The Best Diners to Stop At on a West Coast Road Trip
The West Coast is a dream drive for many travelers—coastal cliffs, towering redwoods, and endless food stops along the way. If you’re planning a road trip through California, Oregon, and Washington, make time for the classic diners that define roadside Americana. Even better, you can use Rakuten and Ibotta to offset food costs, making every pancake and milkshake a little sweeter.
Here’s a curated diner route from Southern California to Seattle, along with savings tips to keep your road trip budget in check.
California
- The Apple Pan – Los Angeles, CA
The Apple Pan is a time capsule tucked into West L.A. Known for its signature hickory burger and banana cream pie, it’s been dishing out comfort food since 1947. It’s cash only, so prepare accordingly—but worth every bite. - Rae’s Restaurant – Santa Monica, CA
Step into Rae’s for classic diner breakfast, turquoise booths, and mid-century charm. It’s been featured in several Hollywood films and remains a local favorite for pancakes and grits.
Rakuten Tip: Use Rakuten to score cashback at delivery services like DoorDash or Grubhub if you order from these diners to-go. Some gas stations along your route may also offer cashback through Rakuten partners.
Oregon
- Banning’s Restaurant & Pie House – Tigard, OR
Just outside Portland, Banning’s is a pie lover’s paradise with all-day breakfast and a family-style vibe. Don’t skip the marionberry pie, a true Oregon favorite. - 13 Coins – Seattle, WA
13 Coins is a high-end take on the 24-hour diner, known for its leather booths, open kitchen, and iconic late-night menu. A perfect stop after exploring Seattle’s waterfront. - Frugals – Tacoma, WA
Technically a drive-thru burger joint, Frugals deserves a place on the list for its diner-quality burgers, crispy fries, and quick service—perfect for a road warrior on the move.
Budget Travel Bonus: Stack Cashback at Chains
While the local spots are the highlight, road trips often mean detours to chains like IHOP or Denny’s. Use Ibotta for offers on drinks or desserts, and consider paying with a gift card from Fluz if you stop at places like Cracker Barrel or IHOP to save even more.
Conclusion
West Coast diners combine rich history, regional flavors, and unbeatable hospitality. By weaving in cashback tools like Rakuten and Ibotta, you’ll enjoy every bite knowing you’re stretching your budget—one booth at a time.
