The 50s American Diner

There is nothing American about this diner, it’s just a greasy spoon café in reality !!!

Second time I’ve visited, so a relative authority now. Second visits are never as good as the first, however, which is a shame. The novelty wears off and the subject leaves itself open to criticism. Smaller, smellier and more tacky than I remembered, the burgers tasted worse and the portions felt smaller (although this is not necessarily a bad thing). Poor quality patties rendered what was an enjoyable experience worse than it should have been and a thin lining of grease over everything made the whole charade feel dirty. My ½lb beef and bacon was mediocre and my companion’s pepperoni, tomato and cheese tasted like a cheap pizza; my sister’s blue cheese was nice, however this was in no doubt due to the sauce managing to disguise the flavour of their value frozen burgers. What saved the meal were the fantastic milkshakes (Oreo, peanut butter and Irish cream, the latter turning out to be the favourite) and the ridiculous peanut butter crunch sundae, the toffee apple pie leaving us disappointed.
£20 per head, which is what you expect to pay for a novelty such as this, and which is why this restaurant will manage to survive despite the food failing to live up to the kitsch glamour and the enterprising theme. Restaurants like this should never be harshly judged on their food, and if they are you’re missing the point. It’s about the experience, the novelty and the ride. It’s a nostalgia trip for people who never experienced it first time round; an exalted view through red, white and blue tinted sunglasses at a specific period of Americana that is itself viewed through misty eyes. How many Americans revere and laud the humble pub, jellied eels and Beefeaters?
Cliched, over the top and in poor taste, replete with a decaying Mystery Machine and muscle car in the car park (genuinely!), I’ll nevertheless come back time and time again. It’s enjoyable, and offers us Brits something different, and perhaps more importantly, fun.

I’ve always wanted to visit this place; set in what essentially is a lorry park on the outskirts of Church Gresley, it is an unlikely place for an American Diner. Parking for about a dozen cars, with a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine in pride of place, the car park borders the classic silver diner car. Inside you are greeted with classic 50’s music and staff in uniforms, appropriate to the period. Booth seating predominates, with a few bar stools at the counter. The food is cooked in full view of the seating, and makes for an entertaining aside while you wait for your food. The staff here seem to enjoy their jobs, and are friendly and helpful.
Menu wise, a vast selection of classic American dishes and beverages. There are over 50 types of milkshake, from flavours as diverse as chocolate, pear and fig, to name but a few. Great coffee too, with everlasting refills! A good range of starters, but we went straight for the mains. Chilli, hot dogs, huge Caesar salads and a vast range of different burgers. My friend and I went for the Joe DiMaggio two burgers, salami, pepperoni, oregano and flavoursome cheese, a magnificent burger, nice contrast between the salami and the burgers. Accompanied with a huge pile of fries and dressed salad, a great meal. Other burgers included a Marilyn Monroe and a James Dean. My wife’s chilli was less successful though, too bland, sometimes restaurants can play it a little too safe. Overall though a great experience, one which will repeat and next time we will leave room for one of the impressive desserts.

OMG this is the real deal Anyone who loves 50’s/rockabilly and a great time head to this wonderful diner in Derbyshire
The food is wonderful, burgers that are thick and meaty, and if you love fries you get a whole bucket full here, the choice of milkshakes are amazing (try the resses cup one) and be sure to leave space for the wonderful desserts
The music is just the way rockabilly should be played loud and jumping, the décor has to be seen to be believed, and the staff are the friendliest ever, even dressing in the 50’s retro look
Try this wonderful diner You’ll call back time and again.