Mayberry Drive- In & Diner

I admit, I am still a sucker for a drive in theater. I guess it’s the memories of summer evenings past – starry nights, two movies, and creating memories with friends and later with a family.
So the Mayberry Drive gets a passing grade for the nostalgic experience, but the execution needs some attention. The projection screen could use a coat of paint. The food wagon substituting for the diner is a disappointment. It’s the minimalist approach. A plain hot dog or hamburger on a bun. Is that hard to provide more than ketchup or mustard? I understand that food is the money maker, so at least make it good enough so I don’t feel short changed.
And charging me $ 10 to bring my own popcorn and a couple bottles of water is overkill. If I brought a grill and cooked out or brought a full meal, I understand.
Let me end on a positive note. Two first run movies is a good thing. Our mixed group of kids and adults enjoyed both movies, so we will probably go back again.

The diner caught fire and burned back in April. I don’t think they have reopened. They plan to reopen not sure when.

Stopped by for breakfast and enjoyed it. The service was very good and our waitress was attentive.

Having had breakfast at this place a couple of years ago, we decided to try their special Thanksgivings lunch (plus, they were one of the few places open in the area). Big mistake.
My wife and daughter decide to go for their Thanksgivings special. It was TV-​dinner bad; a warm slice of turkey-​like product, a scoop of cranberry gel, cold mashed potatoes and what they said was stuffing. My son had baked spaghetti… he love it and compared it to «delicious» Chez Boyardee (so, that gives you a sense of his standards). I ordered their country fried steak, which turned out to be a breaded hamburger. All that for a total of $ 90 (including drinks and on dessert).
We go back to Smith Mountain Lake every year, but never again to the Mayberry Dinner…

Great food cool atmosphere. Perfect breakfast after being over served at a wedding reception. The Opie omelette is awesome.

Food was generally very good, but the mashed potatoes were instant with a fake buttery taste.

My wife and I went on a date here and we had a great experience! Cheap ticket prices for 2 new released movies! The food in the diner was great. I will definitely be going back!

I’ve eaten here twice – several years ago. The second time was to give them a second chance. The idea of the diner and drive-​in is inviting and it looked the part. However, the service was very slow and the food was awful. I hope it has improved with time.

Pancakes were terrible. We ordered a childs plate, an omlet, and two eggs and bacon with a side of pancakes. Ticket came to over $ 30. Won’t make that mistake again.

What a disappointment. Aside from the looks of the joint, nothing about Mayberry Diner was a diner.
No one greeted us or directed the group of five to seat ourselves upon entering. It took a half hour for the waitress to take our orders. Once our coffee neared empty, no one came by to refill during the hour long wait for the «quick» meal we were promised. We managed to serve ourselves the coffee.
An hour after ordering we saw a couple of the table’s orders coming out of the kitchen and waitresses looking confused as to which table the plates should be served to, we then left due to the poor service along with another table experiencing the same.
We can’t comment on the food, unfortunately. If it’s anything like the service, I suggest you find one of Smith Mountain Lake’s finer establishments.

When you drive up to this restaurant, you’re driving up to an authentic diner that’s with a drive-​in theatre! It’s a unique place and certainly one to try when you’re on vacation in the area.
I recommend the fried green tomatoes and the meat loaf. Dinner is better than breakfast — unfortunately, service can be a bit slow and we have found that breakfast often comes lukewarm or cold.
Service is friendly though and you’ll just about always find someone eating there.
As for price, the food is bit expensive for what you get, but that’s often the case in resort areas. It’s a great family experience if you’re on vacation.

The drive in movie part is cool. But the diner is horrible. Waited for 2 hours to get our food which was not even any good. Biscuits were awful. Eggs were cold and rubbery. The only good thing was the Famous Bean Balls.