Great little hometown Diner. When we first arrived to the outside--well, the name Rusty Lantern seemed appropriate--half expected to hear a gate creaking and slamming in the wind, and see a hitching rail for your horse. That made us a little nervous, but also so excited . [[HIGHLIGHT]]Once inside that nervousness is quickly replaced by friendly people. You can immediately feel that it's a real local favorite. Everybody's eyes are on you when you enter, but that is definitely not to make you uncomfortable. They are smiling and welcoming. You're offered boisterous warm greetings, with that welcome home feel.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]With stools at the counter, some very big tables and chairs sitting off to the left for big parties to sit at, and booths for the typical size party, the seating was perfectly spaced and comfortable. It truly allowed for tables of regulars to intermingle.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It was definitely rustic, folksy and the people were all friendly regulars like they were co-owners. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The artwork on the wall was just so--cow hand and ranch family murals. I truly expected John Wayne any moment to come drawling in and tell me, "I think you need to sit down, partner."[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We chose a booth, sat down, and were greeted quickly by the most humble and sweet young lady who was our--No, THE server approaching us very quickly to take our drink order, and explain the small menu to us. Yes the menu was very basic. A rainbow of colorful chalk writing garnished in an invented style, a board displayed behind the counter, which consists of an evolving menu of fresh made dessert type foods that weren't on the menu --the menu lived. The small basic menu was one page--That was it. Having mostly the basics to choose from, I chose a nice sausage patty, and three scrambled eggs with cheese and onions. We were half expecting half effort food--boy were we wrong. I also couldn't help myself I had to order one of these fresh made goods displayed on that board. Knowing that it was a side to my already ordered dish, I asked my server. "How big is a slice of banana cream pie, is it a good side." Lol..." Yeah it's not that big" well I should have known by the Texas feel of the local little diner. When the cream pie came out I could have eaten it for both breakfast and lunch and been plenty full lol. It occupied my every thought, with fresh bananas and cream, a smothering of whipped cream over the top, and a perfect semi-sweet crumbly crust, I devoured it quickly! The fresh cracked eggs, not overly greasy from frying up on an overworked grill, and the flavorful sausage combined with what seemed to be hand grated potato hash browns, mixed with onions cheese and spices. This was a classic downhome cooked meal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was easy to tell why the place was filling up with customers quickly. It didn't get too crowded, but the patrons definitely tripled by the time we were finished with our meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The server was friendly and handled all of the orders expertly, and lol, her little boy brought the dishes out to the table for you. It started to feel more like eating at a B&B. And the food is amazing--you have to go here. That board that I was telling you about, more fresh made foods were being written on the board while we were eating --the menu lived. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This was an amazing experience, with rustic artwork all over the walls, friendly people willing to scoot over so that we can take pictures.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will definitely be back here. When you're in Idaho Falls, or even if you live here, take a 3 minute trip up 20 to visit this wonderful diner. I promise you won't regret it. I was having a little bit of a hard time time coming up with this review because I definitely wanted to make this a John Wayne movie lol. Thank you for reading, I hope it wasn't too scattered and I was able to do this establishment justice. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice country style diner/restaurant in Ucon north of Idaho Falls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A late lunch made the sandwiches look inviting so we got a Reuben, tots, and a side salad. The dark rye was toasted, and the sandwich was loaded with a large amount of sauerkraut. The service was very friendly and efficient, with even an apology that a group of 20 came in after us which was fairly loud and raucous. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My spouse said it was usually nice and quiet as this was my first visit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I don't see BLT on the menu much anymore, so that's what I'll probably get next time. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - Reuben and Tots - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

Really cute restaurant, delicious soups and French dip sandwich and burger. The waitress was very nice and most attentive. read more

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We arrived just after closing, but didn't realize it. Even though their lasts guests were finishing up and leaving, they could see that we were tired and hungry. We had an emotionally and physically exhausting day. They invited us in so warmly. It felt like they were friends we'd known forever. She offered us a warm bowl of soup and fresh homemade bread. She told us to take our time and enjoy our dinner. It's been so cold the last couple days and the steaming vegetable beef soup tasted homemade and just hit the spot. It reminded me of my mom's soup and was just perfect. The kindness was enough on its own for all the stars but the food was delicious and tasted like home. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything was neat and tidy and the decorations were so cute.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We are grateful for the chance we had to eat here and will stop by again next time we are in town. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - Fresh homemade mini loaf bread, and delicious roast beef and vegetable soup. - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

Wonderful little cafe some locals recommended. Fantastic food, very friendly and helpful employees, [[HIGHLIGHT]]comfortable environment[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. We will definitely go back the next time we're in town! read more

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What a great lil place off the beaten path. Service was attentive and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Whoever decorates does an amazing job, I love it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had chicken noodle soup and a mini loaf of bread, which was absolutely delicious and hubby had a bacon cheeseburger which he loved as much as the french fries. This place is a gem, we'll be back on our travels. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - Chicken noodle soup & a warm mini loaf, bacon cheeseburger and fries - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

I believe there is always a wonderful meal to be eaten at The Rusty Lantern! Today I had the Prime Rib French Dip with fries. So yummy! The beef was extra tender and very tasty. The dipping sauce was hot and delish for both the meat and bread. The bread was grilled before making the sandwich which made the sandwich twice as good. And as always the fries so good. My coffee cup stayed filled and same with the water due to good service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was lucky to snag a booth during the lunch rush.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I always enjoy the atmosphere at The Rusty Lantern...good old fashion great tasting country food well prepared and casual.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They know how to treat customers well. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - Prime Rib French dip with fries. - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

The staff was absolutely wonderful. Friendliest people I the buttermilk pie is outstanding. The chef salad was equally good because they make their own island dressing. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Lovely little place, owned and run by a nice family, cooking and serving up anything from fresh soup and grilled cheese to prime rib and meringue pie[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . They have water, soda, coffee and tea to drink, along with a chalk board of specials and daily desserts. Highly recommended. read more

Our breakfast was absolutely delicious! The biscuits and gravy were made from scratch, soft biscuit and sausage gravy. The bacon was so tasty and perfectly cooked that we ordered an extra side! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The country, relaxed feel was comfortable and welcoming[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. So glad we found this place!!! read more

Fantastic biscuits and gravy, with a couple of eggs over easy! Perfect way to start the day. I'll definitely be going back.

The good and service in great! Love the chicken fried steak and my daughter says they have the best Caesar salad.

Found this place through Yelp looking for a good place to eat. It lived up to the good reviews. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cozy, welcome place with great homemade food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great service. I'll definitely be back! read more

Food was great, [[HIGHLIGHT]]sat outside and was very impressed with environment they created for a beautiful meal[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Come here for a Lovely dining experience. Cute and fun decorations inside and out. Great home cooked food. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Service was attentive and friendly. It's best to make a reservation so you don't have to wait. Come early on Friday's because the clam chowder and prime rib special has been known to sell out. They have a good and ever changing dessert menu. My parents loved the coconut cream pie. I loved the elderberry raspberry pie. This is a delightful place to go to if you are passing through or live in the area. read more

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Loved the corn bread. Food was tasty and [[HIGHLIGHT]]atmosphere rustic[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but staff very friendly.

Service was friendly and good, [[HIGHLIGHT]]ambiance good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], food was really good except 4 r fries, they were too greasy.

Oh yeah! This was a great lunch! I was surprised how many people flocked into this little diner, but when I started eating the French fries, it all make perfect sense! We were seated fast, the service here is fantastic, my cup was refilled so fast I was getting dizzy. I ordered the mushroom Swiss burger and it was good. Honestly it was a tad over cooked, but the toppings were delicious. The French fries stole the show. They were popping with flavor, they must have been deep fried in happiness! They were sooo good! Great service, good food, check them out when you are in the neighborhood! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Just like grandmas![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] In fact I heard a young boy playing hide n seek with his "granny" there. Small town, home made food. Had a bacon cheese burger with good ol Idaho potato fries! Definitely family owned and ran. There's not many of these places left! Yay for rural USA! read more

Went to dinner with some friends here tonight and was impressed by this older diner. I had the big lantern burger, and it was amazing! I highly recommend trying it. it's not gourmet, but has great food for a diner. The waitress was very nice and provided great service. Our drinks were always full and the food came out quickly. She even comped my meal because I'm a veteran and it is Veterans Day, which I tried to get her NOT to do. I could hear her comping other veterans meals as well, which they certainly didn't have to do. It was very nice of them and goes to show the type of restaurant they are. If you're in town, I recommend trying this place out, but be sure to bring your appetite and try the big lantern burger! read more

This spot serves up a tasty and satisfying diner style breakfast, with all the standard diner staples done very well. Everything was tasty including the bacon and eggs, pancakes, and the extra large cinnamon roll, which was big enough for the whole fam. You can tell most people in there were probably regulars and they kind of gave us a longer than average glance when we walked in, but everyone was really friendly and welcoming. There's nothing fancy about this little joint, but the breakfast is definitely above average and I highly recommend coming here if you're ever in the area. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

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While driving to Craters of the Moon from Yellowstone, we came here for breakfast because it was close to the highway. What a gem of a place. I had the pancakes with eggs and bacon. The pancakes were fluffy and some of the best I have ever had. The bacon was thick and flavorful. My wife had the skillet dish made with potatoes, eggs, bacon and covered with cheese. Hearty, flavorful and delicious. If you are ever close by and want a great meal come here and you'll leave full and smiling. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

we really loved our experience. This is truly a hometown greasy spoon with an awesome vibe. The food is excellent. The service comes with a smile and is fast. Go Ucon Idaho! read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - My bride loving the Rusty Lantern! - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

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Awesome western diner! Great food, great service, & Cowboy decor. Oatmeal was delicious. Bacon eggs and hash browns, spot on! read more

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Passing by while on vacation with friends and we saw this gem close by. We decided to give it a shot. The food is home made, large portions, the service was great abs very reasonably priced. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a good meal. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - Homemade cinnamon roll (medium size). It was delicious and huge. - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

A gem in the small town of Ucon. The staff is welcoming and conversational. The food is delicious and my experience has always been outstanding. Highly recommended! read more

This is one of our favorite spots. The food is amazing, service is always friendly and personable.

The food is amazing and the service was equally great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the quaint atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Highly recommend.

Let me tell you my favorite thing about this diner, their fries are AMAZING I ALMOST DIED, LIKE I STARTED FLOATING AND THEN MY SOUL WAS ASCENDING INTO HEAVEN, the employees were so nice helpful aswell, and the vibe of the diner was just so comforting. read more

I love the feel of the restaurant! It's homey and the food tastes homemade. I really love the dessert options too!

So much local flavor in this quaint family owned place. A real treasure! Lots of country and western charm. If you are visiting the area check it out. You won't be disappointed. We stopped in on our way from the Tetons to SLC. It was 11 am and we had our choice of either breakfast or lunch. We chose breakfast and were starving. I had the Skillet breakfast. My husband had the biscuits and gravy. Everything was just like you would make at home. Delicious and cooked just the way you like it. The food was great but I must say the staff really made the place. Everyone was so friendly and engaging. People I would want to hang out with in real life. Down to earth and genuine. So refreshing after being around fellow tourist for a week. By the way we were so hungry we forgot to take a picture of the paper menu or the food. Specials on the board. You won't go wrong with whatever you pick. read more

The Rusty Lantern Diner - American Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

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The food was great! Don't be fooled by the outside! Family restaurant and I mean the family owes and runs and works there. Go on give it try The food here was great! I had a French Dip that was outstanding! The pie was a great coconut cream. The others food I saw looked good. Nice portion sizes! read more

Very good local diner. Very friendly servers. We went here for breakfast and lunch a couple of times.

Wow this place is a hidden gem with great food and service. Clam chowder was some of the best i have had in years. all the food was seasoned well, high quality and not over salted like some restaurants. We plan to come back several times to try all the goodies they have. Do not miss out on this place. [[HIGHLIGHT]]has great ambiance with there name sake on the walls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Great food and service. I love the local diner feel. Fun place and good food. The servers are super kind.

Almost everything off of this menu is homemade! This is by far the best quality food you will ever order from a diner! Make sure to get desert you will not be disappointed! read more

If you're ever driving on the 20 headed up to Yellowstone, you have to stop in Ucon and go to Rusty Lantern! We've been for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we've enjoyed ourselves every time. I especially love their breakfast food. Everyone is so friendly, and you really get the small town atmosphere once inside. We especially love going at Christmas when it's all decorated, and you can hear old Christmas songs being played in the background. read more

Figured you could leave a review I wrote it for you: This is not a place that's going to win you any weight loss awards, it is however a place that will deliver great food, fantastic service and a pleasant atmosphere. Ucon is a small town outside of Idaho falls and the rusty lantern is worth the stop. I got the eggs bacon and hash and it was cooked to perfection. The salty bacon paired perfectly with the crispy outside hash that had a nice soft middle. The owners are a local couple who had their grandson inside greeting everyone. Awesome place I will def be coming back for the perf breaky. read more

The prime rib French dip special was excellent. The service was fast and friendly. The peach cobbler was warm from the oven. The vegetable beef soup was also tasty. This was a fun family restaurant to visit. read more

We really enjoy going to the Rusty lantern. The owners and staff are the best! We have become regulars now and thoroughly enjoy the experience!!! Don't miss Prime Rib nights, Friday and Saturday! Try their cinnamon roll at breakfast It's all good!!! read more