Studio Diner

Diner · San Diego

Studio Diner

Diner · San Diego

2

4701 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123

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Studio Diner by Studio Diner
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Studio Diner by null
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Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
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Studio Diner by null
Studio Diner by null
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Highlights

Movie-themed diner serving American classics 24/7  

Featured in Eater
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4701 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123 Get directions

studiodinersandiego.com
@studiodiner

$10–20 · Menu

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4701 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123 Get directions

+1 858 715 6400
studiodinersandiego.com
@studiodiner

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 11, 2025

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@eater

14 Refreshingly Retro Diners in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"Dressed like a movie set and designed to resemble a kitchy retro diner, this 20-year-old Kearny Mesa established recently changed hands. Its cinema-themed menu, which includes pancakes shaped like a film reel, is extensive and servicable but it’s the atmosphere that’s the main draw." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/san-diego-best-diners-american-breakfast-greasy-spoons
View Postcard for Studio Diner
@tripledfan

Episode: Open 24/7 What Guy tried... Count of Monte Cristo - "Holy bananas" Lobster Roll - "That is really good" Fried Clams - "Good clam" Samson's Steak Sandwich - "I'd order that 15 more times"

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - California
View Postcard for Studio Diner

Paula Stubblefield

Google
We were told about this restaurant in 2023 during San Diego Comic-Con. But we could not go during the convention. Fast forward to 2025, we had to go to San Diego for a meeting. Hubby asked what are we going to do for food. We came here. To quote my SO, “the food was lovely” It was good and worth a return visit. Parking can be challenging. There is also some street parking. The tables have stickers telling diners of a 90 minute table limit. We did not feel rushed at all. We ordered a waffle. Bacon and eggs for my Hubby. Sausage and eggs for me with hash browns on the side. We expected a wait. Our food came out in under 15 minutes. We enjoyed our breakfast and will try to come back for lunch.

SC Photography

Google
Studio Diner in San Diego doesn’t scream for your attention…but it deserves it. Walking in, you don’t expect culinary fireworks, you expect comfort. What you get is both. The San Diego Burger came out looking deceptively simple, but one bite told the real story. It was as if a Michelin-starred chef got bored of tweezers and foam and decided to hide out in the back, channeling every ounce of precision into building a burger layered with peak complexity. Juicy, balanced, seasoned like someone gave a damn. Each component worked together like a band that’s been on the road for years….tight, flawless, unapologetic. Pair that with eggs cooked with surgical perfection, orange juice that tasted like it had been sun kissed minutes before hitting the glass, and coffee that never fell below half full because the staff knew what you needed before you did. The service? Attentive in that effortless way…refills appeared without ceremony, just a quiet confidence that you were being taken care of. In a city overflowing with noise, flash, and foodie gimmicks, Studio Diner cuts through with something far rarer: honesty. It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s not chasing clout. It’s just a diner that serves food worthy of respect, with the grace and precision of people who actually love the craft.

Mr Free press

Google
Studio Diner is a fun and nostalgic spot that really knows how to deliver on both food and atmosphere. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm, friendly service. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, making sure everything was just right throughout the meal. The cleanliness of the restaurant stood out right away—tables were spotless, the floors were well-kept, and even the restrooms were impressively clean. You can tell they take pride in keeping the place looking sharp. What really makes Studio Diner special is the unique movie-themed design. It feels like you stepped onto a retro Hollywood film set, complete with vintage décor, film reels, and old-school memorabilia. The walls are covered with movie pictures and posters that add to the charm and tell a story with every glance. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal or just soaking in the ambiance, Studio Diner gives you a real taste of old-school Hollywood with great food and even better vibes. Highly recommend!

Rose Sybrandy

Google
Another INCREDIBLE night at the diner! Brought my parents to experience my favorite Saturday night spot! Literally adore everyone who works on Saturday night, from the cute hostess, best waitress’, best everything! I ate “The Boob” and a Brownie Sunday. Nothing disappoints.

James Camacho

Google
I have been going to Studio Diner for over 20 years and this restaruant stil delivers! On this visit I ordered the steak sandwich and my friend ordered a burger with no bun(gluten free). Everything was fresh, seasoned well and delicous, For dessert, I ordered the banana split with no whip cream. The banana split is probably the best in San Diego! The service here is always great too. The atmosphere is homy and has a great movie theme. I can't wait to come back for more tasty food. Eat up!!!

Robert E

Google
Themed diner with cute props and menu item names. Service was good. The food was ok. The fried chicken waffles had good waffles, but the fried chicken looked like a school cafeteria chicken patty. Regardless, that tasted ok too. The brisket eggs Benedict had decent eggs, sauce, and English muffin. But the brisket was more akin to extremely dry roast beef. The hash brown was very bland. And the coffee was super expensive.

Zan Lee

Google
One of the few classic diners in San Diego. For some reason I had never visited here even though I grew up in San Diego, but now that I live in Los Angeles, I’m a huge fan of diners and actively seek them out. Was visiting family for Christmas break so had to check out Studio Diner, even though it is not close to where we live. I was really happy that I made the trip because the food was great and so was the service. It’s a true retro 1950s rock ‘n’ roll themed diner and was designed just as you would hope and expect. Inside feels like a gulf stream and it really transports you back to a different time. They have two parking lots (one small and one large) with free parking or there are also some spaces right on the street in front which is where we parked. Everything that we ordered came out extremely fast and pricing is very fair. For my first visit, I wanted to try a diner classic so I chose the Chicken Fried Steak and was very impressed with it. It was not overly fried and still had a lot of flavor. The eggs were cooked perfectly to my order and it was just an overall great breakfast. They also were quick with the coffee refills, and the portion sizes are very generous. I would definitely recommend to any fan of diners or anyone in San Diego searching for a great breakfast, brunch, or lunch or dinner option.

princess

Google
I wanted to try something new in my area and this is an instant favorite! The blueberry pancakes I got were absolutely delicious! The service was warm and welcoming. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a cozy spot with great breakfast options!

Dave S.

Yelp
Well i'm so happy to update this because everything is right in the universe. I stopped in a few weeks ago and everything that had been so disappointing previously was once again back to it's former wonderful self. The staff, the food, the service...ALL OF IT! I an once again back on the list of loyal patrons handing out praise where praise is due. I will chalk up the previous visit as a one off day (even businesses have them) and i'm so happy that seems to be the case here. Thanks so much for the epic bounce back and restoring my long time opinion that "Studio Diner" is one of the hidden gems in San Diego and well worth your bisness!
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Cindy W.

Yelp
I haven't been here in over a decade. It used to be a favorite many years ago. Had 10:30am reservations on a Sunday. Only had to wait about 5 minutes. Service was good. I had the standard Eggs Benedict. Unfortunately the yolks were overcooked and I wasn't a fan of the thick "steak" ham. The hash browns were good and crispy. Got a side of pancake which was thick, delicious, and filling (and shaped like a film reel).
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K C M.

Yelp
My family went to visit San Diego for the day during this past memorial weekend. We had spent the afternoon at a playground with our kids by the beach and got hungry. My husband found this place and we decided to go and try it! As soon as we were greeted by the host, we knew we were in the right place. She was very kind and gentle mannered with my kids. Sweet girl! Our waitress was super nice and my kids felt comfortable enough to order their own meals! Usually our little 2 year old hide behind our shoulder if she feels off with a person. The Staff was very kind and ensured we were taken care of during our dinner. Ensured we had what we needed to enjoy our meals. We ordered the kids chicken tenders, and Mac and cheese while we ordered the BLT and Fish and Chips. My toddlers were pretty quiet because they were actually eating their meals and enjoying it! That's a huge win for us parents! I had the BLT and it was delicious!! The portion was huge but perfect at the same time because I was so hungry. The bread was toasted but soft enough to not have everything inside the sandwich fall out while taking a bite. The bread wasn't overly thick. It's the perfect bread/tomato/bacon/lettuce ratio. The clam chowder cup was really good! The cup is a good size if you're getting a meal next to it so you don't get too full. My husband enjoyed the Fish and Chips. I had a bite to try and it was so yummy! He was very happy with his choice in dinner. For dessert my husband ordered a kit-kat milkshake and he swore he was in heaven lol. The kids and I ordered a banana split (with no peanuts due to an allergy) and when the server brought it to the table, I swear my kids had seen a unicorn! I can tell you for sure they don't have that reaction when they see Mickey Mouse LOL. Amazing and delicious overall and we shared our experience with our family members as well! This will be our stop when we go down to San Diego or coming back home. Thank you again for making this experience a huge win! We will be back!
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Tracy M.

Yelp
The food here is pretty great. We had the San Diego burger $18.95 with avocado and bacon. It was really great. And we had the onion rings which I think are the best in San Diego. Karen is our server she is very efficient and thought our food to us immediately. The Away is very cute like a 50s diner.
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Amy C.

Yelp
Saturday, August 2, 2025: We stopped here after visiting 32nd Street NEX. We can always count on tasty comfort food served hot and quick! We received tremendous customer service from sweet Allison. It's definitely a family favorite that never disappoints!
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Aaron V.

Yelp
Hey I will tell you what. If you want big portions, this is your place. They don't mess around on the size of these plates. Pretty cool history to the diner as well. The food is very average diner food but hey it's quick, it gets the job done, and the service is decent. If you need a quick bite and you're in the area, not a bad spot to check out. Cheers!
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Liz L.

Yelp
It's a cute diner with a lot of history. The food is good diner food. I had the patty melt with fries. The burger was cooked just right and was delicious. Service was okay at first and then it took way too long to get the check. The server got really grumpy when I called out to her for it. It was uncalled for to slam the check down on the table. I suggest that the check be delivered with the food so that customers don't have to deal with the wait and the repercussions of asking for the check.
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Ron M.

Yelp
I write this diner as five out of five stars compared to other diners. The staff is friendly and the food is good and the service is efficient. The restaurant is clean. I thought I would like pancakes as the server's shirts tout the pancakes. So I asked for a short stack. My server had no idea what a short stack of pancakes was. So, I ordered eggs. He probably could use some training on that point.
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Abegaile S.

Yelp
02/16/25 - Late post. We came here to celebrate a birthday, and they were able to seat us in the back patio. There were 15 people in our party. It was very spacious and the weather was perfect for it. Our host's name was Allison. She was very attentive and catered to all of our requests. She even gave the celebrants ice cream and helped us sing happy birthday. I ordered the King of Clubs with fries and let me just tell you... IT WAS HUGE!!! I could only eat 1/4 of it and shared some with other people. It was so good, packed with turkey, crispy bacon and fresh veggies. It was perfect. I actually picked some up yesterday for lunch at work. Please see attached pictures for most of the items we ordered. The only item that was not that great was the fish and chips. It came in one complete block and had a lot of batter which made it not cook all through out. I didn't hear anything else about the other items. It's been a while since I've been here and it was a nice reminder to go here again. This place was featured in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Highly recommend. P.S. They have some parking spots in the lot beside the restaurant.
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Robert B.

Yelp
Our server Jay was on point! Part of the Monte Cristo had a small blowout and got a little greasy, but hey.... Monte Cristo for the win! Rings were for sure overdone. Still love the diner! Nothings perfect! The Cristo comes with a local raspberry jam, "Jackie's Jams" I always get an extra! Great lunch.
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Dan A.

Yelp
Parking looks to be tight, but there's a giant parking lot next to the diner that is wide open. Welcomed in, very short wait. It was very cold in the diner. The place looked cool, had old school diner vibes. The happy hour sign on the front of the building is conflicting with the actual happy hour menu and apparently there's two websites which is very confusing with no clarification. I asked the waitress and she did not really clarify except that she said there's two websites. Anyways, let's get to the food. Three of us shared the tater tots with cheese and bacon and were pretty good, the best thing we ate. The French toast was okay but a bit soggy. The steak and eggs had good eggs, but the steak was very chewy. The chicken strips were the thinnest least chicken like strips I've ever seen. I need to try more items off the menu but not off to a good start. Especially since you hear stories of how awesome the place used to be when it was open 24hrs.
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Dona S.

Yelp
The food was great and so was the service, not a single complaint there. I ordered the French toast with eggs and bacon and that mess was BUSSIN! None of that microwaved bacon but actual thicc, crispy slices and they gave me FOUR Their only downfall is their cleanliness. Throughout our meal there were flies swarming around us. So much so we had to cover our water and other drinks with napkins :( That and the ceiling also seemed real dusty. Again food was great but might take some convincing bringing myself to eat here again unless they do a deep clean or remodel.
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Vicki A.

Yelp
I am surprised that Studio Diner doesn't have more stars! I LOVE this place. I don't go often, but when I go it's with a large group and yet, we all walk away happy and full. The Great - The service. I've never gone in a small group. With a large group we've always received stellar service and food. I am unsure if by coincidence but we always have a server named Jay. She said she's there often. ha ha The Good - The Food. I have tried a few things and have yet to find something that was not to my liking. The Bad - NA The Ugly - NA
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Ken F.

Yelp
Hoping new owners would be an improvement but turned out to be the worst Reuben sandwich ever on many levels. Greasy soggy Bread with too too much Russian dressing that over saturated and ruined the ratio of the other ingredients. Pastrami was a Salty and tough and nothing like real deli pastrami. The fries were cooked in old oil that gave a bitter oily taste. Got it to go or would have sent it back . No second chance here and I recommend stay away unless low quality ill prepared food at high prices is your thing
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Shawn T.

Yelp
Ok.. It's a decade plus.. since my last visit ok .. but I went big today fish & chips .. chips were decent.. The fish very lack luster.. wet in the inside with bland batter.. salt pepper !! X Every thing was missing it had lines on one side of the fish which means they're using a contraption of some sort to keep it flat but no .. they need to ditch that .. the place itself is cool. clean & decent. But the food I'll say needs a lot of work.. oh & the menu is huge. But just because doesn't make it right. A DUMB DOWN. & focus on some mains will be great ..& they need to make sure the entire staff is on the same page when it comes to substitutions Keep in mind they do charge for everything. ..
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Zan L.

Yelp
One of the few classic diners in San Diego. For some reason I had never visited here even though I grew up in San Diego, but now that I live in Los Angeles, I'm a huge fan of diners and actively seek them out. Was visiting family for Christmas break so had to check out Studio Diner, even though it is not close to where we live. I was really happy that I made the trip because the food was great and so was the service. It's a true retro 1950s rock 'n' roll themed diner and was designed just as you would hope and expect. Inside feels like a gulf stream and it really transports you back to a different time. They have two parking lots (one small and one large) with free parking or there are also some spaces right on the street in front which is where we parked. Everything that we ordered came out extremely fast and pricing is very fair. For my first visit, I wanted to try a diner classic so I chose the Chicken Fried Steak and was very impressed with it. It was not overly fried and still had a lot of flavor. The eggs were cooked perfectly to my order and it was just an overall great breakfast. They also were quick with the coffee refills, and the portion sizes are very generous. I would definitely recommend to any fan of diners or anyone in San Diego searching for a great breakfast, brunch, or lunch or dinner option.
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Bernadette S.

Yelp
passed by this place while on the way to an event. After our event, we were hungry and decided to try this place. Im from jersey where Diners are everywhere and i miss that. Seeing the word "diner" gave me nostalgia. Typically, diner menus have a wide range of offerings for all day breakfast lunch dinner etc. while the menu here isn't as vast as those in jersey, studio diner had a lot to offer and everything sounded delicious. We got the club sandwich and the ny strip. Club sandwich - huge portion and came with a mountain of fries. I barely ate a quarter of the sandwich because of how big it was. It was delicious. Steak was good along with the mushroom sauce that it came With. Service was great and friendly. Parking lot is small so you may have to park on the street. Didnt use the restroom so Not sure if they have baby change table there. Would definitely go again!
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Rita Y.

Yelp
Love it here! My boyfriend and I had dinner here last night and had a great time! Unfortunately, the parking lot has a very limited number of spots. Once you're inside, everything is great! Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. I had the chicken & waffles and a chocolate milkshake. My boyfriend and I also split tots. Everything was delicious! I loved that the diner played music from various Halloween movies. It was so fun! We already agreed we're going to come back here again sometime!
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Steve Y.

Yelp
Haven't been here in years! Our server, Novalee, was a sweetheart. She went out of her way to ask the manager if he would approve my request to take my fish burger and turn it into a wrap. I am so thankful for their approval. It was so delicious with my Root-beer Float. My wife had her Eastwood Burger and fries and enjoyed it medium well. Good food, good service, good experience! Love the Hollywood studio theme too!
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Lori R.

Yelp
So my husband eats here all the time and his go to sandwich is the Patty Melt- crunchy buttery bread with plenty of sautéed onions and cheese, with crispy onion rings. I think the onion rings were the best part- they get 5 stars. Me- I have been on a French Dip craze and am having a hard time finding one with the proper bread. I was disappointed tonight. The menu said it was a French roll but this bread was not sturdy enough for the Au jus. They had plenty of meat and cheese but when I picked it up the bottom was already soggy and falling apart. Even the top only had a slight crisp. I want a French Bread or Baguette. It needs to have enough crunch to be able to dip it without it falling apart and still have a crunchy bite. Tonight's saving grace was the sweet potato fries my waitress recommended. They were very good, soft with a slight crunch without being burned. Thanks Allison B. You were great- the soggy bread was not your fault
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Kristin M.

Yelp
Went for a ladies lunch and we were seated on the patio. The patio is closed in with a roof which was really nice as it was a warmer day than most in San Diego. I Ordered the special of the day (fried pickles), their famous Monte Christo, and a cool breeze drink that consisted of Vodka, Pineapple, Cranberry Juice. The food was really good and the portions were big! So why the three stars one may ask? The three stars are because while sitting on the patio, whenever there was a breeze, we smelled the rotting trash from below the patio filled with decomposing eggs and food. Also, often requests for certain things were forgotten and we had to remind them (such as my Monte Christo, my drink, and the lids for my to-go sauces. Overall it was a good experience because of the food and the friends, and I understand they were probably overwhelmed with our party of 9 of us. I would return with a smaller party and I wouldn't sit on the patio unless the trash was moved.
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Allan G.

Yelp
My dog was being groomed nearby and I was looking for a place to have breakfast. I decided to check out Yelp and came across this place which is just a few miles from the groomer. It is located directly next door to Stu Segall Studios/Stu Segall Productions that used to produce Silk Stalkings and Renegade years ago. I pulled into the small parking lot (there is also street parking) and found a space close to the front door. When I walked in, I was pleasantly greeted and then seated at a table nearby. I placed an order for a "Porky's omelet" and in less than ten minutes, the food came out. It was by far one of the best omelets that I have ever had! If you like bacon, ham, and sausage, this is the one for you. The rye toast came out great and had just the right amount of butter on it. If you are looking for a place to eat in the Kearny Mesa area, this place is definitely worth trying. Look forward to returning for lunch or dinner one of these days!

Russel G.

Yelp
Haven't been here for quite a while and we thought what the heck as we wanted breakfast and used to come here for it. Unfortunately we were a little disappointed. I had an omelette with hash browns and one pancake. The omelette was very good as were the hash browns but the pancake was heavy and needed a knife and fork to eat. I prefer fluffy light tender not tough. My wife had the Classic Eggs Benedict. She agrees with earlier comments that the ham steak was very thick. One of the eggs was a little under and the other was over and broken. Hollandais was kind of muddy meaning not lemony enough like traditional. Even the English muffin was tough to cut. The coffee was good and so was the orange juice. We had a very nice server in Allison. When we come back we'll stick with burgers.
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Mei T.

Yelp
Wanna take a step back in time? If so, then stop by Studio Diner. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items all day every day. Have a burger, fries, and milkshake while you enjoy old classics. I ordered the Boob Sandwich and my boyfriend ordered the San Diego Burger. We ordered a Cobb Salad for my daughter to-go. The food was good and portions were big. I was only able to finish half of my sandwich and some extra crispy fries. I had a sip of their strawberry milkshake...good stuff! What's nice is they have extras in a cold cup. Service was quick and pleasant.
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Francesca P.

Yelp
Was in the area and looking for a nearby brunch place to go with my mom since she mentioned she had been here a few times. Sunday morning around noon was packed and it was a bit difficult finding parking in their small lot. The restaurant definitely has a vintage retro theme and seems like it hasn't changed or been maintained in decades. We waited about 10 min for a table. The food came out very quickly and our servers were friendly and courteous. The food itself was just fine. Nothing special or outstanding. I got the brisket Benny and the dish overall felt greasy and heavy. I would say the food quality is similar to Denny's or another diner-style chain. Considering the parking, cost, and the outdated rustic vibes, (especially the bathroom), I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here again.
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Shirley F.

Yelp
Food was juicy. The San Diego hamburger was perfect I'm so happy with the onions ring. Delicious. The carrot cake for desert was fresh and tasty. The waitress was friendly and sweet. I would recommend this diner.
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Walter R.

Yelp
DOG FRIENDLY patio so a plus for us. Especially since we just came from adopting a dog from the San Diego Humane Society-El Cajon Campus, who we named Cashew. We had the best experiences the 1st couple times here, but the last time we met friends here, it wasn't great...just ok. This time it was hit & miss too, sadly. Nice clean inside and patio. Always great & friendly service. Good mimosas. I got the Eggs Benedict and it was great. My wife got eggs & bacon with the Monte Cristo and the Cristo was so overcooked, it was even hard to cut into (kind of surprised the waitress would even bring it instead of telling the kitchen to do a re-do). It was terrible! But we were starving so she didn't want to wait to get another one cooked. The raspberry jam that comes with it is so good!
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Starla N.

Yelp
Love the ambiance with all the movie decor! The food was decent, they have a wide variety of options. The service was good too, Jay is on top of things and will make sure you get everything you want and quickly too! We've been back a couple times and each time we have had a great experience!
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Jay ..

Yelp
I ordered fish and chips. The fish was a healthy portion that dominated the plate. Very good texture with crispy outside and flaky inside. Wasn't dry at all...however the fries seem a bit boring. They would have received a 5 star rating if they had crinkle cut or steak fries...just a personal preference. Slaw was above average, wasn't watery like other places. All in all it's a decent little spot, prices are fair...looking forward to return and try something else.
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Mary B.

Yelp
I so wanted to love this place, especially after the demise of Buddy's Diner in PB. The food was fine, but we ordered a Cookies and Cream milk shake To Go. It was really runny, hugely disappointing. But we were already in the car when we tasted it and didn't have time to go back. Earlier, my friend was in the restroom at the same time as our server Jocelyn (Josslyn?). She used the bathroom but left without washing her hands. Eww. Gross! Once was enough for me....
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Elena V.

Yelp
Delicious banana split! With caramelized bananas instead. Karen was so sweet! All the sauces tasted homemade. The place is so iconic
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Elizabeth N.

Yelp
have been wanting to try this place, and it was so cute and cozy especially in the rainy weather. I got an eggs benedict and my bf got a burger - both dishes were yummy and fresh, the fries were perfectly crispy. the service was good and fast, thanks to our server Allison!!
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Lisa S.

Yelp
Had a lunch with some work colleagues on a Wednesday. Not too busy, but a steady flow of happy customers. This was my 1st visit, and could not be happier. Our waitress was friendly and excellent. I forgot her name but her name tag said "The Breakfast Club." She explained they all get to pick their favorite movie. Very cute. The food is really good, and very large portions for the price. Almost all of us had to take to-go boxes. I had the Improv omelet, where you pick what you want. Others had the Club sandwich, big enough to feed 4 people, open face turkey, and the patty melt. Everyone enjoyed their food. I will add this to my list of restaurants with great food, and exceptional service.
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Javier B.

Yelp
Diner food Customers sounds get loud Friendly service Restrooms Small parking lot Next to old San Diego studios Old school photos all over the walls Feels like your in a metal bus Quick service American food Vegetarian options Breakfast, brunch, and dinner Hardy food Flash to the past
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Jessica S.

Yelp
Went here spur of the moment because there was a nearby appointment my husband had. I didn't know that San Diego really used to have a film studio, it was really cool to learn that. The restaurant sticks to that theme and has different film posters and other things like props all around decorating the place. It was a really rainy windy day and for some reason the place was freezing cold... I run hot so if it was cold for me then you know it was cold... That said the waitress we had noticed and turned on the heater or asked for it to be turned up because she was also freezing. I got corned beef with over-easy eggs (which were perfectly cooked) cheesy hashbrowns and a pancake that I dug into before I took a pick. I got weirdly roasted on Reddit for how I cut my pancake but everyone agreed on R/FoodSanDiego that Studio Diner has amazing service and eats. My husband got chili fries and a big bbq burger. He liked it even though we were surprised by the intensely chunky chili. This place apparently gets mad busy so be prepared, we went in the middle of the afternoon on a rainy Saturday, I think luck was on our side for that fluke to happen.
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Bonnie N.

Yelp
I haven't been there yet just picked up someone there. Will try get there in the future People I know enjoy eating there
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Vince D.

Yelp
Always a good comfort meal here. Was not feeling like cooking so wanted a good "home cooked" dinner. Studio diner never disappoints.

Natalie O.

Yelp
The food here is great, lots of options! I'd recommend the BLT or the Mac n cheese, both basic items but done VERY well!!! There is usually a wait but the staff is always friendly!
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Karolina C.

Yelp
We got the Once Upon a Time in Mexico Burger, The San Diegan Burger, and The Crew Burger . They were all really good. Can't forget to add that the fries were so good as well. We were left satisfied.
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Erika B.

Yelp
Drove here specifically because I saw they offered Monte Cristo sandwiches. I've been craving one since last summer at Disneyland & now I have no idea which one I love more! I'm just thankful to have a great one without buying a theme park ticket now. Diners always feel so nostalgic, but this one has such a unique theme that's actually done well & not cheesy. I love the marquee outside, the studio lighting, movie posters, & the server outfits are cute. And can we talk about great service! The host was ready to seat us when we walked through the door. Our server (I believe her name was Novalee) had a great balance of attention for us, noticed small details well, & offered our drinks to-go. Let's talk about more food: The French fries with ranch were both so perfect. Great crisp, great flavor. The Monte Cristo was the perfect texture, quite hearty, & just simply delicious! The strawberry jam was great & plentiful for every bite. I tried my boyfriend's country fried steak (a dish I've never been interested in having) & it was very good. I guess I've been missing out. Great experience! This place should be 5 stars.
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Jay T.

Yelp
We went on a Friday during their happy hour/s. Seated in their patio, service was friendly and attentive. We brought our small dog, their patio is dog friendly. Menu had so many delicious dishes to choose from. This time around, we ordered their mozzarella sticks, fried pickles (yum!), chicken & waffles, and their half sandwich and soup. Food came out fairly quick and fresh! Each dish was delicious and their chicken/waffle is 100% a top menu item for me! Our waitress was kind and courteous, as well as the other staff on the floor. We will definitely return soon!
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Tim M.

Yelp
Sorry about the semi-eaten meal picture but my wife and I "attacked" before I could grab my phone. This place has been a favorite of ours since it first appeared on Triple D. We asked for "well done" hashed browns and bacon. We consider both to be perfect in this pic. The Zorba omelette was fresh, light, flavorful and arrived piping hot. Service was attentive. The entire meal was fabulous.
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Sherri M.

Yelp
Food was hot and fresh. Service from Jay was impeccable. It is cute inside. Although we could hear music from two places, the oldies and perhaps from the kitchen? Bathrooms were clean. Food was hot and fresh. We will be back!
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Melanie P.

Yelp
Came here for a holiday leadership lunch, and I concur with everyone that it's just ok. I've been here about 5 years ago for another leadership breakfast, and I don't remember being impressed even back then. Pros: Cute retro vibe, definitely has the 50s diner feel to it. Breakfast is served all day. Some old movie posters and props throughout. Funny names for some of the menu items. Cons: Ordered the chicken sandwich, and it was just okay. The chicken was dry and barely seasoned. I think I ate the fries more, and it reminded me of the seasoned frozen fries you can get at the grocery store :(. My coworker got the fried clams and fries. They were strips of breading with a taste of clam but didn't see any clam. We wondered, how are the fried clams in strips? That's a headscratcher right there. My boss ordered the hamburger salad, which was the last thing to arrive. It basically is a hamburger patty, chopped up, and thrown on top of a mound of iceberg lettuce. It didn't look too appetizing to me, unfortunately. We were disappointed but we enjoyed each other's company nonetheless. Agreed that there's no need to make your way out here to check it out.
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JJ P.

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

Robert S.

Yelp
This is one of my very favorite diners in San Diego. I love the movie theme and the decorations of the diner. Today we had breakfast. I enjoyed their French toast very much as always. The service is friendly and professional. I always look forward to coming back here each time, I'm in San Diego. Highly recommend a visit to studio diner
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Mike F.

Yelp
Food was great I was really full excellent service Country steak had great flavor. With a lot more food than I thought there would be. Highly recommend this place to eat.
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Marilyn N.

Yelp
Fish and chips was awesome! Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Tartar sauce is delicious! Want to come back and try the clam chowder (it's not available until after 11:30)
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Diana C.

Yelp
Good 'ol' diner experience complete with coat hooks at each table. This place is located next to the old Segal Productions Studio. Film reel lazy Susans don the table and hold the condiments. The food was great. I forgot to take pictures, but we had the French dip, the soup and sandwich combo, the patty melt, and the Reuben sandwich. We all enjoyed our dishes. The burgers looked good, too. The fries were delicious! Service was good even though a big party entered right before us. The hostess checked in with us often until our waitress was available. Free parking with an overflow lot to the side of the restaurant.