To an outsider, Dedham Diner may not look like much, but this eatery is well-known among locals (and we'd prefer to keep the secret to ourselves, anyway!). It's perched right on the side of Bussey Street and marked by a charming flower boxes and a green awning — but it's what's on the inside that really counts here.

A walk up the steps and through the front door will reveal an intimate, cozy space that's decorated by a small counter, a handful of tables, and the sight of hungry locals beginning their day with a cup of hot coffee and a muffin on a weekday morning. If you were to arrive on the weekend, you'd likely arrive to encounter a line out the door, because the secret is out about Dedham Diner's pancakes and French toast. Pancakes are piled high and served with a pat of melting butter, while powdered sugar-dusted French toast is best paired with a side of salty bacon, regulars say. Diners who prefer savory fare might opt for an omelet paired with steak tips and crispy hashbrowns.

Dedham Diner is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends.

Dedham Diner
247 Bussey St.
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 329-3600
www.yelp.com/biz/dedham-diner-dedham

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/rpavich