My intellectual curiosity was gratified, hence I think it's good.

> https://maps.app.goo.gl/NCiZgiRjGckp6Jzn6

And if that doesn't appeal, there's another one: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e3ZWtXWEKPvDnded8

Something you've got to realize is that this form of culture is something that has gone far beyond America's borders. To the European, it is the very pinnacle of "American Food" -- and 50s/60s themed diners are all over the place.

From Belgrade, Serbia: https://share.google/qGq9vC7tKgf0ISyLz

To out-of-the-way towns in Austria: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bzHfTAobTRkHpvAN9

Germany's chock full of them. (The Germans are also more obsessed with "Cowboys and Indians" and Western US culture than any nation I've ever seen.)

France has multiple "American Diner" chains e.g.: https://www.happydaysdiner.com/

I'd hazard that there are nearly as many of these restaurants outside the US as there are inside of it. Within the US it's "throwback/nostalgia." Outside the US it's "exotic/kitsch."

Maybe your Finnish friend was remarking that the American version somehow felt more "real"? I don't know... I've been to all sorts, and the ones in Europe are truly very similar.

I tried their liver and onions (an aquired taste it turns out I don't really have) and a slice of some meregiune pie and idk, it really transported me, the food is always very real tasting, it's hard to isolate what it is that makes so much food taste manufactured now.

It's like Donns Depot, places that connect us to some wholesome parts in our shared history.

There's also the "Denny's" problem. Classic diners tend to be pretty much the same as a Denny's in terms of quality.