Family-run Deer Creek Diner specializes in 'great food, fellowship'

Family-run Deer Creek Diner in Russellton celebrates its sixth anniversary next month and has established itself as a popular eatery next to Deer Lakes Park.

Just look for the numerous hand-painted windows that are redone seasonally to welcome guests. Right now, whimsical springtime frogs provide creative visuals for customers.

Locals keep coming back for hearty homemade breakfasts, served all day, and traditional diner fare that includes Angus beef burgers, hot sandwiches, wraps and salads.

Owner Leslie Rhodes does it all — managing, serving and cooking.

She says regulars have nicknamed her place the “Cheers with no beers.”

“My customers call Deer Creek their second home,” Rhodes says. “We have so many regulars who visit daily and hang out.”

Rhodes places a priority on making everyone feel welcome. She has her daughters and grandkids helping out in the diner as needed, and smiling faces abound.

“We want everyone who walks in the front door to feel comfortable and enjoy their visit. We work very hard in creating a sense of community, which is most important to us, while providing great food and fellowship,” Rhodes says.

Stepping inside, one notices a nostalgic 16-seat-long traditional counter. Pictures and memorabilia adorn the walls throughout the two-room diner. Customers have donated photos, maps of the area and clothing per Rhodes' request.

“Dan Angeloni, a retired teacher and historian, was kind enough to give me most of the pictures you see on the walls,” Rhodes said.

Deciding from the extensive menu may be your biggest dilemma, but be assured the portions are generous.

“We offer different types of ethnic foods throughout the year — such as for Mardi Gras, we make delicious jambalaya and Louisiana gumbo, and for Oktoberfest, our German cooks provide native foods such as potato pancakes, bratwurst, wienerschnitzel and apple strudel.” Rhodes says.

Signature breakfast items include oversized gourmet pancakes, French toast and signature omelets, such as the spinach and feta ($9).

All pancakes ($9) are topped with confectioner's sugar, butter and whipped cream. Some of the gourmet pancake flavors include banana-walnut, orange cream, almond mousse, PB&J, chocolate mousse and apple- cinnamon.

Daily specials are offered on a board displayed behind the counter

Feeling up to a challenge? Order the “Big Man's Breakfast” ($13), which includes three eggs, choice of meat, home fries, toast and three very large pancakes.

“If you finish, you get a Deer Creek Diner T-shirt, and your picture goes up on our ‘Hall of Fame' poster,” Rhodes says. “If you don't finish, no T-shirt and your picture goes up on the ‘Wall of Shame' — all in good fun. Our customers love it.”

Salads include the summer grilled chicken ($8.50), which features mixed greens, a generous amount of chicken, walnuts and feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

A chicken parmesan sandwich ($8.50), served with Deer Creek's homemade potato chips, is a menu staple.

Customers may choose from three flavors for the freshly cut and deep-fried chips: garlic-parmesan, barbecue and seasoned salt.

The chicken and cheese quesadilla ($9) comes in generously sized tortillas stuffed with plenty of peppers, cheese and chicken.

“We could not be in business if it was not for out customers,” Rhodes says. “We are grateful for the support of our business.”

Deer Creek Diner, 13 Creighton Russellton Road, Russellton, is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Details: 724-265-1700

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.