5 Best Diners in Rhode Island

Harry Dunne

Pawtucket's Modern Diner made headlines this week after its Custard French Toast was named Best Diner Dish in America by Food Network. Well, that sounds fantastic! But I have never had this storied french toast -- in fact, I've never been to Modern Diner. But I have had the pleasure of eating at many of Rhode Island's greatest diners.

Here are MY top five!

5. Seaplane Diner - Providence

Located in Providence Pier, Seaplane Diner is known for its prompt service, affordable menu, and hefty portions, and serves delicious breakfast and lunch to the industrial workers of the Allens Avenue waterfront, students of Johnson & Wales -- or pretty much anybody else who enjoys a great, quick meal in a classic setting.  

Seaplane Diner
307 Allens Ave
Providence, RI 02905

Yelp!: 3.5 Stars

4. Wayland Square Diner

"It's the milkshake experience of fifty years ago," proclaimed Food Network's Andrew Zimmer of Wayland Square Diner in a 2013 episode of Bizarre Foods America. From breakfast blintzes to root beer floats, this diner located in Providence's historic Wayland Square is a throwback to classic Americana. While it has only been open since 2011, the restaurant took over the space once occupied by the historic Rufful's Restaurant. Need more? talk to Dot, the waitress who has been serving up delicious diner meals at both restaurants at this location since the early 1980s. 

​Wayland Square Diner
208 Wayland Sq.
Providence, RI 02906
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Yelp!: 4 Stars

3. JP Spoonem's - Cranston

Established in 1981, JP Spoonem's has been a staple of Cranston's Edgewood neighborhood for decades. From the friendly service to the cozy decor, this hole-in-the-wall diner is a must try -- and with that, you HAVE to try their corned beef hash, it's the best in Rhode Island! Just don't forget to stop at the ATM, because JP Spoonem's is cash only. 

JP Spoonem's
1678 Broad St
Cranston, RI 02905

Yelp!: 4.5 Stars

2. Classic Cafe - Providence

Located near Providence's Federal Hill, The Classic Cafe is a pleasant change of pace from the trendy brunch spots nearby on Broadway.  No, you won't found house-made honey -sage chicken sausage, or vegan pumpkin spice pancakes on this menu, but what you will find is really good food.  No need to invent the wheel here. The staples, the classics (if you will) -- done well. Heck, you can even sit in the same booth where Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone sat in a pivotal scene in Woody Allen's 2015 film, Irrational Man. 

Classic Cafe
865 Westminster St.
Providence, RI 02903

Yelp!: 4 Stars

1. Snoopy's Diner - North Kingstown

Snoopy's Diner in North Kingstown is exactly what a diner should be. Reminiscent of a bygone era, the diner lives within a classic rail-car style structure, and when you walk in, you are taken back to the mid 1950s. The restaurant is tiled in sea foam green, and each booth has it's own Wall-O-Matic  juke box loaded with classics from Elvis Presley and Tom Jones. The counter area has the mushroom stools that were a staple of diner cars in that era, and even the waitstaff will bring you back to a simpler time. Then you get to the food: overstuffed omelettes, crisp bacon, and coffee so strong, you could stand a spoon in it. Can't be beat. 

Snoopy's Diner
4015 Quaker Lane
North Kingstown, RI 02852

Yelp!: 2.5 Stars (somehow)