Arbuckles in King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Place was AMAZING!!! Such good food. Breakfast has so many options and everything is freshly prepared and tasty. The staff is so friendly and the atmosphere is very family oriented.

Great food and a meat eaters heaven. Fast good service and foods a good price, like any restaurant drinks can soon double the bill

Very polite staff and meals are excellent quality. And wonderful atmosphere.

This very popular restaurant continues to deliver. Delicious meals, a quick service, and friendly staff make this a great place to visit.

Had been to the adjacent garden centre, and see the restaurant. So booked a table for the following weekend. Was not disappointed, really good food and the service could not have been better. Lovely dinning experience, definetley be going back !!!!!

Above average service, above average food and a nice place to spend breakfast. We will return with friends for dinner.

We've been a few times now, introduced by the In-Laws, and we absolutely love it, it's a little pricey compare to a regular bar and restaurant but it is worth every penny. The staff are friendly and the food is fantastic, with portion sizes that never leave you hungry 😁 I like that they have the screens aswell, it helps to reduce the noise around you, so you can feel like you're out for dinner without the struggle to hear those at your table. If you're looking for somewhere to take someone with learning difficulties like Autism, ADHD I'd recommend here aswell, its one place where i can eat out and not be getting a headache when its busy xx

Great service and very tasty ribs. So much food I couldn't fit in a dessert 🍨 maybe next time

A Raw Deal at Arbuckles – Not Rare, Just Ridiculous Popped into Arbuckles in Downham Market expecting a nice steak dinner. What I got instead was a culinary trauma. They first served me a steak that looked gorgeous on the outside—but inside? Practically mooing. So raw I was tempted to check for a heartbeat. They took it back, and I thought, “Great, second time’s the charm.” Nope. More of the same. At that point I wasn’t sure if I was being pranked or auditioning for a Bear Grylls episode. Eventually they took it away and brought back a version so overcooked it could’ve passed GCSEs. Somewhere between “medium rare” and “congratulations on cremating your cow.” They did discount it, which was the only relief—besides leaving. The food was disappointing, but worse still was the assumption that anyone should accept it. Perhaps their regulars are too polite, too loyal—or just too forgetful—to say otherwise. But I remember. And I won’t be back. FOLLOW UP REVIEW AFTER OWNERS REPLY: Thanks for the reply—but let’s not pretend this was just a rare blip. You served two raw steaks in a row, then overcorrected into the realm of beef charcoal. If that’s “doing your very best,” I dread to think what a bad day looks like. I appreciate the local sourcing from Goddards, but no matter where the steak comes from, it still needs to be cooked. Food safety isn’t a personal preference—it’s the bare minimum. You hope I’ll come back? I hope your chef discovers what a meat thermometer is. Until then, I’ll be dining where the steaks don’t need a resurrection or a eulogy.

Nice place with kind staff , good food and plenty of parking

We love this restaurant and the food that is served. This is one of our favourite restaurants around the area, and we keep coming back. The staff are always very welcoming and friendly, and we have never had a bad experience here.

Lovely place with good food, sensible prices & great staff. Accommodated my request to sit in a booth despite only being 2 of us for my wife's birthday. Bex was lovely and looked after us well. Only criticism would be the 'street corn' came with too much sour cream and not enough bacon salt & chives.

Had a lovely meal with friends, the food was really nice. Will definitely return.

Amazing food super efficient service. This place was full at 6.00pm and I can see why. Proper ribs and steak cooked to perfection.

Always a pleasure here. The food is amazing, staff are absolutely lovely and really attentive. It’s a very authentic feeling restaurant and I feel it’s great value for money too. Would highly recommend the ribs!

First time here and the food, service, everything was amazing. Very accommodating to a last minute change too.

Fantastic service from entry to exit. My wife and I went for our Wedding Anniversary meal. The staff congratulated us on our 20 years of Marriage. All were extremely polite and curtious. Could not have asked for more. Having worked in a professional customer/patient facing role for the past 24 years, I know what 'Good' looks like, and these guys (& ladies) nailed it. Well done all 👍🏻

Great service but way over priced!! 22 pounds for Mac and cheese and a jacket potato and a pint of Budweiser... I could have done that at home for a fiver..

A great place to have lunch, pleasant service and a great Lithuanian team in the kitchen.

my only regret Is they don't have one in grimsby where I'm from . this place and food and staff are amazing. I love mixed grills and this was by far one of the best I've had , great menu for all tastes

Jayden served us this evening 19/04/2025 7:30-9:00 and can honestly say what amazing customer service he’s got, what an amazing addition to Downham arbuckles! Made the experience so much nicer, didn’t feel rushed or anything. Thankyou so much.

We came here for the second time whilst spending Easter in a local accommodation. My husband and I were really impressed with how friendly the staff were on both visits and the service was remarkable!

Lovely meal and drinks, our waitress was Pesa, she was very attentive and so polite and friendly! She is a credit to your company

Spot on food and service. For a Tuesday it was heaving with groups of people constantly coming through the door. The phili cheese steak burger is a massive recommendation.

Can't fault it. Been before, we'll go again.

we went for a birthday meal and had a great experience. great staff and great food. good selection on meals.

The place is really decorated, the staff are lovely and the food is really nice! The tables are very spacious, and the food came quite quickly, knowing it's a Monday evening. Me and my family ordered stuff like burgers, ribs ect, and they were really nice and tasty! The burgers weren't burnt, and the ribs were smothered in BBQ sauce. The staff are very helpful and if you have an allergy, they inform you of what has what inside. Definitely recommend coming here for a birthday, and they bring your cake and sing happy birthday to you! The tables are really clean and not dirty when you pre-book a table! And if your a few-10 minutes late, the workers are fine and lead you to your table anyways! The desserts here are great, and this is the best place to go to for a family outing to a restaurant!

Arbuckles is an American-style restaurant chain primarily located in the United Kingdom, with current locations in Downham Market and Ely. It's worth noting that there was a previous chain called "Fatty Arbuckle's" which was popular in the UK but has since been rebranded and the remaining restaurants operate under the name "Arbuckles." Here's a detailed review based on the available information: Overall Ambiance and Design: * Arbuckles restaurants generally boast a modern design with clear nods to the classic American steakhouse aesthetic. * They are often described as big, open, and light, offering a spacious dining environment. * Comfortable booth seating is a common feature, making it suitable for families and groups. * The Ely location has a slightly different feel than the Downham Market one, with a stylish design and an upstairs mezzanine area for more intimate dining. It also features a large outdoor seating area. * The Downham Market location has expanded significantly since opening and includes a unique "Secret Garden" dining area for adults only, offering a different kind of "date night" experience in sparkly glasshouses. Food Quality and Menu: * The menu is extensive, featuring a wide range of American classics including BBQ, grills, burgers, ribs, and fajitas. * They also offer breakfast options and a selection of desserts. * Portions are generally described as generous, offering good value for the price. * While some specific items like burgers might not reach the heights of dedicated gourmet burger joints, the overall food quality is considered good and satisfying, especially for a family-style restaurant. * A significant highlight is their thoughtful and clearly labeled vegan options, including dishes like BBQ jackfruit fajitas and vegan burgers, making it an inviting choice for those with dietary preferences. * Appetizers like the Vegan Nachos and Chilli Cheese Taquitos are popular. * They also offer a variety of drinks, including their own brand of "American lager" at the Ely location and vibrant cocktails. Service: * Service is consistently praised as exceptional, with staff described as friendly and attentive. * The staff are often noted for being accommodating, even when dealing with sharing dishes. * The service is generally considered fast and efficient, although during busy periods, some reviewers have noted potential for slight delays. Value for Money: * Arbuckles is generally considered to offer good food for a good value, with reasonable and competitive pricing. * The generous portion sizes contribute to the perception of good value. Accessibility and Facilities: * Both locations offer ample free parking. * Wheelchair access is available. * Baby changing facilities are typically provided, making it family-friendly. Atmosphere: * The atmosphere is generally described as pleasant and welcoming. * It's considered a versatile place that appeals to a diverse range of people, from families to couples and groups of friends. * The Ely location, being next to a cinema, benefits from the lively atmosphere of the leisure park. Potential Downsides: * Some reviewers have mentioned that while the food is good, it might not reach the standard of highly specialized restaurants in certain categories (e.g., gourmet burgers). * During peak times, service might occasionally be a little slower due to the restaurant's popularity. * Vegetarian options, while present, might be less extensive than the meat-heavy offerings, although vegan options are a strong point. In Conclusion: Arbuckles Restaurant offers a reliable and enjoyable American dining experience in the UK. With its extensive menu, generous portions, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere, it's a popular choice for families, casual outings, and those seeking classic American comfort food. The thoughtful inclusion of vegan options is a significant plus. While it might not be a destination for highly specialized cuisine, it consistently delivers good food and a pleasant dining experience at a reasonable price.

Absolutley a beautiful dining experience. Love the food, cooked to perfection 👌. Very clean, happy attentive staff. Can not recommend enough.

Enough said, American style restaurant. Won't leave there hungry (unless you didn't eat)

Lovely food ,and more than you can eat.pluss very nice staff

The food could have been hotter, prices are a bit pricey ,the waiting staff even though there was plenty spent long periods of time taking to customers making waiting times for food orders to be taken long

Very popular eatery, if you have kids you get put in the noisy room, shame we had a ten-year-old with us, ha ha. First time I went here 12 years ago it was half the size, so it must be doing something right. Friendly waitresses.

I have been a frequent visitor to Arbuckles over the years. I would like to say that in general I would give a good review. Last Tuesday lunchtime. Not that busy. I was with 3 friends. I didnt want to make a thing of it, but my Steak and Ribs were cold. It would have been embarrassing. I never want to send anything back as it sours the meal. I am local and whenever family visit from down south we have tended to go to Arbuckles. I even had my 60th in there a couple of years ago. Friends came up on Friday and a couple more came up on Saturday. We chose to go to a different venue on both occasions. By some woodlakes. A real shame.

Food was lovely but found the service a bit slow

Being next to a petrol station I was dubious about this place but the food was really tasty, there was a huge menu to choose from. The service was excellent, everyone was really accommodating and the staff were clearly all very happy.

Wonderful late breakfast. The pancakes and chicken and waffles were delicious. The staff are friendly, courteous, and attentive. Extensive menu with options for everyone. If in the area, great place for a meal or weekend brunch/breakfast.

Had a family lunch for 6 people, service and food was excellent. Busy atmosphere but this didn't affect our service or time for food to come. It's not the cheapest, but you can't moan too much for what you get. It was a very pleasant lunch, and everyone was happy.

Great food and great customer service

Visited on a Monday lunchtime so not busy. Access is great with a ramp. Ideal for my wheelchair. Front door but heavy though. Service was great. I needed a normal dining chair so they changed the tub chair for me. Food w,as great. I had a sirloin steak medium rare. It was cooked kn a griddle and it was medium rare. Juicey. Superb. Would recommend this place for families with so much choice. Do not go here if you are calorie counting !

Great food and great service. A few more disabled parking spaces would be good.

Lovely meal, great atmosphere. It was rammed and full of life, and we were still served in good time. 👍🏻

Always a good experience at Arbuckles. The food is lovely and very generous portions. The staff were very attentive and friendly, especially when there was quite a large group of us. One of the ladies who worked there took many photos for us, as it was my nans 80th birthday. Another lady got our balloon down from the ceiling as one of the little ones had let it go. Couldn't fault them, so helpful! We've been before but will continue to come back again...

Amazing experience again tonight at Arbuckle's. We had a table booked for 5pm, but had to push this back after half our party were in a minor car accident while on their way. The lady on the phone could not have been more empathetic and helpful and said to turn up whenever we could and they would make it work. Amazing service! When we arrived at 6pm, we were greeted by a friendly young man and waited while he seated the crowd of people that had arrived. He was very polite and communicated that he would be with us soon. Another passing member of staff also said apologies for the wait, and that someone would be with us soon. All of this is fab service. We were then seated and made to feel very welcome by our server Ricky, even before we had sat at our table! As we walked past him, even then he had said hello with a big smile. He greeted us at our table and was a breath of fresh air. So welcoming, polite and friendly. Very patient as we were still deciding what we wanted and gave us plenty of time. Throughout the whole meal, he was attentive and nothing was too much trouble, serving us with a lovely big smile the whole time. We were really impressed with his customer service. The service provided at Arbuckles is always second to none! Always made to feel so welcome and looked after. Their staff are all absolutely brilliant! Many eateries could learn a lot from all of you, so huge kudos!! The food was delicious.....only slight criticism is that the sharing platter starter could have been slightly bigger (only one of each item per person, whereas 2 items per person would have been better ideally) however it was all very delicious. Everyone loved their food. I had the steak skewers and they were perfect! The steak was so soft and perfectly cooked. The bourbon glaze sauce was amazing. Thank you once again Arbuckles for another thoroughly enjoyable night and huge thank you to Ricky for looking after us so well and for fantastic 5* customer service. Looking forward to our next visit.

Had a great time, Charlie was a great server 👍

Have been for breakfast,lunch and evening meal here on several occasions,food is always spot on,great choice available and fantastic value for money.Staff always polite,friendly and very helpful.

Can’t fault this place lovely food and staff, so refreshing. Has the fajitas very nice. Reasonable prices, will be back soon

Great food and the service was friendly and fast Prices were fair Busy and hot but would definitely return for the food

Yet again another really good evening spent at Arbuckles. Always friendly and great service and food amazing. Will keep going back.

Lovely warm welcome, seated immediately. Great service from Rebekah. Would definitely recommend. Only slight problem were the ladies toilets which were less than clean & there no hooks to hang handbags in the cubicles. So 9/10.

Food was good service was good.

Absolutely fantastic food and service! Safe to say we are stuffed, portion sizes are very generous. Seeing the light after this meal! Was a lovely evening out, will be coming back to check out the secret garden. BIG shout out to Ashleigh our server: saw to us from start to finish of us arriving, all with a laugh and a beautiful smile. Cannot thank her enough for elevating our evening. We hope to see you again my lovely!!✨

Went for Valentines date night. Extremely busy but staff were amazing. Food was fantastic and we in no way felt rushed or boxed in. Our server Ricky was absolutely fabulous and a real credit to the restaurant.

Lovely staff . Lovely food. A very popular place. Ricky was lovely and looked after us for the time we were there. Parking a bit dodge but the whole experience was well worth the ‘heart in mouth’ moment .

Have always had a good time at Arbuckles. The team are great and food is always on point. Cheers gang.

Always a favourite place to stop when visiting Norfolk. Staff are always friendly, the place is clean and the food is really good.

The service was very good, there were a few casual drinking tables mixed in with diners which wasn’t an ideal mix with small children around and drunk individuals swearing etc. The food was good but it did feel a bit factory style with a lot of people on multiple rows of long tables. Maybe in the traditional cubicle style area it was a bit more personal but there was 11 of us. Good parking and easy to get to but if you want limited numbers and an uncrowded atmosphere then probably not for you.

Had a lovely night with old work colleagues. Food was good service excellent atmosphere good . Staff all very cheerful and helpful even though they were very busy.

Excellent food as always and our waiter Ricky was outstanding, he was very attentive, nothing was to to much trouble and very polite. The sticky toffee pudding is to die for.

Food alway great, service always polite and friendly, atmosphere comfortable. The only downside is the price.

We really enjoyed our breakfast and Gemma was a friendly and attentive waitress..

Lovely food , great service, attentive not intrusive.

Excellent food and friendly staff. Love to come with friends and family. Highly recommend

A Wonderful Birthday Celebration at Arbuckles! We had such a fantastic evening at Arbuckles on 25th celebrating our friends 8-year-old’s birthday! From the moment we arrived, everything was perfect. They seated us exactly where we requested, which made the night even more special. The service was excellent—friendly, attentive, and welcoming as always. The food was delicious, and to top it all off, they surprised our birthday boy with a cake we had brought with us, beautifully lit with candles as requested. It made his day even more memorable. We often visit Arbuckles, and every time we leave full, happy, and looking forward to our next visit. Thank you for making this celebration so wonderful—we truly appreciate it!

A pleasant lunch we all enjoyed after parking up in Arbuckles’ car park and first going for a short walk.

Fantastic place. Food is great, big portions and the staff are amazing. So friendly and relaxed. Highly recommend 👌

Food was really good and good portions sizes, service was great and the staff was happy. The atmosphere was personal we had a booth and it gave us privacy and not have to worry about other people around. And they do both book in and walk in service.

Came in a very large group for a birthday for my grandad. Fab service, catered to our needs. Quick service and good food. Thank you!

Brilliant date night tonight with the fabulous Katie as waiting staff in the Secret garden area. The area is perfect for people with sensory issues and who want some quiet time away from loud atmospheres x

Clair was a great waitress, we had a great time, we had a mix up with food but it was quickly sorted out, would recommend to couples also family’s ❤️

great breakfast everytime, staff very friendly and welcoming, great menu ,quality and price very good, definitely worth a visit 😀

My husband has coeliac and all the staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. The food was great. We got a table without booking Saturday lunchtime.

Excellent food as usual. We thought we would try the takeaway service and wasn't disappointed. The portions are generous, and the quality is fantastic. It was still hot when we got home and only 20 minutes from ordering to it being ready to pick up.

Amazing food. Great portions. The best diner around!

Good food, great service, early 2000's atmosphere.

Great selection of food and drink available. Well presented and knowledgeable friendly staff. Food service is quick and has varied seating options available if you are with children, a large group or out as a couple.

Great staff and service, but food was substandard for me. I'm sure that isn't the same for everyone, I just got unlucky.

We came to Arbuckles just before christmas eve very impromptu, was waited on by the lovely Ashleigh, she was full of christmas cheer, the biggest smile, so very polite and had such banter with us each time she came to our table, nothing was too much effort for her she really made our evening very special we are looking forward to coming back very soon :)

Haven't been for two years and what a difference. Staff very attentive. BUT, the food has dropped off so much. Ordered the Wings and ribs combo. Nothing special at all. Could of had better from an Iceland microwave rub meal. In fact I wondered if it was the same thing. The sauce was so similar to a supermarket sauce. Not worth the money at all. Also the sharing platter of nachos and chilli and cheese was alright but to be honest basic for the price. Could make better at home. The chips were shocking, way to many if them and they were worse that Wetherspoons. On tap Budweiser was smooth and nice so to the Mohitos were good.

Increased prices and smaller meals is the order of play at this place, not good at promoting the business 😒

Tasty food the fork tasted nice

Great venue, kind staff, big portions, lots of food options and nice environment!

Recently visited on a Saturday afternoon with 3 children. We were seated quickly we didn't have a booking. Staff were all lovely, very helpful. Food arrived super quick and tasted great Very clean and tidy restaurant.

Good service and good food once again 👍

Me and my family have been big fans of this place for many years. I’ve also taken to coming on my own regularly. The staff are excellent in every way. Ellie M has served me on two out of the last three times I’ve been and she was fantastic. Nothing felt too much trouble and it was nice that she remembered me from before. Where it loses a star though is the lack of vegetarian options. When I went a couple of weeks ago I was disappointed that the No Meat Meatballs had been taken off the menu and it didn’t look like it had been replaced by anything else. There are a few options but not nearly as many as I’d expect in this day and age and they have dwindled considerably over the years. I ended up having half a portion of nachos (as it’s meant for two people) but disappointingly was still charged full price anyway. It’s still a great place for me to have a nice treat to start a weekend off with once a month though, and I will continue to be a regular here.

Great service, Great food, friendly atmosphere. Being in such a big room at the back it becomes very noisy as sitting very close to other tables

Great food and waitress was really helpful and polite.

Great food and atmosphere. Good vslue

Excellent diner. Cosy booths and seating. Quick and friendly service with a good choice on the menu.

Very mice breakfast. Service is fantastic.

Always great food and service at this American inspired employee-owned diner /restaurant. Has become a reliable favourite.

Didn't enjoy, pretty tasteless and overrated in my opinion.

Never had a bad meal and always cooked 🍳 very well

Arrived 10 mins early and was seated strait away. Our waitress (EVIE) was with us very quickly, she was super friendly and very welcoming and had loads of positive energy. The food arrived quickly and was lovely. I was being banterful and daft and Evie took it in her stride and lightly joined in which was lovely. Lovely location, lovely food and 10 out of 10 for our waitress as she was fantastic

Friendly staff and great breakfast fare - unhurried impromptu brunch with friends - a nice way to start the day 🙌

We went here for lunch me and my mum couldn’t fault at all oh yes we can oh no we can’t! No I mean the food was amazing the pudding is just wow thanks again

Superb meal for me and my family, great service, highly recomend.

Love friendly and good service.

A very warm welcome and great staff who ensured we were well fed. The baby back ribs were perfect and tasty. A great place to visit.

Outstanding is my one word. Been many times and never a bad meal. Service is great. Slows a little when very busy but you would expect that. Will be back. I am sure of that. Well done Arbuckle's and all the staff and chefs.