’s legacy lives on. In 1998, Sam’s son and grandson reopened Sam’s No. 3 just east of downtown Aurora. The downtown location opened in 2003, just across the street from the original, which opened nearly 100 years ago. In 2013, a third location opened in Glendale. Today, Sam’s No. 3 is popular with …

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Steuben’s Uptown: Brunch in Denver, Colorado

The colorful Monte Cristo

Steuben’s Uptown has long been at the top of my must-eat restaurants in Denver for quite a while now. This retro American diner is well known for its regional American classics ranging from Maine lobster rolls to chicken & waffles. Established in 2006, Steuben’s now has two locations in Denver, one in Uptown and another in the northwest in Arvada. On this trip, I visited the Steuben’s Uptown location. Because I failed to plan, I arrived at Steuben’s Uptown on …

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Coffee Pot Restaurant in Sedona: Serving breakfast for over 30 years

The massive Huevos Rancheros, Coffee Pot Restaurant, Sedona, Arizona

The Coffee Pot Restaurant, located in Sedona, Arizona, is a family-owned restaurant with a 30 year history of serving its community. This institution of Sedona, and local favorite, is today not only popular with locals but with tourists looking for a delicious yet inexpensive breakfast or lunch option. This is especially true in a city as expensive as Sedona. Thanks to its extensive menu, including its absurd selection of 101 different omelettes, the Coffee Pot Restaurant has been written about …

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Gabby’s Burgers & Fries in Nashville, Tennessee

The Seamus Burger with jalapenos and a fried egg on top, Gabby's Burgers & Fries in Nashville, Tennessee

Gabby’s Burgers & Fries, a no-frills burger spot in Nashville, is popular for its small selection of grass-fed beef burgers. The diner has even appeared on Guy Fieri’s television show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Gabby’s, named after the owner’s daughter, has become extremely popular in recent years with locals for its burgers, including the popular Seamus burger, named after the owner’s son. In addition to burgers, Gabby’s is known for its homemade shakes, fresh-baked local buns, and selection of hot …

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A Sunday morning visit to Al’s Breakfast in Minneapolis, MN

The Jose, one of the more popular dishes served at Al's Breakfast

It was my last day in Minneapolis before heading back to Los Angeles, and I knew I wanted breakfast, so I headed to Al’s Breakfast. Dating back to 1950, Al’s Breakfast is an iconic Minneapolis diner known for its scratch-made dishes and large portions. I heard about Al’s Breakfast when Guy Fieri stopped by on his Food Network television show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” I knew this was the place for me when I saw the tiny diner with only 14 bar stools …

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