There’s something about diners that feel like a true slice of Americana and make us want to dive into a menu of comfort food. We took a spin around the area to see which diners in West Chester, Downingtown, Exton and other nearby towns serve the tallest stack of pancakes, the crispiest BLT and anything and everything in those mesmerizing revolving glass dessert cases. Not all of the spots we’ve selected have that traditional aluminum-diner look, but with grub like this, who’s complaining?
DK Diner
A West Chester staple for decades, the old-fashioned aluminum DK Diner looks much like it did back in the 1950s, complete with sun-drenched booths and swivel stools that hug the counter. Go for a simple yet filling breakfast, including hash browns that are legendary in these parts, or stick with a classic steak and eggs platter to start your day. Serving breakfast and lunch daily. Cash only. 609 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 692-2946
Double D Diner
At the base of the Kurt Strauss Memorial Bridge in Coatesville sits a favorite hangout for the after-church crowd. The menu is diner-centric, but we just can’t resist the fried honey-dipped chicken in a basket. Rumor has it the meatloaf and mashed potatoes and homemade soups all ring true to form, too. Locals (and tourists alike) enjoy the family feel and that old-fashioned service with a smile. 1323 E. Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville (610) 383-5000
Frazer Diner
Take a nostalgic step back in time in this Jerry O’Mahony Diner Company creation that is the only remaining example of an unaltered mid-1930s’ diner. The menu offers no-frills goodness like French toast, eggs, potatoes and vanilla Coke with prices that won’t break the bank. If you don’t eat the scrapple with catsup here, we just can’t be friends. Cash only. 189 Lancaster Ave., Frazer, (610) 251-9878
Downingtown Diner
Rumored to have been used as part of the set in the 1957 horror film The Blob, this 24-hour eatery keeps the locals well-fed. The menu boasts omelettes, a “Blob” burger, seafood, steaks and chops in addition to daily specials and senior and children’s menus. Service with a smile and that retro vibe—what more could you want from a diner? 81 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 873-4545
Happy Days Family Bistro
Noted on its sign as a “finer diner,” this family-friendly spot is just plain fun to gaze at. Super clean and with nostalgic decor, this diner has been serving up great grub since 2005. The menu is Fonz-worthy with triple-decker clubs, burgers, fries, onion rings and thick shakes. Steaks, pastas and a few select vegetarian choices make us want to do the jitterbug. Save room for something decadent from the dessert case. 3470 Lincoln Hwy., Thorndale, (610) 384-4400
Miss Oxford Diner
The sleepy charm of this southern Chester County small town is the perfect backdrop for an authentic piece of 1950s’ Americana. Reopened in 1994, this Oxford fixture lures locals and tourists alike with daily specials including homemade chicken corn soup, chicken pot pie and meatloaf. Closed Sundays. 233 S. 3rd St., Oxford, (610) 932-2653
Rams Diner
At one time a Pizza Hut and then a Mexican taqueria, this all-day-and-night, purple-and-gold hangout not only satisfies the West Chester University crowd (the Ram being the mascot), but local families, dates and BFFs can be found chowing on breakfast, lunch and dinner fare with the standard eggs, pancakes and waffles dishes. Prime rib, veal parmesan and a London broil fish combo have us on board for late-night eating. 907 S. High St., West Chester, (610) 701-8080
The Classic Diner (Malvern location)
While its 3-year-old location in West Chester is doing gangbusters, we’re sticking with the original 1995 Malvern location for this roundup. Using only the freshest ingredients, the Classic’s menu serves up eggs with Habbersett scrapple, BLTs, melts and salads. We say mix it up and go healthy with the humongous granola, yogurt and berry parfait. The recent al fresco addition makes this spot “classic” for catching up with friends. Serves breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m.–3 p.m., seven days a week. Catering available. 352 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, (610) 725-0515
West Chester Diner
Situated outside the borough, this diner offers a great breakfast buffet every day that includes our favorite scrambled eggs, meats and fresh fruit salad. Order a smile and the West Chester Special from the menu and you’ll find yourself stuffed with a short stack of pancakes, two eggs, meat, fried potatoes (that really should have their own holiday) and toast for less than eight bucks. The chipped beef, for you traditional fans, is off the charts. The spacious back dining room is available for meetings and special occasions. 1147 West Chester Pk., West Chester, (610) 692-9000
Diners always seem to offer that consistent, small-town ambiance with local flavor and mile-long menus. Great for a family outing or sometimes a late-night date, take the time to try one of our picks and be sure to let us know if you have a few favorite diners of your own!
- Photos: Ed Williams
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