As a college student, one of the most common things I hear from friends is how much they miss home-cooked meals. Luckily, here in Greater Lafayette, there are plenty of diners that serve just what we’re looking for. A 1950s inspired diner? We got it! Homemade pies you can’t get anywhere else? We have it! Here are three diners I recommend.
Sunrise Diner: the place for breakfast
Just across the Wabash River in downtown Lafayette is the Sunrise Diner. Located at 501 Columbia St. in Lafayette, this spot is popular for families on Purdue football weekends. Their vintage, 1950s themed diner has been here for the past 30 years.
Right when I walked in one of the waitresses at the cashier stand said I could sit wherever I wanted. I slid into one of the cozy red booths and was promptly greeted by another waitress with a bubbly personality.
She gave me advice on what to order – the homemade biscuits and gravy, of course. Ten minutes went by, and a big plate of their best biscuits and gravy came. They tasted just as you’d imagine, warm and delicious. It reminded me of my grandmother’s homemade cooking when we’d visit her every Sunday growing up.
If you’re like me, then your eyes are bigger than your stomach. I only ate a fourth of the full order. I definitely recommend the half order or you’ll have leftovers for days to come.
As I sat there, full as can be, I admired the Elvis Presley memorabilia as well as the Marilyn Monroe pictures. It felt like stepping into a different decade, one with homemade food and lively music.
On Saturdays, the farmers market in downtown Lafayette is in full swing just across the street from Sunrise Diner; you can stop by after eating to pick up some fresh produce and unique gifts.
Westside Diner: the place for delicious homemade pies
If you’re craving diverse food options but mostly want homemade pie, I recommend the Westside Diner at 1566 Win Hentschel Blvd in West Lafayette. The Southside Diner, located at 2108 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and the Downtowner, located at 2200 Elmwood Avenue in Lafayette, are sister diners. Their three locations make it easy to access their delicious food and great service all around Greater Lafayette.
The diverse menu includes salads, burgers and even gyros. My friend ordered the gyros, and she said it was the best she’s had in a long time, and she’ll be back again for it. The menu also contains all the usual diner staples, but the most interesting part is the desserts.
Haley, our friendly waitress, said the homemade pies are bestsellers. They’re made fresh every morning by the owner, Maria. The most popular flavors are chocolate and peanut butter. It’s better to arrive earlier in the day for a slice since they tend to run out quickly.
B&N Diner: the place for community
Craving a quick bite when you’re out shopping at the Tippecanoe Mall? Then the B&N Diner, located at 2220 Sagamore Parkway South, is the place to be.
Since it is a smaller diner, it fills up rather quickly. Around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, there was only one table available when I arrived. The waitresses were running around the diner with steaming hot plates in hand and a bright look in their eyes. I sat down and immediately had a waitress take my drink order and come back the next minute with it.
The diner was very diverse. There were families, construction workers and men in uniform all having a good time in this vintage diner. The regulars kept up the chatter with the waitresses, and the good vibe was infectious.
I ordered a cheeseburger and homemade fries, and had it come out shortly after I ordered. It was delicious and filling, which is great if you’ll be out and about shopping all day like I was.
The community of people here made my experience enjoyable. Everyone was chatty and the whole diner was laughing together at a joke between two customers. So, next time you’re near the Tippecanoe Mall, keep the B&N Diner in mind if you want to meet more locals and have a great time.
These diners are the place to be for a great homemade breakfast, homemade pie and a community of people. To find more local restaurants, visit the Home of Purdue Blog.
Purdue University Student, Marissa Slagle, shares this blog. This blog is part of a series of articles submitted to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette through a cooperation with a 400-level travel writing class at Purdue University.