Herbie's American Diner — Restaurant in South Cambridgeshire

So here is a thing….That A-typical roadside diner that you may expect to see littering the edges of the old, trans USA, 66. Here, in the somewhere between Huntingdon and Cambridge on the south side of the A14/ A1307.

Now normally you may think… nah, this isn’t for me. It’s not the US, we don’t eat the stuff they eat and it looks a little … well, exactly what you would expect to see a US diner to be like… maybe.

We arrived as the team were enjoying their own lunch and we waited patiently outside until the time was right. This seems to be just after lunch and before dinner starts.

From the outside (and an eye away from the worst looking painted VE beetle in the west) the business is brightly coloured and sings the connotations of a US, roadside diner. Complete with road signs, Eagles, flags and other American stereotypes of such an establishment.

The sign on the door is specific and it is not a pub, you cannot go in and drink not dine. Inside the door is a pinball machine and an interior you may also expect. Red leatherette booths a plenty and pseudo (assumed) jukebox bubbling away in the corner.

The menu is plentiful in options and it is reflective of a US roadside diner. A plethora of burger options, fries and fried potato type things. (Don’t give up here). US style Breakfast items, chicken wings, hotdogs, ribs you name what you expect to see in fact and it will be there. Vegetarians / Vegans I am told were catered for too… but to what level, hard to say.

Was it good? Well yes actually. It was most enjoyable. You see we were on a road trip and if we wanted the same old, same old. There are (and were) options a plenty but we sought something a little more interesting and we found it.

Portion size was good, food quality was where you would hope and expect for this style. How that seems vague but this is not a 5* restaurant. So in perspective, and with fair expectations. The food was enjoyable and a step up (or two) from the shizzle you may find at a normal service station.

The menu is massive and yes they do have specials available along the same lines as the main menu and just as good.

What I am saying here is go, give it a chance. If this is a style of dining that will suit the occasion or even you general tastes. Drop by… it was quiet when we went but the website recommended booking on traditionally busy times Fri/Sat/Sun.

The team were not engaging but they did service us to encompass all our needs, they checked back and cleared / delivered. Maybe not the US levels of service but it is the UK and service here… well you know. It varies.

The car park is fairly large and services the nearby travel lodge also (maybe) but it will suffice and it seemingly has its own that occasionally hosts car meets too.

Go go go… it’s fun, not serious, great not amazing. A...

A few weeks ago, I visited this restaurant with a group of friends. While the food was excellent, the service fell short, leading me to leave the original review you see below.

To my surprise, Paul, the owner, went to great lengths to get in touch with me, understand what went wrong, and make things right. After confirming with his staff that my feedback was accurate, he sincerely apologised and offered a complimentary meal for my friends and me. We returned yesterday, and Paul was there to greet us and ensure everything went smoothly. Both the food and service were outstanding.

Paul showed to genuinely care about his customers and his business, something rare these days, and I’m very impressed by his dedication to making things right. I feel it’s only fair to update my review. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great meal in a welcoming atmosphere, and I’ll definitely return whenever I'm in the area.

Old review:

I recently visited this restaurant, and while the food was good, the service was shockingly poor and completely ruined the experience. After finishing our meal around 9:20 PM, we wanted to order dessert, but the waitress rudely informed us that the kitchen was closed, despite the restaurant staying open until 10 PM.

We had clearly mentioned when we arrived that we wanted to try the sundaes, but she dismissed us with a rude explanation that the kitchen closed at 9 PM and we should have ordered earlier. When we explained we weren’t aware of this, her sarcastic apology made it clear she couldn’t care less.

To make matters worse, as we were leaving, we noticed they had already prepared cakes, but no one bothered to offer them or suggest a takeaway dessert. Overall, the service was so bad that we won’t be coming back and I wouldn’t recommend this...

5 Stars! A Delicious American Dream at Herbie's Diner

Herbie's Diner is a hidden gem tucked away on the A1307 (not directly accessible from the A14 anymore). From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a classic American diner experience. The red and white booths, vintage décor, and the pinball machine create a fun and nostalgic atmosphere.

The menu is a true celebration of American comfort food. They have everything you crave, from fluffy pancakes and sizzling bacon for breakfast (served on weekends only!), to juicy burgers, succulent ribs, and refreshing salads. There's something for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, and plenty of gluten-free options.

I opted for The Blue, and it was fantastic. The patty was cooked to perfection, the bun was soft and delicious, and the toppings were fresh and flavourful. The portion size was generous, and the sides (I recommend the fries!) were perfect for rounding out the meal. Also the milkshakes are amazing!

The service at Herbie's Diner is just as excellent as the food. The staff are friendly, attentive, and always happy to recommend dishes or answer questions. They truly make you feel welcome and ensure you have a great dining experience.

Overall, Herbie's Diner is a fantastic spot for a casual and delicious American-style meal. The atmosphere is fun, the food is top-notch, and the service is friendly. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Herbie's Diner is definitely worth a visit. You won't be...