Although most diners serve food 24 hours, keep in mind the fact that some specialize in breakfast, and may not even offer a lunch or dinner menu, even if they're open during those hours. If your heart's set on chili or a steak, make sure you check that they serve them before you go.

One thing most diners have going for them are their large portions. If you're looking for a way to save money, try sharing an entrée with a friend, or make sure you get a doggie-bag before you go home. Most diners won’t mind slipping you a to-go box before you leave.

One thing to keep in mind when you patronize a diner is that, even if you're seated a non-smoking area, you might still end up getting a whiff of unwanted secondhand smoke. This is often unavoidable given the standard size of a diner, and the fact that many municipalities have not yet banned smoking in restaurants.