Diner food, architecture, and culture are alive and sizzling in diners throughout New England. Providence, RI, is the undisputable home of the diner. In 1872, Walter Scott, a worker at the Providence Journal, began selling food at night from a horse-drawn freight wagon outside the newspaper's building. Soon, entrepreneurs began buying streetcars and converting them to diners. The Worcester Lunch Car Company of Worcester, MA, built diners that opened all over the East.
EAST GREENWICH
Jigger’s Diner
145 Main Street
East Greenwich, RI
Phone: 401-884-6060
The first thing you notice about Jigger’s is the pretty New England main street where it makes its home: in the “hill and harbor” neighborhood of east Greenwich, supported by fun shops and uphill from a small but busy waterfront. This beautifully restored 1950s Worcester diner car is busy on weekend mornings: you may have to wait. It’s busy for good reasons: like the White Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Lemon Ricotta-stuffed French Toast with Blueberry Compote is a good breakfast choice, as is the Corned Beef Eggs Benedict. Lunch choices, the the Fried Sea Scallop Roll, are just as lavish. Try the coffee milkshake -- known in Rhode Island as a “cabinet.”
The Middle of Nowhere Diner
Where the women are beautiful, attentive, charming, and like the food, worth the detour. Food, glorious food is always going on in the Middle of Nowhere. Boiled, broiled, baked, barbecued, braised, potted, roasted, poached, pickled, fried, fricasseed, stewed, and a few not yet invented. This place, which is not as hard to find as the name implies, is beloved by customers, especially for it steak and eggs and home fries breakfast and its welcoming atmosphere. Locals keep coming back.
MIDDLETOWN
Blue Plate DinerThe Blue Plate Diner offers traditional diner fare with an upscale, unique twist, in a casual atmosphere. Everything is made from scratch. The eggs are from local farms; the seafood is purchased daily from local fishermen, and is the same quality as the best of buy. The menu has something for everyone, including eggs, pancakes, waffles, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, steaks and more. Special treats include hickory smoked bacon, gourmet English muffins, black Angus beef, and Custom House coffee. The only food that comes from the freezer is ice cream.
NEWPORT
Bishop’s 4th Street Diner In spite of the Newport address and all that that usually implies, this is a basic classic diner in the traffic circle right outside of Gate 1 from Naval Station Newport. Classic diner food on a fairly limited menu, but the prices are reasonable and service is good. Try the chourico (Portuguese sausage) and eggs. Your fellow diners are usually a nice mix of locals and tourists. Take cash – that is all you can pay with.
Modern Diner
Elmwood DinerRe-opened in 2015 in the place of the beloved former Liberty Elm Diner, this barrel-roofed classic was car No. 806 built in the factory of the Worcester Lunch Car Co. in Massachusetts, and is is on the National Register of Historic Places. The ingredients are locally sourced when ever possible, and everything is made from scratch. Plenty of healthier food choices. Packed with fans on the weekends in particular. Major credit cards accepted.
PROVIDENCE
Haven Bros. Diner This historic diner, located on the back of a tractor trailer, is towed every night to the edge of Kennedy Plaza next to City Hall. this classic stainless-steel diner serves up food all night long to club goers, bikers, and other after-dark wanderers. Two barstool-style seats at a short counter are the only indoor seating. Outdoor annex seating is the front steps of City Hall. The place is a late-night legend, and has been featured on the film "Federal Hill" and the TV series "Made" and "Brotherhood."
PROVIDENCEIf this list doesn’t cover your dining needs, the American Diner Museum can tell you much more.
