One of my favorite things about the American subculture is our fascination with diners. Very rarely do we see diners ever have a grand opening. Somehow, they just appear, like some sort of magic trick, which is fitting. There’s a certain aura around diners that makes it so when you step through their doors, you’re transported to a place where time and the world doesn’t exist.
If you’re searching for a diner within a 10-minute drive, then you should check out Country Meadows, located right in Elizabethtown, Pa. They’re only open until 7 p.m., but their breakfast is the part of their menu that scored them a spot on my exclusive list. If you manage to squeeze some free time into your busy day, stroll on over to Country Meadows and have yourself a good breakfast.
Out of all the diners on this list, I must say the Lyndon Diner in Lancaster, Pa. was my favorite. My roommate, junior physician assistant program major Emily Acri and I went there one night before our weekly Target run, and we weren’t expecting much. Their waffles, though, were incredible and changed our lives. I had their cinnamon sauce with whipped cream on mine, and it was absolutely delightful. Plus, the physical space of the diner was very cool. With its electric lights and dark green decor, it felt like something out of the CW’s “Riverdale” but in season one where it was actually good.
Once again located in Lancaster, I recommend checking out Waffle House. Out west (or more like four hours away), we don’t have any Waffle Houses, so I was very excited to go. If you’re looking for a spacious restaurant, a variety of options and drinkable water, then Waffle House isn’t for you. But, if you’re trying to find a place for an early morning, midafternoon or late night bite, it’s perfect. My friends and I went this semester after the M.V.P. Showcase, and there was no place I would rather be at 11 o’clock at night than at a Waffle House, eating a hash brown bowl and laughing over anything and everything.
If you’re wanting a farther drive, check out the Round the Clock Diner in York, Pa. This was my first experience with a diner in Central Pennsylvania back in my first year of college. I must admit that I mostly enjoyed this place because of its name and because it’s located on Memory Lane. As its name would suggest, Round the Clock Diner is indeed open 24/7. With prices perfect for college students and food that mimics Mom’s home cooked meals, the Round the Clock Diner is perfect for you.
Diners may not be the place to go if you’re looking for five-star fancy dishes, but if you’re looking to make some great memories, travel with your friends to one of these classic American diners.
