We were stuffed from our burgers earlier but there's always room for milkshakes since it's a liquid and can easily fill in the gaps around the food in my belly, right? I always go for the regular chocolate, one friend had the strawberry and the other had vanilla. We all got to try a bit of each since they gave us our extra from the blend. The shakes weren't bad, we all enjoyed it all, it made us all feel like kids for a moment. read more

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I was looking to take my boyfriend and family out to dinner for his birthday. I wanted a place that would stand out a little, so I picked soda rock what finding it on yelp. I made a reservation (which was not necessary - I chose a quieter time) and off we went. My father and I are both American so have spent plenty of time in the real thing and we were pleasantly surprised. Atmosphere is VERY cool, it has all the great 50's and onwards hits so you and everyone you go with end up singing to every song. There's little juke boxes on every table (revving that nostalgia) that really work to make the jukebox in the corner play whatever songs you'd like from their "diner" play list. Lovely! I am Vegan and my boyfriend vegetarian, as this is a burger place it's usually very hard to find a meal. However, the buns are Vegan and their Veggie burger is great (mine no Mayo) along with a side of shoe string fries and a cherry coke, I didn't feel I missed out on the experience at all which is very important. The wait staff do a song and dance which is cool (I thought) ride on roller skates and at the end of our meal made a big to do celebrating my boyfriend's birthday, and have him an ice-cream sundae with a candle in it. Was awesome and very memorable! The one gripe is the music is slightly loud and when the pinball machines start, it can be hard to hear. However, this only really annoyed those in my group who were 70+. Great memorable night, made by the atmosphere alone! read more

Soda Rock Diner - Cute juke boxes on each table! - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This is my second time at Soda Rock and first time in the new location. I have to say the experience was about the same. It has a charming American appeal, classic 50s and 60s rock, a pinball machine, jukebox and rollerskating waiters. However their food is just lukewarm. Burgers are still too small for the size of the bun and fries are just average. For the price you can go to a number of places and get better quality. So unless you really want that entire malt shop experience, I would go to Mr. Burger which is very close by. read more

Soda Rock Diner - Juke box - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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I love this diner! Old school and it keeps to it's own! Sitting down in the booth you get a little jukebox pay $1 for selection on 2 classics! It's so great loved it! I ordered a root beer float. Yum yum!! And then I got the burger with onion rings and friend ordered the hotdog and frize! It was all really nice :-) and really enjoyed it! Very American styled with the flavours in the burger and the size and display of the hotdog! A great find in chapel! I will be back here again All it needs to add is rollerblades on the staff! read more

Soda Rock Diner - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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It's hard to miss Soda Rock, with its bright pink and blue neon lights and colourful gumball machines out front. Soda Rock serves traditional American meals in the setting of a 1950's style diner. The atmosphere inside is calm, casual and fun, the staff are bubbly and the interior really makes you feel like you have stepped onto the set of Grease of something similar. I have eaten here a couple of times, there is lots to choose from on their menu. Typical dishes like Hamburgers and Fries, Hotdogs, Sandwiches etc. I particulalry enjoy the all day breakfast where you just can't go past the American Pancakes. These are totally authentic and take me back to my childhood memories of visiting Florida. Soda Rock also serve a selection of Thickshakes and Malts as well as Cookie Shakes Spiders. Why not bring out your 1950's self and enjoy a Soda Pop and Burger at the top of Chapel Street? read more

Soda Rock Diner - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

The hot dog ("Hound Dog" - just the beginning of the cringe) here was excellent! One of the best hot dogs I've ever had. It was, however, also incredibly expensive. The burger my friend ordered was incredibly average, and also expensive. Now, I mentioned the cringe. Soda Rock Diner really goes all out on the 50s/60s Americana, and if you really want that malt shop diner kitsch, well, this place has it in spades. I have to say, it wasn't for me. I love anywhere with a cool theme usually - but there's such a thing as too much. Quality of service was excellent, notwithstanding that every staff member sounded like they'd rather swim in a vat of oil than work at Soda Rock Diner. I couldn't tell if this was another layer of irony - singlehandedly the best thing about the place if true - or they genuinely don't like doing dances for customers while serving burger combos that cost more than they get paid in an hour. If you: - 14 years old on a first date - absolutely in love with Elvis - want to be served by staff on rollerskates for some reason this place is for you! If you're anyone else, you can get better quality food and even better post-ironic Vibes™ anywhere else. Except the hot dog. A+ read more

Relive the 50s, 60s and 70s at this iconic diner which recently celebrated its 17th anniversary in May 2011. Pop a coin into the 1940s jukebox and choose your own songs to bop and sing along to. Perfect for old-school lovers like myself! When ever I dine here, it's always a tough fight between the strawberry shake, coffee shake and the root beer float. Oh and by the way, this is the only place you can get the authentic American A&W root beer and believe me, it's worth every cent! Choose a burger or hotdog and for the full experience order it as a combo (fries and a drink) - you can even upgrade the combo to experience their yummy ice cream floats or a cold, creamy thick shake. Some people do complain that Soda Rock is a tad bit over priced, I beg to differ because every time I have a meal there, I leave completely satisfied and often can't even finish my fries - if you're a small eater share the fries with a mate, especially if you're ordering a combo. Oh and the chilli fries and cheese fries are the bomb! On special occasions, the diner comes alive with awesome costumes, music, dancing and usually lots of laughs - depending on diners' enthusiasm. We love that their can laugh at themselves, entertain the crowd and still dish out some of the juiciest burgers in town. And since Soda Rock has a wide following with local and overseas celebrities, you never know who you might bump into. read more

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Typical American style diner right in the heart of South Yarra. Soda Rock serve an abundance of real "American" food (fat, cholesterol and all!). The atmosphere is actually pretty good. There is a juke box, lots of noise, and of course dancing waitresses (huh?). Yes, dancing waitresses. We were sitting there eating our meal when the waitresses broke out into a routine. It was actually pretty entertaining. I had a milkshake, which was pretty good, and a chilli dog. I wasn't expecting to enjoy the chilli dog as much as I did. I could probably be talked into ordering it again. read more

Soda Rock Diner - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Chapel Street South Yarra has some class. It is hard to come by in Melbourne (yet anywhere in Australia) to eat a hearty dinner at a 1950's designed establishment which still has that rock finesse and that 1950's milk bar feeling. You know, the paper hats and the light blue shirts and white apron type of theme. It is interesting, the staff are relatively young; yet I can't fault their service. Their milkshakes have a bit of that guilt factor; where you would be forgiven for thinking that you are dining out at one of those old Cafe Americano establishments which were quite prominent in Sydney in the 90's. This milkshake is quite thick and mean, and the strawberry flavour is a dark pink. Not overly busy, yet this establishment does attract the locals and the service is quite good. Not an establishment you would come to all the time; especially if you are health conscious; however it is great to try something different once in a while at an interesting locale near South Yarra train station; about a block away. Ideal locale to have dinner before catching a late night movie at the nearby Jam Factory any day of the week. read more

Soda Rock Diner - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Was told I had to come here because I would love the old school, diner 'Happy Days' feel to it and I definitely did! Even if your just looking for a great milkshake you should try one of there's. I loved the bubblegum flavour :) The food was a massive serving (only got through half my hot dog!) It's not pricey at all either! The whole experience was great and the general feel and atmosphere took you back in time. Definitely give it a visit! read more

Soda Rock Diner - On every booth your own juke box - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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I effing love this place. Its like Ed's easy diner in London but better. Big comfy booths with old school mini jukeboxes on the table. The burgers are amazing, real homemade stuff. Great thickshakes and fries too. Can't fault it. There is a great 50s and 60s selection playing in the background too which adds a nice bit of atmosphere. (Also apparently if you spend a dollar on a couple of songs of your choice, there is a chance that you'll choose the one song that makes all the staff get up and dance, no joke). In conclusion: Best. Burgers. Ever! read more

Soda Rock Diner - American Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Stopped here as a car spot was available and I was in a rush. Had the cheeseburger and it was a Sunday, the bun appeared stale, Patty was dry and overcooked and overall not impressed given the burger completion around. The menu needs a revamp and the decor a bit of a spruce up too! Booths with torn and cracked seats, no water offered for table and really lack lustre service! Sadly a once only visit from me! read more

I really love the staff here. Super friendly, attentive and somehow bring a touch of class and flair to the diner experience (which seems at odds with their outfits and little white caps...). It's also fun to put coins in the jukeboxes at each table and play whatever old school songs you like (two songs for a dollar, if you want to know). The aesthetic is cool, but has kind of a surreal feeling on weeknights when there are sometimes only a few other tables of people. Fridays and Saturdays are their busiest nights, and probably the best time to go if you want to make the most of the experience. The food is ok, if you can get past the fact that it's all ridiculously bad for you. I know everyone raves about the milkshakes but I found mine (strawberry) to be a little on the sweet side. Burgers and fries are good, but maybe not the 'best in Melbourne', as is advertised outside. So if you go, go for the nutty experience of all. And make sure to bring a couple coins for the jukebox. read more

I've driven past this place for 20 years almost never going in but always curious. Finally just popped in one Sunday afternoon craving a random burger. The decor/vibe of this place is great. I love 50s music, milkshakes and burgers. You also have little jukeboxes at your table that you can pay $1 for a tune which then plays next on the speakers. The servers are also really nice and friendly. But that's pretty much where the goodness stops in my experience. We ordered beef/veggie burgers, chips and milkshakes. And most of it was pretty average bordering on bad. It's sort of like funpark quality food, the variety you'd get at luna park etc. Big white bready buns with non-choice ingredients and badly cooked/dry protein. And milkshake was quite runny and goopy texture rather than thick/slushy and unfulfilling. We felt kinda gross afterwards. My friend told me that's what they always expected, but I dunno why I imagined simple but tasty roadtrip style burgers and classic milkshakes. It would be cool to have a joint with the decor/music/idea of this place that actually put a little more love into the food menu (maybe even booze) as its cool to sit in and hang out. But the food was just not good and I doubt I'd return. read more

Soda Rock is my favorite restaurant in Melbourne! After I tried Misty's Diner on friends' recommendations I was incredibly disappointed. But, then I stumbled upon Soda Rock purely by chance, and was instantly smitten. The service is top notch and friendly. We've never had to wait long for our meals, even when it was quite busy. AND every now and then the staff line up in the aisles and dance! Plus, they have the mini jukeboxes at each table so you can pop your favorite songs into the playlist. (I probably should knock a point off because once or twice, the box at our table was broken, but it's not a huge deal, and they must be difficult to maintain). The food is reasonably priced, and delicious. Not entirely authentic American fare compared to the diners I went to there, but more like an approximation with products readily available in Australia (I did miss the American cheese... awww!). The shakes are amazing, and the burgers are so good. If you're looking for good food and a 50s diner experience with attention to detail, this is definitely the place for you. I love it with all my heart! read more

I liked this place. It has a great atmosphere, good service, the 1950s diner feel is fun and the staff being on roller skates gives it an added novelty value. The hot dog was surprisingly juicy and full of flavour, the chips weren't anything to write home about but were fine for the price and did come with chicken salt seasoning. It's cheap food and a fun place to go for a change. read more

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How cool is Soda Rock? It makes me want to play Everly Brothers and Dianna Ross. Oh and Frankie Valli! I did just that when I took my mum and sister the just recently. The burgers are some of the best I've ever had, just so fresh. I love having soft drink out of those tall, thick glasses too. The staff are great and the chef wears a cool chef hat straight from the pages of those Archie comics. Very well priced too and an awesome location. I wish I grew up near a place like this. read more

Who doesn't like a great burger with delicious fries? With my experience with great 'diner' type burger drive ins in the US, I was excited with the prospect of having a Melbourne connection for such foods. Unfortunately, this did not happen...don't get me wrong, service was good but interpretations of items on the menu were not what appeared on the table.... For example, I ordered chili cheese fries which were to include 'hot' or 'mild' chili on top of fries...first, the fries were frozen and unfortunately, the fries were not cooked as they should be leaving a warm outside and cool inside result with chili (told it would be hot chili not chili with hot sauce poured on top) - disappointing. The cheese burger was good. Could have been better. Nice add with the a&w root beer. For a quick bite, I will still consider - maybe next time I will take a stab at their hot dogs and shakes. read more

Over the years I've been to Soda Rock at the old location and have lots of good memories of that. But this is the first time I've been to the new location and sadly it was a huge letdown. The food was really, really average and way overpriced and the service was slow and sour. I didn't even get a 'hello' when I arrived and only a cursory smile and not even a thank you when I paid. I had a hubcap combo with a shake upgrade. $26. The burger bun was dry, the meat pattie was thin and tasteless, the chips bland, and the shake was also lacking in taste and wasn't even mixed properly. Frankly you're better off at McDonald's on both quality and price. As someone who spends a lot of time in the US I have to say these days this is a sad representation of an American diner. I certainly won't be back and have told several people about this already. They need to lift their game and quickly. read more

The best burgers in the world! I don't know what they put in them, but they taste really amazing. The chilli beef one is my all time favourite and you should also get a thickshake to go with it. And it's a real bargain you can get both just for 15 dollars. The atmosphere just makes the visit even better. They have jukebox, playing 50s songs and a nice traditional dinner decoration. Additionally all the staff are very friendly, welcoming and always nice to all the customers. read more

The creation of Rome, the dawning the of the pyramids, the industrial revolution, these thing and more only took a quarter of the time to complete than that of our burgers. Even the bleach stained tables couldn't float us into a state of euphoria to trick us into feeling like the time less than it was. That said, the burgers were not bad. Yes I lost an hour of my life to the drone of 60s but I will admit I did enjoy the burger. Don't go here if you are in a hurry or hate tacky 60s decor. No liquor license either. read more

Love the 80's vibe! Young spring chicken waitresses will come right up to you for table service. Hubcap burgers and chilli cheese fries! Delicious! It makes a cute date night with the 80's music. read more

The portion sizes here arent very generous and the cheese fries i ordered were soggy and highly unappetising. Walking into this venue my pallet was not moistened because i was too afraid of the waiters flying around the place on roller skates at ridiculous speeds. It also holds no liquor license making it not very family friendly for any parent looking for a quiet frothie after a hard days work. Probably would just go up the road to tgis for a better meal and a carlton draught if i was in the area again.... read more

The restaurant was a very enjoyable experience because of the American style decorations. I think the prices are reasonable and the food is also very good. It is a shame though that this wonderful restaurant had to shut down read more

It's a soda fountain motif with Elvis at the door! The chocolate and vanilla shakes are delicious. The burgers and fries are decent. They play a nice soundtrack of music from the 50's to the 70's. The speakers sound like they are even older than the music! Still a place to check out! read more

I really enjoy returning every time to this diner , it just reminds me of the united states so much and the food is excellent , the staff are friendly and helpful. Why not treat yourself to some fabulous food fare today . read more

Yummiest burger and fun staff. I think the chips are a slight let down, maybe French fries would be more suited to the American theme. But a really fun dinner and the kids even loved their food. Highly recommend if your around to try this place read more

I have had mc Donald's at 3am that was made by a 14 year old that tasted better then soda rocks burgers. We got two burger combos and some onion rings $50 later I felt like we should of just driven through mc Donald's for a quarter of the price. The chips seemed to be like frozen supermarket chips. But the staff were nice so the service was redeeming. Definitely won't be going back. read more

Always had great hamburgers and cheese fries here. The food is hot, tasty and delivered fast with great service. Great selection of US soda as well including Dr Pepper, A&W Root Beer and Cherry Coke. read more