Friendly service- great food The fried chicken was great! The banana pudding was amazing!!! read more

We have been 3 times in the last month. The food is excellent and the service is friendly and fast. It is usually pretty busy but not too noisy. We will be back. read more

I went down to Sanford on a Sunday to explore the city. After a late morning and afternoon of exploring roadside attractions, historic buildings and areas, and the Railroad House Museum, I got hungry. I used the Yelp app to find a restaurant with Southern Comfort Food; Fairview Dairy Bar came up and had a high rating. It seemed like a good place to try, so I did! It was definitely a great choice. A long-standing family-owned diner & comfort food restaurant and ice cream parlor in Sanford, NC, it's a beloved local institution known for its classic Southern diner fare and ice cream. Fairview Dairy Bar is located on Carthage Street in Sanford, a historic north-south thoroughfare that formerly carried U.S. Route 1 through town before the highway was relocated to its current bypass alignment. A double-panel, pole-mounted pylon sign with a clean white background, pairing Fairview Dairy Bar on the left in flowing red script with "Since 1953" beneath it, and The Flame Steakhouse on the right in bold black lettering accented by a stylized red flame and "Since 1973," lets you know that the restaurant is here--very inviting. The sign's straightforward typography, restrained color palette, and highway-oriented scale mark it as a classic mid-to-late-20th-century commercial sign designed for visibility and legibility along a busy thoroughfare rather than decorative flourish. I wish I was in the 1962 Black Impala Convertible that my family had when I was young--would be very fitting. There is a large parking lot in front of the strip mall that houses the Fairview Dairy Bar, which is located on the west end. The entrance to is straightforward and functional, framed by a shallow overhang and a simple brick façade painted in light neutral tones that emphasize clarity and approachability rather than ornament. Large glass doors and windows create transparency between the dining room and the parking area, reinforcing the diner's role as an accessible, everyday gathering place. Bold, utilitarian window signage advertising curbside pickup, delivery, and online ordering reflects the building's continued adaptation to contemporary needs while the script "Fairview" sign above anchors the entrance in its mid-century identity. There are benches inside and outside of the enclosure--and even though it was winter when I visited, I pictured families sitting on the benches eating ice cream cones. I walked in--and WOW! It was like walking into a Shoney's Big Boy, Friendly's or Howard Johnson's, but with its own local identity and class. I was immediately and very friendly greeted and seated at a booth on the left wall. This was an appetizer to the attentive and hospital service that I had throughout the meal. The interior of Fairview Dairy Bar reflects a thoughtful blend of classic mid-century diner design and modern durability, anchored by a centrally placed counter that organizes the room both visually and socially. The curved counter front is clad in dark mosaic tile, a material choice that recalls Streamline Moderne diners while providing long-term resilience in a high-traffic setting. Chrome-based stools with red vinyl seats line the counter, their bright color and reflective metal evoking the classic soda-fountain era and creating a rhythmic visual accent throughout the space. Together, these elements reinforce Fairview's identity as an authentic, community-centered diner rather than a nostalgic pastiche. The menu has classic diner offerings: breakfast all day (eggs, biscuits & gravy), burgers, fried chicken, pot roast, sandwiches, sides, homemade desserts, and ice cream (multiple flavors, shakes). I chose the Sunday Special: The turkey dinner. It consisted of turkey with dressing and gravy with cranberry sauce. For my sides, I chose sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and corn bread, It was an excellent meal that was complimented by delicious half and half sweet/unsweetened iced tea. I couldn't have a Sunday dinner at a restaurant with "Dairy Bar" in its name without having a small cup of ice cream as desert. I had the Salted Caramel flavor in a cup--rich and creamy. Not only will I return for another Sunday turkey dinner, but I will be back for more ice cream as well. This is a great find--and I can't wait to return. read more

See all

This is an adorable old-fashioned establishment that reminded me of a Tastee-Freeze or 50's diner inside. What made the experience good was the customer service. We informed the server of our food allergies and she was able to accommodate. The orders were exactly what we asked for and delicious. Try the chicken and potato soup! My kids enjoyed getting ice cream to go. What made this a five star review is that one of my kids left their wallet. They didn't realize where it could be until a few days later. They called and someone had held the wallet in a safe location. I was able to go pick it up and everything was intact. Thank you for being trustworthy and helpful. read more

Delicious food and deserts ! Had the BBQ plate and finished it off sharing a piece of the delicious Texas Cake! read more

Solid breakfast spot with reasonable prices and great service. Had eggs, hash browns and biscuits with gravy - all wee good. The gravy is a must get with the biscuits. read more

Fairview Dairy Bar - Dairy Bar Breakfast - Burgers Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

Good food and always a reliable experience. The people are so friendly and it is a great diner atmosphere. Regular rotating specials and veggies. The ice cream is the good hersheys brand. read more

When we got greeted at the door we didn't get a hey welcome in just a " What can i get you to drink " before we even got to the table . Our waitress came over with an attitude and didn't introduce herself just a "are yall ready to order " like she hated her job. And also 3.50 cents for a sweet tea ?? is absolutely insane and greedy , don't recommend this place unless you want to leave in a bad mood ! read more

Waited a bit longer to get served and the food was mediocre for what they charge. Only a one time visit for us.

Stopped in for an early dinner after the Parton Me performance at Temple Theater. We had 44 in our church group and they served us quickly and accurately. I highly recommend the Bang shrimp wrap. It had tons of shrimp and the sauce is fantastic. All 10 of us at my table really enjoyed our food. read more

For what it is, it's not bad. Service was adequate but no more. The restaurant was only about half full but we had to wait an unusually long time to be seated. The food came within a reasonable amount of time and the check came too quickly (the second we declined dessert). The theme seems to be meat n threes/diner. Again, in context, not bad. The day's fried chicken special wasn't dry as some others have complained but the serving was small. The stark white Cole slaw was panned but the baby limas got raves all around. They have fried chicken livers over rice. The gravy either came from a packet or a can but the livers were well fried and were a generous serving. The fried okra may have been house-made but was lukewarm. The cornbread, oddly enough, was a very sweet Northern style, not at all what I expected. Fine dining? No. Meemaw's home cooking? No. Perfectly adequate Southern roadside cooking at reasonable prices? Yep. read more

Fairview Dairy Bar - Baby Lima Beans, Fried Chicken Livers with Rice and Gravy, Fried Okra, Cornbread - Burgers Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

Oooooold school.... the kind of old school that feels like a warm hug... This is the feeling Fairview brings. Fair warning for small children: The ice cream case is the first thing that greets you in the door. It's 1950s diner kitch with well portioned southern home cooking at a fair price. The fried chicken, turkey and gravy, and salmon cakes were all delicious and definitely homemade. The sides were decidedly a mixed bag. Mash potatoes, sweet potato mash, and fried squash were delicious and homemade. The greenbean casserole and mac n cheese were straight from Stauffers and disappointing. The corn bread muffin was stellar. I didn't taste the hamburger, but enough left the kitchen to assemble a small cow so I can assume deliciousness. If you choose wisely and aren't in a rush, this is a homey worthwhile meal. read more

Fairview Dairy Bar - turkey special. mashed sweet potatoes and white potatoeswith gravy - Burgers Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

We met my brother for breakfast ~ he lives here and had not tried this great place yet. Our waitress was "spot on" verifying our wants and needs, checking back with us. We could not have asked for anything better of her. The atmosphere is a mix of old school diner with an amazingly cute/cool "rounded bar" area with low sitting stools. There are very nice booths and table seating as well. The bathrooms are set up as one person at a time, men & women separately. It felt comfortable or homey and was very clean. We got there around 10AM on a Sunday and were seated right away with no wait time, but the place was hoping. My brother and I each ordered a Western omelette ~ he was very pleased. I ordered the Loaded Spinach and Swiss Omelette, asked for extra cheese and it was perfection. Filled with spinach, Swiss, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions ~ everything I crave! My husband selected the wrap and he said it was "ok," but to be fair... I'm bound by our marriage vows to make breakfast sandwiches (on work days ~ a fun twist of our vows since 2nd marriage) & I've started doing wraps to cut on carbs. It's kinda hard to beat the enormous breakfast wraps made with tons of love and a variety of cheeses because we are cheese - aholics. So he knocked a star off, but I'm totally saving this place to visit when in the area. read more

We stopped in for lunch on our way through Sanford, after a quick online search for diners. This place is wonderful! It has a very charming traditional family diner vibe. The service was prompt and friendly. I had the French dip, which was tasty and my husband enjoyed his Reuben. Portions were huge! We took half of everything home for dinner. Prices are also reasonable. read more

My family and I came for our Valentine's Day dinner. There was a little wait, but it was so worth it. The service was fast and the food was totally good. It had the perfect energy for the evening and the best part is it is in our town. I didn't have to drive for a hour or look for parking. I can't wait to go back. read more

Fairview Dairy Bar - Yum, this was the Brownie Bottom Pie. It was so good topped with Ice Cream. - Burgers Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

We chose this restaurant because it was halfway between two family members. We immediately saw it had a retro look so it was very welcoming. The menu items were varied, offering sandwich options, full dinners, but also had a wonderful comfort food section. Our waitress was spectacular! Very attentive yet not bothersome. We definitely will go back. read more

It's the Tuesday after a Monday Christmas, and the whole town is still on break! I think this was our third choice for breakfast. The place was full and we were sat in this awkward booth in the back of the restaurant. My husband ordered the biscuits and gravy with an over easy egg. The egg was overcooked with very little yolk. My daughter in love and I both ordered the breakfast quesadillas. Delicious. My son ordered the stuffed spinach omelette with a pancake on the side. The pancake was an upcharge of $5! Seems excessive when you think how cheaply pancakes can be made. Overall it was a decent breakfast. read more

Fairview Dairy Bar - Bacon Breakfast Quesadilla - Burgers Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

Classic Southern Food that made me feel homesick for my grandma's kitchen. I've been back several times and each meal has been fantastic!!

Real nice place food is always good and staff is wonderful . several flavors of ice cream to tempt you at the register. Almost always someone in for a meal me or my wife recognizes from years gone by. read more

My family and I ate there growing up, so I associate it with family and love. I thought the waitresses and food were great. I just picked up food for my mom and dad there last week and plan to go back soon. read more

Fairview Dairy Bar is a local gem that offers a taste of good ole diner food with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a regular or just passing through, it's definitely worth a visit! read more

Great Hamburgers and ice cream bar....can get malted milk shakes made. It's in a historical building in town....good small town atmosphere.

Good food. Good service. Fair prices on some of the meals. Clean restaurant. Friendly staff unless you go into dine and don't leave before closing. read more

A staple location in Sanford that everyone knows of. Good ole diner food with ice cream and milkshakes. Sorry to say it's been a while since visiting so can not review specific food but can say my wife and I both enjoyed of food. Very busy place during the lunch hour even in middle of week. Would visit again. read more

My husband and I love it here! Our get away food spot! always quick easy and VERY FILLING. Service is amazing and our waitress was super kind! read more

Fairview Dairy Bar - Burgers Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

This is a hidden gem. Food was good and service was great especially considering how packed the place was. Definitely will be going back. You can call in orders to go. Seating includes booths, tables and counter area. read more

Simple menu but food was great, got burgers and fried pickles. Super clean facility and pleasant staff. Definitely would come back! read more

Fairview Dairy Bar - Bacon avocado burger - Burgers Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

It was so busy yet we were seated immediately and didn't wait for our food. The food was great and the sweet tea was too. I definitely will be coming more often. read more

This place is a must visit if you are in Sanford. I like that they do daily specials for different entrees and sides. I visited on a Sunday so I was able to order the turkey & dressing with applesauce and mashed potatoes and gravy and my husband ordered the pot roast with green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy. It was all amazing and so was the service. I can't wait to return. read more

See all

It was just ok. Service was good but food was nothing special. It was clean and nice atmosphere.

Absolutely a good spot to check out in this small and growing town of Sanford. Hidden away yet they make a big impact when you see their menu. They have a diner vibe yet a country kitchen theme and i enjoyed the salmon cakes i ordered. Service was very friendly and i truly enjoyed the welcoming ora. read more

When you think "Southern Diner" , think Fairview! Great old south eating just like grandma used to make. Love the broccoli salad! Almost as good as mine! read more

Only complaint we had was how far it was from home! Stopped in for breakfast on the way to the outer banks and marked this as a place to return. read more

Southern food the way you expect it to be done. Sorry clean and nice, modern looking like a fresh remodel. The food came out really fast even though the place was packed, but that could be sure to Saturday is chicken special day. Would recommend. read more

See all

This spot is an easy stop for a quick bite to eat. The food was okay and the staff was friendly. It's easy to see that locals love this spot, but I think that the chicken fingers basket may not be the best thing on the menu. read more

I grew up in Sanford, but left over 40 years ago for a career in New York. The Dairy Bar was where we went as teens for some "good grease" after partying. I have retired home and am happy to see The Dairy Bar is so little changed after decades. Still serving essential delicious diner food, great dishes, salads, and ice cream. Best diner in town for the past half century! read more

This is another place that is only considered "good" by the boomers locally who never traveled or left outside this county. The place is very mid. Lacks complex flavors and you wait forever for your food. It's just okay. read more

This was an extremely annoying experience. Slow service. Mediocre food. Annoying rules like not being able to pick which kind of fried chicken types you want. You can have a breast and a wing or a thigh and a drumstick... but you can't have a breast and a drumstick. It's just silly. You can't even pay extra to just include a drumstick. The Mac and cheese tasted like it had government cheese on it. The banana split was the biggest overflowing mess. It was spilling onto the table and just made no sense, it was obnoxiously huge and messy. It was clear how or where to pay. No one acknowledged that we were waiting to pay at the counter. No one acknowledged us when we walked in and stood there at the "please wait to be seated" sign for 5 minutes. Microwaved corn dogs. Just lackluster everything. Overall, it has so much potential.. and it was probably great in the past, but it was a huge disappointment. The sweet tea was good. read more

Nice family restaurant. Good breakfast. The servers are very accommodating but not very happy !

This is our go to place when we want a home cooked meal, but don't want to cook. The food is great, it's bright & cheery, clean, and the desserts are yummy too! I was here on Friday evening with my 2 year old granddaughter. We had the most amazing waitress, and I wanted to give her a shout out. Her name was April and she went out of her way to make the experience wonderful. Thank you April! read more