Chester County is flush with top-rate fine-dining restaurants. However, even the most highbrow among us, from time to time, enjoy trading white-linen tables for weathered Formica.
On those days, we have our favorite diner, a haven with a sizzling flattop grill and stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. From dippy eggs and scapple in the morning to fried chicken in the evening, these are the best diners in Chester County.
The Best Diners in Chester County
1. The Classic Diner (Malvern)
theclassicdinerpa.com
352 Lancaster Ave, Malvern · (610) 725-0515
In September of 1995, The Classic Diner (Malvern) opened its doors to the public. Serving breakfast and lunch from 6 am until 3 pm, seven days a week, The Classic Diner has truly become a trendy landmark and mainstay restaurant in Chester County.
2. Coffee Cup Restaurant – EDITOR’S PICK ✔
www.thecoffeecuponline.com
117 E Lancaster Ave, Downingtown · (610) 269-9336
Known to many locals as “Downingtown’s Favorite Diner”, the Coffee Cup has been serving delicious and affordable home-cooked breakfast and lunch since 1958. This family-owned business is known for its friendly, casual and relaxed atmosphere in addition to their great food.
3. Kelly’s
kellys3303.com
3303 Lincoln Hwy, Thorndale, PA · (484) 288-8322
Many will argue that Kelly’s has the best breakfast specials in the Coatesville-Downingtown area, especially their sausage gravy, french toast and pancakes. Complete “The Dolhancey Challenge” and get your picture on the wall and a free t-shirt. Open for breakfast and lunch, Kelly’s has absolutely earned its place on this list of best diners in Chester County.
4. Double D Diner
www.dddiner.com
1323 E Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville · (610) 383-5000
Known for its massive portions at great prices, Double D’s is a quaint, old school diner with incredible food and outstanding service. The atmosphere is a very traditional, diner car. However, it was expanded at one point to add plenty of seating.
5. The Classic Diner (West Chester)
theclassicdinerpa.com
16 E Gay St, West Chester · (484) 947-0809
In December of 2014, The Classic Diner opened its West Chester Location. Their classic diner fare rivals some of the finest meals served in many upscale restaurants. They serve breakfast and lunch from 6 am until 3 pm, seven days a week.
6. Nudy’s Cafe (Paoli)
www.nudyscafes.com
31 W Lancaster Ave, Paoli · (610) 644-6815
Some may criticize Nudy’s Cafe inclusion on our list as not technically a diner. However, it is a destination for the simple fare of American diners. So, if you are looking for a great breakfast and good coffee, Nudy’s is an excellent choice.
7. Miss Oxford Diner
www.missoxforddiner.com
233 S 3rd St, Oxford · (610) 932-2653
The Miss Oxford Diner is a classic 50’s style diner in Oxford, PA. The original diner, Silk City Diner, was placed on the site in 1954. After being closed for years, it was restored and reopened in 1994. Today, Miss Oxford Diner is a fixture in the Oxford community, serving great meals and many cups of coffee.
8. Wimpy & Dee’s Diner
www.facebook.com/wimpyanddees/
5051 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook · (484) 514-2250
Wimpy & Dee’s Diner is a real, old-fashioned diner car on Route 322 in Honey Brook, serving all-American favorites. Ranked the #1 Restaurant in Honey Brook by Tripadvisor, you are guaranteed a delicious, home-cooked meal.
9. Happy Days Diner
happydays24.com
3470 Lincoln Hwy, Thorndale · (610) 384-4400
The Happy Days Diner has been a staple in the Chester County community since 2005. With its classic diner appeal and upscale food choices, this establishment has combined the best of both worlds in dining.
10. Spring-Ford Diner
www.springforddiner.com
55 E Bridge St, Spring City · (610) 792-3404
The Spring-Ford Diner is ranked the #1 Restaurant in Spring City by Tripadvisor, serving American classics along with Vegan and Gluten-Free options. They are known for providing superior professional service along with their excellent food.
11. Downingtown Diner
www.dtowndiner.com
81 W Lancaster Ave, Downingtown · (610) 873-4545
For native Chester County residents, the Downingtown Diner will perpetually be known as the “Home of the Blob“, thanks to the 1958 film. And, for many, the diner is a staple location going back to their childhood with fond memories of hanging out, ordering milkshakes and fries.
12. D-K Diner
dkdiner.com
609 E Gay St, West Chester · (610) 692-2946
The D-K Diner has been a very popular breakfast and lunch destination in West Chester for decades. It is an authentic diner that opened its doors in 1947. A family-owned business, this charming, old fashioned diner provides great food at a reasonable price.
13. Rams Diner
www.ramsdiner.com
907 S High St, West Chester · (610) 701-8080
Open 24 hours and on holidays, the Rams Diner can always be counted on for a burger or a good steak. You will never have a bad meal. They provide super-fast, friendly service with homemade food in great portions.
14. Frazer Diner
189 Lancaster Ave, Malvern · (610) 251-9878
The Frazer Diner, the only remaining example of an unaltered mid-1930s Jerry O’Mahony built streamline diner, is living history. The diner is ranked the #1 American Restaurant in Frazer by Tripadvisor.
15. West Chester Diner
www.wcdiner.com
1147 W Chester Pike, West Chester · (610) 692-9000
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the West Chester Diner consistently provides high-quality food and service. A West Chester favorite, you will never be disappointed with any meal from this diner.
16. Fran Keller’s Eatery
www.facebook.com/FranKellersEatery/
119 W State St, Kennett Square · (610) 444-1763
Known for their hearty breakfasts, Fran Keller’s Eatery is another great stop on our list of the best diners in Chester County. Nothing fancy, just great food and service. The restaurant is ranked the #1 Diner in Kennett Square by Tripadvisor.
17. Great Valley Diner
www.greatvalleydiner.com
79 Lancaster Ave, Malvern · (484) 568-4111
The Great Valley Diner provides friendly and attentive service. The food is unpretentious and fabulous. With a large menu, generous portions and great prices, the Great Valley Diner provides an exceptional experience.
18. Lincoln Diner
www.lincolndinerpa.com
1202 W Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville · (610) 880-6662
The Lincoln Diner is a secret spot for locals, despite being ranked the #2 Diner and the #10 restaurant in Coatesville by Tripadvisor. Describing their portions as large is an understatement. The decor is not very impressive but the quality of the food and service more than make up for it.
19. Creekside Diner
creeksidediner.net
717 W Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square · (610) 925-2826
The Creek Side Diner identifies itself as “the oldest diner in the five-county Philadelphia metro region.” That is a big boast. Nevertheless, it specializes in homemade breakfast and lunch platters that are both hearty and affordable.
20. West Grove Diner
westgrovediner.weebly.com
108 Rosehill Ave, West Grove · (610) 869-3981
Another hidden gem and local favorite, the West Grove Diner is a family-friendly restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. The atmosphere is very welcoming and it is the ideal spot to grab a bite and catch up with friends.
How We Ranked the Best Diners in Chester County
We compiled this list by looking at major review websites, including Facebook, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Zomato and Yellowpages, giving each restaurant a score based reviews and how many times it appears on a top list. In addition, MyChesCo gave each diner its own rating. We then tallied up the scores to create the final ranking.
Please note, at the time of publication, Chester County is still under COVID-19 restrictions. Please contact the individual businesses for information about service changes.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.
This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Well, one has to ask about when this data was compiled as Wimpy & Dee’s has been closed, and its closure occurred way before CoVid 19 hit. It closed perhaps last fall or early winter. Great place, agree 100% with the ranking, could be higher but I suggest you check to see if these places still exist before publicizing, especially in these troubling days.
I am upset that Minella’s Diner in Wayne is not on this list. Where do I complain about this? I am angry and upset about this obvious injustice. How can this list be altered to include Minella’s Diner in Wayne? Who wrote this list? That person clearly has never been to Minella’s Diner in Wayne. If they had ever eaten there they would understand that it should have made the list, especially that it should be in the top five AT MINIMUM. I’d like to know who wrote this list? How can I ask them to update it? Minella’s Diner in Wayne is the best diner in Chester County without a doubt. Some of my argument stems from the delicious food but it is also based upon the delightful waitstaff and the atmosphere. Some of the same staff have been at Minella’s Diner in Wayne for YEARS! Yes years! And they would agree I’m sure that Minella’s Diner in Wayne is the best diner in Chester County. How can I contact someone to discuss a change in this list?
Wayne is not in Chester Country.
Parts of Wayne are in Chester County and parts of Wayne are in Delaware County so I still argue that Minella’s Diner in Wayne should be considered as a top diner for this list of the twenty best diners in Chester County! Have you had their matzo ball soup? If you had, you would surely feel differently. I can tell you have not yet diner at Minella’s Diner in Wayne! Please give the Toasted Triple Decker Minella’s Club sandwich a try, or give in to the cravings and taste the delicious Spanokopita! And for dessert give the amazing Baklava a go! You can’t go wrong at Minella’s Diner in Wayne and for that reason I believe it should be in the top two of this list! Who cares what county it’s in. Who can I talk to about changing the diners on this list and adding Minella’s Diner in Wayne to it?
I stand corrected; it nows seems that Wimpy & Dees is undergoing a rebirth. I’m looking forward to it!
No Market Street Grille in WC or Green Street in Downingtown? They’re only the 2 best places in the area!
Why isn’t Bistro 24 in Exton listed?? I love that place!!
I have been to the West Chester Diner and the food was not that great. The Great Valley Diner was the worst food I ever had and I have never been back and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. I love DK Diner and recommend it to eveyrone
Hank’s Diner, Chadds Ford…I know, I know, it’s physically in Delaware County, EXACTLY on the border of Chester County!…however, MUCH more of a Chesco ‘flavor’!…