Driftwood Diner
Near the lakeA homey diner a few hundred feet from the lake in Ten Mile, with fresh-patted burgers, a rotating daily special, and Blue Bell ice cream in old-fashioned glass dishes.
Driftwood Diner is the sort of place that inspires people to leave reviews while still in the parking lot. The kitchen is small and the menu reflects that: burgers patted fresh, not frozen, a daily special that might be a campfire meal (steak, potatoes, onion, carrots, corn on the cob), a provolone burger, the driftwood burger with pineapple, hot chicken salad panini, tacos, chicken fajita nachos, and a taco salad. The coleslaw gets specific praise from multiple people. The hamburger steak is called one of the best in years. The key lime pie and the salad both come up as better than expected for a spot this size.
The ice cream is the second draw. Blue Bell in eight flavors, served in cones, in proper banana splits in traditional glassware, blended into milkshakes, or topped with a warm brownie in the Signature Brownie Sundae. The banana split is the dessert the diner is known for. The staff hands out banana bread loaves to take home. Service here goes well past the baseline, and the diner has a record of letting late arrivals eat even after the posted close if the kitchen has food available.
The hours are the main planning consideration: closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; Thursday through Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM; Sunday noon to 4 PM. Seating is limited. The coleslaw is house-made.
Tips
- Check the daily special before ordering; the campfire-style meals are worth planning around.
- The banana split is in traditional glassware, made properly; it is worth the trip on its own.
- Bring home a loaf of banana bread if they have one; it is available at the counter.
- The Sunday window is short (noon to 4 PM); arrive by 2:30 PM at the latest.
- Closed Monday through Wednesday.
What people love
- Banana split in traditional old-fashioned glassware with Blue Bell ice cream.
- Fresh-patted burgers, specifically the provolone and the pineapple-topped driftwood burger.
- Service that goes well past the baseline, with staff who remember returning guests.
- Rotating daily specials, including the campfire steak-and-vegetables meal.
- The coleslaw, house-made and exceptional.
What to know
- Open only Thursday through Sunday; closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
- Sunday hours run noon to 4 PM only.
- Seating is limited; the diner is small and fills quickly on weekends.
- Blue Bell ice cream is the dessert program, served in the full format: cones, splits, shakes, and the brownie sundae.
Best time
Thursday or Friday evenings for the freshest daily special selection and the quietest room. Saturday for the full experience with the lunch crowd. Sunday is the risk: the window closes at 4 PM.
First visit
Order the provolone burger or the driftwood burger with pineapple, get the coleslaw on the side, and end with the banana split. If there is a daily special posted, read it before deciding.
How to get in
Walk-in only; no reservations. The room fills quickly on weekends.
With kids
The ice cream counter is the main kid appeal, and it is a legitimate one. The diner atmosphere is relaxed and family-appropriate.
Signature items
- Banana Split (Blue Bell, traditional glassware)
- Signature Brownie Sundae
- Provolone Burger
- Driftwood Burger with Pineapple
Location
Frequently asked
When is Driftwood Diner open?
Open Thursday through Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM; Sunday noon to 4 PM; closed Monday through Wednesday.
Is Driftwood Diner good for families with kids?
The ice cream counter is the main kid appeal, and it is a legitimate one. The diner atmosphere is relaxed and family-appropriate.
How do I get to Driftwood Diner?
Order the provolone burger or the driftwood burger with pineapple, get the coleslaw on the side, and end with the banana split. If there is a daily special posted, read it before deciding.
Does Driftwood Diner take reservations?
Walk-in only; no reservations. The room fills quickly on weekends.
What should I order at Driftwood Diner?
The signature orders are Banana Split (Blue Bell, traditional glassware), Signature Brownie Sundae, Provolone Burger.
What should I know before visiting Driftwood Diner?
Open only Thursday through Sunday; closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Last updated: April 30, 2026