
Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn
Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn in Reading, PA, is cherished for its homemade dishes, standout burger night, and welcoming atmosphere led by the attentive owner, Frank. The restaurant is praised for dietary accommodations and its cozy, nostalgic ambiance.
What people love about Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn
Jager Schnitzel
This classic German-style entrée is repeatedly singled out for its authentic flavor and satisfying portion.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Bacon Burger (Thursday Burger Night)
The inventive PB&J bacon burger becomes a must-try that customers rave about and return for.
Gluten-Free & Vegan Accommodations
The attentive handling of allergy and diet requirements stands out for making all guests feel safe and included.
Personal Engagement by Owner Frank
Frank’s consistent rounds and genuine conversations with diners create memorable, personalized hospitality.
Key Themes from Reviews of Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn
Food Quality & Freshness
Positive (with some Mixed)Customers overwhelmingly praise the homemade, made-to-order freshness and high quality of the dishes.
Staff Friendliness & Owner Engagement
PositiveDiners consistently highlight the warm, personal attention and hospitality provided by both owners and staff.
Signature Dishes & Thursday Burger Night
PositiveWeekly specials like burger night and unique offerings (PB&J bacon burger) draw enthusiastic praise.
Atmosphere & Decor
Positive (with some Mixed)Guests enjoy the cozy, old-school vibe and decor, though some find the lighting and darkness excessive.
Menu Variety & Dietary Accommodations
PositiveThe menu’s diverse offerings and flexibility to handle gluten-free and vegan needs earn strong compliments.
Reservations & Wait Times
MixedWhile customers appreciate the ease of booking and recommend reserving ahead, a few note occasionally slower kitchen service.
Location & Accessibility
MixedMany call it a hidden gem in an inconspicuous spot—charming to discover but sometimes tricky to locate.
About Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn
Welcome to Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn
Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn is a cherished American restaurant and bar that radiates old-school charm and modern warmth. Tucked away on a quiet side street, this locally owned spot has earned a reputation as a hidden gem—one you’ll be talking about long after your meal is over. Whether you’re craving a hearty entrée, a one-of-a-kind burger special, or a comforting bar cocktail, the Arbor Inn invites you to experience homemade freshness, genuine hospitality, and a cozy, timeless ambiance.
Fresh, Made-to-Order American Fare
At Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn, every dish is a testament to quality. Guests frequently praise the “best burgers around” and rave that “everything is homemade and made to order.” From the moment ingredients are prepped to the second a plate arrives at your table, you’ll notice the care and attention poured into each creation. Classics like the Jager Schnitzel with mushroom cream sauce transport diners straight to Bavaria—one reviewer was “absolutely crazy about the Jager Schnitzel” and vowed to return the next week. Each bite is authentic, generously portioned, and prepared with the same passion that has kept patrons coming back time and again.
Signature Dishes & Thursday Burger Night
Mark your calendar for Thursday nights—the Arbor Inn’s burger aficionados unite over a rotating roster of creative specials. The star of the show? The Peanut Butter & Jelly Bacon Burger, a playful yet perfectly balanced mash-up of sweet, salty, and savory. Reviewers call it “fantastic” and “so worth the try,” with one guest happily confessing, “I am obsessed with the PB&J bacon special!” If innovative spins on American classics are your thing, you’ll feel right at home here.
Warm Hospitality & Personal Touches
What truly sets Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn apart is the genuine hospitality. Owners Frank and Diannah make it their mission to ensure every visitor feels like a regular. Frank alone is known to personally check in at every table, asking, “Is everything to your liking?”—and mean it. This level of owner engagement transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable experience. The staff echoes this sentiment, greeting newcomers like old friends and going the extra mile to accommodate special requests. One diner noted that, despite a new server being on the floor, “the owner pointed out that she was new, but she did a wonderful job nonetheless.” That kind of supportive teamwork shines through in every interaction.
Cozy, Timeless Atmosphere
Step inside and you’ll feel transported to a bygone era. Rich burgundy walls, dark wood paneling, and soft lighting create a cozy sanctuary from the bustle of everyday life. Many guests love this “real throwback” vibe, calling it “cozy!” and perfectly suited for date nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. A handful have mentioned that the lighting leans toward the darker side—enough to spark conversations over the table’s candlelight but never so dim as to hinder the enjoyment of your meal.
Inclusive Menu & Dietary Accommodations
Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn prides itself on catering to diverse palates and dietary needs. Gluten-free diners love the clearly labeled buffet items and the owner’s deep knowledge of what “GF” truly requires. Vegans find peace of mind in the kitchen’s flexibility—most menu items can be adjusted, from hearty salads to creative sandwich variations. Guests routinely commend the restaurant’s ability to make everyone at the table feel safe and included: “One of us is vegan, no problem!” they share. Whether you have food allergies or specific dietary preferences, the Arbor Inn staff treats your request with respect and expertise.
Reservations & Ease of Planning
As the Arbor Inn continues to earn devoted followers, it’s wise to reserve your table, especially on busy nights like Thursday burger night or weekend evenings. Many customers appreciate the simplicity of booking ahead: “Highly recommend making reservations,” they advise. While a few have experienced slower kitchen service on particularly busy nights, most agree that the extra minutes only reflect the culinary team’s commitment to fresh, made-to-order dishes. In other words, patience is rewarded with top-notch flavor.
A Charming, Accessible Destination
Finding Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn can feel like stumbling upon a cherished secret—an inconspicuous entrance that leads to an unforgettable dining experience. Its out-of-the-way location only adds to the allure. Guests describe it as “a seemingly nondescript restaurant…hidden gem!” Once you park and step inside, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated to try this special spot. Ample parking and clear signage are available, and the friendly host team is happy to offer directions if you need a hand.
Plan Your Visit Today
Whether you’re a Reading, PA local or just passing through, Frank & Diannah’s Arbor Inn offers a warm welcome, inventive American cuisine, and bar favorites served with a side of genuine care. Savor the house-made specialties, raise a glass at the bar, and settle into the cozy atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. Discover why this beloved restaurant has become a staple in the community—and why diners from near and far consider it a must-visit destination. Make your reservation today, and get ready to experience homemade excellence, standout service, and an inviting hideaway you’ll be proud to share.
Unique Details About Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Other
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Parking
- Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Children
- High chairs
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Beer
- Food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Comfort food
- Small plates
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Vegetarian options
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
- Upscale
- Romantic
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
Service options
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Alternative Local Businesses in Reading, PA
Contact Information for Frank & Diannah's Arbor Inn
Reading, PA 19606
United States of America
County: Berks County
Phone: +1 610-406-0126
Website: Visit Website
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 319 reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 87%
4 star reviews
- 9%
3 star reviews
- 2%
2 star reviews
- 1%
1 star reviews
- 0%
Working Hours / Hours of Operation
- Monday:
- Closed
- Tuesday:
- 5-8PM
- Wednesday:
- 5-8PM
- Thursday:
- 5-8PM
- Friday:
- 5-8PM
- Saturday:
- 5-8PM
- Sunday:
- Closed





