A Guide to Palm Beach County Diners
By Caroline Nordheim
SurfSide Diner
SurfSide Diner brings the casual Florida vibe to dining. This charming place in sunny Palm Beach welcomes good weather with its outdoor seating options and is a short walk to the ocean. The diner offers a wide variety of classics with their unique take on diner favorites.
What to Order:
Along with the fan-favorite Eggs Benedict, the SurfSide Diner features a twist on the dish known as the Palm Beacher, which has a French béarnaise sauce and smoked salmon. If you prefer the lunch part of a brunch, then you’re in luck with favorites like fish tacos featuring mahi-mahi or their pulled chicken melt made with avocado and tomatoes.
314 S. County Road, Palm Beach
surfsidediner.com
Center Street Nook
Local to Jupiter, Center Street Nook is the perfect diner to get your daily dose of caffeine and a delicious meal. When you walk in, you’re greeted by loyal regu- lars, the sizzle of bacon, and probably some drool sneaking out of your mouth. Center Street Nook has been Jupiter’s go-to spot since opening in 2009. Their quick service and drive-thru option are great when you need a quick stop, but the cozy atmosphere makes the local gem a wonderful sit-down place to bring friends and family.
What to Order:
You can’t go wrong with their house specialty of coconut French toast, or a known favorite, the Philly cheesesteak.
223 Center St., Jupiter
thecenterstreetnook.com
Howley’s Diner
Get ready to pick a song on the jukebox because Howley’s will make you feel nostalgic for their ‘50s-inspired interior. With its grand opening in 1950, the diner has kept its timeless look, becoming a popular family-friendly spot. Per- haps the only thing upstaging the outdoor mini golf course in front of the diner, is the menu.
What to Order:
Howley’s is known for their comfort food that gives the feeling of home cook- ing, with dishes like their southern Benedict or Momma’s hot cakes. A classic favorite is their eggs scrambled with sausage gravy instead of hollandaise.
4700 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
@howleyswpb
Lighthouse Diner
Named after its historic location in the Jupiter Inlet, the Lighthouse Diner dates back to the early 1950s. It closed in March 2009 after the owner’s passing, but once his three sons saw it had become a part of the community, they decided to give it an updated interior for a grand reopening in 2014. The diner’s nautical theme also holds some history, lined with posters of current events and popular movies when it first opened. Their menu also reflects their ocean inspiration, a popular dish being their fresh shrimp and pineapple wrap.
What to Order:
For breakfast, their breakfast burrito is a must-try because of their homemade sausage tossed in with scrambled eggs, diced peppers, pico de gallo, and fresh mozzarella, which is then tightly wrapped into perfection. The Lighthouse Diner has various dishes, from their brisket southern dip to their “hungry man” break- fast dish, that will make you feel like part of the family.
1510 US-1, Jupiter
@lighthousediner
Sande’s Restaurant
This Delray hometown diner has been a local favorite for 39 years. Their cash-only payment accompanies their old-fashioned atmosphere, but they have an ATM in the restaurant for those of us who see it passing by.
What to Order:
They are known for their crunchy French toast, made in house with Captain Crunch cereal, to add flavor to the traditional meal. Sande’s is also known for its homemade turkey, which they slow roast in house, and is the star in multiple dishes. However, you can never go wrong with their traditional breakfast of fluffy pancakes, sunny-side-up eggs, and some bacon.
1717 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach
Nick’s Diner
Nick’s ‘50s Diner is bringing back the ‘50s with their retro aesthetic and old-school atmosphere. The diner features all the classic groovy staples, such as the red cushioned booths, checkered print floors, and lit-up neon signs. This family-owned diner has been in business for 38 years and never fails to take you back in time with great food.
What to Order:
We’d recommend the breakfast burger, which is a cheeseburger done to your liking, then layered with freshly-cooked bacon, and topped with an egg. Best of both worlds.
1900 Okeechobee Blvd C9, West Palm Beach
nicks50diner.com
