Rhode Island is widely considered the birthplace of the American diner, with Providence’s Walter Scott converting a horse-drawn freight wagon into the first “night lunch wagon” in 1872. Scott offered up sandwiches, pies, and coffee to late-night newspaper employees and factory workers.
The concept eventually evolved into stationary diners, and though there was a decades-long lull in the popularity of such establishments, many have since been restored and grown popular again.
Two years ago, Rhode Islanders Sandy Boucher and boyfriend Marc Berthelette, of Woonsocket, shared how they were on the hunt for the state’s lost potato head statues, a quest that continued until they said they saw “pretty much every last potato head” and made it a point to see the refurbished ones.
Two years before that, Boucher and Berthelette had sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle crash. Sandy was in a coma for three months. Not able to go on their active hiking adventures after their recovery, they decided to start visiting the state’s lighthouses, breweries, and later, searching for the spuds.
This year, the two are on a mission to eat at all of Rhode Island’s diners, generally those restaurants that serve breakfast and lunch. Some, such as Patriots Diner in Woonsocket, do serve dinner as well, and those also qualify. They’ve visited more than a dozen so far, and say they’re asking for suggestions on where to go next.
The exact definition and number of diners are somewhat up for interpretation, says Boucher, so they’ve created a checklist for what they want to see.
“I’ll say the counter and stools (are) essential,” she said. “They are supposed to have their own decor, and breakfast is a must.”
She said they’ve been invited to some that aren’t quite as special as the diners in old railroad cars, but they feel they have to oblige those requests as well.
It was after visiting Zips in Dayville, Conn., where the two said they grew mutually excited about the fact that each booth in the restaurant had a working jukebox on the table, “a throwback in time that was totally delightful.”
After the joy they experienced there, said Boucher, she searched on her phone and found Rhode Island as the birthplace of diners, and they then made a pact to visit every diner available in the Ocean State. Searching on the phone again, they found a list to start the adventure, and from then on, every Sunday, if possible, they go out for breakfast at diners.
What is a true diner, you ask?
“Well, the first one was visited by a horse and a carriage,” said Boucher. “A family place, usually with a service counter and stools, a playful decor, and homey American menu at a good price.”
Everyone should experience the ones such as Pawtucket’s Miss Lorraine Diner and Modern Diner found in old rail cars, she said, but the newer ones are admirably carrying on the tradition with modern twists.
They said they’ll gladly accept any recommendations. Each experience they’re having is one full of good food and great stories, said the couple.
The pair say they will keep updating The Local Insider as they visit new diners. Here are the ones they’ve visited so far, along with some of their comments on each:
Everybody’s Favorite Family Restaurant, 1370 Mendon Road in Cumberland
Everybody’s Favorite is known for its hearty homestyle breakfasts and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for families and locals, says the couple. They have traditional diner fare, including breakfast items and lunch options, which they note further solidifies its classification as a diner.
It’s been a diner since 1983, and employees say they sold ice cream before that. Some items are purchased from Bachini Bakery in Pawtucket. They had the cinnamon roll French toast, and found it to be quite a treat.
Lighthouse Kitchen, 1665 Hartford Ave., Johnston
For 17 years this cozy little place has been making breakfast, said the couple. They offered healthy choices, such as turkey bacon. They had a strawberry, banana, and Nutella waffle, a special Boucher said was all fresh and delicious.
Ollie’s Diner, 802 High St., Cumberland
This one’s awesome and open for a decade, said the couple. She had a special banana nut waffle.
“Had the pleasure of watching the owner cook with the kitchen being open,” said Boucher. “Had little books about his dog to read while waiting. Also had gourmet coffee, yum.”
Patriots Diner, 65 Founders Drive, Woonsocket
This one had a friendly atmosphere, they said, and she had the red, white and blue waffle.
Seaplane Diner, 307 Allens Ave., Providence
Seaplane is a real gem, said the couple, with an apple cinnamon waffle always on the menu. Delish. The diner was in Woonsocket until 1974, and the chef has worked here since 1999.
Victory Diner, 2731 Victory Highway, Harrisville
This one was Johnny’s, but that changed about five years ago.
“Build your own crepes was something different,” said Boucher.
Miss Lorraine Diner, 560 Mineral Spring Ave., Pawtucket
She had the brioche stuffed French toast with strawberry cream cheese fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
“Great! Placed moved a lot. Last found in a field, then attached to the mill,” she said.
Modern Diner, 364 East Ave., Pawtucket
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, said Boucher, this one was an honor to visit. She had the maple rum French toast, which was unique special. “Delicious and must-see,” she said.
Pazi’s Place, 380 Taunton Ave., East Providence
Open since 1947, this 1950s style diner had Nutella strawberry French toast, “a modern meal in a nostalgic place,” said Boucher.
West Side Diner, 1380 Westminster St., Providence
It’s been at its current location for 14 years after previously doing business in the Providence Place Mall area. It was turned from an auto shop to a seating room and a trailer was to it.
“Had an apple waffle again,” Boucher said.
Amanda’s Kitchen, 54 Smithfield Ave., Pawtucket
“This little 30-year-old place has good food and great service,” said Boucher. “It was amusing to watch our breakfast being made at the open kitchen in front of our bar stool seats. Had healthy selections, which I hadn’t seen, blueberry, granola pancake.”
Middle of Nowhere Diner. 222 Gooseneck Hill Road, Exeter
The building has been there 60 years, but has been the Middle of Nowhere since 1994. They had peaches for a waffle/pancake topping, which they said they hadn’t seen before.
“Excellent, homey service,” they said.
Jigger’s Diner, 145 Main Street., East Greenwich
“A real treat. Great food and awesome atmosphere, right down to the Yacht Club glass bottles of soda. Had a special Nutella strawberry coconut pancake. Definitely a good stop.”
Here are some others on their list:
Cyndi’s Diner and Restaurant 46 Hartford Ave., North Scituate
Haven Brothers Diner, 12 Dorrance St., Providence
Rod’s Grille, 6 Washington St., Warren
Hope Diner, 742 Hope St., Bristol
Blue Plate Diner, 665 West Main Road, Middletown
The Olde Theater Diner, 33 Sandy Bottom Road, Coventry
Danny’s Breakfast Place, 1039 Cass Ave., Woonsocket
