Before the Las Vegas buffets like Aria and Bacchanal, there were cafeterias. Despite the decline in popularity, there are still some great American cafeterias that have been operating for generations. These cafeterias serve quality home-cooked meals at reasonable prices.
The History of Cafeterias in America
The cafeteria concept has been around for over a century, with the first one (owned by John Kruger) opening in 1893 in Chicago. Kruger was inspired by Sweden’s smorgasbords at the Columbian Exposition. The concept gained popularity really fast and spread all over the country. But eventually people started opting to dine at casual sit-down restaurants.
That being said, you can still find some great American cafeterias today, including:
Moosewood Restaurant (Ithaca, New York)
Moosewood Restaurant is a vegetarian restaurant that has been serving creative, healthy, and delicious food for over 45 years. They use fresh, local, and organic ingredients whenever possible, and the menu changes daily to reflect the season and the availability of ingredients.
Cleburne Cafeteria (Houston, Texas)
The Cleburne Cafeteria is Houston’s oldest cafeteria, serving quality home-cooked meals at reasonable prices for over 80 years. This cafeteria has been through a lot, including a major move and two devastating fires, but it still remains one of Houston’s most memorable restaurants. The food is always fresh, often organic, and served in generous portions. The nicely appointed dining room is usually filled with a diverse group of customers who treat the place like their own dining room.
Luby’s (San Antonio, Texas)
Luby’s is a Texas-based cafeteria chain that has been serving home-style meals since 1947. They serve dishes like fried chicken, roast beef, and meatloaf. The food is always fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced.
Neomonde Mediterranean (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Neomonde Mediterranean is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving traditional Lebanese food since 1977. You can order falafel, hummus, and shawarma among others. The food is always fresh, healthy, and delicious, and priced just right.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (Los Angeles, California)
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a Los Angeles institution that has been serving delicious fried chicken and waffles since 1975. They serve a variety of dishes, including chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and macaroni and cheese.
Mission Chinese Food (New York, New York)
Mission Chinese Food is a Chinese-American restaurant that has been serving creative, delicious, and affordable food since 2012. The restaurant offers a wide array of dishes, including Kung Pao pastrami, salt cod fried rice, and mapo tofu. The food is always fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen (Nashville, Tennessee)
If you find yourself in Nashville, make sure to stop by Arnold’s Country Kitchen. This cafeteria is known for its “meat ‘n three” offerings, which include your choice of meat and three sides (usually vegetables). The Arnold family has been serving up delicious food in a cafeteria-style setting for decades, and their commitment to quality ingredients shows in every dish. Although the menu changes daily, there’s always roast beef, a favorite among the restaurant’s regulars. Be sure to get there early, as the line forms before the 10:30 a.m. opening time.
Niki’s West (Birmingham, Alabama)
For classic Southern fare, head to Niki’s West in Birmingham, Alabama. This no-nonsense cafeteria and steak joint has been serving up hearty portions of catfish, veal cutlets, and liver since the late 1950s. Owned by the family of Greek immigrants who founded the restaurant, Niki’s West is a Birmingham institution. And if you still have room after your meal, make sure to try a slice of the lemon icebox pie, a local favorite.
Cafe Latte (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
For a taste of Minnesota’s future-past, head to Cafe Latte in Saint Paul. Opened in 1984 by Peter and Linda Quinn, this bakery and cafe was ahead of its time, with one of the state’s first espresso machines and a no-smoking policy. Today, Cafe Latte is a local favorite, offering a wide selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. The bakery’s tres leches cakes are a hit with customers, but the housemade chicken chili is the star of the show. Topped with finely chopped green onions, cheddar cheese, and thick sour cream, it’s a must-try dish.