7 classic roadside diners in Nevada that are worth a detour
Head to one of these seven diners in Nevada for classic comfort food, friendly service, and a comfortable atmosphere.
Diners in Nevada are spread around the state, both in densely populated and remote areas. No matter where they are located in the Silver State, they’re often among the best in the country.
Though diners originated in the early 1900s, they really hit their stride in the 1950s, thanks to their extended hours and huge menus. Nowadays, you can find all the classics on the menu like burgers, fries, and milkshakes, as well as a variety of modern twists.
From a magician’s diner in the middle of rural Nevada to a pop culture phenomenon diner straight from Los Angeles, here are seven classic roadside diners in Nevada that are worth the detour for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Overton
Cablp: Criss Angel’s Breakfast, Lunch & Pizza
309 S. Moapa Valley Blvd.
A roadside diner, deep in the Moapa Valley that’s both classic and contemporary, Cablp (pronounced cuh-blip) belongs to American illusionist Criss Angel (Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos). Yes, that’s the same Criss Angel starring in “Criss Angel: Mindfreak” at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Originally the Lost City Café (circa 1938) and later Sugars Home Plate, Cablp was opened by Angel, his brother, and pizza master Mike Baram in 2021.
Cablp is a trek from the Las Vegas Strip (about an hour’s drive), but it captures Angel’s magic with clever wall quotes, a signed straightjacket from his act, and other memorabilia, plus food based on the recipes of his restaurateur father. There’s breakfast, lunch, and pizza (hence the “blp”), as well as a variety of other tasty dishes for dining in or to go. No matter what meal you order, don’t miss out on the chip fries, served with Cablp’s signature dipping sauce.
Pahrump
Mom’s Diner
1240 E. State St., No. 100
When it comes to classic diners in Nevada, it doesn’t get much more classic than Mom’s in Pahrump. The menu is big, the portions are bigger, and the prices are competitive. Casual and comfortable, breakfast, lunch, and dinner here are made with love, then served with a smile. If you like a Western vibe, you’ll feel right at home.
Mom’s has tons of recent 5-star reviews on Yelp, including one from an avid traveler, Israel S. of Whittier, Calif., who writes on Yelp that Mom’s Diner is one of those “off-the-beaten-path eateries” he looks forward to finding. He describes the cafe as friendly, pointing out the cool cow-bench which “just invites you to take a seat and enjoy the many things they have on display to look at on the walls.”
Mom’s is a popular choice for locals and travelers alike, so it does get busy at times. The owner brings 30 years of experience as an executive chef in Las Vegas.
Winnemucca
The Griddle
460 W. Winnemucca Blvd.
While The Griddle has five locations, the Nevada one is the original and the only one in the state, opened way back in 1948. That means it’s a true retro gem. Original log-cabin exterior, sign, Tiffany-style lamps, and booths will take you back in time, and the food will blow you away.
Open for breakfast and lunch, all the food, from raspberry or lemon-blueberry crepes to carnitas tacos, is made from scratch. The fresh-squeezed orange juice comes highly recommended.
Boulder City
Coffee Cup
512 Nevada Way
Open for breakfast and lunch, the Coffee Cup Cafe is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It’s located in Boulder City’s Historic District, which you pass on the way to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Family-owned and operated, this quirky Boulder City institution is quite popular and was one of the diners in Nevada to be featured on the Food Network television show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
The menu at the Coffee Cup caters to hungry diners with a wide variety of delicious comfort foods, from peanut butter pancakes and huevos rancheros to meatloaf, burgers, and tuna salad. And don’t forget to try a Famous Bloody Mary or stay loyal to the name with a cup of coffee.
Las Vegas
NORMS Restaurant
4605 W. Charleston Blvd.
Dating back to 1949, Los Angeles, Calif., NORMS Restaurant is not only a popular diner but also a part of pop culture, having been mentioned in film, television, music, and paintings. Of course, it wouldn’t still be around if the food—including pancake breakfast specials, sirloin steaks, salad, chicken-fried steak, and more classic American dishes—wasn’t great too.
Opening its first out-of-state location in Las Vegas near downtown in 2013, this is among the many diners in Nevada that offer friendly service, a welcoming environment, and quality meals at affordable prices, as well as alcoholic beverages, all available 24 hours a day.
If you live in Las Vegas, the location on Charleston Boulevard isn’t necessarily a detour, since it’s close to an Interstate-15 exit, but it is still a bit of a schlep. At least it’s closer than California. As Norm O. writes on Yelp: “Thank you, NORMS, for coming to Vegas.”
Middlegate
Middlegate Station
42500 Austin Highway
Located in a remote location between Fallon and Austin, along the Loneliest Road in America (U.S. 50), the drive to Middlegate Station from Reno is a long one (110 miles). We think it’s worth it just to see if the entire staff is as charming as the southern-tongued gent who recently confirmed via phone that this Pony Express-era restaurant and saloon is still open.
Then there’s the triple-decker Middlegate Monster Burger, a supersized meal made with a pound of Angus beef, a sourdough bun, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, cheese, peppers, and olives. Finish this juicy monstrosity, and you’ll join other legends in the Monster Hall of Shame. Make a huge mess, it’s no problem since you’ll also win a clean T-shirt. Best of all, if you’re too full to drive, you can check into the motel on site.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Middlegate menu also offers more reasonably portioned options with something for everyone, from salads to sandwiches to steak, and even options for vegetarians. And while you’re in the area, be sure to throw in a visit to (and throw your shoes on) the infamous Shoe Tree, 2.4 miles to the east.
Gerlach
Bruno’s Country Club
445 Main St., Gerlach, N.
Situated in the small town of Gerlach, about 106 miles from Reno, Bruno’s Country Club is more remote than other eateries on this list. The drive there takes you through the semi-arid Black Rock Desert, mostly known for being the site of the annual Burning Man Festival.
Reviewers on Facebook praise the affordable price, delicious food, and heartwarming atmosphere at Bruno’s. This classic Old West diner, bar, motel, and RV park serves basic food like pancakes for breakfast, burgers for lunch, and Bruno’s Ravioli for dinner. The secret recipe was created by Italian immigrant Bruno Selmi, who established Bruno’s in 1952.
If you’re in the area, you simply have to eat here. It’s literally the only place around. A warm cup of coffee will set you straight as the mugs are wisely printed with the phrase, “It’s where the pavement ends and the West begins.”
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.
