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Welcome to Milky Way Restaurant

Nestled in Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania, Milky Way Restaurant offers a delightful New American dining experience. Our story is rooted in a passion for diverse flavors and inclusivity; we proudly feature a range of vegetarian options while remaining accessible to all. With amenities like outdoor seating, private dining, and a variety of payment methods—including cryptocurrency—dining here is both enjoyable and convenient. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our plastic-free packaging and reusable tableware. Whether you're savoring our dishes during dinner, relaxing with friends over happy hour, or enjoying a meal from our drive-thru, Milky Way focuses on bringing people together in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Milky Way Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Lara E.
Lara E.

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

Bob S.
Bob S.

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.

Zack S.
Zack S.

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."

David F.
David F.

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

Harrison F.
Harrison F.

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.

Tabetha W.
Tabetha W.

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.

James R.
James R.

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.

Kim M.
Kim M.

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!!

Location

Welcome to Milky Way Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania, where a vibrant mix of flavors and community spirit make every visit memorable. Having recently re-opened in June 2023 after a brief hiatus, Milky Way Restaurant is not just a dining venue; it’s a nostalgic retreat reflecting small-town charm and a dedication to quality food and service.

This New American restaurant offers a diverse menu with plenty of vegetarian options and a comforting array of classics—including juicy burgers, crispy chicken tenders, and hoagies. With the addition of their renowned homemade ice cream, which customers rave about, the Milky Way truly stands out. The soft-serve is fresh and produced daily, delivering a texture and flavor that many describe as ‘magnificent.’ Choose from a variety of delightful treats like floats, shakes, and banana splits to satisfy your sweet tooth.

  • Accessibility: Milky Way Restaurant is committed to inclusivity, offering wheelchair access, ADA-compliant restrooms, and Braille menus, ensuring everyone can enjoy a meal without barriers.
  • Service Style: The friendly staff personalizes your dining experience by taking orders at the counter and delivering meals right to your table, reminiscent of classic diner charm.
  • Community Feel: An ideal spot for groups and families, the restaurant fosters a welcoming atmosphere that encourages connections. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy dinner or even hang out on the outdoor patio with your furry friends.
  • Payment Flexibility: Accepting various payment options, including cryptocurrency, ensures convenience for all patrons.

The ambiance at Milky Way Restaurant strikes a balance between lively and casual, making it perfect for families and social gatherings alike. You can expect a moderate noise level, ideal for those looking to enjoy a meal while people-watching or catching up with loved ones.

What has impressed many visitors is the dedication of the new management—reinforcing old traditions while also aiming to forge new ones. Customer reviews highlight the reliable quality of the food, the friendly service, and the straightforward yet fulfilling menu. Diners have expressed their enjoyment of classic meals like the cheeseburger basket and the creamed beef on toast, often reminiscing about the decades that have solidified the experience.

Whether it's a casual dinner, a sweet ice cream treat after a meal, or a lively gathering spot for locals, Milky Way Restaurant encapsulates the essence of community dining. On your next visit, don’t miss out on the ice cream—it truly is the star of the show! With all these remarkable features and experiences, Milky Way Restaurant is poised to remain a cherished staple in Fort Loudon for many years to come.