Long Island is home to some of the country’s best local diners. From small humble establishments to large decadent diners, the Long Island diner selection is plentiful. Are you wondering what makes a diner great, and where you can find Long Island’s best? Then let’s first discuss what makes a great diner!
A great diner should have certain qualities that makes their patrons comfortable, happy, and well fed! First thing is the diner should be clean and well maintained. Second, it should have good food that is prepared fresh daily. Third, it should offer a wide variety of menu items. Fourth, it should serve breakfast all day long. Fifth, it should be affordable. Sixth, it should be family friendly. Seventh, it should be open late. That is a lot to ask for, don’t you think? We don’t! These qualities are what separates a good diner from the best diners!
Some people may not understand why diners are so popular. This means they have never experienced the ambience, tastes and service that a great diner provides. Diners can offer an escape from the mundane fast-food scene. Diners offer a wide range of food, yet diner food can also be simple yet still delicious. Most diners provide an atmosphere which is relaxed and friendly. This means it’s a place for friends and family to get together and enjoy decent food and company.
When did diners become popular?
Before Yelp, before TripAdvisor, before Google, diners were the go-to place to eat out with your friends or family. The birth of the diner as we know them is considered to be in the 1920s and 30s, when small buildings were constructed to seat a few people. These diners had a simple menu with delicious food on a paper plate and were popular for their low prices and relaxed atmosphere. But the diners of today are actually a later version of the “night lunch wagon.”
The “night lunch wagons” were first introduced in Rhode Island, around 1872 and were designed to cater to the growing population of people who needed cheap meals after work, later than 8PM. Convenient and great food that was available if you worked the late shift and did not feel like cooking after work. That seems like a great idea, and the diners longevity proves that it is.
Which diners are considered to be Long Island’s Best Diners?
There are many diners on Long Island that claim to be the best in town. And it’s hard to say who really is the single best because there are so many different types of diners. Some diners specialize in one nationality type of cuisine while others cater to everyone. There are diners that are considered “family” or “American” style diners. And there are also other diners which are more like fine dining restaurants. Here is a list of diners on Long Island which have been rated the best by Long Islanders!
Our Top 10 List of Diners on Long Island
The Diners which have made this list all provide exceptional meals and quality service at affordable prices.
- Dix Hills Diner: Located at 1800 E. Jericho Tpke., Huntington, NY 11743. The food, the food and the food make the Dix Hills Diner worth the trip.
- Olympic Diner: Located at 1536 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. The atmosphere and the ambiance really help to make this an enjoyable place to eat.
- Lighthouse Diner: Located at 3240 Sunrise Highway, Wantagh, NY 11793. One of the few remaining diners that are open for 24 hours a day and one of the only places that can offer the same quality of food no matter what time you decide to eat.
- Premier Diner: Located at 690 Commack Rd., Commack, NY 11725. Excellent location and excellent service make the Premier Diner one of the busiest restaurants on Long Island.
- Terrace Diner: Located at 585 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, NY 11704. Good food, good service and affordable pricing are what make this place so fantastic
- Munday’s: Located at 259 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743. Right in downtown Huntington, an old fashioned step back in time, great food, great prices and a great atmosphere.
- California Diner: Located at 570 S. Service Rd, Patchogue, NY 11772
- 7A. Candlelight Diner: Located at 56 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack, NY 11725. These two stand-outs are listed together because they are owned and operated by the same family and both provide the same level of quality food and service.
- Hauppauge Palace Diner: Located at 525 Smithtown Byp. Hauppauge, NY 11788. This location is now being run by the sons of the original owner, who have carried on the family traditions of quality service.
- Imperial Diner & Bar: Located at 63 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport, NY 11520. This place has only been around since 1972 and has just gotten better with time.
- Landmark Diner: 1027 Northern Blvd., Roslyn, NY 11576. A two story structure with plenty of room for no matter how many guests decide to eat here at the same time. The food and service are excellent and the atmosphere is tremendous.
These diners are great examples of Long Island’s 10 Best Diners. But your favorite diner may not be on this list. Is it?
What makes your favorite Long Island Diner the best?
Which diner do you feel is the best Long Island diner? Why? Does it have a vegan menu? Or the best frothy shakes? Do you prefer a classic quiet sit-down meal diner or a new style diner with neon lights and bright booths? Does it need to serve ice cream, cheese blintzes, fluffy pancakes and outrageous burgers? Take your time thinking about which diner you feel is the best Long Island diner. We don’t need quick answers, we need good ones!
Our goal at Long Island’s Own is to make sure we find Long Island’s Best Diners and make sure that everyone on Long Island has tried them all. Which diners would you recommend to your family? Which diner is the best place to meet your friends?
Help us to find Long Island’s Best Diners so everyone can eat quality food and have a great diner experience. Please comment on our post or tag us on our social media accounts!
