I love diners. I love diners so much that I once took diner mugs home with me after eating there. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but I did it and I don’t really regret it because the 2 mugs that I have now are the best mugs I own in my house.
Diner mugs — and I mean real diner mugs — are traditionally made from stoneware and thus are generally very durable and heavy. I love that about diner mugs because it means I can literally throw them around and they won’t chip or break.
A site called Retro Planet is actually selling ceramic versions of diner mugs for $5.29 (and cheaper if you buy in bulk). I wish they still had the diner mug and creamer set in stock because it’s a much better deal, but until then, this is your best bet other than stealing a stoneware mug from an actual diner.
Just discovered your site. I too love Diner Mugs. I’ve been collecting them for years and yes, they are the only mugs I use at home. I’ve bought several on-line and have collected from diners as well. But I am a little too chicken to just up and walk out with one. I always ask. Sometimes the Diner has mugs for sale, sometimes the waitperson will say, “Just take it with you,” and sometimes, alas, they will say no.
I just happened to be searching for some more interesting mugs when I found your site.
Keep it up.