As I have a significant number of family members in this area, it always feels like coming home,…read moreespecially at Frances Diner in Hazard, Kentucky. It is actual Appalachian comfort food delivered with genuine, small-town hospitality. This place is a classic, dependable Southern diner--hearty, welcoming, and satisfyingly delicious. The strength of Frances Diner lies entirely in its commitment to simple, traditional Southern fare. The daily specials are the main event, reminiscent of a Sunday dinner at Grandma's house. On my visit, the fried pork chops were expertly seasoned, featuring a tender interior and a crisp, savory coating. The roast beef, smothered in rich gravy, and the fried chicken are notable staples that consistently draw praise. Crucially, the sides are spectacular and feature an impressive variety that rotates daily, moving beyond standard fare to include dishes like fresh green beans, fried cabbage, and homemade macaroni and cheese. These sides are clearly prepared with attention, not just as afterthoughts. For breakfast, the biscuits and gravy remain a standout, maintaining a delightful taste over the years. The only minor deduction is that consistency can occasionally vary slightly when the diner is packed, but the quality always remains high for this style of cooking. The service at Frances Diner epitomizes Southern hospitality. The staff, many of whom are long-time regulars themselves, are incredibly friendly and attentive, treating patrons more like family than customers. Servers navigate the often-busy floor with practiced efficiency, taking orders quickly and offering personalized suggestions. My server was quick to refill coffee and check in without hovering. The only reason this isn't a perfect five stars is that, during peak lunch and dinner hours--which happen often due to the diner's popularity--the kitchen and serving staff can become visibly hectic, leading to slightly longer waits for checks or additional requests. However, the team's genuine warmth and care more than make up for any minor delay. During peak lunch and dinner hours, which often occur The atmosphere at Frances Diner is definitely old-school, local, and welcoming. It has the quintessential, cozy feel of a family-run establishment, complete with a décor that evokes a strong sense of community and nostalgia, featuring memorabilia and local photographs. It's clean and well-maintained and fosters a comforting environment where both regulars and travelers feel at home. The space is functional and focuses on community gathering rather than modern aesthetics. It can be loud and a bit chaotic when busy, but this only adds to its small-town charm--it's the sound of people enjoying good food together. While the dining area is not sleek or modern, it perfectly fits the vibe of a beloved local diner serving classic comfort food. Frances Diner is a must-visit institution in Hazard. It's an honest, high-quality purveyor of Appalachian comfort food that delivers excellent value and genuine hospitality. If you're looking for innovative cuisine, this isn't it. If you're looking for a hearty, traditional meal that tastes like home, served by friendly faces, this four-star gem is exactly where you should pull up a chair.

We came in on Saturday for lunch and both had a 1/2lb cheeseburger with fries. This was the best…read moreburger I've had in years! The bun was buttered and toasted. The burger was griddled and juicy. Yummmm!!! The fries were crinkle cut and piping hot. Delicious!!! Service was great as well! 10/10!

This place is one of Kentucky's most beloved little local diners. This place has been serving…read moresimple, old-school comfort food for generations. You can walk inside to a small counter with just a handful of tables, where everything feels warm, familiar, and unchanged. The regulars swear by the juicy double cheeseburgers, big footlong chili dogs, and some of the best coleslaw you'll find anywhere. They have a good line of milkshakes either, especially the butterscotch shake. The place fills up fast, and most of the customers there we saw did not even need a menu because they already know what they want. That is not the case for us, as we were just paying thru the area. But this is the kind of diner where the food tastes the same as it did years ago, time seems to slow down, and you're treated like family the second you show up. We both went with the Double Cheese burger with all the topping expect the chili one. The onions on these burgers were an outstanding. I could have ate a whole cup of them by their self. My wife had a large onion rings for her side, while I opted for the large curl fries. My wife noted that the onion ring were breaded correctly and the onion did not slide out of the breading when you bite in to them, the curly fries were also firm and just the right amount of crispness. The service is attentive and makes you feel like you are a regular, and expressed a fine example of true southern hospitality. This place is good choice for a solid quick and traditional meal with a very laid back environment that is very welcoming. If you are in the area we highly recommend that you give this place a try.

Great food! Nice selections and friendly service. Only thing it's a little pricey but worth every…read morebite!

Great home cooked food ... one of my favorites. Their fish is the best!!! Breakfast is delicious…read more.. I haven't had anything I didn't love.

Stopped here for lunch a couple weeks ago. Nothing exciting but we received prompt service and…read moreokay food. Burger was very good, fish sandwich was adequate. Prices were value priced and appreciated during these trying times. Very convenient location. We would stop another time.

Nice AND clean mom AND pop place. I was there for breakfast they have homemade biscuits that are…read moreout of this world . The best biscuits I have ever had plus homemade gravy OH MY GOD. Just freaking awesome! MUST TRY THIS PLACE!

I love Robo's !! This place plus one other are the only places I can eat and not hurt my stomach!!…read moreThe prices are reasonable and their staff very friendly!! I love the black Raspberry Sundae's !! I love !!

Hands down! Absolutely the worst hotdog sauce on the planet!…read more It was like the dumped a can of dog food on a footlong. They need to know sauce is runny. Not the consistency of taco meat! On top of that it tastes bad. Do not recommend. Because they taste so bad. McDonald's tasted good after it

When compared to Arnold's Drive In, Creekside Diner seems to be a hungry man's dream. However when…read moreyou finish eating you realize that although the food was good, there was nothing special about it. It's a basic small town diner, populated mostly by the elderly, with basic small town diner food. The place feels empty, there are a few paintings hanging around the place, but nothing special, a coin game + jukebox, neither of which seemed to be in working shape, and some slot machines; but it still feels empty. They also advertised their "daily dessert" but when asked about this they claimed to only have ice-cream. Be assured, I enjoyed the food and the restaurant was clean; but at the end of the day it was nothing special.

The newest member of the Knott County restaurant family! Creekside Diner offers breakfast, lunch,…read moreand dinner, along with an array of sweet desserts. I highly recommend their burgers, chicken strips, and Philly Cheese steak sandwich, and I hope to try their breakfast soon. Wonderful addition to a wonderful area!

Wonderful atmosphere! The Farmhouse platter is enough for two and so yummy…read more The fish and chips are also great

Honestly, the food is kind of bland and there's no sauce really on the pizza especially for how…read moremuch you pay those no sauce at all is mainly cheese and toppings don't get the loaded fries because if you get delivery, they are soggy not crispy and there's not a lot of toppings on them and there's too much fries for that amount of toppings they give you not enough cheese not enough bacon not enough ranch too many fries and maybe don't use crinkle cut the worst and cheapest

Billy Ray's Restaurant in Prestonsburg is the kind of place that instantly reminds you why local,…read morefamily-owned restaurants still matter. From the moment you walk through the doors on North Front Street, you're greeted with genuine Appalachian hospitality--warm, unpretentious, and welcoming in the best possible way. The food is classic comfort done right. Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and everything tastes like it was made with care rather than rushed out of a kitchen. The home-style cooking is the real star here--savory meats, perfectly cooked sides, and that unmistakable "down-home" flavor that keeps locals coming back and first-timers planning their return before they've even paid the bill. Nothing feels overworked or trendy--just honest, satisfying food that hits the spot every time. The wait staff and service at Billy Ray's is consistently friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The staff treats you like a regular, even if it's your first visit, and that personal touch elevates the entire dining experience. You never feel rushed, and questions about the menu are met with enthusiasm and helpful recommendations. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, making it ideal for families, friends, or a casual lunch stop while passing through town. It's clean, well-kept, and full of local character--exactly what you want in a small-town restaurant. If you're in Prestonsburg and want a meal that's filling, flavorful, and genuinely satisfying, Billy Ray's Restaurant is a must-visit. This is Eastern Kentucky dining at its finest--simple, hearty, and done with heart . Just a shame we couldn't fit in any of the delicious cakes! Next time! Thanks for a wonderful Diner experience.

I liked the location the atmosphere but the food not so much. I cut my burger and it had a big lump…read morein it. Pass on this place.

The service is always good and the food is always hot and delicious. My only problem is having to…read moredecide between all the great choices. Breakfast is served all day and there's always great food on the buffet or you can order from the menu. If you like comfort food, this is the place to go!

I've heard it said before that if you want home cookin', then eat at home. I normally subscribe to…read morethis belief. It's one reason I don't go out for breakfast ~ I can make a pretty good breakfast at home. No use paying someone to do something I can do. So, going into Jackson's restaurant, a mom and pop restaurant specializing in home cooked style food, I had my doubts. Walking up to what resembled a school cafeteria lunch line only furthered my doubts. And, seeing the sheer number of different options sitting out behind the glass window only furthered my suspicions. Look, I was wrong. The food here is really good. The service is super friendly and helpful. I was so overwhelmed by all the choices I just told the lady behind the glass counter to pick me something. She obliged with a kindness that made me think she knew me somehow. She chose the chicken and dumplings, beef stew, apples, and two different types of corn bread. Now, I thought initially, and she even admitted, that the chicken and dumplings/beef stew mix was a little unorthodox, but that they were both so good I had to try them. Both were fantastic. The apples were awesome. I liked both types of corn bread. When I got up to leave, she called me over to the counter and said that since it was my first time there, I'd get a free dessert. You all, I was too full to even try. The food here is both tasty and filling. I was in Richmond for a conference at Eastern Kentucky University. So it was really convenient to stop by. But I'd say that even if you're remotely close, it's worth a visit. Don't, as I did, judge a book by its cover.

Food is delicious, service is good and ambiance is pure country. Love seeing Cathy and Doug. They…read moreare really great. We eat their food often. Try it sometime and you will come back!

I love this restaurant it's the best in town. I always order WV style hotdogs. it's a special…read moreorder and they make it for me every single time with out complaints. And it's always good. As far as menu options theirs alot. All of there food tastes amazing. People are served with a smile