As I have a significant number of family members in this area, it always feels like coming home,…read moreespecially at Frances Diner in Hazard, Kentucky. It is actual Appalachian comfort food delivered with genuine, small-town hospitality. This place is a classic, dependable Southern diner--hearty, welcoming, and satisfyingly delicious. The strength of Frances Diner lies entirely in its commitment to simple, traditional Southern fare. The daily specials are the main event, reminiscent of a Sunday dinner at Grandma's house. On my visit, the fried pork chops were expertly seasoned, featuring a tender interior and a crisp, savory coating. The roast beef, smothered in rich gravy, and the fried chicken are notable staples that consistently draw praise. Crucially, the sides are spectacular and feature an impressive variety that rotates daily, moving beyond standard fare to include dishes like fresh green beans, fried cabbage, and homemade macaroni and cheese. These sides are clearly prepared with attention, not just as afterthoughts. For breakfast, the biscuits and gravy remain a standout, maintaining a delightful taste over the years. The only minor deduction is that consistency can occasionally vary slightly when the diner is packed, but the quality always remains high for this style of cooking. The service at Frances Diner epitomizes Southern hospitality. The staff, many of whom are long-time regulars themselves, are incredibly friendly and attentive, treating patrons more like family than customers. Servers navigate the often-busy floor with practiced efficiency, taking orders quickly and offering personalized suggestions. My server was quick to refill coffee and check in without hovering. The only reason this isn't a perfect five stars is that, during peak lunch and dinner hours--which happen often due to the diner's popularity--the kitchen and serving staff can become visibly hectic, leading to slightly longer waits for checks or additional requests. However, the team's genuine warmth and care more than make up for any minor delay. During peak lunch and dinner hours, which often occur The atmosphere at Frances Diner is definitely old-school, local, and welcoming. It has the quintessential, cozy feel of a family-run establishment, complete with a décor that evokes a strong sense of community and nostalgia, featuring memorabilia and local photographs. It's clean and well-maintained and fosters a comforting environment where both regulars and travelers feel at home. The space is functional and focuses on community gathering rather than modern aesthetics. It can be loud and a bit chaotic when busy, but this only adds to its small-town charm--it's the sound of people enjoying good food together. While the dining area is not sleek or modern, it perfectly fits the vibe of a beloved local diner serving classic comfort food. Frances Diner is a must-visit institution in Hazard. It's an honest, high-quality purveyor of Appalachian comfort food that delivers excellent value and genuine hospitality. If you're looking for innovative cuisine, this isn't it. If you're looking for a hearty, traditional meal that tastes like home, served by friendly faces, this four-star gem is exactly where you should pull up a chair.

We came in on Saturday for lunch and both had a 1/2lb cheeseburger with fries. This was the best…read moreburger I've had in years! The bun was buttered and toasted. The burger was griddled and juicy. Yummmm!!! The fries were crinkle cut and piping hot. Delicious!!! Service was great as well! 10/10!

I like their daily specials. Not a fan of the bar life after they stop serving food but the family…read morefriendly events during the day is a plus for this town.

The steaks are seasoned really good. Love the fries and appetizers. Service has always been…read morefriendly and fast. Nice atmosphere.

We were camping in Big Stone and friends brought us here for dinner. Everything was delicious. My…read moreburger with pimento cheese and fries green tomatoes was excellent. They have an extensive salad bar. The staff is wonderful. They also have a cute gift shop with lovely dishware We had an excellent experience.

This place is probably the most inconsistent place i have ever visited. One trip the food will be…read moregood. The next visit, the meal will be essentially inedible good luck. . The building is nice.

I ordered the pork chops and it was excelente!! Service was estupendo …read more The menu verity was small but expected for a small town. Thank you, loved it.

A food was tasty steaks were a little undercooked. When they first came out but not an issue…read more Service was wonderful the waitress couldn't be more help. Would go back, but wouldn't be my first choice

I always appreciate that "Big Blue" lives up to its name. And trust me - it has diverse "sauces"…read moreas it claims to. They don't lie.

Reviews are about right…read more Stopped at Big Blue Smokehouse in Hazard on Memorial Day. The place has the feel of a longtime local institution with good bones, though the restaurant and bar show some wear. Overall the restaurant seems past their peak years. Staff mentioned they were short-handed, and service was understandably slow. The menu is very broad and might benefit from focusing more tightly on the items they execute best. The ribs were the strongest part of the BBQ plate with solid bark and decent smoke. Pulled pork was slightly dry and mild on smoke flavor. Brisket was inconsistent -- some slices dry, others much better and more moist. Mac and cheese was typical, and the broccoli casserole was an interesting side, think cream of broccoli soup meats pot pie. Not destination BBQ, but an authentic local spot with and hometown feel.

What a delicious little place! I Kinda love driving through the quirkier parts of the towns that…read morewe drive through and we drove through Whitesburg Kentucky there is the cutest little strip of old buildings and shops and this guy is tucked right in here it's Pacos I don't know really if they're a national thing I kind of doubt it or if it's just a city thing right here and it's his I don't know but my god those chips are delicious the salsa is delicious I had the ACP ariz con Pollo. oh my goodness it was so good cheese broccoli squash zucchini Yum my husband had the burrito which is pronounced boo Rito here so get it right anyways he loved it!

Chip girl needs a rise; she is really attentive and got us plenty of refills. Waiters get on their…read morephones too much.

Best food truck I have ever been to and I have been to many all across the US. Everything is cooked…read morefresh and he has a great selection of different items so you will never get burned out on just a few items like other trucks. Vic not only has the best food truck in the US, he also has the best food in Eastern Kentucky. His pulled pork is amazing and the fried catfish is even better. Perfect crunch and flaky fish, in generous portions- you will not go away hungry. Best local food and worth the 2-hour drive if you live in Lexington. Heck, worth the drive if you live in Nome, Alaska. Once you eat here, you will not go back to other food. Sorry Mom...(not sorry).

This place has one of the Best BBQ pulled pork sandwich ever!! Expect to wait longer but that's…read moreonly because everything is fresh!! I had the cheese wedges, they were absolutely fantastic! The highlight was the shakes(I had peanut butter) are amazing. You should definitely stop by if you're ever in the area! You will be amazed at the really variety! The classic roadside dinner.