I’ve got two recommendations on I-80 between New York and Cleveland.

First is Bechtel’s in Lewisburg, PA. Take the Lewisburg exit off I-80 and stay on Route 15. It will bring you in towards town. Bechtel’s is on the left — you’ll know it by the cow on the roof. It’s a restaurant and dairy that has some of the best ice cream I’ve eaten outside New England. A "small" sundae would be a regular anywhere else. They were changing the menu as I was there this week and introducing the holiday ice cream flavors (pumpkin, peppermint, eggnog) but there are about 25 in rotation at any time. Many toppings, including warm nuts (there’s a big case of warm nuts up front.) Also good basic diner food, and senior specials, and a great place for kids. My entire bill, with a chicken dinner, Diet Coke and a sundae, was $11.

Second is the Emerald Diner, in Hubbard, Ohio, which I have also seen recommended on Roadfood. This is right at the Ohio/PA border. Exit at Hubbard, then go under the overpass (there will be truck stops to the north, you want to go south.) It comes up quickly on the east side of the road. The Emerald specializes in desserts: the specials board lists desserts first, then lunch, then dinner. The food is a cut above diner food, with many Italian specialties and great soup. Plus amazing pie of many varieties. Everything is homemade. My bill for coffee, soup and pie was $7.00.

Bechtel’s is three hours west of Manhattan, and the Emerald is four hours west of Bechtel’s. So you could easily eat at both if you were driving from say, Michigan to NYC or back as I was.