The diner got its name from the old train dining cars. They used to be patterned after a sleek, gleaming trailer, but today they are generally storefronts characterized by quick service and genuine hearty fare. Many of them have a bar with stools so you can get fast service even if you are just one person.
Use the list below to find a diner-style restaurant in NWA:
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Bella Vista
Duffer’s Cafe $
638 W Lancashire Blvd, Bella Vista, AR 72715
(479) 855-6094
Duffer’s Cafe serves the community of Bella Vista, and any visitors that are lucky enough to find out about this cheery breakfast and lunch spot. Pancakes are huge and fluffy, biscuits and gravy are scrumptious, blueberry muffins are yummy and the breakfast quiche is amazing. Just a great place for golfers and everyone else to grab a fresh healthy meal.
Fayetteville
Rollin Pin Cafe $
2565 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 521-3855
Great breakfast, everything is homemade and tastes delicious. The chocolate gravy is a must try if you’ve never eaten it before. Prices are reasonable and service is friendly and efficient.
Rick’s Iron Skillet $
1131 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 442-2200
Rick’s has been serving breakfast like grandma used to make and tasty lunch options for over 25 years. The homemade biscuits just melt in your mouth and the bacon is cooked to perfection. Weekend brunch buffet is awesome.
Gravette
Hard Luck Cafe $
501 1st Ave SE, Gravette, AR 72736
(479) 787-5750
The epitome of what a good roadside diner should be. Has great, fast home-style breakfast and lunch, and is also home to the Big Bopper, a killer double bacon cheeseburger that was featured on NBC, Fox News. Owners, wait staff and customers are delightful. You’ll feel welcome the instant you walk through their door.
Lowell
Tater’s Fresh Grill $
109 N Bloomington St, Lowell, AR 72745
(479) 361-8800
Super delicious food with large portions, friendly, fast and efficient staff and affordable prices. Also has a good selection of scrumptious homemade pies and cakes. If you find yourself in Lowell, don’t miss this spot.
Rogers
Lucy’s Diner $
511 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR 72756
(479) 230-5829
As the name implies, Lucy’s is a wonderful example of what a diner should be like. It’s open 24 hours, has tasty home-style cooking and a happy, efficient wait staff. If you’re particular about your eggs, you’ll get them cooked just the way you like them at Lucy’s, and breakfast is served anytime.
Sam’s Olde Tyme Hamburgers $
223 E Locust St, Rogers, AR 72756
(479) 986-9191
Conveniently located on the way to Beaver Lake, Sam’s serves breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m., lunch including 1.3 lb. burgers with freshly ground beef, fresh cut fries and onion rings, hot dogs, sandwiches, slow smoked ribs, salads and Sam’s specialties. Staff is cordial, knowledgeable and efficient.
Wesner’s $
117 W Chestnut St, Rogers, AR 72756
(479) 636-9723
Another good example of a diner. In business since 1955, Wesner’s has excellent food whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch or their fish fry, crab boil, BBQ shrimp fest on Friday nights. Portions are large and prices are right. A locals favorite in Rogers.
Siloam Springs
Cathy’s Corner $
1910 US-412, Siloam Springs, AR 72761
(479) 524-4475
Serving breakfast and lunch, Cathy’s Corner has huge portions including plate-sized pancakes and waffles and enormous homemade biscuits. Excellent lunch menu. Try the Big Al Burger.
Springdale
Susan’s $
1440 W Sunset Ave
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
(479) 751-1445
Long-time fixture in Springdale, and a super choice for breakfast and lunch. Has many breakfast items including a good selection of omelets, as well as a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers and Susan’s Specials. Try the steak and eggs and hashbrowns, and sit at the bustling counter for a good idea of how a diner should be.
Neal’s $
806 N Thompson St
Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 750-0090
Neal’s has been in business for more than 70 years with no end in sight. It must be doing something right! With its hometown diner feel, large and varied breakfast menu, sandwiches, burgers and specials, Neal’s has something for everyone to enjoy. Prices are reasonable and the wait staff is friendly and fast. In addition, if you love to talk politics, Neal’s nearly always has some lively conversations going.
HONORABLE MENTION
Mel’s Diner
109 W Buchanan St
Prairie Grove, AR
(479) 846-3663
A true 50’s diner atmosphere, and the best burger around. Enjoy great food and friendly service when you take your family to Mel’s.
