Nostalgic and comforting, there’s a lot to love about a classic diner meal. But which chain is America’s favorite spot for pancakes, coffee, and comfort food?

According to a new report by financial platform Coventry Direct, the answer is IHOP. The international chain — famous for its endless stacks of pancakes, crepes, omelets, and even burgers — tops the list as the most searched diner chain in the United States over the past year. Trailing behind are a mix of national staples and beloved regional names, offering a snapshot of what Americans crave when they pull off the highway for breakfast or brunch.

What unites them all? As Coventry Direct puts it, this lineup is as American as diner-style apple pie. Whether you’re walking into a 24-hour chain or a local favorite, there’s comfort in the familiar: eggs sizzling on the griddle, a warm plate of hash browns, and that unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed drip coffee. It might not be as artisanal as the latest oat milk latte, but for many, it’s the taste of home.

To uncover the most popular diner chains, Coventry Direct’s team analyzed Google Trends data from all 50 states. They started with a list of the top 30 diner dishes (think “grilled cheese” and “waffles”) and the top 10 diner chains, then tracked the search data over the past 12 months. The results were ranked by search popularity and broken down by state — revealing which chains Americans are most curious about, and where.

National chains emerged on top…

Order up: California-based IHOP takes the crown as America’s most searched diner chain. With nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, the pancake powerhouse continues to dominate breakfast conversations online — and likely, on Sunday mornings across the country.

Part of its success may come down to value. As inflation continues to influence dining habits, IHOP has doubled down on affordable specials, such as its $7 “Happy Plate” of pancakes, eggs, and hash browns; $6 value menus, and “Break Feasts” — nostalgic, budget-friendly breakfasts that hit the spot.

And while other national players like Denny’s and Waffle House landed further down the list, they’re still go-tos in Western and Southern states — proving that even as consumers tighten their belts, diner classics remain irresistible.

… but Americans still love regional options

The data also shows a clear split between national giants and hometown heroes. Nearly half of the top-searched chains are regional brands, including Friendly’sbased in Massachusetts, and First Watcha fast-growing breakfast chain popular in the Midwest. In fact, First Watch ranked No. 2 overall, surpassing both Denny’s and Waffle House — a sign that Americans are eager for fresher, modern spins on diner fare without losing that cozy feel.

Milkshakes, french toast, and other diner favorites

Of course, what’s a diner visit without a little indulgence? Coventry Direct also pinpointed the most searched diner menu items by state, and milkshakes emerged as the clear favorite in nine of them — particularly across the South and Midwest, in states like Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and the Carolinas. Even Nevada got in on the milkshake action.

Meanwhile, French toast and grilled cheese tied for the second most popular diner dish nationwide, followed by root beer floats, waffles, and omelets — each a nostalgic bite of Americana.