A Sunday Drive Led Us To A Roadside Gem Near Pittsburgh With Some Of The Best Comfort Food Around
By Beth Price-Williams|Published June 21, 2024
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Sitting in the backseat on leisurely Sunday drives as a kid taught me to appreciate the changing landscapes – fields with grazing cows, farmhouses with rocking chairs on large porches, and roadside farmer’s stands with the sweetest corn on the cob. But what I loved most were the little, old-school diners with silver exteriors that gleamed in the sunlight. Whenever I’m traveling today, I look for those hidden gem diners like Dean’s Diner near Pittsburgh.
Dean’s Diner sits along a busy stretch of Route 22 in Blairsville, about 50 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Traffic moves quickly on the highway, so keep an eye out for the large green sign and yellow arrow that announce you’ve arrived at this old-school diner.
Unlike many of the diners in the Pittsburgh area, Dean’s Diner has returned to its pre-pandemic hours, dishing up delicious meals and its famous pie 24 hours a day seven days a week, making it an ideal stop for an early morning breakfast, Sunday dinner, or a middle-of-the-night sweets run.
If you’re looking for where to eat near Pittsburgh, Dean’s Diner has been a neighborhood favorite since 1934.
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Walking through the front door of this cozy diner is like stepping back to a different era – from the stools by the counter and the green booths to the friendly waitresses who greeted us as warmly as they did the regulars.
The menu’s old-school, too, serving as a placemat and peppered with ads for local businesses. A glance at the menu shows a slew of favorites, from burgers and hot dogs to baked meatloaf and breaded white fish.
During my first visit, I ordered the PB&J, a simple classic that, with every bite, took me back to lunch at school when I was a kid. Paired with a salad (the French dressing was heavenly) and mashed potatoes, it was the perfect meal.
This time, though, I opted for the grilled cheese and a side of fries. Fries tend to be hit or miss, at least for me, but Dean’s are crisp, golden, and delicious. Dip them in mustard and – chef’s kiss – pure perfection.
My daughter went with one of those meals you just can’t seem to go wrong with – chicken tenders and fries. The portions were generous, and she had enough left over to take home.
Dean’s Diner scores rave reviews for its pies, so save room for a slice, or take one to go. Add a scoop of ice cream on top or, if you’re like me and don’t like pie, opt for a bowl of ice cream.
If you want a whole pie to take home, you must call ahead to pre-order.
Have you been to Dean’s Diner near Pittsburgh? Do you agree it’s one of the best local restaurants in Blairsville? Let us know in the comments. Work up an appetite before heading to Dean’s Diner with a trek along the Blairsville Riverfront Trail in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Find a comprehensive list of hikes in Pennsylvania on All Trails.
