A diner is a college student's best friend. Where else can you roll in at 2 a.m. or p.m. and get pancakes with a side of fries, preferably wrapped in bacon? The first diner opened in 1872 as a horse pulled lunch wagon, designed by Walter Scott to sell sandwiches outside the Providence Journal newspaper office in Providence, Rhode Island. The response was overwhelmingly positive. From then on, diners gained huge popularity for their inexpensive food and signature classic American style. Today, diners can be found in every town in America, but a few stick out as true greasy spoons. So grab a friend, because we're going on an epic greasy road trip!
#foodporn
1. Broadway Diner, Baltimore, MD.
Back in 2009, the Broadway Diner was featured on the Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives" hosted by celebrity chef, Guy Fieri. Apparently, he loved the Hungarian Goulash; but if you're in the mood for more traditional breakfast food, I have to suggest the Elvis Peanut Butter French Toast. It's french toast stuffed with peanut butter and bananas, drizzled in caramel and chocolate syrup. The King himself would be proud.
2. Double TT Diner, Multiple locations.
Double TT has locations all over Maryland including Catonsville, White Marsh, Annapolis and more! Four of their locations serve food 24 hours a day seven days a week. This makes the Double TT a staple college favorite! The Catonsville location on Baltimore National Pike is the original Double TT which opened in 1959. Their menu is gigantic and they also feature an extensive wine and liquor list. I recommend you try their Spinach Pie! It's a delicious blend of Greek spices, spinach and feta cheese baked in phyllo dough. Or you can always get the chocolate chip pancakes.
3. Woodfield Diner, Gaithersburg, MD.
Don't be put off by the slightly divey atmosphere and styrofoam plates-this place is a local favorite. According to their Yelp.com reviews, you can eat here comfortably for under $10 and their service will make you feel right at home! When you go, be sure to try their eggs and bacon-it's simple, but utterly delcious.
4. Barbara Fritchie Restaurant, Frederick, MD.
Barbara Fritchie was an iconic Civil War heroine who, according to the restaurant's website, "defiantly waved her Union flag in the face of oncoming Confederate soldiers." She is the subject of the famous "Ballad of Barbara Fritchie" by John Greenleaf Whittier immortalizing the Frederick County native and her heroic stand. The restaurant named in her honor has been serving home-cooked meals since 1910 and in their current location since 1960. If you're in the mood for breakfast, try their Texas French Toast. But make sure to save room for the Homemade Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings!
5. Honorable Mention: Plato's Diner, College Park, MD.
Oh this makes me so sad. Unfortunately, Plato's suffered a fire earlier this year and has had to close permanently. But I had to include it on this list because I have been a loyal Plato's customer for the past seven years and it truly was the perfect diner experience. On the weekends, you could count on hearing the hungover college kids loudly recounting last night's adventures while the family in the next booth, dressed in their Sunday best, dug into stacks of pancakes and hash browns. You'll be missed, Plato's and I swear I'll never find a better Greek omelette.
