Secrets of the South's Best Diners

Call them meat-and-threes, cafeterias, mom-and-pops, or diners. Whatever the name, these local spots keep it delicious by serving great Southern food. Here are our favorites―and their signature dishes―from Maryland to Texas.

Southern Diner Restaurants: Bel-Loc Diner, Baltimore, MD

Photo by Scott Suchman, Article by James T. Black

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Bel-Loc Diner, Baltimore, MD

Opened in 1964 near the Baltimore Beltway-Loch Raven Boulevard interchange (hence its hyphenated name), the Bel-Loc served as one of the inspirations for Baltimore native Barry Levinson’s movie Diner. With its neon signs, chrome stools, and “what’ll ya have, hon?” waitresses, the Bel-Loc still inspires old-school diner fans. “We’ve been around so long that people who came in when they were little are now coming in with their kids,” owner Bill Doxanas says. “We’ve also had three generations of one family working here together.”

Don’t miss: Breakfast. Order the blueberry pancakes or raisin bread French toast, and they’ll think you’re a Charm City native.

1700 East Joppa Road; 410-668-2525