Why do we love diners? Is it the laminated menus, the all-day breakfast, or the worn-in counter seats where you’ll find regulars in the same spot day after day, decade after decade? Or is it the friendly staff, the quirky retro decor, or the heaping plates of biscuits and gravy? There are so many reasons to love diners, even if we can’t always agree on how to define them. Are pancakes mandatory? Is alcohol verboten? What makes a diner different from a coffee shop or a cafe? What it boils down to is what they represent: community, nostalgia, and simplicity. We’re fortunate that here in Lake and Mendocino counties we still have so many eateries that capture the spirit of the diner. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorites.
Bebop’s Diner, Ukiah: Bebop’s is the most deliberately “retro” of all the diners on this list, and also one of the newer ones. But that doesn’t detract from its charm. Kids and families in particular love the kitschy red vinyl booths, piled-high burgers, 50 flavors of milkshakes, and monthly classic car gatherings under the neon lights. 
Beulah’s Kitchen, Middletown: Run by Esther Rosales, matriarch of the family that also owns the nearby Rosales Market & Restaurant, Beulah’s is a tiny, cramped gem of a place where both breakfast and lunch are served all day. Don’t let the off-putting dark wood paneling and plastic chairs deter you from trying the scratch-made “garbage omelette,” the Mexican chorizo scramble, or the Beulah’s burger. 
Bluebird Cafe, Hopland: Don’t let the quirky decor (most notably the giant moose head) distract you from the delicious grub at the Bluebird, which has been around for more than 70 years. Make a point to indulge in their decadent pastries (served only on weekends), plus can’t-miss items such as the blueberry blintzes, feta scramble, and juicy bison burgers. 
Country Kitchen, Clearlake Oaks: A diner, bar and Mexican restaurant all rolled into one, Country Kitchen is a refreshing twist on the classic diner. Breakfast is served all day and includes standards such as pancakes and biscuits and gravy. Lunch and dinner lean more towards traditional Mexican dishes such as chimichangas, burritos and spicy camarones. Diners can also enjoy local wines, and liquor from the well-stocked bar. 
David’s, Fort Bragg: Owner Kira Klyse, who can often be found sitting alongside customers at the counter, is one of many great things about David’s. Her friendliness and effervescence complement the hearty menu, which is filled with classic American dishes, plus a few items that hint at David’s former existence as a Jewish deli, such as corned beef hash. 
Forks Cafe, Ukiah: Jason and Samantha Tocher (a former waitress at the restaurant) bought this 50+ year old Ukiah institution in early 2023, but kept it as retro as it’s always been. They appreciate their longtime regulars so much that they even named a salad after one: The Shiloh (chicken strips, bacon, avocado, jalapenos, cheese and croutons). 
Home Style Cafe, Fort Bragg: When driving by it’s easy to miss this sign-less cafe, which sits in front of the Seabird Lodge. But you wouldn’t want to miss out on the amazing ocean views, scratch-made American and Mexican favorites, and homespun decor. Chunky chili, ⅓ pound burgers, and fresh local fish are among the favorite items. 
Jensen’s, Ukiah: Jensen’s looks like a classic truck stop diner, and in fact is located adjacent to a truck repair shop. Despite the “open” sign that’s permanently affixed to the roof, Jensen’s is only open 7:00 am-2:00 pm, and draws devoted regulars from as far as Boonville and Willits who enjoy the breakfast, lunch AND dinner served all day. 
Judy’s Junction, Upper Lake: Mother-daughter team Joanne Breton and Rebecka Walters, who have owned Judy’s since 2001, keep longtime regulars happy with signature dishes such as biscuits and gravy, strawberry crepes, and shrimp po’boy. Customers are like family here – they even made a birthday cake for one of their loyal patrons when he turned 101 years old! 
Kelly’s Diner, Willits: Owner/chef Fortino Diaz, who renamed the former Cafe 77 for his daughter Kelly when he bought the restaurant in 2021, prides himself on making nearly everything from scratch, including customer favorites such as cherry pie, eggs Benedict, and chicken fettuccine alfredo. The lovely flower-lined outdoor patio is a perfect place to eat on a nice day. 
Mike’s Breakfast and Lunch, Lakeport: Owner Mike Perez moved his namesake restaurant from Lucerne to shiny new Lakeport digs in November 2023, but kept everything else the same. As the name suggests, breakfast and lunch are what you get, with menu highlights including Mike’s signature omelettes, the chicken fried steak, and the Philly cheese steak sandwich. (Photo courtesy of Mike’s) 
Redwood Drive-In, Boonville: This gas station/convenience store/diner combo is a lone island of greasy comfort food amid Boonville’s sea of high-end farm-to-fork fare. Featuring a walk-up counter instead of table service, it’s hard to resist grabbing a gooey milkshake, juicy burger, or meaty enchilada to fill your belly after you fill up your tank. (Photo courtesy of Redwood Drive-In) 
Renee’s Cafe, Lakeport: Over its 40-ish year history Renee’s has served generations of Lakeport residents, who return again and again to devour the creamy milkshakes, hearty burgers, and huge breakfast combos it’s known for. New owner Z, who bought the restaurant in early 2024, does plan to make some changes to the menu and decor, but he aims to retain the old-fashioned essence of Renee’s. 
Trejo’s Diner, Clearlake: The massive menu at two-year-old Trejo’s has a little something for everyone: omelettes, burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips, chicken wings, steaks, pasta and more. For breakfast, the Nutella and strawberry-stuffed French toast is a winner, and if you’re into spicy, the five-alarm breakfast burrito with ghost pepper cheese and jalapenos will keep your sinuses clear. 
Rollerville Cafe, Point Arena: Family-owned (and woman-owned) for the last 18 years, this quaint cafe at the entrance to Lighthouse Pointe Resort will charm you with its striped wallpaper, antique wood stove, and breezy outdoor seating area. The menu boasts four different types of eggs Benedict plus lots of seafood choices, including fish tacos, fish & chips, and tempura prawns. Breakfast is served all day – but only on weekends. (Photo courtesy of Rollerville Cafe)
