6 Nifty Old-School Diners in Houston

December 6, 2021
| 1:38 AM

There’s no comfort food quite like burgers and shakes from an old-fashioned diner. It’s not the most nutritious food, but it’s 100% delicious! There’s a reason why classic diners have stayed popular since the 50s, and we hope they don’t disappear any time soon. But if you’re wondering where to get your burger and fries fix, we’ve got you covered.

From amazing brunch spots to hole-in-the-wall dives with delicious burgers to the places in town with the best shakes, we’ve rounded up the absolute best of the best old-school diners in Houston. Keep this list handy the next time you’re craving that classic American meal.

📷 Avalon Diner

1. Avalon Diner

Established in 1938 as the Avalon Drug Store on the corner of Westheimer and Kirby, Avalon Diner has remained a Houston favorite since its opening. In the 83 years since Avalon Diner has relocated and even become a franchise with multiple locations in the Houston area. And there’s a reason why this place has been so successful over the years!

They have a humongous menu, with breakfast served all day, a variety of burgers, hot dogs & chili, chicken fingers, chicken-fried steak, sandwiches, and more. For breakfast, we recommend the Big Breakfast: 2 eggs any style, choice of 2 meats, hash browns or grits, and choice of a biscuit, buttered toast, or buttermilk pancakes. Go big or go home!

Hours & Location

📍 2417 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

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📷 MytiBurger

2. MytiBurger

When it comes to old-school diners in Houston, MytiBurger really knows their stuff! Around since 1967, MytiBurger has had some of the best burgers, fries, and shakes in town. This little hole-in-the-wall joint is one of Houston’s best-kept secrets. And you really can’t beat the prices either.

For just $6 to $7, you can get a mouth-watering classic hamburger, double meat burger, bacon burger, or steak sandwich with fries or onion rings and a drink. Yum! For dessert, don’t forget to order a shake. They offer pineapple, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, and banana flavors. This place would be great for a little mid-week treat or affordable date night on the weekend!

Hours & Location

📍 2211 W 43rd St, Houston, TX 77018

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📷 Dot Coffee Shop

3. Dot Coffee Shop

Meet your new favorite breakfast spot! Dot Coffee Shop is truly a blast from the past, as they’ve been serving up Southern comfort food since 1967. Their classic-style interior will take you straight back to the 60s, and they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Naturally, they have a huuuuge menu full of all your greasy spoon faves. For breakfast, we recommend the French Toast & Strawberries or the Breakfast Feast (three pancakes, two eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, and golden hash browns). Lunch or dinner time calls for a Jumbo Burger, classic Philly Cheesesteak, or a Chicken-Fried Steak. Top it all off with a Root Beer Float, and you’ll have the makings of a perfect diner meal!

Hours & Location

Open 24 hours

📍 7006 I-45 S. at, Woodridge Dr, Houston, TX 77087

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📷 Tel Wink

4. Tel-Wink

You can’t make a list of the best old-school diners in Houston without including Tel-Wink Grill. Created by married couple dream team Dimitri and Peggy Bokos, Tel-Wink is known as a Houston hidden gem that serves only the highest-quality home-cooked meals.

If you’re a breakfast lover, you’re in luck. Tel-Wink serves it all day, and it’s amazing! Choose from a variety of omelets, egg combos, Belgian waffles, pancakes, and of course, biscuits & gravy. If you’re more of a lunch person, you really can’t go wrong with a Patty Melt or Bacon Cheeseburger. Delish! This little-known spot is seriously worth a visit.

Hours & Location

📍 4318 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX 77087

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📷 I-45 Diner

5. I-45 Diner

Did you say you were looking for a place with checkered floors and red vinyl booths? If so, I-45 Diner has your name written all over it. Named for the iconic Interstate 45 that runs right through Houston, I-45 Diner is a well-known spot for American comfort food and breakfast staples.

Their menu boasts a large selection, including breakfast combo plates, Tex-Mex style breakfast, several kinds of burgers or sandwiches, and dinner options such as pot roast, pork chops, or steak. For breakfast, you HAVE to get the Chicken & Waffles or the Pancakes– their flavor options include strawberry, banana pecan, double blueberry, and chocolate chip, to name a few. This is definitely one of our favorite old-school diners in Houston!

Hours & Location

📍 19790 I-45, Spring, TX 77373

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📷 City Cafe

6. City Cafe

City Café has been a South Houston favorite for many years, and it’s easy to see why. City Cafe has been around since 1953, and in that time, it has made a name for itself as one of the best old-school diners in Houston (although it wasn’t old-school when it first opened!). 100% authentic and full of delicious comfort food, this is a place you’ll want to return to.

For breakfast, our favorites are the Ribeye Steak & Eggs or the Mexican Omelette, topped with mozzarella cheese, sautéed onions, fresh jalapeño, and tomatoes. If you’re visiting during lunch or dinner, go for the Catfish & Shrimp combo, which is served with rolls or cornbread and 2 sides. For something a little different, the Gyros Sandwich is a Greek twist on the typical diner fare. Be sure to add this one to your list!

Hours & Location

📍 513 College Ave, South Houston, TX 77587

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Old-School Diners in Houston That Always Hit the Spot

Is your mouth watering yet? With all this talk of burgers, shakes, fries, and pancakes, we’re ready to eat! On those days when you just don’t feel like cooking and all you need is a hot, tasty meal that’s not necessarily good for you, you know what to do. Work your way through this list of amazing old-school diners in Houston! Be sure to let us know which of these diners you tried first. We’re always ready to hear about your favorite items on the menu!