The cutest little diner! Whenever we stay nearby we need to make a trip here. The food is your usual diner food but the real prize here are the sundaes. When strawberries are in season the fresh strawberry sundae is phenomenal. read more

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We have been going to the Milky Way for over 50 years when visiting Cowan's Gap. This early June visit offered the very best Fresh Strawberry sundae I've ever had there! The berries were so fresh and naturally sweet. The Dilly Burger is still delicious but the lettuce was not as finely grated as previous years. The service was friendly, efficient and accommodating ! It's still a 5 star in its class. Thank you to the family who keeps the tradition alive! read more

The four-star review is for their ice cream; their ice cream is the best I've ever had. I don't know if they add some kind of special ingredient or cream, but it's magnificent. The food and ambiance is fine. Nothing fantastic, but nothing bad. The Milky Way is about the only restaurant available in the immediate area. It's an old, established diner, giving chicken tenders, fries (or "chips," which are fried cross-sections of potatoes), hoagies, burgers, and the like. It's got a brown-panel interior with paintings of wild turkeys. It's got local flavor, but it's not something I'd suggest you travel far for... except for the ice cream. Their ice cream is fresh made each day. It's soft-serve, but it's even better than custard. So good. Lots of ways to enjoy it: floats, shakes, malts, banana splits, sundaes, cones, you name it. They have a drive-through and even walk-up windows in additional to their interior. It gets busy at peak times; when we were there at 5 PM on a Thursday, almost every booth was filled. The food and service are fine. We got our food maybe fifteen or twenty minutes after we ordered it. So it's not fast food. The server brings you your food, but then you're on your own after that; if you want a refill or more ketchup or anything, you get back in line at the counter, and sometimes that line is so long it's not worth it. I wouldn't turn anybody away from it, but I wouldn't suggest it for the food or anything. The ice cream is great, but I'd use the walk-up window or the drive-through. I didn't see any outdoor seating. The Facebook page is quite active and seems friendly enough. Note: the place just recently re-opened in June 2023 after closing for a hiatus. The new management seems driven to create a good experience and continue the Milky Way's time-tested reputation for an enjoyable time. Again, get the ice cream. That is, after all, why it's called the "Milky Way." read more

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Always fresh and friendly. It's quiet in a quiet town and people travel from a decent distance sometimes just to enjoy it.

wife and I got hamburger each and large fries and two drinks. The fries went in the trash and the burgers we half ate as they were small and gristly. Twenty one dollars for that. The food was good until new owner took over awhile back. Prices are ridiculous now and food well not for us. will pass it by next time... read more

I got a cheeseburger with fries and a Dr. Pepper, and a chocolate milkshake for desert. My mom got a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. All were amazing! The wait was about 15 minutes which is way better than other places, and the staff was very kind. The prices are really cheap too! It was $24 for my mom and I combined. The place was clean and was very spacious. Will definitely be coming back. read more

The Milky Way has been here a long time and a place I have visited many times over the years. I was in the area around lunch time so decided I would stop in for "old times sake". I ordered the cheeseburger basket with fries. The gal taking my order was friendly and showed no attitude- refreshing compared to a lot of other places I've eaten at lately. However, I was a bit confused by the amount I was being charged at first but after looking at my receipt I discovered they charge $0.40 to add tomato to your burger. Not a big deal but just something that I would recommend they make clear when someone is ordering. It took about 5 minutes for the food to come out but it was packed in a nice "to go" box for me. The gal who took my order made sure to include napkins and ketchup packets - even without me asking! Fries were hot and crispy. They use a shoestring fry here and fry each order fresh. They could have used a bit more salt but were still good and the serving was large. The burgers (yes - plural. Baskets come with two burgers) were ok. They are a larger patty than at a fast food place but they lacked seasoning. Salt, pepper, and a toasted bun would take these to the next level. They use white American cheese which I always thought had a smoother richer taste than the yellow. I didn't get a shake this trip but from past experience know they are delicious and are worth the money. I can say after eating at the Milky Way you don't feel disgusting or ashamed like many of the chain fast food places. Overall the Milky Way still holds up after all these years. The service is helpful and friendly, prices are reasonable, and the food is good. read more

Milky Way Restaurant - Burger basket with fries - to go. - New American Near Me - Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania

Yay! Milky Way has delicious ice cream and food and the service is great too! 5 stars!

Don't trust the other reviews. We did and it was a mistake. The night was July 4th. All other restaurants were closed. We looked on Yelp and saw this had decent reviews and was still open. This place is perfect for an absolute last resort. The place was filthy. All the tables were dirty and so was the floor. The food was... sub par. I got the chicken finger basket with onion rings. The onion rings are the cheapest money can buy. My chicken fingers were nugget sized. I'm a grown ass man, but it looks like I got a kids meal for an adult meal price. My lady got cold fries with her wings. She said she liked the wings, but they didn't come with any sauce. Our meals were complete with a patriotic paper plate we could have taken home of we wanted! Yippee! The service was ok. The girls behind the counter were doing their best. The saving grace of this place is their soft serve ice cream. I got a rootbeer float for dessert. It was everything you can expect out of a float. My lady got a sundae with the works and it was fantastic. It's cheap as hell American dining, so if you're on a budget and need to take your partner out for a romantic meal... treat them right with this deep fryer powered restaurant. Or, the better idea is to come here for dessert. read more

Milky Way Restaurant - 'Merica - New American Near Me - Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania

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Good food and wonderful people serving!! Wife and I had my dads favorite breakfast, creamed beef on toast.. loved it!!! read more

Pulled up for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The parking lot was full so we were not sure of the wait time since we have never been here before. Walked in, got our order and in 10-15 minutes, we had our app American food. We tried the finger chicken and burger basket with fries. The chicken was nice and moist with the perfect amount of breading. The burger basket came with two burgers!!!!! We left full and happy. The staff are very nice and attentive. We will be back. read more

A nice laid back place where people are people and not busting balls over a mask! It's just a short drive from Cowans Gap State Park. They are very friendly and wear a smile! The atmosphere is also pleasant! The prices are great!!i highly recommend stoping in if your in the area! read more

Milky Way Restaurant - A cold turkey sandwich and fries. This is a half size beings my husband and I split it. - New American Near Me - Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania

The Milky Way is what you expect a small-town restaurant to be. No more no aless. That said, it is a great place to eat and to people watch. Most of the folks at the Milky Way are from the area, but when I say the area, I mean 20-30-mile radius of Fort Loudoun. The food here is above average. Most people coming to the restaurant order more than the food (e.g. ice cream, shakes, etc.). The prices are reasonable albeit a little higher than last year but that is to be expected with inflation and all. When you go to the counter, your server (mostly young girls) will take your order and deliver it to your table personally. That is a nice touch. It is a place we go out of our way to go to because it is a throw-back place. It has been the same since it opened (the 70's?). I hope that it continues to stay open for many years. read more

We drove back over mountains from Bedford. We had eaten at a tremendous haut cuisine place. We know what a great meal is. The Milky Way is clean,efficient, and Staff trys hard to please and surpass all expectations. This is also a careful place. The ladies room has a separate wash basin in the handicapped stall. Why ? Because the owner obviously cares. I noticed high end condiments are provided. All of this says a lot about how much They Care. I will definitely return to this restaurant in my future travels. read more

The Milky Way is one of those hometown stops that keeps its customers happy and coming back year after year. We've been coming here forever and have always enjoyed their 'fast food' that really isn't the fast food like you're used to. The girls at the cash register are always happy to take your order...the food is inexpensive and absolutely delicious for burgers, fries and ice cream!! The Milky Way is always busy and full of customers, but luckily the wait is never very long. You can order at the walk-up window or go inside and order at the counter. (I'd skip the drive-thru and get out of your car...I've seen people sit there for an eternity for some odd reason) Our go to is the 'Galaxiburger' - 2 grilled burgers with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles & mayo. SO GOOD!! We also really enjoy the 'Dilliburger' - pretty much like the Galaxiburger but with 1 burger and more pickles. Treat yourself and get an order of onion rings and chips...the Milky Ways version of round flat deep fried tater slices. Order some. They compliment the burger perfectly :) We always look forward to strawberry and peach season for their FRESH fruit soft-serve sundaes. Simply delicious. Their hot fudge sundaes with marshmallow and the chocolate 'dipped' cones are also yummy items to try. Oh...and if you're in the area at breakfast time, definitely stop there. You'll pay around $5 and be completely full and satisfied!! read more

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What happened to the size of the donuts? We paid nearly $8 for 1/2 dozen. They are smaller than they were with the previous owners. It's a shame; the price should reflect the size; they were mini donuts. read more

I couldn't believe this place, in this time of mitigation measures imposed by the state restricting occupancy and mandating the wearing of masks, the Milky Way is seating at or near capacity with indoor dining, and the waiting line fills the main entrance. I noted several staff members, including kitchen staff, mask-less. Most of the clientele were mask-less as well. If you were trying to spread a disease, you could not do a better job. I don't know what world these people live in, but if someone gets sick, or god forbid dies, it will be because of their reckless disregard for the health of their patrons and staff. read more

PSA: If you walk into Milky Way restaurant you will have a sudden understanding of why despite the efforts of many, the virus keeps spreading. NOT A SINGLE MASK IN SIGHT. Not from the workers, and not from the patrons! Every seat was taken, and 20 people or so in line. NO MASKS! It was like a "let's get coronavirus party" . Needless to say I walked out. Why does anyone find this acceptable? Do you enjoy this pandemic? Do you want it to last as long as possible? Do you think that it's a hoax or something? No? Then please get your act together everyone. Such a shame, because from past experience this place does have some great food. It would be so great to eat here if they were at all safe. But this place is certainly not worth risking a life over. read more

Love, love, love the Milky Way. My favorite is the fried ham and cheese hoagies and the Rueben's. Best Peach Sundaes too!!

The Milky Way Restaurant had solid fare but it was the atmosphere that really made this place shine for me. My server was prompt, courteous, kind, and didn't seem troubled by the smell of my road. I took a nap in my booth after the food and woke up to a full room of people having fun and engaging conversation. The crowd was a bit older but that just means more stories to share. I had the breakfast special and it was made perfectly. read more

Two years later and I write this review sitting in a "fast" food drive thru for 15 minutes. Seriously, don't provide full service food drive thru if you cannot handle it. The ice cream is great but figure out how to provide service !!! read more

Good food and good ice cream. I enjoyed the retro atmosphere at the restaurant. It is always busy.

We stopped here on our way to Cowans Gap, we got Turkey Hoagies. They were really good. Just the perfect size. The staff was friendly and very helpful. We'll stop again! read more

Great food, great prices. Their bacon cheeseburgers are 10/10 and all ice cream is delicious. I also love the option of eating/ordering inside or going to the order window. read more

Finally stopped here yesterday after passing it several times on our many trips to Cowan's Gap. The service was great. Love the idea of ordering at the counter and then sitting down waiting for them to bring it. Between the 4 of us we got the steamer, 2 galaxiburgers, crab cake sandwich, hot dog and wing dings and fries. The best part of the whole meal was the wing dings and the crab cake. The Galaxiburger bun was stale. So it fell apart before it could be eaten. The steamer was ok but lacked flavor. Salt maybe. The crab cake was delish. So good we plan to go back for that specifically. The prices are great. The atmosphere was wonderful. I definitely recommend checking this place out if you have the opportunity! read more

Seeing as how I grew up just above this place, I've had plenty of time around it. The burgers are decent enough, chips are amazing, ice cream is fantastic and my mecca for Slush Puppies. Let me elaborate on the chips. They are flat French fries, not hard, crunchy chips like from Utz. I don't care what anyone says, they taste better than any fries anywhere. For the most part, what you think something will taste like, you'll be right. The shrimp come across as basic and slightly mediocre, the subs, while good, are nothing real special and the burgers are rather small. But the ice cream will have you coming back again and again. What a fantastic place to get a Sunday treat from with family and friends. Sit inside in the ac or out back on the picnic tables. Either way, you always have access to a place to order. The counter inside, the windows on the side of the building or the drive-thru. Plenty of choices. Do remember one thing though. Please do not order a full mean from the drive-thru. You will only succeed in slowing down anyone else looking to get a quick cone. read more

When you go some place and they are always busy, there is a reason. That's the Milkey Way! No matter what evening you come here there are always cars in the parking lot. That's because the locals know the secret! Eat here and get ice cream! You can get everything from soups, salads, dinner, sandwiches, fries etc to ice cream galore. Let's just say there is a reason they are busy. If you come here you will figure it out. They have a walk up window outside for ice cream only or a drive thru, or come on inside and eat with us locals and we can tell you what's good. But you will be glad you did!! If you come during peach or strawberry season they have fresh peach and strawberry sundaes too! read more

The pizza was delicious...however, they are supposed to be 11 inch pizzas. Unfortunately, the one I received was much smaller (maybe 8-9 inches) and I did not notice until I was home. I was also charged full price for this pizza... read more

Food is lousy and portions are super small! I used to go here all the time as a kid with my grandmother and it was super good. Not sure what has changed but the last few times I have been there have lead me to not go back. Poor quality. read more

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Food, service, and price are absolutely spectacular! I always get the burgers subs from here and they're out of this world! Staff is very friendly and prompt! Waitresses and waiters deliver food in a friendly matter and work well with the elderly! read more

Horrible customer service. Our table got our food at different times and we got it all separate, minutes apart. People that ordered after us got their food before us. Should probably get your kitchen employees figured out. read more

Awesome as always! Great Food! Great Service! Love the burger baskets with chips. Lot in back great for motorcycle groups.

A nice little place for a quick bite to go or a sit down. We stopped on our way to and from Cowan's Gap over Labor Day weekend and got subs to go and ate in for breakfast. Prices are very reasonable ($10 a person and you will not go hungry) and the food was good (we have picky eaters and when they say they want to come back you know it can't be bad !). There is plenty of parking and room for several camping rigs/tractor trailers with easy in and out. Menu was pretty much the basics with hoagies, sandwiches, burgers, fried fare, biscuits and chipped beef gravy, homemade doughnuts.....basically a step above fast food and a step below a dinner chain restaurant. They have a drive-thru for quick stops. Staff was very friendly. read more

We visited here on Sunday and it was busy. I had not been here for a while and always remembered it as being very good. But I was not really happy with my Dilly burger and fries. Maybe toast the roll and leave the fries in a little longer. They were not cooked well enough. The staff was friendly and fast and the ice cream was good. I will try it again and get something else next time. read more

I like this restaurant but I suggest you add a menu and can you try making New York style pizza and can you add fried dough please and thank you. read more

Always busy. Consistently good hamburgers, and ice cream. Generous amounts of fries and thin sliced ham, turkey & roast beef on sandwiches. Good service. read more

My husbands family has been coming to this place for years. They talk about it all the time and I have been told, more than once, I need to go. We finally were able to get here and it was better than expected. The food was very reasonably priced, the service was excellent, and the food was delicious. All I had been wanting that day was a brownie ice cream sundae and hadn't been able to get one. I found one here and it was the best! Will definitely plan on returning if we ever make it back down that way. read more

It's fast food without being a chain. Greasy and fried, but I grew up on it and love it. Also known for ice cream sundaes.

Thankful my husband introduced me to this place. Amazing food amazing service. We make it a tradition every summer to stop here

Food is amazing! staff is really polite and amazing. Highly recommend the nugget basket with chips, was recommended this and was not disappointed.. read more