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Diners are more than just the perfect addition to any road trip or the setting for satiating any late-night snack craving. These American mainstays are also the place to go for some of the best food around, from juicy cheeseburgers and pancakes smothered in syrup to bottomless cups of coffee to keep you awake and warm you up on even the longest night.
Using reviews, awards and accolades as well as first-hand experience, LoveFood compiled a list of the "best retro diner" in every state, the nostalgic "vintage joints" that harken back to the heyday of American diners.
According to the site, the best retro diner in all of Tennessee is Mel's Diner. This Pigeon Forge spot is a favorite in the community, serving classic diner staples to visitors of the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas since 1993. Mel's Diner, which has a 4.6 star rating on Google and nearly 14,000 reviews, is located at 119 Wears Valley Road.
Here is what LoveFood had to say about this "old-school" spot:
"Mel's Diner has been family owned and operated since 1993, delivering an authentic 1950s-style diner experience with good food and great service. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although you can order breakfast all day long, if you like. The must-try item is the incredible six-scoop banana split — chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry, pineapple, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry!"
Read up on more of the best vintage diner spots around the country at lovefood.com. You can also check out our previous coverage of the Tennessee eatery named the best "cult-favorite" restaurant in the entire state.