When tiny Princeton, West Virginia needed a comfort food champion, Dolly’s Diner answered the call with Southern hospitality and homestyle cooking that turned heads and hearts.
This charming 1950s-inspired eatery has become the talk of the mountain state, earning national recognition 🏆 as one of Southern Living’s “Best Retro Diners in the South” and TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award.
Located right off Interstate 77, this unassuming spot proves that great things come in small packages when passion meets flavor.
How Dolly’s Diner Won Local Hearts
Dolly’s Diner captured Princeton’s hearts through the remarkable transformation led by owner Dolly Lane, who purchased the former Omelette Spot in 2016 and turned it into something truly special.
Lane’s faith-driven approach to hospitality and her commitment to authentic comfort food struck a chord with the community, creating a space where every meal feels like a family gathering.
The diner’s success isn’t just about the food—it’s about the genuine warmth that radiates from every interaction, from Leonard and Dolly Lane’s hands-on ownership to their staff’s Southern hospitality.
Word spread quickly through Princeton as locals discovered a place that served not just great meals, but an experience that transported them back to simpler times, complete with 1950s nostalgia and the kind of service that makes strangers feel like regulars.
Food Highlights 🍽️
- Dolly’s Famous Philly Cheese Steak: The signature sandwich featuring thin-sliced steak, peppers, onions, and Swiss cheese served on a deep-fried hoagie bun that’s become legendary among travelers and locals alike
- Biscuits and Gravy: Fluffy homemade biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy with perfectly seasoned chunks of sausage that customers rave about as “better than grandmother’s”
- Holy Cow Cake: The show-stopping dessert that lives up to its name—devil’s food cake layered with condensed milk, butterscotch topping, cream cheese icing, whipped cream, and crushed Butterfinger candy
- Sweet Potato Waffle Fries: A unique twist on traditional fries that keeps customers coming back for their crispy texture and addictive coating
- Fried Oysters: Fresh, perfectly battered oysters that seafood lovers declare as “the best they’ve ever tasted,” served with hush puppies and slaw
Atmosphere 🎵
Step inside Dolly’s and you’re instantly transported to the golden age of American diners.
The authentic 1950s decor features neon-red Coca-Cola signs, classic car memorabilia, and vintage touches that create the perfect retro ambiance without feeling kitschy.
The open kitchen concept lets diners watch their meals being prepared fresh, while the friendly buzz of conversation and clinking dishes creates that unmistakable diner energy.
Red vinyl booths and chrome accents complete the nostalgic picture, making every visit feel like a step back in time when diners were the heart of American communities.
Bottom Line 📍
Visit for the award-winning comfort food, stay for the genuine hospitality. Experience authentic 1950s charm, taste desserts worth the drive alone, and discover why this small-town gem consistently ranks among America’s best diners. It’s more than a meal—it’s a delicious journey through time.
Address: 909 Oakvale Rd, Princeton, WV 24740
📞 (304) 425-4194
🕐 Open 7 days a week, 7:00 AM–11:00 PM