LKN Life
Lake 96.18 ft(3.8 low)·
Surface 88.3°·
Air 82°F·
·
Updated 7:35 PM·
Lake 96.18 ft(3.8 low)·
Surface 88.3°·
Air 82°F·
·
Updated 7:35 PM·
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Citrus the Diner

Breakfast & brunch - Denver, NC

★★★★★4.5(540 reviews)
Our services
Breakfast PlatesBrunch ServiceSpecialty OmelettesBelgian WafflesDaily SpecialsBiscuits & Scratch Sides
Waffle with ice cream and fresh fruit

Waffle with ice cream and fresh fruit

Our story

About Citrus the Diner.

Citrus the Diner is a breakfast and brunch destination in Denver, near Lake Norman, serving the community seven days a week. The menu is both extensive and thoughtfully composed, blending familiar comfort-food staples with more inventive, rotating options — making it a reliable choice for traditional diners and adventurous eaters alike. Dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, and the kitchen is known for creative combinations alongside well-executed classics like biscuits, grits, and Belgian waffles.

Customers frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere, describing the space as quirky and full of character. The staff earns consistent recognition for being attentive and thorough. Locals have made Citrus a regular habit, particularly for Sunday brunch, while visitors passing through the Lake Norman area often discover it on a local recommendation — and leave as fans.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions.

Where is Citrus the Diner located?

Citrus the Diner is based in Denver, in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina.

What does Citrus the Diner offer?

Citrus the Diner offers Breakfast Plates, Brunch Service, Specialty Omelettes, Belgian Waffles and Daily Specials as a breakfast & brunch in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina.

What days is Citrus the Diner open?

Citrus the Diner is open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. See the hours above for exact times.

How can I contact Citrus the Diner?

You can reach Citrus the Diner by phone at +1 980-222-7476 or through their website, or find their full details on this LKN Life profile.

Our reviews

What locals are saying.

Reviews from Google

These reviews are sourced from Google to give you a sense of customer satisfaction as we build our own LKN Life review platform.

4.5
★★★★★
From 540 Google reviews

Showing 5 detailed reviews

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JF
Jessica Francis
Google reviewer
★★★★★Mar 2026
We absolutely love coming here! It’s hands down our daughters’ (ages 3, 7, and 9) favorite restaurant. The Steve and Stewart kids meals are always a hit—they get so excited every time we visit! The food is consistently amazing, the atmosphere is welcoming, and it’s such a fun place for families. We always leave happy and already planning our next visit! The Easter decorations look awesome!
A
Anna
Google reviewer
★★★★★Mar 2026
It wasn’t just breakfast. It was an experience. While vacationing near Lake Norman, we asked a few locals where we could find a good breakfast spot. Without hesitation, they recommended Citrus Diner. We walked and greeted with a cheerful welcome by Blake. The diner itself is full of personality, with a bright, colorful atmosphere and a menu that’s just as fun. The names of the dishes and drinks are creative and original, which added to the charm. We went with a suggested drinks by Blake. My friend had the Bernadette’s Bloody Mary, and I had the Nutty Russian—both were excellent! For breakfast, we shared the peanut butter banana stuffed French toast w/eggs and ham. Everything was absolutely delicious. Our server; Khoury was attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. The other server; Alisha added to the cohesive and non-competitive team to tend to ALL guests. If you’re anywhere near Lake Norman and looking for a memorable breakfast, this vibrant little diner is definitely worth the stop.
M
Monica
Google reviewer
★★★★☆May 2026
This small cafe was so delicious and our waitress was absolutely amazing! She recommended mimosa drinks for us to drink and they were the favorite in the menu. Then I had their taco pancakes and they were delicious! Everything was delicious but they don’t have any special coffees like a plain latte.
CL
Christine L
Google reviewer
★★★★★Mar 2026
Saw some review on Reddit and decided to give this place a try. Totally fabulous! Love the bright colors, vibe, tie dye shirts and all the thought and care put into a menu with something for everybody. We got there like an hour before close. They had 86d a couple items so some may want to pop in earlier if you’re not flexible. Instead of the mini muffin basket we ordered the cinnamon roll. Both of us really liked it. It has the texture, density and cinnamon flavor like the classic. But the frosting is a nice mix of a sweet and touch of tart like cream cheese can be tart and delicious but not sour. Strawberries were an excellent side to this. Brought some more tart and sweet flavor to the dish. I wanted a more traditional grits, eggs and bacon meal. Stone ground grits were on point and quality of ingredients was forefront. Eggs were scrambled wet as ordered. I asked for my bacon to be so crispy that it could be used as a flag pole. They knocked it out of the park. Bacon if you stood it vertical didn’t bend or sway. Just the way I like it. I also didn’t find it to be too greasy like I sometimes find bacon. Their orange juice is exceptional. It is genuinely fresh squeezed. Having had fresh orange juice like squeezed right after picking from trees, I am a bit of an orange juice connoisseur and this hit the spot. Fruit bowl was fresh, ripe and plump. Definitely made same day and not premade or sitting. Partner enjoyed his tuna melt on sourdough. The cutest thing ever is that they cut a special shape out of the bread. Then it is sat atop a toothpick like thing in the sandwich. It’s just adorable but I’ll let you discover the shape and not spoil the surprise. The only item I would not recommend would be the latte. My decaf latte was more like decaf coffee with milk in it. I prefer a more traditional espresso shot with steamed milk. Spouse was happy with their beer choice. Excellent meal, great vibes and love the heart that has been put into this place through and through. They have loyalty cards too with fun items after so many visits. Look forward to sharing this place with family. I thought it was worth the 30+ minute drive to experience something with so many unique special qualities to it. Both indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor is covered with umbrellas. I did notice the menu had 2 items that could be ordered for pets on it. Not sure if it is for takeaway or they can dine on the patio with their people. Added level of awesome, they support a local rescue and you can bring in unopened bags of dog or cat food. When we went they really were in need of cat food. They also I believe offer a perk to each party if they bring in a bag of food. Epitome of excellent local spot and helps local animal rescue organizations. What’s not to adore.
JA
Jeremy Antrim
Google reviewer
★★★★★Apr 2026
Oh No! I thought I've left reviews here. This place is amazing! I was going to leave a new picture. I tried the Bao Breakfast. Amazing! Do yourself a favor, and come here. Make sure it is a day you are STARVING! You will take some home. They proudly serve Black Powder Coffee. If you know, you know. Great stuff! My son got the special Pineapple Uoside down pancakes. Sadly I waited to long to take a picture of those. He said they were the best pancakes he has ever had! High remarks from my own pancakes. Ha! My wife lo es their fresh squeezed OJ. Anyways, they have an awesome selection to eat. Great people working there too! Try outside seating when the morning is beautiful.
+1 980-222-7476