Star Diner in Essen

Very nice, everything fit the theme perfectly, the portion size was very generous, and the staff deserves special mention. We were greeted very warmly even without a reservation. The milkshakes were delicious and the prices were reasonable. We'd gladly come back again!

Great place, good food, fair prices and excellent service. We often have breakfast here and are always full and satisfied.

The burgers were good, but the price wasn't justified in my opinion. The service was friendly, but there were communication/understanding difficulties when ordering. After the waitress asked us three times, we ended up entering the order ourselves :-). When we got home, I then noticed that we had been overcharged by about €7! :-( Okay, our own fault for not paying attention, you could say. Still, it's a bit annoying... Conclusion: If you like burgers and similar food and want to enjoy them in a special atmosphere, this is the place for you. Despite a few drawbacks, we will definitely be back!

A fantastic restaurant! There's practically nothing that doesn't taste good. The service is also incredibly friendly and helpful, and the amazing all-you-can-eat offers are especially worthwhile. Highly recommended!

Always worth a visit, even late into the night - THE BEST PART: Milkshake Milk Slice!!

It's been 12 years since we were last here. Back then it was just the two of us, this time with our children. Great atmosphere. Excellent service. The food was okay. But we'd love to come back again.

Amazing restaurant. Delicious food and great service. I would recommend making a reservation, especially in the evenings.

Awesome shop and the staff are great too, we'll definitely come back.

American-style diner with a good selection of food and drinks. The burgers are good but nothing special; I've had better. American Express card payments are accepted.

I simply love Star Doner. I've been coming here for so many years. It's always wonderful.

The ambiance was good and the service very friendly. At the end of our visit, I noticed what I disliked: the hamburger meat was simply tasteless and lifeless. I was then informed that it was frozen meat. I think that for these hamburger prices, and considering you have to pay extra for every sauce, etc., you can expect a certain level of freshness. This was our first and last time there; I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone expecting anything more than a pleasant atmosphere and good service.

I went to the diner for the first time in ages. The service was great, fast, and polite. The chili cheeseburger was tasty, but there's room for improvement. I think it's the patty. Maybe it's the cheaper frozen kind. A butcher-quality patty would make a world of difference. The price would certainly allow for it.

My God, I've known this restaurant for ages! I've eaten there countless times, but it's been ten years since my last visit. Basically, not much has changed: The atmosphere is still great, and everything is clean and well-maintained. The food is okay; the burgers are quite basic and nothing special. Overall, though, it was nice to be there again. At just under 50 euros, the meal wasn't cheap, but it wasn't overpriced either.

Great place, super friendly staff and amazing food. Please keep it up!!!

Very tasty, cozy atmosphere and friendly service!

The shakes are simply delicious 😋

The waitress with the heavy blush on her face was gossiping with another waitress about guests who were sitting right next to her. I don't know if people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, but maybe she should consider whether that's what customer service is all about. 🤣 The food used to be better, and if I were to come back, an ice cube in my iced tea would be a nice touch. 🤟

A waitress with too much makeup was gossiping about other guests while we were sitting at the next table. Before she started talking behind people's backs, someone should hold a mirror up to her face. Very unprofessional behavior in the restaurant industry. It made me feel uncomfortable as a guest, and it certainly put me off my milkshake. That was definitely my last visit to the Star Diner. The food used to be better, and the iced tea didn't even have an ice cube in it.

Wonderful experience – thank you so much!

We've been there several times. Quite some time passed between our last visit and the last one. The food selection is great, the taste is so-so, and the quality is just okay. The interior is in classic US diner style, as it should be. However, the price-performance ratio is quite high for the quality of the food. It used to be better. Taste-wise, I'd say it's more of a basic level.

The service was great! The Rib Star Burger was great! The Betty Boop Bacon Burger didn't have a homemade patty, which was a shame. The Milk Slice milkshake was good! The portions are okay for the price. You should definitely make a reservation!

Good food and a great atmosphere. Really nice staff.

Fantastic American diner! The atmosphere is spot on, the food is consistently good, affordable, delicious, and perfectly suited to the theme. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or a shake in the evening, it's always worth a visit for us, and every vacation trip starts here with breakfast. Keep up the great work!

I went to the Star Diner on Tuesday and ordered the all-you-can-eat spare ribs. We had a reservation for 8:00 PM and arrived on time. The first order took about 20 minutes, and the second order took another 15 minutes. At 9:20 PM, we were told that they had run out of spare ribs—even though the all-you-can-eat offer was advertised as being valid from 8:00 PM. This was incredibly disappointing and misleading. Furthermore, the spare ribs were very small, which further worsened the value for money. And you have to pay extra for the dips that go with the fries. The employee was very friendly, but the overall experience was simply bad. I won't be coming back.

I've been a customer there for over 27 years (back when it was still the Lucky Strike Original Diner) and I really enjoy eating there. I've tried almost everything on the menu and it's always been delicious, and the portion sizes are always generous. The staff is incredibly friendly and you feel right at home. Their special offers and promotions are always worth checking out. The price-performance ratio is excellent.

So-so, the air conditioning was set too high. The food wasn't high quality for the price. They used to have ketchup on the table, but that's gone now too. I ordered a small drink, received a large one, and was charged accordingly.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit this restaurant. We ordered an appetizer platter and two burgers. I would rate the restaurant's ambiance five stars, but the service at most three. The seating comfort was also rather average. The burgers were relatively small and only mediocre in taste. Overall, the restaurant is interesting, but we won't be returning anytime soon. In the end, we were somewhat disappointed—the price was quite high for such small portions and two beers.

We went there spontaneously. We got a table. We had milk sake and finger food. Everything arrived very quickly and was really delicious.

Delicious, very good service, Tomek the waiter is a professional 😁

It was very cozy there, and the service was very quick and friendly. The food was very good.

Great simple American cuisine, a little piece of America feeling right in the heart of the Ruhr area.

Simply perfect! The staff was very friendly and dedicated! The food was excellent!

Great place. You feel like you're in the USA. The staff is always friendly and the food is fantastic. The milkshakes are by far the best I've ever had. It's definitely advisable to reserve a table in advance. The diner is one of the reasons we drive from Lübeck to Essen every year.

Simply a perfect place to eat perfectly. Whether it's breakfast, burgers, schnitzel, etc. The value for money is excellent. The staff and atmosphere are also outstanding.

.....large selection of food and drinks......very attentive and friendly service staff .....simply a cool restaurant with a US look

Star Dinner is an outstanding restaurant serving American cuisine, and during my visit, it impressed me in almost every aspect. The food is not only delicious but also freshly and attractively presented. The selection is diverse, the portions are generous, and the quality is consistently excellent. The ambiance is one of its greatest strengths: a lovingly designed retro look in classic American style that feels authentic and immediately creates a pleasant atmosphere. You feel comfortable right away. The service deserves special mention. The staff works quickly and attentively while remaining exceptionally friendly and helpful. You can tell that guest satisfaction is a top priority here. Overall, Star Dinner offers a harmonious package of excellent cuisine, an inviting atmosphere, and professional service. For me, it's worth more than five stars, and I can wholeheartedly recommend a visit. I will definitely be back.

The food was delicious and the service was friendly. I'd gladly come again 🙂

Unfortunately, there were no vegan options, apart from the fries. The Nutella we ordered with the waffles wasn't served on the waffles themselves, but in a separate container for dipping. The burgers and similar items we saw at neighboring tables didn't look particularly appetizing either. A real shame, because the restaurant itself seemed quite interesting.

Everything's great 👍🏼 But that strange manga employee should really learn German!

Bravo!!! If you want the full experience of USA movies, be sure to visit. And all praise for the staff 👍👍👍

A fantastic diner with a great American-style atmosphere, just like in the movies. The XL bacon burger was perfect, and the vanilla milkshake was absolutely outstanding. A particularly cool feature: a working Star Wars pinball machine. Very friendly and attentive staff. Reservations are recommended for the evening. Highly recommended!

Delicious, delicious, and a very, very nice team.

I highly recommend it. Everything is perfect here! Especially the cool atmosphere and the value for money.

I managed to finish my burger with 3 patties! It was the first time in ages that I've had such an amazing feeling in a restaurant! It was comfortable, the atmosphere was nice, but unfortunately something needs to be done about the air quality. Otherwise, a very delicious meal! ✌🏻

I really like it there, the food is good, the service is courteous, everything is great.

Great food, friendly staff, cool atmosphere, and the price was reasonable and moderate... I'll gladly be a guest there again.

Delicious food, very friendly staff. Reservations are recommended.

The burgers, chicken tenders, and milkshakes at the Star Diner were simply delicious! 🍔🍗🥤 Everything was freshly prepared, tasted great, and served with care. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. Highly recommended – I'll definitely be back!

Great food, relatively cheap and friendly staff.

It's really nice there, and the food is really good. Especially the milkshakes!

A brilliant American diner. Always delicious.

Finally, a burger that's actually spicy enough. I had a Mexican Star Burger. Very fast and friendly service. And the shakes are fantastic. I highly recommend it to everyone.

The craziest milkshakes in all of North Rhine-Westphalia. Wow, that milkshake was so delicious. The service was also respectful and friendly. Best regards, Bader

Large, well-filled plates. The schnitzel and chicken dishes tasted really good. The asparagus ribs were delicious! The shakes... amazing!!! The ambiance was like something out of an American movie. Neon signs and flags...

The Star Diner in Essen is truly fantastic. The food was absolutely delicious, and there's a great selection, including vegetarian options. The prices are reasonable, and the servers were super friendly and helpful. The 1950s-style decor is beautifully done and creates a wonderful atmosphere. The air is a bit stuffy, though; it could be ventilated better. Otherwise, it's really great and definitely recommended!

I'm a fan of the chain. Went there spontaneously. The food was delicious and plentiful. The service was excellent. I'd gladly go back.

A very nice place that was quite busy. We were fortunate enough to get a seat without a reservation, and others were also very courteously seated between reservations. The food lives up to its promise, and the decor is fun to look at. The service was super friendly and worked together flawlessly. This certainly won't be the last time we're there.

We've been going there for food for several years now, and each time it gets worse and worse, with smaller portions and the same prices. The waitresses are very neglected, even dirty, something awful. It's clear the owner cares more about his wallet than the waiter's image. I don't recommend this place, even though it has a nice atmosphere.

We went there for breakfast, and the food was really delicious. Last time we had dinner there, we paid more than we expected. For breakfast, we only had to pay €21.60. But at the checkout, they wanted €25 from us. They always charge more, it's pretty cheeky.

We were at the Star Diner after a trip. I used to go there often as a teenager and have so many great memories of the diner. The milkshakes are truly unique and delicious. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed with the burger. The bun was a bit burnt, and the patty didn't impress me. The ambiance hasn't changed much in the last 20 years.

Highly recommended, always delicious there :)

Simply a must if you're in the area.

I was very satisfied and it tasted great. I'd be happy to go again.

For me the American breakfast does not have much in common with a breakfast in the USA, I was a bit disappointed

I've known this diner forever, back when it was named after a cigarette brand. Some of the waitstaff have been there ever since. Portions have gotten smaller and more expensive over the decades, but it's always been delicious. The shakes used to be a bit more beautifully decorated, but that doesn't really contribute to the good taste. The restrooms are dated, but they're okay by public standards.

As always, super good food, great service, everything just perfect!

Always delicious. I especially love the milkshakes. I recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on weekends, as the place gets quite busy.

We had an absolutely delicious American breakfast here at this out of the way diner. Its in a business park outside of Essen but worth the 10 minute drive. Free parking. Dogs welcome. Very good value. Good portions. Friendly service. Highly recommend.

Top burger restaurant with excellent service. If you're interested, you should pre-order.

We arrived expecting a taste of American style, and we weren't disappointed. The food, ambiance, and value for money are simply fantastic. We'll definitely be back.

We were really big fans of the Star Diner for a long time, but our last visit was unfortunately a complete disappointment. We ordered, among other things, the CrissCuts with cheese sauce and melted cheese. Instead of a delicious side dish, we got a cold, soggy lump that was neither crispy nor edible – the cheese was already hard, the potatoes were almost raw. The regular CrissCuts were no better: completely dry and also cold. They used to have the practical Styrofoam boxes that kept the food warm even after a 15-minute drive. Now they only use cardboard containers – unfortunately, this meant that everything was completely cold upon arrival. My Crispy Chicken Burger was neither crispy nor fresh. The meat was dry and more like a schnitzel, and the bun was dry and cold. On top of that, there was an extremely long wait: Even though we had pre-ordered by phone, we had to wait almost 45 minutes on the spot. For just under €50, we really would have expected significantly better quality and service. We used to enjoy coming here, but unfortunately, this time it was just disappointing.

The burgers were delicious, as were the milkshakes and desserts. My family and I felt very well looked after and will definitely be back!

A very nice restaurant...we had a hot dog with fries. The hot dog was quite large. The chicken fingers were very juicy...and the milkshake was also very good. Highly recommended. We'll definitely be back and are looking forward to the burgers.

A definite recommendation. I had the chicken platter. The food was delicious and more than enough to fill you up. The staff was very friendly and always kept an eye on their guests, regularly but not intrusively asking if everything was to our satisfaction.

The food was generally really good – top-notch in taste, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, there was one serious flaw: In all four dishes we ordered, the chicken breast was either raw inside or so undercooked that it was practically inedible. This is absolutely unacceptable, especially with poultry, and poses a serious health risk. It's a shame, because otherwise, I would have given the restaurant a very good rating. In conclusion: Great food, but a fundamental problem with chicken preparation that urgently needs to be addressed.

The staff was great, and the place's style is perfectly in keeping with that of an American diner. Unfortunately, the burgers were overcooked...

The atmosphere is like an American diner, as it should be. Super friendly staff. Drinks and food come quickly and are also very tasty. Parking is a bit limited.

It was quite good and very tasty

Very good service. Excellent selection of food. Great prices and more than generous portions.

Lovely diner, entirely in American style. Friendly staff and good food.

Very cool location with friendly staff and delicious food 👌🍔

Really good burgers and super friendly service

Quietly located in an industrial area, the staff is super friendly, and orders arrive really quickly. You can sit inside or outside, depending on the weather. The food and breakfast are both delicious. The waitresses make recommendations, and they're spot on. Reservations are recommended on weekends. A large selection and breakfast is served all day. Free parking is available on site. Highly recommended 👍🏻

We had reserved for four people and arrived on time. Even though we arrived ahead of a group of six, they were seated first – annoying, but still manageable. After pointing out our reservation, we were allowed to choose a table in the back – there were three available. Unfortunately, the air conditioning was much too cold there, and I was freezing cold even with my sweater on. Upon request, we were kindly allowed to sit in the front area, where it was much more comfortable, and the air conditioning was even set 2 degrees warmer (as indicated on the display). We'd barely settled in when an employee came over and directed us back to our old, cold seat, explaining that the table in the front might be needed for a larger group, but it wasn't reserved! When I mentioned that it was "freezing cold" in the back, there was no response. We should have actually left at that point – but we were waiting for friends and didn't want to rush around looking for somewhere new at 9:15 p.m. I then grabbed my husband's work jacket from the car and sat back down in full gear. When our friends arrived and asked why we were in such a bad mood, I explained the situation – whereupon the waitress suddenly stormed around the corner, literally said she "didn't want to start a fight now," and again asked us to move seats. That was just too much for me – that's not how you treat guests. The tone, the lack of flexibility (which would have been a given in itself), and the unpleasant atmosphere in the room had a very negative impact on the evening. One star is honestly too much. I certainly won't be coming back.

A fantastic and extensive menu, with something for everyone. I had a pork burger with a delicious champignon cream sauce. It was delicious. The fries were delicious, as was the mayo. Dessert was also delicious; I had waffles, which were super fluffy. All in all, a recommendation for all burger and American diner fans.

Delicious fast food in the American ambiance of the 50's.

Had a "no-beef burger" – the portion size was very manageable, and the taste wasn't amazing either: a store-bought patty, fresh onions, a tomato, a tiny bit of lettuce, and a few fries. It was actually too expensive for that. The ambiance was okay – service was also friendly and quick – but it's just a carelessly thrown-together vegetarian burger.

If you like the American style, you will feel at home here

For American food, this is the best address in Essen.

I drove two hours here because of the many positive reviews. The diner is located in a residential/commercial area, and reservations are recommended. The beautiful diner design elements are striking both inside and out, right down to the statue and the cool bus. The service is very friendly and attentive. So far, so good. Unfortunately, the burger menu didn't really blow me away. Standard bun, convenience food patty, sauce that's a bit reminiscent of the Big M from a large fast-food chain, and all at a hefty price. It's a shame; the love and individuality are lacking. What about your own sauce, caramelized onions, etc.? Oh, and one more positive thing... You make great milkshakes.

Great burgers and even better milkshakes, in a huge variety of flavors. Highly recommended.

A lovely diner atmosphere, with attention to detail. We sat in a nice outdoor area with an old school bus in the background; even the dog was welcome. Friendly and fast service. The food was solid fast food. We both had the vegetarian version of a burger and hot dog, along with good coffee and iced tea/apple juice.

Super tasty shakes, and the burgers and side dishes are also incredibly delicious. The service is also top-notch!

I went to the Star Diner for breakfast with my 3-year-old daughter today. Both the waitress and the waiter (is that what you call them?) were super nice and attentive. The waiter gave us excellent advice about breakfast, so my daughter got her money's worth. They even brought her a small piece of cutlery without asking, which shows that the staff really knows their stuff. What left me absolutely astonished, however, was the fact that the food and drinks (especially considering the portion sizes) are clearly TOO CHEAP, in my opinion. The selection of veggie dishes is good. We will definitely try to visit the Star Diner regularly.

Great shop. I especially like the shakes and burgers.

Well, the first impression from the outside is very American. The interior doesn't disappoint visually either. Outside, there's only the original yellow US school bus. We decided to eat inside for the sake of authenticity. The very friendly and attentive server arrived quickly (at 5:00 p.m. on a Sunday, the restaurant was 35% full), and we had already decided on a shake because of the excellent reviews. It arrived quickly, but the taste and flavor fell well short of our expectations. Our star item was the spare ribs. Each was a full rack; one with wedged potatoes, one with French fries. The first impression wasn't bad, but it did give us a hint of what was to come in terms of flavor: a bit pale, and (in my opinion) a ready-made sauce as a rub. Okay, they weren't dry, but unfortunately, they weren't juicy and tender either. Far from *fall-off-the-bone*. When I asked, I was told they weren't prepared in a smoker, but in a convection oven. With a good rub and a little more time, they could turn out well. But that's up to the chef. I'm deciding not to come back. Sorry. I should also mention that the prices at the restaurant were 20% higher than the prices on the daily updated website. That's not right. Imagine if that happened at a gas station ;-)

Unfortunately, it has declined and become quite expensive. What a pity.

Super delicious and not overpriced. The service is always friendly and professional.

No matter the time of day. Whether with children or in the evening with friends. The staff is always cheerful. The value for money is right.

Always super delicious shakes that I have never seen in any other diner.