Nighthawks at the Diner is Tom Waits' third album, released in 1975. It was recorded live in a studio with a small audience, simulating a nightclub. The album captures the essence of his live performances and his beatnik persona.
The sound is intimate and conversational, with Waits accompanied by a small jazz combo. Songs like 'Eggs and Sausage (In a Cadillac with Susan Michelson)', 'Nighthawk Postcards (From Easy Street)', and 'Better Off Without a Wife' are musical monologues full of humor and melancholy.
The album is a unique document of Waits' stage persona and has been praised for its authenticity. It is a fan favorite and an example of his storytelling prowess.