Dinner Bell Cafe

Reviews

• Gary M.

  star star star star star_border 31 May 2026

  Passing through and my wife found this place on TripAdvisor. It appears it was a Fast Food place at one time, now it is home cooked comfort food. We had Breakfast, everything we ordered was WONDERFUL. Met some very nice and friendly locals and restaurant staff. The Hidden Gem of Marshall. Thank you for the experience.

• JG M.

  star star star star_border star_border 29 May 2026

  We have eaten here 3 times in the past 4 years.
  It is good home cooked food but not great.
  They seem to have a steady group of older people who frequent this place and the fact that it is still going strong after several years is a good testament.
  This is not bad food at all, above the average, just not "wow"....
  The setting is in on of the old DQ places in town.
  It can get a little pricy here for lunch too. A plate and tea and pie will be close to $15 before any tip.
  They have Diet Dr Pepper.
  Service was nice and typical.
  We will go back in another few years.

• Mike M.

  star star star star_border star_border 27 May 2026

  Local family run blue plate special restaurants. It reminds me of my late Scottish mother-in-Law's expression when the food was OK but not great, "If it won't fatten, it will fill."  The style of food is southern comfort, traditional fare. The folks are as nice as they can be and will do anything to make you feel welcome. But the food is never inspired, but usually adequate. The tea is fresh and ice cold and the cornbread is the best in town. Some of the veggies are very good. Today the turnip greens are very good, though you can tell from the dice of the turnip pieces that they were frozen. Green beans are well seasoned for over cooked, canned green beans. Chicken and dumplings is one of their better entree, and the chicken and dressing is quite good, though a bit light on the chicken.  Most of the food is served on a small steam table.
  
  If you have s few minutes, they also cook a few items to order. Pork chops, chicken fried steak, and BLT, for example. Generally they're a bit better than the steam table fare, but the veggies come off the steam table (for the most part) either way.
  
  They also serve breakfast, though I've never partaken. The desserts look fine, but I dint eat sweets, so I can't comment.
  
  A note about tipping. Last I heard, they pay their wait staff minimum wage and tips go to the house. Don't know if that effects your willingness to tip or not. On one hand, you sort of admire them for paying a full wage (to the extent that minimum wage can be considered that).  On the other hand, the tip doesn't go to the person that some folks might intend it to go. Then there is the issues of tipping at a buffet/cafeteria versus a full service restaurant. I necessarily leave the matter to your sound judgment and discretion.

• A R.

  star star star star star 23 May 2026

  Excellent little mom and pop restaurant. I had the smothered pork chop and it was delicious! I can't remember the last time I was served homemade fried okra. Everything was 5 star in this place. Don't forget to get a roll. You won't be sorry. YUM!

• Dawn M.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 9 May 2026

  After 20 minutes of waiting we still hadn't ordered. Was not busy, probably 6 tables were full. Heard the food was good but not sure because we decided to not wait any longer. Service definitely needs some improvement.