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    Soda Rock Diner

    3.3 (29 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican
    Open 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Soda Rock Diner Photos

    SODA ROCK DINER ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - Soda Rock Diner

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    Danny B.

    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!

    tallulah f.

    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?

    The Soda Rock main entrance
    deborah jane g.

    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.

    Michelle J.

    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.

    Justine C.

    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.

    On every booth your own juke box
    Dee M.

    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!

    Qype User (monkey…)

    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!

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    Review Highlights - Soda Rock Diner

    . AND every now and then the staff line up in the aisles and dance

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Big Pig Little Pig - A Smorgasbord of flavour as your dig into this mouth watering BBQ with tantalising side dishes

    Big Pig Little Pig

    4.2(10 reviews)
    12.9 km
    $$

    Big Pig Little Pig, A Meat Lover's Paradise…read more Such an outstanding place to go to for dinner nights out with the family due to the fact they have really kind employees who are unbelievably working hard for the great food they make throughout the whole day. Moreover, it has a very great environment setting out a vintage look for the restaurant. Furthermore, their food is so exceptional i can feel those taste buds in my mouth enjoying the meal of they're life.

    Big Pig Little Pig - A Pork Lover's Paradise…read more If you're a fan of all things pork, then Big Pig Little Pig in Morabbin is a must-visit culinary destination. Located in the outer suburbs of our food loving city, this cozy and unassuming eatery is a haven for meat enthusiasts and lovers of tender, flavorful meats. Upon entering Big Pig Little Pig, the aroma of slow-cooked pork fills the air, instantly tantalizing your taste buds. The menu features an array of mouthwatering options, but the star of the show is undoubtedly their signature pulled pork. The pulled pork is Big Pig Little Pig's specialty, and it doesn't disappoint. The dish gives way to succulent layers of tender pork, seasoned to perfection with fragrant herbs and spices. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with the richness of the meat complemented by a balanced combination of seasonings. For those who prefer a bit of beef, the beef brisker is a must-try. The smoky and tender brisket is slow cooked and the bark is chewy in a good way and full of flavour and smoke. The combination of flavors and textures is a delight for your taste buds, leaving you wanting more with every bite. The menu at Big Pig Little Pig also offers a range of delicious sides to accompany your pork-centric feast. The coleslaw is creamy, tangy and the perfect dish to offset the savoury meat and the potato salad will leave you wanting more and if you're a fan of mac and cheese, their creamy and indulgent version will leave you in cheese-lover's heaven. To top off your meal, make sure to try one of their decadent desserts. The choc cherry brownie is a sinful treat, combining the richness of dark chocolate with the fruitiness of cherry and a scoop or two of indulgent Cherry Ripe Ice Cream. The friendly and attentive staff at Big Pig Little Pig add to the overall experience, providing excellent service and sharing their knowledge and passion for all things pork. Whether you're a seasoned pork lover or simply curious to explore the flavors of high-quality, expertly-prepared meats, this hidden gem in Melbourne will not disappoint. They also offer an option for their vegetarian and vegan clientele. The Bean Chilli Cheese Fries sound like an awesome side dish to go along with the Vegan Cheeseburger. In conclusion, Big Pig Little Pig is a haven for meat enthusiasts and non meat enthusiasts alike, offering a variety of tantalizing dishes that showcase the succulent flavors of slow-cooked and perfectly seasoned dishes. With its cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and unforgettable flavors, a visit to this Melbourne eatery is an experience that you won't soon forget.

    Photos
    Big Pig Little Pig
    Big Pig Little Pig
    Big Pig Little Pig

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    Smokey's All American BBQ - Wall Deco

    Smokey's All American BBQ

    2.3(6 reviews)
    1.2 kmPrahran
    $$

    Being an American in Melbourne, I'm naturally attracted to restaurants with "America" in the name…read moreas I'm always looking for a taste of home. I visited Smokey's with not much time to spare before heading to work. There were only about 3 other tables seated in the restaurant. Ordered the BBQ pulled pork sliders and a soft drink at the counter and waited an average amount of time for them to come out, 10-12 minutes. Three sliders came in the order. They were fairly small, would have benefitted from a side of chips, but I didn't want to spend over $15 so opted to skip the side. The pork was tender but the ratio of pork to slaw was pretty even, wound up scraping off some slaw. The sauce was a bit on the runny side, was slightly sweet, mostly smoky, with a bit of a spicy kick, but nothing noteworthy. The only thing truly American about this place is the license plates and logos on the wall. The portion sizes, taste and ambiance are nothing to write home about. Don't be fooled by the 3 stars in my review, this is as 2.5 star average as it gets. Curious to try something else on the menu, but certainly not rushing back.

    Smokey's All American BBQ is good option for BBQ in Prahran. A solid 3 to 3.5 stars. Kudos to the…read moreowners as they did nice job with the decor, it really does feel like an American bbq shack, complete with collegiate flags on the walls. I spied a Kansas Jayhawk banner...not something you see everyday in Melbourne. However, to be a true American joint, they need to broadcast American games on TV. Portions are large as are the equally high prices. I ordered the Carolina which came with 3 pulled pork sliders and a side of shoestring fries. While not exactly the same BBQ you'd find in the southern parts of the US, I thought it was rather tasty. The pork was slow cooked and smokey. I wish they had lunch specials as I couldn't justify spending over $30 for ribs at lunch, so I opted for the sliders. I'll go back....they certainly tempt you with buckets of coors light on offer. There is also a location in Port Melbourne.

    Photos
    Smokey's All American BBQ - Exterior

    Exterior

    Smokey's All American BBQ - Main Dining

    Main Dining

    Smokey's All American BBQ - Mustard and ketchup. Just mustard and ketchup. They made my food taste like mustard and ketchup and salt ... not bbq

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    Mustard and ketchup. Just mustard and ketchup. They made my food taste like mustard and ketchup and salt ... not bbq

    Bowery to Williamsburg - Bacon and egg sandwich with side of sausage

    Bowery to Williamsburg

    4.3(155 reviews)
    3.4 kmMelbourne
    $$

    Food is okay! Coffee was good! Service was decent. I would definitely try again since, 2nd chance…read moreis worth it

    The first day in Australia, I was craving a big, hearty sandwich, a rarity in Japan. A quick Google…read moresearch led me to Bowery to Williamsburg. The name suggests a connection to the street or bridge in NYC. Am I correct? Located in the alley between Flinders and Collins, parallel to Russell, it was a bit unexpected to find this eatery here. With plenty of tables on the patio and inside, the atmosphere was inviting. Being alone, I didn't want to occupy a larger table, so I decided to grab my order to go. After glancing over the menu, my eyes locked on the 'Reuben,' thinking 'this can't go wrong.' The staff were kind and friendly. Despite not dining in, they allowed me to sit and wait at a table. After a few minutes, I received my order and rushed back to the hotel because I couldn't wait! Excitement led me to open the box like a treasure chest, revealing a huge sandwich - the portion I had been searching for. In Japan, where I live, the general trend is to reduce portions to maintain prices rather than increase prices to keep portions consistent in the face of inflation. Now you understand how crucial this is. Another crucial aspect - the taste was on point. With a generous portion of meat, it dominated the experience along with the sourness from the pickled cabbage. It was a bit too sour for my taste, but I assume that's how a Reuben usually tastes. Overall, I was really pleased with this place and would love to come back again.

    Photos
    Bowery to Williamsburg - Communal seating and restaurant vibes

    Communal seating and restaurant vibes

    Bowery to Williamsburg
    Bowery to Williamsburg

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    Leonards House of Love - Jalapeno poppers

    Leonards House of Love

    4.3(16 reviews)
    0.5 kmSouth Yarra
    $$

    My wife's brother took us here for dinner. Now I'm not a…read morevegetarian, but whenever I go to a place that has a veggie burger on the menu I tend to order it. The reason for this is cause wherever I have been, if that burger is good, then everything else on the menu tends to be great. The reason I say this is because everywhere I have tried the vegetable burger, I go back and everything else is also amazing. But if that is not good, then everything else will be at best, mediocre. Well this was probably the best veggie burger I've had. My wife had a spicy chicken burger which she really enjoyed (same as my brother in law) and we also tried tater tots, poutine fries and jalapeno poppers. Everything eat great and I would definitely tell people to go try this place out. The only 2 things to mention is that it's very loud so it will be hard to have a conversation with friends, and that if it had rained before, avoid sitting at outside tables like we did add you will find slugs on the table or the wall and discover that they actually move pretty fast :p not to mention one was at the side of my cup and I discovered it as I went to drink. Fortunately this was at the end of my meal or it would have really ruined everything. So seriously avoid sitting outdoors or best the tree, if it has recently rained. If it weren't for these two minor things, id give it 5 stars. I can't really blame the establishment for this (although having some sort of outdoor covering could stop this issue).

    All 70's all the time! Such an amazing retro ambiance. And the food is amazing! The South Side…read moreFried (chicken) Burger is one of the best sandwiches I've ever put in my mouth. Seriously. And the others in our party of four all enjoyed their (beef) burgers, too. We were on holiday from the US, and Leonards House of Love was one of the dining highlights of our trip.

    Photos
    Leonards House of Love - Seating

    Seating

    Leonards House of Love - Veggie burger

    Veggie burger

    Leonards House of Love - Poutine

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    Poutine

    Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks - And array of spicy goodness

    Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks

    4.2(11 reviews)
    4.2 kmFitzroy
    $

    Great bar! The sandwich was fine, but nothing like a steak you would get in Philly. Roll was way…read moreoff from our bread. Steak was the best part but not enough of it. Orange sliced cheese is non existent in Phila sandwich shop, this was like McDonald's cheese galavanting as whiz. Onions were cut too large so the ratio to meat was wrong. Again, I enjoyed the sandwich, it's just nowhere near authentic. If you're from Philly like me, don't get your hopes up.

    I'm so excited that I finally got to cram one of Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks creations into my…read moremouth. Doubly excited that they have an entire wall devoted hot sauces and condiments for said creations. Triply excited that, despite their name sake, there are vegetarian options on the menu. But just because it's vegetarian, it makes no pretense that it's healthy. That fried tofu sandwich comes topped with vegetarian chilli and gooey, guilty-pleasure American cheese. Plus the option to have it all seated on top of a big pile of fries. You can save money for more beer at the Catfish bar on Mondays, when the cheesesteaks are only $8 or $10 with fries. Order and pick-up at the back hatch. Then add a little heat with things like the chipotle bbq sauce and tomatillo & jalapeno, or just play it safe and stick with the basic tomato sauce & yellow mustard. There is no way you're walking out hungry after one of these.

    Photos
    Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks - Melted cheese and bacon Yum

    Melted cheese and bacon Yum

    Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks - Menu board

    Menu board

    Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks - Nearly Philly (tofu) with fries and self-added hot sauces!

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    Nearly Philly (tofu) with fries and self-added hot sauces!

    Soda Rock Diner - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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