Dearman’s Diner — Restaurant in Baton Rouge

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Dearman’s Diner is a solid choice for a casual meal, especially if you’re in the mood for a retro vibe. Recently, I visited with my family, and while my father is a huge fan of the place (particularly the burgers), my experience was a mix of hits and misses.

The burgers are good but not great—at least for someone like me who prefers burgers cooked to temperature. Dearman’s serves their patties well-done by default, and I didn’t think to ask if they’d make it to order. I had a regular hamburger (no cheese) with bacon, and while it was tasty, it didn’t quite wow me. I’m a purist when it comes to burgers and felt like the patty could have been more of a standout.

The fries, however, were excellent. Hand-cut, perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and not overly salted (you can season them yourself). They were a definite highlight of the meal.

The atmosphere is where Dearman’s shines. It’s like stepping into a 1950s malt shop, complete with checkerboard floors, retro diner tables, and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. The waitstaff is friendly and constantly on the move, ensuring that food gets out quickly and service is attentive.

Now, onto the milkshake—or should I say the malt? I ordered a chocolate milkshake, but what I received tasted far more like a malt. I’m not a fan of malts, so this was a big letdown for me. It might have been the flavor of the ice cream or a mix-up on the order, but either way, it was the most disappointing part of the experience.

Overall, Dearman’s is a decent spot for a casual hangout, a quick bite, or even a simple date night. The food is good, the atmosphere is fun, and the staff is welcoming. Just double-check your sweet treat order if you’re picky about your shakes like I am! I’d recommend Dearman’s for the experience, but with a few caveats...

I'm giving this a 2 out of 5 because the only really good thing was the burgers. The fries had obviously already been cooked and then just reheated in the hot oil, my mother ordered grilled onions with her burger and they came about 5 minutes after her burger was brought which I thought was kind of odd, I mean why not just keep her burger back there the extra 5 minutes instead of bringing something to her table she has to wait to eat because she's still waiting on you to correctly fulfill the order??? Not to mention, after our food was brought our waitress was never to be seen again, did not ask us how our food was, if she could get us anything, refills, nothing. I just went up to the front and paid and got a box myself, which is fine, but I felt like the waitress should have at least asked us at some point how everything was or should have been more friendly. It seemed like she was annoyed she even had to be a waitress when she was waiting on us.

We are small town southern folk and don't "come to town" often. I was treating my elderly mother to lunch at a place she said she loved but she was just as disappointed as I. We are sad but we probably won't...

Let me just start by saying: I know Dearman’s is famous for its burgers—but I went rogue and ordered the grilled chicken sandwich, and I have zero regrets. In fact, I might have discovered Dearman’s best-kept secret.

The sandwich came stacked with juicy grilled chicken, melted pepper jack cheese, perfectly sautéed onions, crisp lettuce, and just the right amount of mayo—all on a soft, golden bun that held it all together like a dream. Every bite was packed with flavor. The chicken was tender and smoky, the cheese added a creamy heat, and the grilled onions tied it all together like a diner symphony.

And then there were the fries. Golden, crispy, skin-on, and clearly hand-cut—these weren’t just a side dish, they were an experience. Salty, satisfying, and absolutely addictive.

The vibe inside Dearman’s is pure nostalgia with a retro twist—complete with friendly, no-frills service that makes you feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit.

If you’re a Dearman’s loyalist who always goes for the burger, I’m here to tell you: don’t sleep on the chicken sandwich. It might just change your...