Check out Dallas' 4 top low-priced diners

Check out Dallas' 4 top low-priced dinersMama's Daughters' Diner. | Photo: Jim S./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on March 31, 2020

Looking to try the finest diners around without breaking the bank?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the most exceptional affordable diners in Dallas, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs on a budget.

1. Norma's Cafe

Photo: Norma's Cafe/Yelp

Topping the list is Norma's Cafe. Located at 1123 W. Davis St. in Oak Cliff, the Southern and traditional American restaurant is the highest-rated inexpensive diner in Dallas, boasting four stars out of 397 reviews on Yelp.

"Norma's Cafe is a Dallas home-cooking institution," the business states in the history section of its Yelp profile. "Founded in 1956, Norma's Cafe serves up hot, fresh and savory home-style meals with a sinful Texan flare, which are sure to make your mouth water."

Regarding signature items, "some of the most popular dishes for breakfast are our breakfast tacos, country breakfast with chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken and then, of course, the Ol' Number 7, which won Dallas Observer's Best Hangover Cure," it continues on Yelp in the section pertaining to specialties. "If you're here for lunch or dinner, we of course recommend our chicken fried steak, smothered pork chops or any of the burgers (the mac and cheese burger is a real standout)! We also have a variety of daily specials [that include] entrees, soups, vegetables, side dishes and desserts."

2. Mama's Daughters' Diner

Photo: Jim S./Yelp

Next up is Mama's Daughters' Diner, situated at 2014 Irving Blvd. in the Design District. With four stars out of 378 reviews on Yelp, the diner, which specializes in soul food and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an economical option.

Yelper Allen L. W., who reviewed Mama's Daughters' Diner on Nov. 7, wrote, "Great country breakfast! Awesome biscuits and gravy! Old diner-type atmosphere, which just makes the food seem even better to me."

And Brittany B. noted, "The place was super cute! Loved the decor and family vibe of the place. Service was extremely fast and ... the biscuits were amazing! All of the food was great, for that matter. Definitely a hidden gem in DFW for a good homestyle breakfast."

3. Metro Diner

Photo: Durae J./Yelp

Oak Cliff's outpost of the well-known chain Metro Diner, settled at 2316 W. Davis St., is another primo choice, with Yelpers giving the budget-friendly greasy spoon four stars out of 67 reviews. 

"Fast and friendly service! Best waffles ever!" said Yelper Marleny D., who reviewed Metro Diner on Aug. 1. "My server was fast and sweet! ... It's cheaper than any other breakfast place, and I love the fact that it's open 24 hours!"

Drew C. added, "Great inexpensive breakfast. I've brought several friends, from vegetarians to rabid carnivores, and everyone has left happy. Extremely friendly staff. Everyone always has a positive attitude. Your coffee mug will never be empty."

4. John's Cafe

Photo: David M./Yelp

Finally, John's Cafe, a diner offers burgers, breakfast, brunch and more in Lower Greenville, is another low-cost go-to, with four stars out of 206 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1733 Greenville Ave. to give it a try for yourself. 

Yelper Sandor K., who reviewed John's Cafe on March 19, wrote, "Awesome take-out — hot, fresh food for you and your family. They have almost everything you could want for lunch or breakfast! It is reasonably priced, and they are super friendly."

And Yelper Amanda W. said, "John's is my favorite place ever for breakfast. It's consistently amazing. ... The Philly cheesesteak omelet is out of this world. My other go-to is the breakfast special with biscuits and a side of gravy. Their biscuits are phenomenal."


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.