Next time you’re sad, lonely, happy, tired, drunk, starved, nostalgic, go to a diner. Diners are some of the most comforting and unassuming places. Whether upscaled or in their classic, gritty form, a diner is an American staple, and I’m so tired of everyone overlooking them. They serve up some of the most comforting foods and coziest booths. There is nothing like sipping on a much-too-strong cup of coffee after a long night out with friends, all huddled around burgers and pancakes. But diners are also great for when you want to be alone— there’s something so anonymous about being at one; it feels safe from whatever is awaiting you in the real world. Even when I’m at diners in Manhattan, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m on a Kerouac-esque American road trip, venturing through the midwest in a beat-up van. In a diner, you can be wherever you want to be. Have I convinced you to help me bring them back? Please? If we were sitting across from each other sharing a late-night milkshake having this conversation, I am sure you’d agree with me.
Monday, Apr 6, 2026
