From one classic to another, Murray waits for us outside of Tom's diner.

Unlike many things in America, diners are not an imported phenomenon. Researching the history of the diner doesn't require a journey to the south of France or a culinary tour of Asia. No, diners have a history that begins right here in America. And that makes them extra special in our hearts because there's not much that we as Americans can point to and say, "Now, that's American!" When it comes to diners there's no mistaking it, from fry grill to bar stools, they're all ours. And if you want to check out some of the best diners in America, the state of New Jersey and its Diner Highway (Highway 46) is the place to do it.

New Jersey may not be the first place that pops to mind when one thinks of a traditional roadside diner, but many of the prefabricated diner cars were originally manufactured in New Jersey. As a result, Jersey-ites wanting to start their own business found these diners relatively inexpensive to buy and ship to a lot of their choice. And with their gleaming stainless steel siding, neon exterior lighting, and brightly colored interiors, a new diner was almost guaranteed to attract plenty of customers.

Unfortunately, the same no longer holds true for some of America's most beautiful old diners. With the fast food chain explosion, many traditional roadside diners are being pushed out of business. Along the Diner Highway we saw a lot of diners that had closed their doors within the last ten years. The great American Diner needs saving, and chances are there's a great old diner near you that you've been neglecting for a while. Go. Eat. Enjoy.