The Diner

If you want good diner food from a good "diner," The Diner in downtown Smithfield, NC, is the place to go. After 18 years at it, they've got it down to a smooth running family-run machine. I sat at the counter right where all of the food comes out of the kitchen and watched one masterpiece after another flow from the grill. The workers seem to never slow down as they all seem to help each other keep the smiles on customer's faces.A rare find in a fast-food world!

Classic small town charm with some fantastic cooks. First visit for breakfast. Home fried potatoes. Best I've had in 10 years and hundreds of breakfasts. Order them. Side pane cake came out hot and fluffy. The batter was so enticing I shared it with my friend. Had too. Only polite thing to do. Renegade Benedict. Was asked how I wanted my egg, the waiter countered my poached with over easy. I accepted. Gravy was fantastic. The sausage gravy was on top of another whole sausage patty. Dare I say sausage on sausage was too much. Biscuit- fluffy and firm. Will be back for a lunchtime or two. Many of the items are home made.

The food was okay. nothing amazing. The service was terrible. Having been the only latinos there, the staff didn't check on us as often and other patrons made us feel unwelcomed. Not to mention the chef handling money and scratching his butt while cooking. Haven't been back since, and don't plan to.

It's been a minute, but back again for breakfast. Yummy tenderloin and gravy sandwich, home fries are always hot, fresh, seasoned. Unsweetened, fresh brewed iced tea. Yum.Fried egg, tenderloin for my guy, home fries, bisquit.Can you tell we're breakfast people?Why cook at home when you can get this great fare for a great price, support local!Wish we didn't have to drive to Smithfield for it, but we eat here when in town. Lunch specials on a whiteboard, sodas, Pepsi products, served in can. Today, busy, even a number of NC Highway Patrol dining in. Only a few tables empty, bar full of patrons as well. Glad to see business is booming.Try this place, you won't be disappointed. Open for breakfast/lunch.

I really wanted to like this place as I enjoy diners. The service was friendly. You can seat yourself and someone brings you a menu and takes your drink order. The prices are reasonable too.I went with the french toast with bacon. The bacon was amazing and really crispy but the french toast was soggy. I've not had soggy french toast before so wasn't sure if it was cooked long enough. It was hot. I'm not sure if they used too much milk or the wrong type of bread.I think I should have ordered eggs and bacon.

First timer here! So worth it just wish we'd come before breakfast was over (ends at 11am) but will need to come back to try that menu out. Walked in and first impression was - quaint & cozy, mom & pop-type of diner. The staff was personable and cordial. There was a sense of "family and welcomeness." The coffee was very good, not watered down as in most chain establishments - it was served in a tall coffee mug and just like I like it, steaming hot! There were two of us, the other person opted for a grill bacon/ cheese with fries (they are super picky and totally enjoyed it - "well done, not greasy" as they put it lol). I opted for the bacon cheeseburger with fries - it was decent. Bacon nicely crips not overcooked, the burger wasn't as thick as in other diners we've visited but still delicious. Fries also ok, not as thick as in other places - these were more like shoe-string fries not steak fries but like I said, decent. Overall it was a good meal at an affordable price and would recommend everyone giving them a try. They are in downtown Smithfield across from the Ava Gardner Museum and the Johnston County Museum - two nice places to visit after the diner and a great way to support the local businesses!

A real local dinner with excellent food. We were to late for breakfast, so opted for some lunch items. I enjoyed a nice juicy cheeseburger and my friend sampled the BLT. They have daily specials and homemade desserts. This is a place where the locals hangout and they do quite a brisk carry out service. Next time, I want to have the breakfast.

So yummy! Fast service, flavorful food, great customer service. Will definitely be back!

We had 4 people in our group& each of us were very pleased with our choices. One person had the Philly steak wrap which was better than expected & another the brown gravy with tenderloin which again was excellent. The other two people in party were happy with the choices & said it was delicious. We had a window seat which was nice to see the locals in town. The lady that waited on us was very friendly & overall and great experience.

Everything about this place is amazing! From the service to the food I totally recommend this family owned restaurant. Make sure to order some French toast. The ambience here is very friendly and welcoming.