Stopped here on our way home to NWA after a family reunion. Amazing food and great ice cream options!
Loved the outside are but it could use some fly traps and some cleanliness!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Richard Smith
Nestled along Highway 270 in the heart of charming Mt. Ida, Arkansas, Dairyette is a delightful blast from the past that feels like stepping into a 1950s soda shop straight out of a classic film. Established in 1958 and proudly family-owned, this nostalgic gem has been serving up joy to locals and travelers alike for over six decades. On a recent road trip through the Ouachita Mountains, my family and I stumbled upon it purely by chance—or maybe fate—and it turned an ordinary stop into an unforgettable highlight. From the moment we pulled up to the colorful exterior with its retro signage, we were hooked. The vibe screams small-town Americana: checkered floors inside, picnic tables scattered under shady trees for outdoor dining, and that unmistakable scent of sizzling burgers mingling with fresh waffle cones. We opted for the patio on a balmy afternoon, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere while kids played nearby and locals chatted like old friends. The menu is a love letter to simple, satisfying comfort food—nothing fancy, just done right. We started with the classic cheeseburger, a juicy, hand-pattied masterpiece topped with melty cheddar, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles on a toasted bun. It was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned for under $6, proving you don't need a big price tag for big taste. My daughter raved about the chocolate malt shake, thick and creamy with just the right frothy top, blended to perfection from real ice cream. I couldn't resist the soft-serve sundae, piled high with hot fudge, whipped cream, and crunchy nuts—pure indulgence that melted in the most heavenly way. Even the fries were a standout: golden, crispy, and lightly seasoned, not a soggy fry in sight. What elevates Dairyette from great to extraordinary is the service. The staff, led by warm smiles from what seemed like generations of the same family, treated us like regulars on our first visit. They anticipated our needs, refilled drinks without prompting, and even shared a quick story about the diner's history while whipping up our order. It's that genuine Southern hospitality that makes you feel at home, no matter how far from yours you are. In a world of chain restaurants and drive-thru monotony, Dairyette stands as a beacon of authenticity and heart. Whether you're craving a quick burger on your way to Hot Springs or lingering for an afternoon treat amid the pines, this place delivers every time. We've already planned our return trip—because some discoveries are too good to be one-and-done. Five stars aren't enough; it's a full-hearted recommendation for anyone seeking flavor, fun, and a slice of timeless Americana.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Randy McCain
Worst burger I've ever had... tasted like it had filler in the beef.
Food: 1
John Rand
Really good food and friendly staff. Definitely worth going to and enjoying the day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Alysha Rand
The nacho supreme was absolutely amazing. Completely loaded with everything except jalapeno. Hubby had a double cheese and onion rings. For later, I had also gotten a double cheeseburger and a chili cheese fry. Even though I reheated it later, it totally hit the spot.
Tyler Marble
Great little diner vibe with outdoor seating and delicious food! The shakes was so tasty!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ronda Conlin
Everything was great, especially the ice cream.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Levi Gould
Small hometown feel with delicious hometown burgers and shakes ect. They have pretty much anything a burger place would have with many more options. If you are in the area definitely give them a try. The shakes are so tasty and freshly made and spun. The burgers are made to order and always hot. Might be a wait for your order but it's worth it all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laura Haynie Castillo
Good food, great desserts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pamela Mullins
Burgers are great and the staff is very nice and they give great service.
Good food and fair prices. Everything is cooked the order so there’s a moderate wait. Indoor and outdoor seating, don’t be surprised if you see a dog sitting outside with their owner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joanna Shaver
It's great to have a local burger place. Good shakes too!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stacey Daniel
We had chicken strips and fries , a burger and tots and a ham and cheese toaster. The food was very good. Several people came in for ice cream which looked very good also. I would rate it a 4.5 star
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Joyce Oneal
Everything we’ve had is great!!
Logan McCauley
Stop Here! Customer service and quality American classics
Stopped here on our way home to NWA after a family reunion. Amazing food and great ice cream options!
Loved the outside are but it could use some fly traps and some cleanliness!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Nestled along Highway 270 in the heart of charming Mt. Ida, Arkansas, Dairyette is a delightful blast from the past that feels like stepping into a 1950s soda shop straight out of a classic film. Established in 1958 and proudly family-owned, this nostalgic gem has been serving up joy to locals and travelers alike for over six decades. On a recent road trip through the Ouachita Mountains, my family and I stumbled upon it purely by chance—or maybe fate—and it turned an ordinary stop into an unforgettable highlight.
From the moment we pulled up to the colorful exterior with its retro signage, we were hooked. The vibe screams small-town Americana: checkered floors inside, picnic tables scattered under shady trees for outdoor dining, and that unmistakable scent of sizzling burgers mingling with fresh waffle cones. We opted for the patio on a balmy afternoon, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere while kids played nearby and locals chatted like old friends.
The menu is a love letter to simple, satisfying comfort food—nothing fancy, just done right. We started with the classic cheeseburger, a juicy, hand-pattied masterpiece topped with melty cheddar, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles on a toasted bun. It was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned for under $6, proving you don't need a big price tag for big taste. My daughter raved about the chocolate malt shake, thick and creamy with just the right frothy top, blended to perfection from real ice cream. I couldn't resist the soft-serve sundae, piled high with hot fudge, whipped cream, and crunchy nuts—pure indulgence that melted in the most heavenly way. Even the fries were a standout: golden, crispy, and lightly seasoned, not a soggy fry in sight.
What elevates Dairyette from great to extraordinary is the service. The staff, led by warm smiles from what seemed like generations of the same family, treated us like regulars on our first visit. They anticipated our needs, refilled drinks without prompting, and even shared a quick story about the diner's history while whipping up our order. It's that genuine Southern hospitality that makes you feel at home, no matter how far from yours you are.
In a world of chain restaurants and drive-thru monotony, Dairyette stands as a beacon of authenticity and heart. Whether you're craving a quick burger on your way to Hot Springs or lingering for an afternoon treat amid the pines, this place delivers every time. We've already planned our return trip—because some discoveries are too good to be one-and-done. Five stars aren't enough; it's a full-hearted recommendation for anyone seeking flavor, fun, and a slice of timeless Americana.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Worst burger I've ever had... tasted like it had filler in the beef.
Food: 1
Really good food and friendly staff. Definitely worth going to and enjoying the day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The nacho supreme was absolutely amazing. Completely loaded with everything except jalapeno. Hubby had a double cheese and onion rings. For later, I had also gotten a double cheeseburger and a chili cheese fry. Even though I reheated it later, it totally hit the spot.
Great little diner vibe with outdoor seating and delicious food! The shakes was so tasty!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was great, especially the ice cream.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Small hometown feel with delicious hometown burgers and shakes ect. They have pretty much anything a burger place would have with many more options. If you are in the area definitely give them a try. The shakes are so tasty and freshly made and spun. The burgers are made to order and always hot. Might be a wait for your order but it's worth it all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, great desserts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Burgers are great and the staff is very nice and they give great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Good food and fair prices. Everything is cooked the order so there’s a moderate wait. Indoor and outdoor seating, don’t be surprised if you see a dog sitting outside with their owner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's great to have a local burger place. Good shakes too!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had chicken strips and fries , a burger and tots and a ham and cheese toaster. The food was very good. Several people came in for ice cream which looked very good also. I would rate it a 4.5 star
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Everything we’ve had is great!!
Stop Here! Customer service and quality American classics
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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