[thaumasiotes]

> Something you've got to realize is that this form of culture is something that has gone far beyond America's borders. To the European, it is the very pinnacle of "American Food" -- and 50s/60s themed diners are all over the place.

What do they serve?

[A_D_E_P_T]

Burgers, shakes, pancakes, hot dogs, sometimes BLTs and tuna melts. That sort of thing. In Europe, the "American Diner" is usually the only place that'll serve a normal plate of pancakes. (Everywhere else it's crepes, which are completely different...)

[thaumasiotes]

Sounds pretty reasonable.

Within the US, there are at least two major diner chains:

https://www.dennys.com/

https://www.ihop.com/en

At a diner in America, I'd be unsurprised to see some less "diner" offerings. When I go to my local non-chain diner, I order fettucine alfredo. And the article here has a good picture of a diner advertising "American and Korean food". I think part of the core diner concept is a somewhat athematic menu that is meant to cater to local tastes.

With that in mind, Cheesecake Factory might also be thought of as a diner. https://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu

So I'm a little surprised at the idea of a diner that only has classic burgers / shakes / pancakes, but I'd have to admit those are fairly core dishes.

[xeromal]

I'd say a waffle house is a better chain if you're in the lower Southeast. Much closer to a true diner experience

[kulahan]

Yes, absolutely. They talk to you the way I expect to be talked to in a diner (lotsa “huns”), the coffee never ends, and sometimes you get to watch UFC live. The food is so easy to eat, too.

[andrew_lettuce]

Fried chicken, liver and onions, biscuits and gravy - the breakfast options are my jam, but not really the other entrees. You can order dessert regardless though!

[xeromal]

Do they serve hashbrowns?

[A_D_E_P_T]

Yes, in fact. I was at the one in Belgrade about a year ago, and their hashbrowns are terrific. It's mostly a burger and pancake joint, though.