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Studio Diner

3.7 (2.3k reviews)
Open • 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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STUDIO DINER ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Studio Diner

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Jen N.

Good service, cute place to dine inside and cool design outside, waffle was tasty, no seasoning in eggs or hash brown. I rarely ever have to salt my food. I put extra ketchup for flavor. They serve alcohol here and I see a 90 minute wait period.

Burger and sliders
Douglas G.

We were greeted with a smile at the host stand and seated immediately in a booth. We were served by Julio who was very business and customer service oriented. The SanDiego burger was ordered medium well and that was the way it came out and served with hot fries. The pork sliders were barbecued with a pickle and a small onion on the bun. The fries were also served hot. The well decorated diner and the low noise was perfect for conversation and the enjoyment of our delicious meal and wonderful service!

Tito R.

Wow still better than ever!! Been a while but the quality is still there! Had a big juicy BLT ! Service is excellent and the diner still looks the same!! We gotta come more often!

Studio toast
Vanessa M.

Randomly came across this 50's movie set themed diner. All American food, breakfast served all day. Overall Great service, but food was mid, hash browns were very bland but the aesthetic of the place made up for it.

The front, the perfect little diner alive and well in the 21st-century
Ed B.

The food is typically good flavorful and plentiful. today the avocado were a little slim. I guess we'll blame it on the season. Thank you don't worry.

Pancake
Janet S.

It looks as if the diner is getting their act together. We hadn't been there in a while. We decided to give it another chance. Our service today was wonderful. Kaitlyn got the order right and brought things as we requested. Because of an allergy, she worked with me to find a solution. The food was good and prepared the way I wanted it. The ambiance hasn't changed and it is ok. But the fiber really needs to be refreshed.

The chicken and waffles was underwhelming. It's not worth paying extra for Nutella
Merriam W.

I've been here a few times and every time I eat here, I just feel like the food is just ok considering the price. I feel like this place is more for novelty since it's a movie-themed diner situated on a former film soundstage. I ordered the chicken and waffles. I was hoping the chicken would be actual fried chicken like a thigh and leg but it was a breaded chicken tender. I also added Nutella for $1.50 and thought it would be incorporated into the waffle batter but they just gave me a side of Nutella which was underwhelming. Let me say the best part of the entree was the fresh fruit. My friend ordered the special pear salad with pecans and chicken and she said her food was just ok too. I think the only entrees that you can't go wrong with is this breakfast, but other than that, the dinner entrees have been mediocre at best.

Patty melt
Adam B.

Food was good. Service was super slow. Took over 10 minutes to even get recognized by our server. Then after another 10 he didn't even ask if we had any questions or offer to get drinks, just wanted our order. I got the patty melt. The fries are great. Patty melt is above average. Little too much bread to patty ratio.

Patty Melt
Emily C.

Banana split was good enough to share with 3-4 people. Patty Melt was delicious along with the fries!! Our waitress was really accommodating and nice. The studio patio has nice views.

Lobster  bisque soup. DELIOUS!
Hanafi M.

Haven't been here in years. Nice diner, great parking. The Lobster Bisque is delicious and a real delight.

Dara T.

I've been here multiple times now and I'm finally able to write my review this time. This time I ordered the omelette with gravy and instead of a toast I asked if they can offer a one slice of French toast instead, but they said no, but they offered one pancake instead and that was also the perfect compromised and combo. The pancake was fluffy with amazing texture and super delicious. The omelette was perfect portion with all the right mixes of veggies and the gravy gave it that extra character that I didn't know that could compliment an omelette so well. I ate everything because it was all so tasty! Oh and I can't forget their coffee, always one of the best coffees. Service was great as always and always helpful and on time. Ambiance was like any typical diner with little wait time and big smiles.

Brisket Benedict
Mike S.

Studio diner was an alternative choice on a holiday brunch but turned out a great one. With a small parking lot it's better to come early but if you get a spot they have a cozy inside dining room with great decor. The staff were all very friendly and efficient. The food was just what you want from a diner, savory and delicious. It's a good choice if you're in the area.

chilaquiles
Marcus B.

Love this little Niche diner! PROs: After eating here many times over the years I'm writing a review. It's a very diverse menu for all 3 different meals. They offer beer, wine, and other beverage options. The diner is movie set themed due to the property next door being an old movie studio that's now used to train Military and Law Enforcement. The staff is always very attentive and courteous - today we had Allison and she was great. The new chilaquiles was also delicious. The place is very kid friendly as well. CONs: Parking can be a challenge at times and expect a wait during prime breakfast/brunch hours but the staff will work hard to get you seated in a timely manner.

Corned beef

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1 year ago

Great experience, good customer service and overall met my expectations with the taste of the food.

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Great food. Awesome service. Old-school attention to details. Great breakfast place in San Diego.

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Page 5 of 59

Studio Diner Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Studio Diner

Is it true they know have a requirement that you cannot be there over 90 minutes?!!!

From what I understand not a hardfast rule but a polite request if they're very busy which seems reasonable. I love sitting on the outdoor patio as its not busy and very quiet !

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are not allowed, but I've seen service dogs occasionally on the back patio/porch.

Do they sell beer?

Yes

Did Studio Diner change ownership while it was closed?

Studio Diner has been purchased by local restaurateurs and longtime business partners Salvatore Ercolano and Gilbert Frank. Last year, the pair purchased The Butcher Shop steakhouse in Kearny Mesa. Ercolano also owns Flora Bar & Kitchen within The… 

Are they open?

Yes ... as of the 7th. Basically the same menu, but done upgrades. Major office increase ... server uniforms a touch different. Been going there 4-6 times per week since it first opened. Unclear if we'll continue. I think they porked the pooch… 

Do you still serve clam rolls?

Not anymore

Are they still closed?

Opening February 7th

When will it reopen, if ever? Good place.

It has reopened.

Are they open now?

Nope

Is the diner open yet?

Unfortunately, no.

Can breakfast be ordered all day?

They are not opened 24/7, so breakfast is technically served at all times during the hours of operation. -09/11/2019

Am I allowed to order food and sit around and study for a while?

I order a meal and then do legal work for about two hours. I tend to go about 4:30 p.m. mid week, so it is not busy.

Any Friday dinner specials?

So sorry. At the moment I can't remember

Does this place still serve sloppy joes?

Yes

What year did it open?

Hi Angie, We opened for business June 2003...although, 1-2 people still working next door say it was Memorial weekend (Last weekend in May) 2003. But we usually celebrate the… 

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4.0(3.3k reviews)
7.5 mi•Loma Portal, Liberty Station, Point Loma
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Corvette Diner is one place not to miss! An avid Pressed Penny collector, I discovered this…read morerestaurant while looking at a list of local places with machines. Walking in, it's a blast from the past and you're greeted by the site of a real vintage Corvette. The location is quite large, featuring a large diner, soda bar, and arcade. The diner section is divided into different themes in different rooms. Food: Menu is expansive. We ordered the Wisconsin Burger (double patties cooked in butter) and Patty Melt (swiss on marble rye). Both came with a side, we chose fries. Both items were very large servings and we took home leftover. Food was served piping hot, well seasoned, and delicious. Pressed Penny Machine: I didn't have a penny on me, and our waitress went out of her way to find us one!

First time here and the decor was really cool seeing all the 50s decorations. The service was good…read morebut the food was way below comments posted online. We started with Fried Pickles and Fried Onion Rings. When they came out they looked delicious but unfortunately appearance didn't match the taste. They were over breaded if there was such a thing. There was so much breading that the onion in the onion ring was slimy. It was disgustingly and I sent them back. And the Fried Pickles were just not good. Once again too much breading. The kids hot dog and chicken tenders were fine. Fries were missing salt, very bland tasting. My wife's burger was okay, nothing special and my meatloaf was okay. It lacked flavor and seasoning. For the price of our lunch, definitely not worth it and can't recommend this place overall.

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Corvette Diner - Gamers Garage Arcade

Gamers Garage Arcade

Corvette Diner - Gamers Garage Arcade

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Beginner's Diner - Reuben Sandwich. The flavors hit a great balance of savory and tangy. Curly fries on the side were perfectly crispy.

Beginner's Diner

3.8(506 reviews)
4.9 mi
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Date of Visit: 9.28.2026 Location: San Diego…read moreCuisine Type: 24/7 Diner (inside a hotel!) Vibe: Such a unique space, period. Lowkey one of the most grunge... clean? gothic spaces, like something out of the Victorian era. It's actually a hotel with a bowling alley and tons of bar space, and the people-watching is elite... fancy people, weird people, stylish people, guys and girls. Popping even on a random Monday night Cost: $$-$$$... everything is pricey for what it is Service: The waitress was kind, nice, and actually helpful with recs (she called the schnitzel and the pie, and she was right) Food/ Rating: -4/5- American diner food, fried well... somewhat greasy but it's a CLEAN fry, not too oily, though you will definitely feel full after. The sleeper hit is the apple pie a la mode. We ordered it with zero expectations off the waitress's rec and wow... this is better than Julian apple pie. The apples are sour-sweet, not too sweet even with the ice cream, and they keep a bit of a bite instead of going super molten. The crust is crispy, not crumbly, so you get this mix of textures and sweet-sour all at once... a very complete experience in a dessert. Apparently it's made in house. I would come back just for the pie. Overall Thoughts: Best Thing I ate: The apple pie a la mode... better than Julian, I said what I said Something to Improve: The pricing... you're paying for the space as much as the plate

curly fries were soooo good! the grilled cheese could've used a little more pizazz but the pickle…read morespear saved it! always a fun vibe at the lafayette! i went during the pool day and it was definitely a party

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Beginner's Diner - Boozy Eggnog

Boozy Eggnog

Beginner's Diner - Reuben Sandwich. Section cut. Flavors were great but wished there was more pastrami in it.

Reuben Sandwich. Section cut. Flavors were great but wished there was more pastrami in it.

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Saint James French Diner

Saint James French Diner

4.2(355 reviews)
7.9 mi•Gaslamp
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Having eaten here several months ago for dinner, loving it, and forgetting to leave a review; I…read morefigured I'd redeem myself and post my latest lunchtime snack I had here at Saint James a few days ago while waiting for a Swiss watch technician from across the street to come back from lunch himself. French onion soup. Enough said. Deviled eggs rounded out our light snack, and those were freshly prepared. While the expected olive and chive flavor was outstanding, the anchovy was done just right to elevate the dish (my understanding now is that anchovy is usually included in deviled eggs as served in Europe). Our espresso martinis excelled at fronting the coffee taste before the vodka, instead of the usual other way around. This sip was exactly as I remember when I had the same for dinner previously. Service as mentioned, was extremely friendly and more importantly, went beyond service and well into hospitable. Love coming here. So, if you're in the area and just need a light snack (or a hearty dinner), drop on by - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Alright my buddy and I have been coming here for years when in town for work. We talked about the…read moresteak frites to people from all over the country as the pinnacle of steak, it melts in your mouth and you could cut with a spoon. The peppercorn sauce was great for the fries we would savor every bite and be sad when we took our last. Tonight after a year of talking about this steak we went here looking forward to what we have been dreaming about for a year. However, our joy was soon crushed and turned to ash in our mouths by the atrocity that was the new steak frites. Who the hell puts curry sauce on a steak this isn't Indian food. The meat was tough and chewy thank god for the sharp knife. Only thing that was still the same were the fries. Seems like someone either bought this place and cut corners or stopped caring. Mind you the old steak frites was 37 and quality meat the new price is 42 and lower quality. This is the last time we will visit and we are truly sad. The bartender was awesome and friendly. Ambiance of the room changed and seems brighter than it used to be. Chew on this as long as we chewed on that "steak"

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Saint James French Diner
Saint James French Diner
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Classics Malt Shop - Western burger

Classics Malt Shop

4.8(1.7k reviews)
7.3 mi•Midway
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5 STARS -- AN ABSOLUTE HIDDEN GEM!…read more I honestly can't say enough good things about Midway Classic Malt Shop! This was hands down one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time, and I genuinely hope this place gets all the recognition and success it deserves! From the moment I called to ask about getting a medium-rare hamburger, I was treated with such genuine kindness and hospitality. And when I arrived, that same warmth carried through the entire experience. The whole team was absolutely amazing! Walking in felt like stepping into a small hometown diner where everybody knows everybody. You know those rare places where you immediately feel welcome, like you're part of the family? That's exactly what this place feels like. The atmosphere is charming, the restaurant is incredibly cute and clean, and the positive energy is contagious. And now, THE BURGER! I ordered my hamburger medium rare, and WOW, did they deliver! Cooked exactly how I requested, absolutely delicious, and genuinely one of the best hamburgers I've had in a VERY long time. You can tell there's real care going into the food. But what really made this experience special wasn't just the incredible burger. It was the people. The kindness, the smiles, the hospitality, and the genuine sense of community. You simply don't find that everywhere anymore. I'm a huge believer in supporting small businesses that truly care about their customers, and Midway Classic Malt Shop is exactly the kind of place that deserves our support. To the entire team: THANK YOU! You turned a simple lunch into an experience that genuinely made my day. I walked in hungry and left with a full stomach and an even bigger smile. If you're in the Midway area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Skip the big chains and give this local gem a chance. You'll be glad you did! I'll absolutely be back, and I'll be telling everyone I know about this place! Five stars aren't enough!

Over Labor Day Weekend Our experience here was outstanding…read morewith my little family we were extremely exhausted from the horrible experience at Sea world. Kids were fussy and we were starving. I have to say the owner and employees were so nice to us. Talked to the kids and even gave them free drinks the Philly cheesesteak was one of the best I've ever had in my life the fries and onion rings etc were so good. We appreciate you so much for making us feel welcome in your establishment even with our kids acting up this will be our go to place everytime we come to Cali for sure. Thank from Theo and his little family. Our little Tj gave you knuckles saying potato and French fries. It's a nice little diner atmosphere which we loved it's so family friendly and welcoming. Thank you again

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Classics Malt Shop - Main area.

Main area.

Classics Malt Shop
Classics Malt Shop - Inside pic

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Crest Cafe

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3.4(1.5k reviews)
5.8 mi•Hillcrest
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James was just wonderful, so pleasant. Easy parking close by. Big, super huge menu, and merciful…read moreto your wallet. Been coming here for years and never once regretted doing so. Indoor/Outdoor dining. Excellent background music featuring the greatest hits from the 80's & 90's.

I really wanted to give a higher rating, but due to the lack of quality : cost ratio I just…read morecouldn't. The restaurant itself has an open and welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seating, good a/c, friendly service, a good variety of menu options...however, the cost for what you get doesn't equate. Now, their prices are fair, compared to many other places out there, but due to the lack of quality it just hits harder. My Monte Cristo was so sad-looking and dry. The turkey was heavily peppered, which might be okay in any other turkey sandwich, but this did not go well with what a Monte Cristo should taste like (iykyk)...even when the raspberry jam was added all you could taste was pepper. In addition to the strong pepper taste, the turkey itself was extremely dry and shredded to pieces when I tried to remove it. Very disappointed. When I told our waiter, who was very friendly and had been attentive, he said that he'd let the cook know--and that was it. No follow up. No apology. My son had the French toast and it was okay, nothing special. I usually have lunch here, but it's been a few years since I've been here for breakfast -- so this was a bummer. The past few times I felt like the quality was slipping, but I chalked it up to a possible "off" day...but this recent visit confirmed that they weren't "off" days and the quality truly has slipped. Hopefully they can reevaluate things and make some improvements. They have a good menu and nice concept, I just hope they improve their quality and presentation.

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Crest Cafe - Cute little bar

Cute little bar

Crest Cafe - Monterey Chicken with salad

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Del's Hideout

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4.3(1.3k reviews)
3.9 mi
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Dale's Hideout is a hidden, but not-so-hidden gem! From the moment we arrived, the customer…read moreservice was wonderful. We were greeted and assisted by a tall gentleman who was incredibly kind, patient, and helpful as my friend and I took our time going over the menu. The restaurant offers plenty of indoor seating, including a bar area and ample space for table dining. There's also a lovely outdoor patio, and with such beautiful weather, we decided to enjoy our lunch outside. Now, let's talk about the star of today's visit... THE MAC & CHEESE! Our waiter recommended it as one of their favorites, so naturally, we had to give it a try. When it arrived at the table, I wasn't expecting it to look THAT good! It was piping hot, incredibly creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. I'm not exaggerating when I say this was some of the best mac & cheese I've had at an establishment outside of my own kitchen--and trust me, I make some pretty amazing mac & cheese! I already have my eye on the brisket for my next visit because the aroma coming from it was absolutely mouthwatering! That visit I'll definitely bring my fellow Yelp family to feast on the meats Today, though, I'm perfectly content basking in the deliciousness of that mac & cheese and being grateful we stopped in. If you're ever traveling along Highway 8 and happen to spot Dale's Hideout, do yourself a favor: pull up your GPS, make that stop, and show this local business some love! Great hospitality, a lovely atmosphere, and mac & cheese that deserves its own standing ovation! As always, you can thank me later!

Cool looking place with indoor and patio seating, kids play area and game area. There are plenty of…read moreTVs and a wide bar area. Great place to hang out for all ages. Service was a little slow. Food weren't hot and super dry. Honestly, the sides were more enjoyable than the BBQ themselves. Maybe it was an off day? Or did we came at the wrong time? I don't know but it was quite disappointing.

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Del's Hideout - Main dining area

Main dining area

Del's Hideout - Bar

Bar

Del's Hideout - The best mac & cheese

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The best mac & cheese

Studio Diner - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

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