Chicago is known for a lot of culinary-related things: deep-dish pizza, the Chicago hot dog, bagels and much, much more!
One of Chicago’s many beloved gastronomic achievements is its diner culture, which is kept alive and thriving amongst the city’s seven-thousand-plus restaurants. Chances are, there’s one within a few blocks of our luxury Chicago apartments, too!
Here’s a little background about diners and their impact on modern culture, as well as why you can find so many of them in the Midwest and in Chicago!
Chicago & the diner scene
The history of diners in the United States
Diners have been a beloved part of American life since the late 1800s.
It all started in 1872 when a guy named Walter Scott turned a horse-drawn wagon into a mobile restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island. His "lunch wagon", as it was called, served late-night workers looking for quick and affordable meals after a long day of labor. It didn’t take long for others to catch on, and before long these lunch wagons were popping up all over the Northeast.
By the early 1900s, diners evolved from mobile wagons to small, pre-built structures that could be shipped via railroad and installed just about anywhere. New Jersey was the center of this diner manufacturing industry, with companies like the O’Mahony Diner Company producing a whopping 2,000 diners between 1917 and 1952!
The 1940s and 1950s were the golden years of diners, fueled by America’s growing love for cars and the expanding highway system. Road trips became a recreational activity thanks to the mass-production of cars in the Midwest, and diners were the perfect pit stop for long trips down long highways like Route 66.
The chrome exteriors, neon signs and vinyl booths of a roadside diner soon became iconic symbols of the 1940s and ‘50s. Their menus were just as timeless — burgers, fries, milkshakes and all-day breakfasts that were simple, tasty and affordable, making diners a hit with just about everyone.
Fast forward to the 1970s and 80s, and diners had to start competing with fast-food chains for customers. Though the creation of the Interstate Highway system in the 1970s saw an increase in pit-stop meals at roadside diners, fast food outlets slowly became the preferred choice of restaurant in the western United States. But thanks to their nostalgic charm and home-cooked meals, diners stayed relevant in many parts of the United States — particularly in the Northeast.
Diners slowly started to evolve from the prefabricated railcar-like structures that once defined them to larger, more permanent buildings. These diner-restaurants still served the foods and drinks common to older diners, but they no longer had the long, narrow design of the original ones. Today, you can still find plenty of both old-school, family-owned diners and newer spots with retro-inspired designs.
Diner culture in Chicago
When it comes to diner culture, Chicago’s culture brings something extra special to the table.
As a transportation and industrial hub, the Windy City was a natural spot for diners to pop up, serving hungry workers, travelers and locals alike. From 24-hour joints to trendy spots with updated menus, Chicago diners have it all!
One of the most famous is The Chicago Diner, which flipped the script on classic diner food. Known for its "Meat Free Since '83" motto, it serves up plant-based comfort food that still feels like diner fare. Then there’s Lou Mitchell’s, a Route 66 landmark that’s been around since 1923. This spot is famous for its fresh donuts, warm hospitality and the free Milk Duds they hand out to guests — a quirky but beloved tradition.
White Palace Grill is another must-mention. Open 24/7 since 1939, it serves up classic American diner dishes like burgers, eggs and pancakes at all hours of the day and night. And then there’s Palace Grill, known for its sports-themed décor and colorful murals. It’s a popular spot for Blackhawks fans, thanks to its close ties with Chicago's sports community — unfortunately, a fire closed its doors in February of 2024, but there’s hope that it will reopen!
Chicago’s diner scene blends tradition with a dash of creativity. Some spots stick to the tried-and-true diner menu, while others add unique, globally-inspired flavors. No matter where you go, you’ll find community-driven spaces where locals, tourists, and regulars can enjoy a meal and a sense of belonging. That mix of nostalgia, modern flair and good food makes Chicago diners stand out from the crowd.
Enjoy!
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Featured photo by Heidi KadenHeidi Kaden on Unsplash
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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