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Barnett’s Dairyette ~ a blast from the past!

September 4, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Barnett's Dairyette

One step inside Barnett’s Dairyette in Siloam Springs and your blood pressure will lower. One bite of a cheeseburger and you’ll be transported home to the diner that will forever occupy a space in your heart. For me, that would be the Yellow Jacket Cafe and the Shake Shack, both in Keiser, Arkansas.

Both long gone.

John and I visited Barnett’s a few month’s ago. We were on official assignment. Actually, John was on a photography assignment, and I acted as his handy-dandy assistant. You see, during summer term, John took a photography class at the University of Arkansas. His final project was a photo essay of sorts, a story told in old-school, black and white print photographs.

In a way, we collaborated. He used a play I wrote—Last Call at the Dairy Freeze—for visual storytelling inspiration. Barnett’s Dairyette provided the perfect setting.

John at Barnett's Dairyette

John’s photos turned out great, but you’ll have to take my word for it. Maybe someday you’ll see his photographs displayed and my play performed.? For now, I’m sharing a few of the pictures I took while there. And I hope if you live in northwest Arkansas, you’ll be motivated to hop in the car and head to Barnett’s for supper tonight. If you live elsewhere, there must be a throwback diner you can visit for a burger, malt, and a blast to the past?

Barnett’s Dairyette opened in 1957 and stayed in the Barnett family until 2002. The current owner is doing a fine job of keeping the Barnett charm and retro vibe alive.

Barnett's Dairyette

The dipped cone was everything it should be!

Barnett's Dairyette

And the burger? See for yourself…

Perfect bun sheen.

the perfect cheeseburger

It’s a good thing I don’t live in Siloam Springs. I’d want to eat there everyday.

Thank you to the fantastic folks at Barnett’s who let us set up equipment, stage photos, and hang out for a while.

Barnett's Dairyette

(Top left: Original Menu)

Seriously, sometimes nothing but an old-fashioned burger will do.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]Barnett’s Dairyette = old-fashioned burgers + dipped cones + hometown memories @siloamsprings #nwark #TuesdayThoughts[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:
Buddy Holly, Everyday

Filed Under: Food & Recipes, Life, Memories Tagged With: Barnett's Dairyette, local restaurants, making memories, Siloam Springs

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Comments

  1. Dorothy Johnson says

    September 5, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    Love the idea of your collaboration and wish I could see his final project. One of our hangouts was the Frozen Delight. They sure were patient with us.

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:30 am

      Next time you’re here I’ll show you!


Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: May 4, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Rainy Day Edition
  • Spiderwort: my love-hate relationship
  • Sunday Letter: March 23, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: March 16, 2025

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