1. City Diner

0

San Jose, CA

Cancel

Open app

Search

City Diner

3.8 (510 reviews)
Open • 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

Order City Diner Takeout or Delivery

City Diner Photos

Business Info

CITY DINER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - City Diner

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Tracking system showing order is almost ready when in fact the employee never bothered to cook anything.

Terrible experience. I placed an online pickup order and immediately received a confirmation that it had been accepted. The order tracker continued to show live updates indicating my food was being prepared. When I arrived to pick it up, the employee told me they had never received my order. There was no apology or acknowledgment of the inconvenience. Instead, I had to wait an additional 15 minutes while they remade the order. Based on other reviews, this doesn't appear to be an isolated issue with their online ordering system. I would not recommend placing pickup orders here until they resolve the problem. Unfortunately, I won't be returning.

Lemon soup taste a little odd
Henry M.

This diner has such a cool 50's vibe and theme going on, we came here for a dinner party. I had fried chicken wings, onion rings, and breaded cheese sticks for hors d'oeuvres with a ranch dipping sauce. 3.5 stars. For dinner I had a Philly cheesesteak with a side of aju, veggies, and lemon soup. The veggies were BLAND 2 stars, the lemon soup tasted odd to me but adding the crackers and pepper helped, 3 stars. The Philly while it looks unassuming was actually quite good and the bread was soft and perfectly moist, dipping the sandwich in the aju make the sandwich even better "I'd definitely order this sandwich again 4 stars. To drink I had all I could drink ice tea with fresh lemon, the flavor was a little on the lighter side but still good 3 stars. For dessert I had apple pie ala mode. The pie was perfectly warm, super tasty and paired well with the ice cream, "of course" 4.5 stars. Our waiter had a memory like a steel trap, he got all our orders right, his attention to detail was outstanding and so was his service 5++ stars. Overall with the ambience, food and service, I solid think 3 stars is fair. I'll definitely be back to try their shakes with another Philly cheesesteak.

Chili cheese dog with fries
Michelle V.

Cool little diner with nostalgic decor. Lots of food choices. I went for the chili cheese dog. Very flavorful and they make their chili fresh in house. Staff was friendly too.

Philly Steak Sandwich
Nirvana S.

The place is so pretty and decorations are so cool. Got sat really quickly and got drinks were given immediately. Food took about 15 mins to come out. Our server, Jazmin, was very sweet and attentive. Had a good experience !

Amanda M.

I stopped by one morning for breakfast, it is a classic diner with the food they serve and the interior as well. I got their breakfast combo for $10 that lets you pick what 3 items you'd like. I got the hash browns, scrambled eggs and pancakes. Nothing too special, but it's affordable breakfast food. Food came out quickly and there are definitely regulars that come here. Staff know their regulars well.

See review...
Jeff K.

Been working through the menu and differing times of day. Today was ham and cheese omelette, country potatoes, pancakes and orange juice. Service, cleanliness, clientele etc all on point. Will return sooner than later.

Kids Cheese Quesadilla
Waiyi C.

We loved their nostalgic ambiance and enjoyed their foods. Services were friendly and attentive, refilled coffee often and make sure you have everything you needed.

Apurva A.

came here because a friend said the milkshakes are amazing. that is the only good thing about this place. the food is nothing worth talking about and lacked seasoning. it's a typical 50s themed diner & saw a lot of families there which was sweet.

Chocolate Milkshake

See all

Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the classic diner ambiance, extensive menu, and friendly staff. Breakfast items and milkshakes are especially popular.

Read the full review summary in the app

Photo of Becky R.
161
21
5

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 2

10 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of H H.
0
4
4

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 13
Thanks 7
Love this 12
Oh no 2

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Thank you, Hope see you soon!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Thank you Amanda, hope see you soon

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tom W.
0
14
0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Yohan G.
111
30
11

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Alice A.
10
104
24

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mariam G.
103
92
51

1 year ago

Service is nice and attentive! Food is meh, real dried and portions are not that big. Good 70's theme! Lots of options for milkshakes

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Is a pleasure make people happy

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Bao N.
359
354
1367

4 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Thank you, Miguel

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Thank you!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Na ..
0
29
12

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Joe S.
57
23
3

1 year ago

Nice and nostalgic. Good classic diner style food. I had the tuna melt and it was delish.9

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 54
Thanks 0
Love this 48
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Yolanda G.

Yolanda G.

Thank you visiting city diner! See you soon

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rita V.
56
1032
1304

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 13

City Diner Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - City Diner

How is your meatloaf? I want to know before ordering it over DoorDash

It’s homemade from scratch and most people like it.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

The Stand - American Classics Redefined

The Stand - American Classics Redefined

4.3(307 reviews)
1.1 mi•Lick, Fairgrounds
•$$

I love The Stand! It's one of my favorite places to grab a quick meal without feeling like I'm…read moreeating fast food. The sandwiches, burgers, and salads are all delicious, and there's enough variety that everyone can find something they're excited to order. Even the salads feel like a meal worth looking forward to! It's located in a shopping center with plenty of parking, which makes stopping in for lunch or an easy dinner that much more convenient. It's a great option when you don't have time for a long sit-down meal but still want something really satisfying. One thing I especially appreciate is that they give back to the community by hosting fundraising events. As a parent, I love seeing a restaurant support local schools and organizations. It gives me another reason to keep coming back and supporting them. Delicious food, convenience, and community support--there's a lot to love about this place!

I gave this place two chances and they failed both, miserably…read more 1st time was a to-go order. They mixed up the order. Two patties were almost raw! 2nd time we dined in and customer service from the lady who took our order was very short with us. The beer was warm and the manager was not eager to make it right. He argued about the temp and said lines were flushed but should be cold. My wife ordered well done and I ordered medium. Hers was very pink and mine was overcooked. It's overpriced and terrible service. Try 6th street burger downtown!

Photos
The Stand - American Classics Redefined
The Stand - American Classics Redefined
The Stand - American Classics Redefined - We Cater!

See all

We Cater!

Blossom & Bourbon - House Dip Trio ($16)

Blossom & Bourbon

4.2(734 reviews)
2.8 mi•Blossom Valley
•$$$

I come to Blossom & Bourbon all the time for special occasions! One of my favorite restaurants, and…read moreI love the ambiance here! Let love blossom cocktail: lovee this drink, I would even be down to drink the non alcoholic version of this. The drink has ginger and citrus flavors, super refreshing and light and you don't taste the alcohol at all. *forgot what drink* - the red drink next to my cocktail wasn't bad, but wouldn't order this again. Appetizers: Mini lobster roll - I loved these! They're fun to eat, the bread rolls were soft and buttery and they give you a good amount of lobster meat. I love that they give you lobster bisque in little cups. Truffle fries - loved these fries, devoured the entire plate. Could use more truffle, but they were still amazing. Ribeye steak: the steak was cooked to perfection, perfect medium rare and super juicy inside! Very tasty too. Salmon with potato puree and broccolini: the salmon was cooked to perfection, I never order salmon at fancy restaurants but the cook on this salmon exceeded my expectations. It melts in your mouth! The flavors were just okay though (for me.) Service is great, all of the servers are so friendly and welcoming! You also get a free birthday dessert - their delicious bread pudding (huge slice & great for sharing!)

I really enjoyed Blossom & Bourbon..the food was delish! The place has a great feel to it, however…read moreif you go on a weekend it is very packed and you can barely hear your date, who's sitting across from you, it's soooo loud. If you don't mind the blaring noise of people talking and the rush of people coming in and out and wait staff running around. I haven't been on a weekday, so I'm not sure. The food I have to say was impeccable as far as presentation and the taste. It had the right balanced of umami and protein ratio. The portions were also very generous considering you can order as a solo or shared dish. I wanted to try more so I started with an appetizer and a main entree. I was more than full but I wanted to try more dishes to share and see which ones piqued my interest. I would definitely recommend this place and I will try to go on a less busier night and not sit closely at the bar. I might need headphones or noise cancellation because I had a hard time even listening because it was so loud. Besides that, really cute place and delicious food.

Photos
Blossom & Bourbon - The far left side of the restaurant- bar is directly in the middle.

The far left side of the restaurant- bar is directly in the middle.

Blossom & Bourbon - Fries that come w/ the French Dip

Fries that come w/ the French Dip

Blossom & Bourbon - Mexican Coke®($6)

See all

Mexican Coke®($6)

Eos & Nyx - Dining Room

Eos & Nyx

4.2(723 reviews)
3.7 mi•Paseo de San Antonio, Downtown
Locally owned & operated
Takes reservations

Hands down my favorite restaurant in San Jose. The food is always excellent, and their cocktails…read moreare delightful. I have never once been disappointed with a dish, and I love trying new dishes on their menu. The staff is awesome, and the place has a cool astehtic vibe. I highly recommend, just know that it is a bit pricey but the experience is totally worth it. P.S. they give you palate cleaners snack in between courses for free. I had hibiscus herbal tea and and an adorable mini waffle cone, filled with crème fraîche, and topped with caviar (honestly never thought I'd like caviar before trying out this place for the first time).

We came here to celebrate our wedding anniversary with our daughter, and it was the perfect choice…read more The ambiance is posh, trendy, and lively. It instantly took me back to the restaurant scene in DC, and I absolutely loved it. Our server was extremely kind and attentive, which made the whole evening even more special. As a family of avid foodies who love trying new restaurants and hunting down great food, we're not easy to impress, and this place completely won our hearts. We ordered several appetizers, pastas for our mains, and finished with dessert. Every single dish was satisfying, from start to finish. Whether you're planning a date night or a fun night out with the girls, I highly recommend this place!

Photos
Eos & Nyx - Dining Room

Dining Room

Eos & Nyx - Dining Room Staircase

Dining Room Staircase

Eos & Nyx - Mezzanine Bar

See all

Mezzanine Bar

Puerta del Sol - Paella Valenciana ($42)
 Paella is made w/ chicken broth, bomba rice and nora sofrito. Topped with chicken thighs snow peas, artichokes an

Puerta del Sol

4.4(297 reviews)
2.8 mi•Blossom Valley

Puerta Del Sol in San Jose is truly a hidden gem! From the moment you walk in, you feel the warmth,…read morehospitality, and incredible atmosphere that make this restaurant so special. The food is absolutely delicious, bursting with authentic flavors, beautifully prepared, and made with love. Every bite is a wonderful experience! The service is outstanding, with friendly, attentive staff who go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and appreciated. What really sets Puerta Del Sol apart is the perfect combination of exceptional food, fantastic service, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back again and again! I highly recommend Puerta Del Sol to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in San Jose. A true 10/10!

We had a good experience here on a Friday night. They were very busy but were able to accommodate a…read moretable for 3 outside without a reservation. Our server was 10/10 - she was incredible and made great recommendations. Some of the menu items were unavailable that night but our server made other suggestions. Overall, the food was good. We had sangria (VERY generous pitcher), croquettas with jamon, papas, shrimp, and the artichoke. This place is a vibe - they sing a loud happy birthday song and brought out shots .

Photos
Puerta del Sol - Interior

Interior

Puerta del Sol - Papas Braviolis ($12)
 Triple cooked Spanish potatoes, smokey brava sauce and aioli sauce.

Papas Braviolis ($12) Triple cooked Spanish potatoes, smokey brava sauce and aioli sauce.

Puerta del Sol - Pintxos de Pollo Morunos ($15)
 3 grilled chicken thighs skewers marinated in sauce and spices, served over labneh.

See all

Pintxos de Pollo Morunos ($15) 3 grilled chicken thighs skewers marinated in sauce and spices, served over labneh.

The Table - Complimentary Bread ($0)

The Table

3.9(3.9k reviews)
3.2 mi•Willow Glen
•$$

My friends and I were going to be in the area and we were going to meet up to have some lunch…read morefirst. We made a reservation ahead of time since we didnt want to wait to be seated on a Saturday. When we first got there at 1 pm, it was super busy. They were getting the table ready when we got there. We ate and lingered for awhile and by the time we left, the lunch crowd was dying down. Service was friendly and great despite them being so busy. I ordered the fish tacos and they were good. Not the best I have ever had, but good nevertheless. I was surprised that the tacos had a flour tortilla. I didn't really read the description on the menu, I just saw fish tacos and knew that's what I wanted for lunch. A fish taco on a flour vs corn tortilla is a debate, it just comes to personal preference but it does change the flavor. I prefer corn tortillas but I did enjoy these tacos on a flour tortilla. The fish was crispy, but I felt like something was missing overall from the tacos...seasoning, maybe? My friends all enjoyed their meal selections. Portions were decent for the price and the prices were reasonable. They have indoor and outdoor seating. We choose to sit inside since it was sooo hot and we wanted to be cool as we were enjoying our meal. Parking can be an issue around due to the popularity of the area but there are parking garages, parking lots and street parking around. The restaurant is right on the corner and hard to miss. Bathrooms were clean.

I decided to come here based on the google reviews... should've checked yelp too. My bad. I totally…read moreagree about the great service, as most point out on here. They're quick and super friendly. 5 stars for the employees for sure. But like other yelpers point out, the quality of the food is whack. I came here on a Sunday for brunch. I thought it was going to be full after reading other reviews. But it was practically empty. Seems like things have changed. I tried the Eggs Benedict... the sauce was okay and the hashbrowns were decent. They're cooked with onion, which was a good addition. So I ate my plate, I finished it, but I don't want to come back for more. Even though I wasn't full. I don't think I've ever left brunch feeling hungry! I also had a vanilla latte, it was good but with a huge espresso machine like they have, they should have way more options for drinks. The atmosphere is nice. It's a huge restaurant, with great lighting. The outside seating looks just as nice as the inside. It's a nice neighborhood so the outside seating is a good option. I won't be back. The food was just not worth it.

Photos
The Table
The Table - Roasted Carrot Salad ($14)

Roasted Carrot Salad ($14)

The Table - Market Fish: Salmon w/ Balsamic Soubise ($36)

See all

Market Fish: Salmon w/ Balsamic Soubise ($36)

Water Tower Kitchen

Water Tower Kitchen

4.3(1.2k reviews)
5.3 mi
•$$

To be honest this was one of the best service I've had the host was very lovely and took us to our…read morespot greeted the waiter got to us right away showed us the special and what he recommended did not hesitate to help us when we called and the food the food was beyond amazing the jambalaya was spicy but tasted very Rich and fabulous for the price I was paying overall just a well experience

We hosted our son's first birthday party at Water Tower Kitchen and booked the full patio for our…read moreparty of 60 guests. We were super pleased with the whole experience, from the moment we booked the date to the moment we left the restaurant after a successful birthday party. The planning process was absolutely seamless with Melissa the event coordinator who was always so responsive and answered all of our questions in great detail. The event/catering menu had so much variety to choose from and we greatly appreciated all the beverage options as well. On the day of the party, the service was absolutely top notch. The servers consistently cleared used tableware, replaced drinks and food as needed, and responded to all of our requests with such kindness! The food was delicious, especially the mac and cheese and miso salmon, which our guests raved about. We are so happy that we had our son's birthday party at Water Tower Kitchen. It was truly a memorable day and we have the Water Tower crew to thank for that. It was perfect!

Photos
Water Tower Kitchen - #YolkPorn

#YolkPorn

Water Tower Kitchen
Water Tower Kitchen - Chinese Chicken Salad

See all

Chinese Chicken Salad

Goodtime Bar - Deviled eggs

Goodtime Bar

4.7(258 reviews)
3.9 mi•Downtown
•$$

A hidden gem for the food, wine, AND company…read more Goodtime Bar is one of those spots I'm always recommending to people before they even ask for recommendations. Any place can serve wine, but it's the food, atmosphere, and community that make Goodtime Bar always a good time. The menu has creative flavor combinations that make it fun to try a little bit of everything. The serving sizes vary from smaller bites to sharables, so it works out great. My favorites I order every single time are the tom yum bucatini, steak frites, and tostadas. As for other items I've tried: oysters are flavorful and thoughtfully put together. The crispy fingerling potatoes with seaweed mayo are criminally addicting. I think the chips and dip are made fresh in house so they have that great real potato texture and flavor. Pro tip: GET THE BREAD. Perhaps a secret menu item. An order comes with a few slices of perfectly toasted buttered bread. You'll want it to dip into the tom yum bucatini sauce. TBH it can be used for all the sauces... in the prawns is great. The chef is a master of sauce. And don't skip dessert! The creme brulee is my guilty pleasure at the end of the night, with a perfectly crisp, crackly sugar crust every time I've had it. The steak frites and a bottle of wine make for a perfect girls' night. There's a nice selection of wines at different price points, and the staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. You can even taste their house wines before committing to a glass, which is a great as someone who doesn't know much about wine. The space works for different moods, too. Inside feels intimate and lively, with a fun buzz that adds to the atmosphere. Outside is lovely when you want open air while catching up with friends over food and wine. Disco ball nights inside are especially vibesy! One of my favorite things is the community here. Their Monday 6 PM run club brings together a welcoming crowd, and the post-run wine-glass offer is such a fun touch. It's a great way to meet people, and the friendly energy makes it easy to feel included even if you come solo. I've gone a couple times when time permits and everyone is sooooo friendly. All paces are welcomed and they have a few people appointed to help direct and make sure no one gets left behind. They also have options beyond wine, including a yuzu cocktail and nonalcoholic drinks like Hiyo. There's a few nearby downtown SJ lot with 90-minute free parking. TL;DR: Come for the food, stay for the wine, and leave loving this DTSJ hidden gem. Whether it's a girls' night, a necessary glass after work, or a Monday run-club meetup, Goodtime Bar is one of my favorite spots in SJ. Rightfully deserved my first Yelp food review.

Cute little resto/bar/wine bar. Tried the pickle beer with a deviled egg topper. The pickle beer is…read morenot as bad as you would think. The deviled egg was AH-mazing. A must try. The apps were yum and omg the fish filet sandwich is crazy. Like an entire dish between buns. The batter is a little too salty and I wish there was more slaw tho. Really like this place but wish the patio seating was a bit more comfortable.

Photos
Goodtime Bar - Indoor seating area

Indoor seating area

Goodtime Bar - Arancini

Arancini

Goodtime Bar - A rich sparkling white that's not too dry

See all

A rich sparkling white that's not too dry

City Diner - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...