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The Mayfair is a Philly Classic
The Mayfair is a Philly Classic
Photo: Flickr/Lou Saboroso

Here Are Philly's Best Greasy Spoons

by Collin Flatt
3 comments / new
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The Mayfair is a Philly Classic
| Photo: Flickr/Lou Saboroso
by Collin Flatt
3 comments / new

Diner culture is a big part of Philly lore, and every neighborhood has their very own greasy spoon which the locals consider to be the best in all the land. But, they can't all be the best. The good news is that our roster of local diners is probably the best in the country, and even if you pick one at random, chances are it'll be pretty damned good.

From the old school bastions of breakfast foods like the Mayfair Diner and The Melrose to the new schoolers like Little Pete's and the seasonal menu of the Trolley Car Diner, there's something for everyone. For those of you who love a good diner but only know the few that are just down the block, here's our handy guide to Philly's Best Greasy Spoons.

Think we missed one? Let usk now in the comments.


· All Greasy Spoons Week Coverage [~EPHI~]

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Melrose Diner

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“Everybody who knows goes to Melrose,” is the slogan at the 70-year-old South Philly landmark. Surprisingly, the peach pie, veggie soup, and salads are headliners here.
1501 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 467-6644
(215) 467-6644

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Mayfair Diner

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President Obama ate at The Mayfair Diner, which opened in 1932, which makes it one of the oldest diners in the U.S. It's also one of the longest, clocking in at 125 feet long. FYI it's constantly packed on weekends and early mornings.
7373 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
(215) 624-8886
(215) 624-8886

Oregon Diner

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The Oregon has been open for more than two decades, and is the late night destination for drunk South Philadelphians. They're known for massive pancakes and phenomenal baked goods.
302 W Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 462-5566
(215) 462-5566

Also featured in:

Little Pete's

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Little Pete's is the go-to greasy spoon for the food set in Rittenhouse Square, and it's cash-only and damn delicious. Also, it's by far the most colorful staff in Philly, and you never know what stories of the day you'll overhear during your visit.
219 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 545-5508
(215) 545-5508

Oak Lane Diner

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The Oak Lane is the anchor of the North Philly diner scene, and it's one of the city's best. Don't sleep on the fried trout and grits, an Oak Lane Diner classic.
6528 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19126
(215) 424-1026
(215) 424-1026

Midtown II Diner

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Known as the Center City diner with a bar attached, Midtown 2 is the place to get a scrapple sandwich and a shot of Bourbon. No, really. Get that.
122 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 627-6452
(215) 627-6452

Penrose Diner

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They've got a special beasty late-night menu at the Penrose Diner, which sits right near the stadiums, and attracts a crapload of people. One of our best.
2016 Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 465-1097
(215) 465-1097

Trolley Car Diner

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The Trolley Car has the look of an old school greasy spoon, but it's all about seasonally-influenced and locally-sourced ingredients for their many dishes. Add in La Colombe coffe and you've got a unique diner experience.
7619 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 753-1500
(215) 753-1500

The Dining Car & Market

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While The Dining Car has been around for 50 years, it has certainly changed with the times. They've got a full bar, and are known for their Jewish Apple Cake and melty French Onion Soup.
8826 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
(215) 338-5113
(215) 338-5113

Llanerch Diner

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The Llanerch Diner is a DelCo landmark and recently made a star turn in Silver Linings Playbook. They've got great Strawberry Waffles and a pretty damned good Eggs Benedict, which is a shock. Locals love the housemade croutons, too.
95 E Township Line Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 789-6057
(610) 789-6057

Bob's Diner

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A Roxborough mainstay for 70 years, Bob's still makes some of the best handspun milkshakes in town. Add in some free Wi-Fi and fast service, and you've got a winner.
6053 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 483-9002
(215) 483-9002

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Melrose Diner

1501 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
“Everybody who knows goes to Melrose,” is the slogan at the 70-year-old South Philly landmark. Surprisingly, the peach pie, veggie soup, and salads are headliners here.
1501 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 467-6644
(215) 467-6644

Mayfair Diner

7373 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
President Obama ate at The Mayfair Diner, which opened in 1932, which makes it one of the oldest diners in the U.S. It's also one of the longest, clocking in at 125 feet long. FYI it's constantly packed on weekends and early mornings.
7373 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
(215) 624-8886
(215) 624-8886

Oregon Diner

302 W Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
The Oregon has been open for more than two decades, and is the late night destination for drunk South Philadelphians. They're known for massive pancakes and phenomenal baked goods.
302 W Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 462-5566
(215) 462-5566

Little Pete's

219 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Little Pete's is the go-to greasy spoon for the food set in Rittenhouse Square, and it's cash-only and damn delicious. Also, it's by far the most colorful staff in Philly, and you never know what stories of the day you'll overhear during your visit.
219 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 545-5508
(215) 545-5508

Oak Lane Diner

6528 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19126
The Oak Lane is the anchor of the North Philly diner scene, and it's one of the city's best. Don't sleep on the fried trout and grits, an Oak Lane Diner classic.
6528 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19126
(215) 424-1026
(215) 424-1026

Midtown II Diner

122 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Known as the Center City diner with a bar attached, Midtown 2 is the place to get a scrapple sandwich and a shot of Bourbon. No, really. Get that.
122 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 627-6452
(215) 627-6452

Penrose Diner

2016 Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
They've got a special beasty late-night menu at the Penrose Diner, which sits right near the stadiums, and attracts a crapload of people. One of our best.
2016 Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 465-1097
(215) 465-1097

Trolley Car Diner

7619 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119
The Trolley Car has the look of an old school greasy spoon, but it's all about seasonally-influenced and locally-sourced ingredients for their many dishes. Add in La Colombe coffe and you've got a unique diner experience.
7619 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 753-1500
(215) 753-1500

The Dining Car & Market

8826 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
While The Dining Car has been around for 50 years, it has certainly changed with the times. They've got a full bar, and are known for their Jewish Apple Cake and melty French Onion Soup.
8826 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136
(215) 338-5113
(215) 338-5113

Llanerch Diner

95 E Township Line Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082
The Llanerch Diner is a DelCo landmark and recently made a star turn in Silver Linings Playbook. They've got great Strawberry Waffles and a pretty damned good Eggs Benedict, which is a shock. Locals love the housemade croutons, too.
95 E Township Line Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 789-6057
(610) 789-6057

Bob's Diner

6053 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA
A Roxborough mainstay for 70 years, Bob's still makes some of the best handspun milkshakes in town. Add in some free Wi-Fi and fast service, and you've got a winner.
6053 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 483-9002
(215) 483-9002

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