Few things can be as highly anticipated as pulling off the road for a good rib-sticking meal. When asked to recommend their favorite diners, our readers came through with many great suggestions. E. Davis shared her favorite diner, the White Spot in Jerseyville, Ill., with us and won four tickets to Silver Dollar City.
  
“The White Spot has the best hamburger and cheeseburger baskets. The basket includes a burger, fries and the best slaw ever. Also, they have the best onion rings. Excellent food,” Davis wrote.
   
She also recommended the Wagon Wheel in Carrollton, Ill., and its Hobo Omelet.
   
Here are other recommended diners and neighborhood eateries.

A. Akley recommends Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain & Grill in Lebanon, Ill. “Dr. Jazz has the oldest working soda fountain in the U.S. Besides the great Cedar Crest ice cream, he has the best homemade fries, salads, and sandwiches. It's like being in the 1950s again.” 

BC Rickard recommends Bobo’s in Topeka Kan. “Bobo's is a throwback to the 195's. Very good food, reasonable prices and carhops. They are always busy which attests to its value.”

C. Shipp recommends the Hard Luck Diner in Branson, Mo. “Not only is the food excellent and the portions huge, the waiters sing to you while you dine. They are great entertainers; they must audition for the job there.”

C. Cornell recommends Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House in Branson. “The food was great and at a very reasonable price. The service was awesome and the wait for the food was not long at all. The staff was very friendly I have not one bad thing to say about this restaurant, and will certainly go back on our next trip to Branson.”

C. Chrzanowski recommends 54 Diner in Columbia, Mo. “Back to the ‘50s. Poodle skirts, rock ‘n’ roll, big shakes and great burgers. A must see on Highway 54 north just outside of Columbia.”

K. Patton recommends Down Under Restaurant on in Des Peres, Mo. (west St. Louis County). “Great place to eat!  Family owned business for 20 years. Homemade soups, great tuna bay salad, lemon pepper and hot wings, beer cheese soup and prime rib.” 

L. Thurnau recommends the Florissant City Diner in Florissant (north St. Louis County). “The ability for a diner to maintain a ‘small town’ feel in the current fast paced world we live in is a dying art. The moment you walk in the door, you are shot back into more simple times. There is always a paper to read, a fresh pot of coffee and the short order cook saying hello.  The menu is your typical diner food but they are more than willing to accommodate any changes to dishes without charges tacked on. It’s a fantastic place to catch up, have a good cup of coffee and enjoy the simpler times.”

A. Moore recommends the Country Cupboard in Jamesport, Mo. “This diner is known throughout north-central Missouri for its enormous hand-breaded tenderloin. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and it is wonderful. Homemade pies that are enough for 2 or 3 people to share, roast beef dinners, and the best club sandwich I've ever had are my personal favorites. If you are into small portions and high prices, this is not the diner for you!”

M. Morrow recommends Neighbor’s Café in Lees Summit, Mo. “Very close-knit diner with home-style cooking.  You enter with a ‘sit wherever you would like’ greeting. When you find your seat, which might include one of the long tables in the middle of the room that you share with other people, they bring the most amazing homemade hot cinnamon rolls. Home-style specials change daily, and I've never been disappointed by a single one. Food is always served quickly. With a small town feel in the center of downtown Lees Summit, you won't be disappointed.”

E. Stephens recommends the Corner Café in Liberty, Mo. "Home-cooked meals, huge cinnamon rolls, great biscuits and gravy. A good variety of fresh pies to choose from. At holidays, the restaurants take orders for hot rolls, pies and other items for those holiday meals. Order early– they sell a ton! Casual atmosphere.” The café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

L. King recommends Kline’s in Rosebud, Mo., for great down-home cooking, including pies, cakes and cream puffs. “(They) have a wide variety of menu items that include steak, chicken and fish. Sometimes have a few unusual (items), which may include alligator or crawfish.  You just never know what they may have on their specials.”

G. Linn recommends the Wheel Inn in Sedalia, Mo. Try the Guberburger, brought from the original restaurant.

M. Wojnarowski recommends Dickie Boo Barbecue in Sedalia, Mo. “Fred Kennedy and his Doo Crew boast great steaks and barbecue and they are right on the mark. Throw in Thursday night jam sessions (that) anyone can join and live music on their deck called The View almost every Saturday night and you can't go wrong.  Go on down and let the Doo Crew spoil you.”

D. Bailey recommends Justus Drugstore in Smithville, Mo. “The owner/chef took his parents’ former drug store and turned it into an eating establishment. He uses the freshest of ingredients from local farms, often picked by him that very day, and the results are delicious.”         

J. Schmitz recommends Braddens in St. Charles, Mo. Braddens has it all. Indoor seating is cozy and comfortable and the outdoor patio just calls for a bottle of wine and cheese platter to share with friends. I am a fond of the spinach salad, where my husband favors the port tenderloin sandwich. They also have a nice variety of appetizers, steaks, and salads, not to mention tasty desserts.