Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The 50's Diner

    3.8 (63 reviews)

    The 50's Diner Photos

    Business Info

    THE 50'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The 50's 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

    Biscuits and gravy
    Ian C.

    Came into this 50's- style flashback for brunch recently. The place was fairly busy, but they seemed to have a good turnover. The interior has some funny signs and posters a d then some classic staples, jukebox, Elvis cutout ect. The food was okay. Not a lot of flavor, but the portions were pretty good. The service however, was almost nonexistent. Our waitress took our order and brought our food, but never checked and it took awhile to get our menus and our bill. Wont be in a hurry to get back, but would try for lunch sometime.

    Counter and soda fountain
    Katherine A.

    My boyfriend and I enjoy some roadside kitsch, so when a magic shop we wanted to visit in Champaign was closed, this place was a welcome substitute. While it's not terribly impressive on the outside (it's in a strip mall), the 50's diner is a full-in blast from the past. Even better, it has a gift shop with all of the cheesy handmades (Signs with quotes! Crocheted tablecloths!) you could want. It has an old-fashioned soda fountain/diner counter and a jukebox, interesting cut outs on the walls, and a Batman on the ceiling (Why?) Service was great! There was a sign that said they were understaffed, but it didn't feel like it. To drink, I ordered a Red River (cherry soda). Green River was out, which made me a little sad. My boyfriend ordered the Reuben and I ordered the patty melt, and they were everything they should be: buttered bread, AMERICAN cheese (this place ain't fancy), burger patty that would be overdone by itself (me) but was perfect on the sandwich, buttery grilled onions (me), tangy and creamy homemade 1000 island dressing (my boyfriend). We both got the onion tanglers, which are like thick-cut onion rings, but are coarsely-chopped instead of rings. Salty crispy heaven served with a side of ranch in true Midwestern fashion. With tip, our bill was about $25. No doubt this will be a regular stop on our trips west!

    Alice K.

    I have been wanting to come here for a while. We started off with the homemade chicken noodle soup, which was very good. I had the Lucy Sandwich and fries and my guest had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy with corn. I will definitely be back.

    Liz P.

    This was a pretty neat place. If you are looking for somewhere to take a trip down memory lane, this is it! With the 50's style decor and an attached gift shop full of 50's era mementos, it's sure to give the family something to talk about over supper! The food was average and the service was average. If you are looking for a place where you can get in and out, this is not it. The music however was GREAT, and the ambiance was what you would expect for a blast through the past!

    Breakfast menu details

    We enjoyed our latest trip to Peoria. This diner & attached store has a great early morning breakfast. There was a crowd. The staff were friendly, attentive & running. Like many places, they now close on Tuesdays due to staffing. Loved the store adjacent since I got to replace some of my kitchen towels, too. Don't miss them on your next trip down University.

    Very neat interior!

    See all

    Photo of Joshua D.
    0
    481
    3138

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark W.
    57
    90
    15

    11 months ago

    Cute little diner. Good size portions. Large and think pancakes. Ordered the Mega skillet.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 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

    Friendly waitress. Love the "maidrites" sandwiches and could have one every day. Love this restaurant.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick B.
    160
    7
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack T.
    57
    77
    7

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz P.
    128
    41
    45

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    BLT hit the spot! Plenty of bacon, fresh tomatoes on well toasted bread. Service was good. Diner atmosphere is fun!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lenny W.
    52
    35
    12

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carl H.
    0
    115
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Patrick E.
    5
    243
    1285

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Walleye on Friday nights. So good. Fun place. Service is a little slow but the food is worth the wait.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of H A.
    0
    70
    29

    7 years ago

    Home cooking food, hot beef and shake were good, service was ok, bathroom could use some cleaning..

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matt P.
    144
    13
    4

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jane W.
    41
    70
    1382

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Home cooked meals. Comfortable atmosphere. Very good food! Friendly people Awesome biscuits and gravy!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shane M.
    39
    15
    11

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The 50's Diner

    You might also consider

    Hungry Moose

    Hungry Moose

    3.7(114 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $

    When traveling to central IL 2 things need to make a way into my belly. Those two things are a…read morewhole fired catfish, and a tenderloin sandwich. Today's visit to the Hungry Moose was for the latter of the two. After much discussion with friends and family alike I was to to head here with f I wanted to leave happy and full. Little did I know this would end up like a full tenderloin buffet on a plate. The size of this beast made me feel small for the fist time in my life. I'm full sized man with a appetite to match, but this in fact was too big for my needy belly. The flavor itself was quite good too! Having tried many tenderloins around town over the years this one would easily make the podiums. Maybe not the very best but bronze is a respectable medal to come home with as well! A crispy corn flake breading fried to a golden brown was awesome Just needed a little spicing up with salt and pepper. The side of onion straws on the other had were flawless. Hand fills of these curly bits couldn't reach my mouth fast enough. In the end I ordered a huge meal, enjoyed it and have another huge meal in the to-go box. The single waitress did her best to keep the tables happy and clean and made for a pleasant experience. Try it out here is you have not, I'll be going back from breakfast soon enough. I

    Food below average. Service just average- nothing special in any category. Yet their "expected…read moretip" scale starts at 20% and steps up to36% and figured including tax. Expecting above average tipping for mediocre food and service does not speak well of them.

    Photos
    Hungry Moose - This is the big bull breakfast. Phenomenal.

    This is the big bull breakfast. Phenomenal.

    Hungry Moose - Eggs, sausage, bacon, toast , hash browns, biscuits and gravy....soo good!!

    Eggs, sausage, bacon, toast , hash browns, biscuits and gravy....soo good!!

    Hungry Moose - Sausage and green pepper omelet, toast, hash browns..

    See all

    Sausage and green pepper omelet, toast, hash browns..

    Mayflower Restaurant - Denver omelet with sausage gravy (extra charge for gravy $2.00)

    Mayflower Restaurant

    4.4(16 reviews)
    8.8 mi

    Love this little restaurant in Dunlap. It opens at 6am, Tuesday through Friday, 7 am on Saturdays…read moreand Sundays, (closed on Mondays). We usually arrive at 6:01am with already 2-3 of the regulars already here. Besides having excellent food and service, the local customers bring interesting and informative stories about their daily operations and experiences which I love listening to. I usually get bacon and eggs, but today opted for their steak skillet because I had seen a customer order it a couple of weeks ago and thought it looked really good. Guess what? It was really, really GOOD! Service is provided by Jennie. She's the epitome of a perfect restaurant employee. She remembers people's orders, greets everyone coming in, constantly walks around with a coffee pot refilling customers cups, and is a happy person. If you're in the area be sure to check this place out, but they're only open until 2pm, so plan on a breakfast or lunch. You won't be disappointed.

    Service was good, food was bland, and I would say mediocre at best. No flavor, sausage gray tasted…read morelike it was a packaged mix with dehydrated sausage in it. Denver omelet had WAY too much onion and sparsely had green peppers, but there was a lot of cheese. Best tasting item was the toast. Disappointed after seeing it was rated 4.6, must have been friends that gave that rating.

    Photos
    Mayflower Restaurant - Steak Skillet

    Steak Skillet

    Mayflower Restaurant - Blueberry Pancakes are Delicious!

    Blueberry Pancakes are Delicious!

    Mayflower Restaurant - Bill was a little over $21.00 for two of us, both had the same thing, did not include a drink, we both had water.

    See all

    Bill was a little over $21.00 for two of us, both had the same thing, did not include a drink, we both had water.

    One World - Chicken & Waffle

    One World

    4.3(790 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    There were 12 of us after church went there. We all had something different and we all thought our…read morefood was very delicious! And our server was excellent!

    My first time here. The menu was comprehensive and featured so many visually tempting options that…read moreI finally just asked our waitress Quincy to suggest something. She recommended the Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich. My sandwich was huge and contained a large portion of pulled pork meat. It was delicious and the homemade chipotle bbq mayo made it all the more satisfying with its rich smoky flavor! The Cuban-style black beans were right out of Miami! Very nicely prepared and included green peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers, as well. My dining companion, for her part, ordered the Falafel platter, with a side order of gyro meat. The falafel (a dozen), were fresh, tasty, and just the right consistency. These were served with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pita, and hummus. The side order of gyro meat featured a generous portion of decadently succulent lamb shavings and included two portions of homemade tzatziki sauce. Everything we ate was prepared to perfection and could easily compete with exceptional restaurants in Chicago! Yes, the food at One World is that good. As for the service, our waitress Quincy was friendly and professional. As for the ambiance and decor--we arrived ahead of the lunch crowd, so it was pretty quiet. The decor, however, is nicely done. The premises were clean and well maintained. Ditto the restrooms. The restaurant is actually huge. There are multiple dining areas and in the summer there is an outside patio behind the restaurant, as well. As for pricing and affordability--quality costs, and the food here is definitely a cut above. That being said, the owners have priced the entrees quite reasonably considering the generous portion-size and quality of the food. My overall opinion? If you want a dining experience worthy of comparison to the best Chicagoland has to offer, but don't want to make the long drive--or pay twice as much--then I highly recommend this little gem of a locally-owned restaurant in Peoria!

    Photos
    One World
    One World
    One World - Cubano Pizza

    See all

    Cubano Pizza

    Lou's Drive-In - Chilli dog and fries

    Lou's Drive-In

    3.3(39 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    Review Visit: June 8th, 2013…read more A seasonal place that sells Christmas trees during the cold weather days. That's right, Lou's is a place you can get food during the warm days and Christmas trees during the cold days. At least, I've always seen them selling Christmas trees in the fall and early winter. But, this was a bright and sunny summer day and my father and I were wanting to try Lou's for lunch. If you don't know Lou's, its kind of one of those old places that you order at this small building and then you eat outside, in your car, or get the food to go. Think an ice cream shack, but a focus on food instead of soft serve delights. I could picture this place in the past being one of those places that you ordered from your car and a lady wearing skates would be the one to bring your food out to you. Not so much anymore. We pulled up and had to look around for a parking spot. The parking situation here isn't ideal but with the space they have and the layout of Lou's, it's the best they can do with what they got. We hopped in line and waited our turn. The menu here is not any different than most places. Again, think ice cream shack but with the main draw being the food instead. I knew I would have to try their root beer. Something in my memory told me that this place was well known for that and I knew I would have to try it. I also like root beer, so that's another reason I wanted to try it. I think we both got your standard burger with some french fries. With the heat, we didn't want to spend too much time trying to figure out what we wanted. Burgers, fries, and a soda. A classic lunch. Despite the crowd at Lou's, we were able to sit down at one of the few tables that had an umbrella. For two Irish guys, this was a blessing. While we waited, we took the lovely photo used above. It was a bit of a wait as they were busy and places like this usually cook their food to order. That was fine by me as it gave my dad and I time to chat and people watch. At long last, they called out our name and we quickly grabbed our food so we wouldn't lose our table. The first thing I tried was the root beer. It was a great root beer. But truth be told, all root beer is great to me and tastes the same for the most part. So, the root beer at Lou's was great but didn't taste much different than others, in my opinion. After using the root beer to cool down a bit, I started working on my food so that wouldn't cool down too much itself. First up, burger! You don't come to these places expecting to be blown away by gourmet food. You come here for the experience of eating at a unique place, the low price, and the staple foods they offer. That is to say my burger was just that. It did everything a burger should do without showing off. It tasted good but didn't feel the need to blow my socks off and sometimes that is all you need. The same can be said about the french fries. Not every meal has to be the best ever. Sometimes getting exactly what you ordered and expected is all you need. Lou's is a fun place to stop at in Peoria for a meal that will be exactly what you expect and nothing more. Should there be snow outside, you can stop and get a Christmas tree instead.

    Best root beer ever! I've been coming here for like 30 years. I love that the look hasn't changed…read moreat all. Still has the old drive in feel. Great food- I usually get a burger, fries, and a root beer. Service is always quick even when they are busy.

    Photos
    Lou's Drive-In - Lou's drive-in sign

    Lou's drive-in sign

    Lou's Drive-In
    Lou's Drive-In

    See all

    Connected Restaurant

    Connected Restaurant

    4.3(253 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Ambiance = to any other restaurant in the country…read more Service = to the finest restaurants in the US. Food = to anything worldwide. The owner/chef came out to introduce himself since he was informed that my wife and I were celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary. This was our first time ever at the restaurant and I am disappointed that while living in Peoria, IL for 50 years I never had been there before. Now it's the only place I will go out to dinner at when I am in Peoria. The address is actually listed as 3218 N. Dries Lane in Peoria, IL and is across from the old Landmark Theatre on Dries Ln. You can actually locate it off of University St. also.

    Food was phenomenal, the potatoes that came with my dish were perfectly cooked and had great flavor…read moredepth. However, I run into a few problems with the cook on my steak, and the plating. This dish was 57$ and I requested the steak be cooked medium rare but more on the rare side. My steak was bordering blue rare. It tasted amazing regardless. I also wish to add that the plating was sloppy, obviously this is just nit picking, but it is something I wished to include. Service was alright, I had to ask multiple times for my sparkling water that I had ordered. This was during a work party and we had a group of around 10 while the restaurant was already pretty full so I understand how it could have slipped their mind, however at a restaurant as professional as this I would have expected better regardless.

    Photos
    Connected Restaurant
    Connected Restaurant - Dessert

    Dessert

    Connected Restaurant

    See all

    The 50's Diner - diners - Updated May 2026

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