Desperate Dans Cafe in Ballymena – Cozy Spot for Casual Breaks

Inside Desperate Dans

Desperate Dans in Ballymena is a straightforward, no-fuss café that fits comfortably into the rhythm of local life. Situated on Ballymoney Street, it draws a steady crowd of familiar faces looking for hearty, affordable meals and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a throwback to family-run cafés of earlier days.

Early mornings and lunchtime are prime times here, especially if you’re after a substantial fry-up or a warm coffee to kick-start your day. The menu focuses on classic comfort food—everything from a club sandwich to a loaded burger, with standout mentions for their all-day breakfasts and loaded fries like brisket or salt & chilli options. Locals appreciate the flexibility, as the owner is happy to accommodate tweaks, such as swapping out eggs for black pudding, which reflects the kind of personalized touch that makes this spot feel familiar rather than generic.

The café’s service mirrors its down-to-earth vibe: friendly, warm, and welcoming without being overbearing. You’ll often find regular customers chatting with the staff, creating a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. Coffee options here, including cappuccinos and lattes, are well-prepared and pair nicely with the casual, homely setting.

Desperate Dans is less about trendy décor or buzz and more about consistent quality and decent portions that won’t blow the budget. It’s ideal for folks seeking a solid meal during a break, locals catching up, or anyone who wants that uncomplicated, reliably good café experience without the fuss. If you enjoy a well-executed fry or need a spot that serves up a good café mocha alongside familiar favourites, this spot holds its own quietly in Ballymena’s café scene.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Has great tea selection

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Popular for lunch

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves coffee

Quick bite

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves brunch

Serves lunch

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

27 Reviews

paul harrison

02 Dec 2025

A lovely wee cafe I hadn't tried before on previous visits home. This morning I enjoyed a first class fry for only 6.95. The owner Mark was very accommodating and happy to swap out egg, which I don't eat, for an excellent black pudding. Warm service. Highly recommended.

Margaret Crosthwaite

23 Nov 2025

Really lovely food good portions at a very reasonable price and the staff are friendly. It's a real cafe like your parents used to take you too. We absolutely love it

Margaret McGinty

10 Nov 2025

Absolutely love this cafe mocha is delicious and food is absolutely divine, staff are well mannered and service was impeccable would definitely recommend it.

Gary

08 Nov 2025

#1 spot for a fry in Ballymena. Hard to beat on price and quality... Never let down on the black pudding ;)

Jenny Wilson

07 Nov 2025

I had been in here X few times and I must say that food is amazing staff very friendly and the owner mark is a lovely fella

Daniel Brown

01 Nov 2025

Whenever l go up to Ballymena to meet long-time friends, l will get the bills paid and a bit of shopping, that done l will call at Desperate Dans have a fruit scone, milky coffee and catch up on whatever. I can remember this cafe opening a long long time ago. I had been in Sales & Marketing (Oil Companies) approx 30 plus years. I retired at 60 and l am now 76 years, that said, It's good to see Desperate Dans cafe still going strong, maybe l will see him next time. DB.

mark bradley

13 Oct 2025

When we visit r granddaughter in Northern Ireland, the day has 2 start with an Ulster fry from Desperate Dan's......friendly and pleasant staff , always with a smile, sets us up 4 the day , and the food can only receive a 10 out of 10..........that's why we keep go'n back........

Ryan Watson

12 Sep 2025

A delightfully quiet wee eatery located in Ballymena and a place ive been going for almost 3 decades now, always lovely and delicious food, fairly proced with wonderful staff

Desperate Dans

Inside Desperate Dans

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

27 Reviews

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