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Best 5 Diners in New England
What to look for in a diner
by Richard Gutman
Nobody knows more about these classic eateries than Richard Gutman, curator of the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, and author of three books on the history of diners. When we asked him to name his five favorites, he groaned, "There are more than 300 diners just in Massachusetts!" Still, he agreed to confide all five of his top picks, with a little lore about each of them.
Modern Diner
364 East Ave.
Pawtucket, RI
401-726-8390
quahog.org/cuisine
1941 Sterling Streamliner -- This was the first diner named to the National Register of Historic Places, in 1978. Go for the weekend brunch specials, such as lobster Benedict (made by Al Roker when he visited for his Food Network special "Diner Destinations").
Kelly's Diner
674 Broadway
Somerville, MA
617-623-8102
1947 Jerry O'Mahony -- This classic stainless-steel diner was profiled on the Food Network hit "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." It serves generous portions -- Kelly's Super, for example: two eggs, choice of meat, home fries, two huge pancakes, and toast.
Capitol Diner
431 Union St.
Lynn, MA
781-595-9314
1928 Brill -- This family-run business, since 1938, serves up one of the friendliest atmospheres, plus fare from meatloaf-and-mashed to crab sandwiches and quesadillas.
Libby's Blue Line Diner
1 Roosevelt Highway
Colchester, VT
802-655-0343
1953 Worcester Lunch Car -- This diner sits like a fort, perched high above I-89, with a spectacular view for the patrons inside. The baked goods excel, and the breakfast can't be beat, as the frequent wait-for-a-seat will attest.
A1 Diner
3 Bridge St.
Gardiner, ME
207-582-4804
a1diner.com
1946 Worcester Lunch Car -- Patrons of this small diner enjoy its eclectic menu, as well as the owners' deli and specialty food store next door. It has a unique location: perched on steel stilts alongside elevated Bridge Street. Its recipes and lore are chronicled in "A1 Diner: Real Food, Recipes & Recollections" by Sarah Rolph (Tilbury House, 2006; $20).
Find 20 more classic New England diners selected by Richard Gutman.
Reader Comments
Comment from Mel Allen on May 9, 2008
I have not been to all of these diners but I know this: if Richard Gutman says they are his favorites, then I want to follow in his steps. He is one of the diner experts in the country.
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