Reviews

Overall Total Score
4.2 out of 5
Impressive | 62 reviews

What Tyler Cox doesn't like about Desperate Dans:
Bad quality food that is not even properly cooked. Very expensive. I ordered a frit, but I gave the wrong order. The "Waitress" that is in her 60s shook so much that she dropped the plates. Avoid all costs. View all feedback. What Sophia Shaw likes about Desperate Dans:
This is a small family-run café with great simple food, dry crispy chips, crispy bacon, strong tea, many specials and nothing is special. Have often passed, but give it a try you will be pleasantly surprised. View all feedback.

Reviews from various websites

GastroRanking-IT
4.2 ★ from 5 reviews
Ryan
23.08.2024 - 05:47

This charming little restaurant in Ballymena has been a favorite of mine for almost 30 years. The food is always delicious, reasonably priced, and served by a w...

read more
mark
23.08.2024 - 05:47

When we visit our granddaughter in Northern Ireland, the day always starts with an Ulster fry from Desperate Dan's. The friendly and pleasant staff, always with...

read more
Lynne
23.08.2024 - 05:47

The staff were incredibly friendly and the food was delicious.

Lisa
23.08.2024 - 05:47

Poor quality food that isn 't even cooked right. Very expensive. Ordered a fry but was given the wrong order. The 'waitress ' who is in her 60s was shaking so m...

read more
Karen
23.08.2024 - 05:47

Had a lovely lunch chicken goujons chips salad and a dip £5.95 very reasonable compared to other cafes in ballymena friendly service will be back

Desperate Dan's is a small, family-run cafe with a cozy atmosphere and simple, delicious food. While some reviewers had negative experiences with food quality and service, others raved about the charm of the establishment and the consistently tasty meals. The cafe has been a staple in Ballymena for years, attracting both locals and visitors. With a welcoming staff and a menu full of classic favorites, Desperate Dan's seems to have something for everyone, making it a must-visit spot for a hearty breakfast or a quick bite to eat.

Menulist
4.0 ★ from 5 reviews
Mohammed
08.01.2022 - 11:32

used to go to Desperate Dans quite regularly but was surprised at a recent visit, not very clean and very tired looking. Food is okay but small servings

Mike
08.01.2022 - 11:32

Brilliant wee café, to which I have been going for many years I used to frequent it as a teenager some years ago and it hasn't changed a bit; the same lady owne...

read more
Isobel
08.01.2022 - 11:32

Seems Desperate Dan's is nearly as old as Ballymena itself! This stalwart has been serving passers by for many years and although appearing dated that is part o...

read more
Ella
08.01.2022 - 11:32

This is a small family run cafe with great simple food, dry crispy chips, crisp bacon,strong tea, lots of specials and nothing is any bother. Have walked past m...

read more
Benjamin
08.01.2022 - 11:32

My experience with this cafe was with take out soup, which was really tasty. Very cheap too. I can't comment really on what it is like to sit in, but they seem...

read more
Google
4.2 ★ from 25 reviews
Tripadvisor
3.9 ★ from 7 reviews
GastroRanking-UK
4.2 ★ from 30 reviews

Good Rated Restaurants near Ballymena

4.9
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.9
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Ballymena, Church St, Ahoghill, Ballymena BT42 2PB, UK, BT42 2PA, United Kingdom
"Beautiful eating and great friendly staff"
5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Antrim (near Ballymena), F&F Clothing,BT41 4, United Kingdom, BT32 3EA, Antrim
"Food is amazing. Breakfast frys are so good and not at all greasy. Pancakes are the best i've had in a long time and a really good menu with lots of o..."
4.9
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.9
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Newtownabbey (near Ballymena), 50 Main Street, BT39 9, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
"Great hot chocolate! Very friendly staff, nice cosy café"
4.8
Menu
Open Now
4.8
Menu
Open Now
City: Antrim (near Ballymena), 42 Main Street, BT41 3TF, Antrim, United Kingdom
"Great food, great people, great time!!! Highly recommended!"
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Ballymena, 30 Station Road, BT44 9RA, Ballymena, United Kingdom
"Lovely food and coffee. Great country feel"
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Ballymena, 4 Drumadoon Road, BT44 9LJ, Ballymena, United Kingdom
"Great prices , friendly staff, spotless"
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Ballymena, 1-7 Ballymoney Rd, Ballymena, United Kingdom, BT43 6
"Service: 3 Location: 4 Hotel highlights: Quiet"
4.5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Ballymena, 102-104 Church Street, BT43 6, Ballymena, United Kingdom
"Lovely food. Quick service. Has gotten expensive though."
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Ballymena, 147 Galgorm Road, BT42 1DE, Ballymena, United Kingdom
"Marvelous, this is a well kept Northern Ireland secret to avoid the unrealistic Christmas feast expectations. Just avoid the stress and invest in fami..."
4.4
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.4
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Ballymena, 610 Cullybackey Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom
"Very good service and eating was great."