It's NOT OK at all! It's UTTER GARBAGE! DISAPPOINTING Diner!!!

American Roadside Diners, Burgers, Pancakes, Waffles, Homes Fries, Philly Cheesesteaks, Hot Dogs, Shakes, the list goes on as the menu is huge. The American Diner made famous on Hollywood movies. Anyone who visits The United States always puts a visit on their list of things to do, and those who live in the USA it's an American Tradition.
The OK Diner say that they provide an authentic diner experience from the rock and roll to the stacked burgers, griddle favourites, bottomless coffee plus wings and dogs (that’s chicken wings and hot dogs to you). All served up in a classic diner setting with a smile.
The BIG Question is, can the UK replicate an American Diner right here in England?
Check them out for yourself...
okdiners.com
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[@michw3755]

I've learnt from watching Kitchen Nightmares, that when a menu is that big, none of it is fresh, as you can't sell that much food before it goes off, therefore, most of it will be frozen.

[@paulbrown9802]

Exactly that!

[@scotty193]

I hear what your saying and correct but even if the food was not great that menu did not look overtly big. Consider the fact a 3rd of the menu comprised of milkshakes and drinks..

[@hykezza]

its all frozen and all microwaved except burgers chicken and breakfasts i promise you that!

[@UAPfun]

Macdonalds is not much different? All from dehydrated onions microwaved burgers… but they just look like the experience you had which is why I’ve always driven past and never been in one.

[@CupidStunt0001]

On the Kids menu section, "Unattended children will be given unlimited coiffee and a free drum to take home" that made me lol 😂😂

[@ninelivecat]

American food isn't that great you get bigger portions but there is more factory farming involved I would say overall food in Europe is better

[@tadgmcloughlin6061]

Don't, ever, ever, ever, try American accents again! This has been a public service announcement !

[@oliversonic905]

It didn’t look terrible, just a standard serving of underwhelming food. Sometimes feels so hard to get quality food here in Britain at a fair price.

[@bigm3543]

When the menu is massive it usually means Frozen and processed

[@edwinsythe6897]

I think the server probably didn't appreciate the camera and that set the tone.

[@helgabullabong]

Great honest review. I agree about service being part of the experience. Look at that guy who sold you the £1 burger in Blackpool. They could take a lesson from him.

[@mattjcole908]

"Is that a brioche bun?" No its just a mighty dry burger bun

[@beverleyringe7014]

That’s what I thought, looked like asda 4 pack seeded buns..

[@JeffBarrettPismoLife]

One doesn't expect friendly, attentive service when they don't expect a tip. American servers depend on their tips for income so they try very hard to please. I've notice the difference between American and UK servers. Not everywhere, but enough to notice. We'll be living there next summer so we've got to get used to it.

[@Rebelz173]

Americans are much friendlier than the British. Us British are not friendly.

[@oldskoolraver100]

Is Steve a police interceptor...if not he has a twin brother 😂

[@ninelivecat]

The service in the States is second to none because they want a tip At least you didn't have to tip them there that's kind of mandatory and annoying in the States Americans are nice but they are too money oriented in my opinion

[@LittleBearBBQ_Food_Original]

This is exactly why the “US Diner Model” just doesn’t work over here!!! The UK does not have that level of interest in the Menu or the Customer at this point…Yet, it could be sooooo good!!! Oh! And, Hoboken!!! Many a debauched evening spent in the Black Bear and Bahama Mamas (back in the day!) with a trip to the Cigar Shop on River Street….Sigh!!! Good times!!!

[@TheMacMaster]

Black Bear Bar and Grill. Great wings. 😜👍🏼👍🏼

[@SBridge11100]

Why does the US equivalent have more interest at this level? Just curious.. i remember as a kid on holiday in Florida going to a diner called perkins, that was decent for the price.

[@scottbrandon9390]

I found most places in the UK can't make a good burger. The burgers in Canada and the U.S. are way better.

[@Wetthewhistle]

The food looked like it was all bought from Iceland. You were both spot on when you both said it’s just a road side cafe with American stuff allover the walls.

[@barrycoote9562]

Who orders a chicken burger? That is the last thing I order whenever I go to the usa.. American prices though. What surprised me was trying to get beans in the states.. Using roadside services is always way more expensive in the UK..if anyone tried a burger from the states, they are really pink in the middle. Which for me was a bit off putting to begin with.. Service is always better in the states because they get really poor paid so tips is where they make their money..

[@ashman9916]

That seeded bun looked like the Tesco 4pack ones. Bit of Tesco iceberg bagged lettece, tom, onion, Tesco crispy chicken. Lees 2.1 Steves 3.5

[@iguanna41]

There is one on the A55 in North Wales, went there a few years back nothing special and it was expensive not been since.

[@mjt8199]

The MacMaster : "You can't eat this burger with your hands..." Steve proceeds to eat the burger with his hands.

[@TheMacMaster]

Lol. 😂

[@stevenlowe7707]

It was cut in half 😉

[@stephenward740]

That chicken burger looked like one of those frozen breaded chicken steaks from the supermarket

[@mistofoles]

Certainly not the best burger, but to be fair, it is usual to have sliced onion on a burger - chopped onion on it would be too messy and falling out everywhere.

[@vincehassanwalia5539]

Hi Lee, as you have lived in the States you would know. Most of my family live in North America and when I visit we often eat out, if there is anything wrong with the experience, the service or the food they will put it right for you or won't charge you for the meal. OK will never copy the American diner attitude in the UK, as you said the only American about the diner is the memrobilia on the walls.

[@brianherring6393]

£30 total ripped off I could have made your chicken burger for about 60 p wouldn't last 2 minutes in the middle of New York

[@ctm1602]

It looks as if the Chef has run down to the nearest iceland or farmfoods store and bought the economy range frozen chicken chips and beef burgers . Theres less than a quids worth on that chicken burger plate , what a profit margin and a half !!!. The service was shocking and robotic 😬.

[@gravelbags2479]

Your editing is 2nd to none 😂 that cowboy kiss insert was so funny

[@saradavey6328]

It didn't look good, although I wonder if the enthusiasm in an American diner with servers are false because their pay is usually bad and they rely on their tips? Looking forward to trying a proper diner in America though :)

[@simonwoodward438]

Watched this with Mrs, I straight away said those Cobs are stale cheap bread, the tomato was one of those tasteless cheap ones, 100th of onion and I've seen thicker battered haddock than that road kill chicken or was it something else? I also said to the Mrs it looked like a USA version of Little Chef so everything on the menu probably tastes of manky cooking oil. I think this is a chain as we had one near by in Cannock South Staffs and that was pretty much the same service and food standard's. I also said to the Mrs, blimey that's the third time we've spoke this week, that went to a place called Burg which looked amazing and half the cost. Also that you'd been to Blackpool and had a great burger and service for a quid, 30 times cheaper. Great video keep them coming they are great fun to watch.

[@shaunbrown7414]

Thank you for your input I won’t be going now, the one and only time I’ve been I had pancakes that were done in the microwave, I was hoping it had changed, oh the one that I went to was the one near Newark on the A1

[@rickyboy591]

Have to agree about the diner , I found all the so called American diners in this country ie five guys , tgi Fridays , frankie n bennys are expensive and I have beeb to America on a couple of occasions and I always found them relatively cheap . Regarding the wait time for the bill I had an experience in Leicester I asked 3 times for the bill and in the end I just walked without paying and wasn’t even busy .

[@davidwray9434]

Used to be loads of these about - there was a proper silver metal one near the new Derby Hospital next to the Argosy pub on kingsway - guessing this is the one near Burton on Trent .. they are basically rebranded “little chef” restaurants now over priced rubbish

[@TheMacMaster]

Bang on. I said that at the end. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@eagles__uk__9409]

Wow look like they've got everything from Iceland's 😂

[@arthuritchybollix5064]

She's probably on minimum wage and sick so doesn't feel enthusiastic about serving burgers

[@arthurdanielles4784]

Considering the servers/waitresses in the USA get paid a minimum wage and have to rely heavily on tips to make a decent wage, one wonders if it is no surprise that they put the effort in re customer service. 👀In the UK it has rarely been our experience to find really good service industry 'CUSTOMER comes first' service. 👍We've no hesitation in agreeing with you re the USA and SOME, note, SOME of their diners being exceptional. Our visits across the USA have seldom had us complain bar the GIGANTIC at times FOOD portions.. (makes McD's whopper over here seem tiny..👀🤣) The service industry in the UK seems to suffer with those who work in them places having an unfair at times, label that denigrates them as being incapable workers who could do little else than work where they are working? Not helped when you get a foreigner serve you who doesn't speak English or can barely understand it, just a glorified button pusher and cash collector.?

[@tonyburns6259]

That was off the charts lol thanks for another entertaining video

[@wayneb251]

Forget yankee coffee, anyone who likes coffee wouldn't touch it🤣

[@Daz_Eats]

‘He likes American things now! Alan Partridge 😂

[@TimothyDowd]

I found the difference between tomahto and tomayto. Tomato is classed botanically as a fruit, grows on a vine, has pips etc. but the Americans decided to reclassify tomaytos as vegetables because they’re in salads 😂

[@TheMacMaster]

Lol. 😂

[@paulbrown9802]

Been to a few American diners during my trips to the USA and no-one in the UK will EVER be able to replicate the food, the service or the all round experience! A fab honest review and of course the staff here have a completely different outlook to US servers, they just aren’t the same!

[@NFFC1865]

Taking the average family out for a treat would cost £50 upwards for a meal there, and that's alot of money to spend for most families these days and especially if the food is rank. ❌❌❌❌

[@TeamZSsx]

I always see these establishments when driving up the A1 to Scotland but have thought I'd rather try one of those Sex shops instead, why don't you review one of those for the crack!

[@NFFC1865]

The sex shop at the motorway services always makes me laugh when drive past them. Yes I definitely drive past them. Lol. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@DrDaveW]

Food memories are so important. I was a kid in the early eighties (and ahem, the seventies) when Macdonalds opened in Lincoln (not very far away) my grandmother took me there. My mother wasn’t interested, buy my Grandma just wanted to experience it. She loved it, and it was a staple place to go from there on. That and the Bernie Inn.

[@MrVxrman]

Blimey the Bernie steakhouse ! Now that is a blast from the past 😊

[@bathman6366]

Wimpy was my schooldays favourite. There was nothing sophisticated about a Wimpy burger & chips, but to be able to go for a sit down meal as a teenager and take your mates on pocket money, was a great memory from my childhood.

[@clairwalshe9468]

ok, but are clearly eating frozen burgers and chicken fillets, and fries... not made in-store. its processed food.

[@johnwilkes681]

Could have made better food for both of them for about a fiver from Aldi’s .

[@Wetthewhistle]

You should try Denny’s, we had one in Glasgow it opened to great fanfare and it shutdown within a year or 2 with a terrible reputation.

[@neilgayleard3842]

Sadly it's not a surprise. Because our own standards have got worse.

[@jonnyb4271]

I hate waiting for the bill its like they make you wait out of spite. I agree with the low score they're using the American theme as a gimmick.

[@aaronssocks]

Haha the “Waitress” was a dead ringer for Twinkle from Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies 😆

[@chefstravels8429]

fair comments and review. Nothing worse than bad service, no excuse, smile and respect for the customer, they are paying your wages. And you never know who you are serving, if you got issues, stay at home. and as for that chicken burger. omg. say no more. great honest review.

[@klisher]

Lou Costello (Abbot and Costello) last words were "that's the best ice cream soda I've ever had" so be careful. hahaha. All the best.

[@jbt9281]

Not long having 'found' your excellent vlogs and am working my way through them. I have to say though, I regularly (well a couple of times a year while taking my son & daughter to University in Middlesbrough over the past 8 years) would go to the OK Diner on the A19 near Hartlepool, and I have to say I have never had any complaints with either the food (usually off the breakfast menu or the occasional Chicken Burger) or the service, which I have always found to be efficient and friendly, the place including the 'restrooms' are always clean and tidy. I do not have any previous experience of a 'real' American Diner (never been to USA) so no expectations of similarity to the food over there, but anything I have ever got there (especially the 'breakfasts') has been very tasty and the desserts have been superb. (this OK Diner always has a selection of sauces etc. on the table, so no need to ask for any). If you are ever over here in Northern Ireland, I can highly recommend going to the 'Brooklyn Bay' Diner in Larne for breakfast, even though it is a slightly 'American' themed diner, they do a super 'Ulster Fry (called the Big Fry) with proper 'soda & potato bread'. Keep up the good work.

[@lorlor35]

Hello again Lee and Steve. So enjoying you 2 together and watching your vids..😁❤😎😎

[@lorlor35]

Mint was a good choice Steve. My fave but I do love biscoff! Lol just recently tryed it as a cookie. Still in middle of vid tho...

[@stevenlowe7707]

😊😊

[@lorlor35]

And one more thing. I saw in vid Steve you are getting lots asking if you're single. I dont like having all this competition luv! Lol xo

[@MichaelGeorge161]

You should try Zaks Diners if you're ever around the Norfolk area

[@DPG214]

@TheMacMaster Great music. Can you post links? Incidentally, as I now live in Canada (ex-UK), I noticed the Prince Edward Island (Canadian) license plate on the wall of the diner. North America still.

[@TheMacMaster]

Thank you. I get all my music from Epidemic Sound. They probably didn't even know it was Canadian. 🙄😉

[@DPG214]

@@TheMacMaster Tks. LOL.

[@TheDetectits]

You sound like woody on toy story 🤣 Enjoyed watching mate

[@herewegowithtim1984]

I enjoy your videos. Try Billy Bobs just out of Skipton- it’s excellent in comparison. A big sort of rural American diner setup with play area’s for kids etc. I tip and am from the U.K. , but wouldn’t tip her. Miserable and the food was crap. Keep up the excellent work

[@Oldpigsass]

I remember the American 'Bennigans' chain opening on the A1 at Borehamwood in about 1995. Everything was great, then the American managers went home, handing over to the British management. The chicken fried steak disappeared immediately, and the portions were cut in half.

[@kezzacollinson621]

A Little Chef dressed up for Thanksgiving…….. for sure, shocking!!!!!

[@TheMacMaster]

Definitely. Little Chef with some American Memorabilia thrown around.

[@lucaschapman2188]

Weren't Wimpys supposed to be based on a American Diner?.I went into a Wimpy the other day first time in about 20 plus years.Never again over priced and the portions are so small now.I sure they used to be bigger.

[@pammyb1972]

Passed that so many times over the years and wondered what it was like.... Maybe I'll skip........ 🤣

[@r12004rewy]

We just can't compete with the Americans on service, if anyone watching has been to a Cheesecake factory in the US that's service and portion size at a brilliant price.

[@StalwartShinobi]

love the team america clip you threw in haha 'Murrica, F@$K YEAHHHH'

[@TheMacMaster]

Lol. 😂

[@johnpapworth433]

I have eaten at a few on the A1, but its like any cuisine that comes to the UK, it gets Anglacised. I have been to the States - their burgers are sublime, the service is as you say is impeccable, but the attitude of servers in the UK is the job is beneath them. Costwise, yeah it isn't cheap, but I have eaten by the A1, so you expect the "Services" kinda price. Have you tried Herbies on the A14? Thats an American diner at the old Little Chuff at the Travelodge. I have enjoyed the food myself in those places.

[@TheNcc1701xyz]

Is Herbie's still going? When the A14 upgrade was happening it killed their business, wasn't sure if it would reopen

[@josemesquita603]

Simply hilarious, one of the best vblogs I've seen so far.

[@HighlandViking78]

Americans who are working in hospitality are so enthusiastic because they rely on tips to make up their wage, besides that that was a complete rip off that salad was a joke

[@rickb3645]

The thing i hate about places like this, are the fact that you're spoiled for choice. And you can guarantee that when you're really hungry, and you have no idea how large or small anything is, you'll order something you think is going to be a feast. Unfortunately when it arrives, it'll probably be an incredibly small portion. And yet someone else in your group will have ordered something simple, like an omelette. But when that arrives at the table, it'll be huge. Probably made with about a dozen eggs, half a pound of cheese... ham... mushrooms etc. I won't mention the chain in question... but it was one of the big pub chains. And with my meal, i ordered something from their extras section of the menu... it was a portion of pulled pork, and they were charging an extra £1.95 for it. But when it arrived i was in shock, they had put the pulled pork into what can only be described as "The world's smallest ramekin"... 2"x 2" or about two forks full... Needless to say Lee, i wasn't best pleased. I like to see the size of the portions, then i know what i'm getting. 😉

[@philliphierons]

Hi Guys. The Truckers Cafe does not look so bad now.After that Bill you got you were ripped of

[@stephenwhite6630]

Pre pandemic this place was excellent we would go every other week , since reopening we have only been twice and not enjoyed it, such a shame

[@OliverPrime]

Aside from the unappetising bun, as soon as I saw that chicken burger, I thought 'Where's the rest of it?'

[@Dianelt]

Just watching your great video!! Me and my chap are huge fans of yours xx why have they no root beer!!! X

[@suzyqualcast6269]

WISH original Wimpy and their original burgers would return.... Nothing like em, forget that Macrap !

[@Buck3366]

I know there’s one little place in Cannock or there was

[@raybrown2197]

One in Birkenhead and about 40 around the south-east.

[@LeeMurton.]

Talk about dryness 😒 that didn't look good Lee,at least you had a day out lol 😆 hope your OK my friend 👍🏻♥️

[@gkmacca1]

30:54 - the look on that waitress's face: the classic British service face that says 'I cannot wait to get rid of yet another couple of tiresome people who come in and keep ASKING me things!'

[@joannegray5138]

That chicken burger looked pathetic. And for that price, I'd have expected half a market garden's worth of salad on it.

[@stevenryder8803]

I've seen this before but I didn't comment in those days and I don't think I even followed you lol. You mentioned the Okay Diner in your car crashing video so it made me watch it again lol. Your burger looked crap let's be honest it like like one of those Rustlers Burgers you get bloody hell. Steve's Burger did look pretty good at least. The waitress had about as much love for the job as someone on death row 😂. I said that before just watching your end comment lol.

[@danniidecides5369]

I've been here before and didn't have a good experience neither. 😕 that crispy chicken burger you received was an absolute joke!! Can't believe the cost of it as well. No way was what you both ordered worth £30!! Enjoying these honest reviews 👌👍keep em up 😊 x

[@craigwhitworth2597]

Only ever been once to one of these, think it was on the A1, near Newark, love the decor they have and that the building standout from the motorway but found it extremely over priced for what you get - would have loved a more authentic feel - the food is just average IMHO - so wanted to like it but never quite hit the right note

[@bathman6366]

The Newark one is cosmetically nicer than the one Lee went to, but my "Burger Wednesday" special - let's just say I've had better at a football match.

[@rainbow9225]

Agree poor service, poor food. The flies would really put me off. Decor very nice but thats about it. 3 out of 10 is my score. Interesting video as I have never been into one of these places.

[@stevenbrennan9711]

Absolutely honking that place. Milkshakes are banging tho 😂

[@suejackson1731]

Seen enough, the thought of all those flies makes me wonder what is the kitchen like , not to mention where they store the food. Lee try the Roadhouse Diner in covent garden.

[@TheMacMaster]

Loads of flies, Roadhouse has closed since Pandemic :0(

[@twelfth7211]

You need to try the ok diner in Hartlepool for a comparison, it's been a while for me there but I enjoyed it. Would be good to see who does it better.

[@pauldyoutube]

I've had a much better experience at the Cannock branch. Service was almost too quick. However the people who run this company have clearly never set foot in America.

[@jasoncraze1919]

The price for what they served , shocking… at least DickTurpin wore a mask when he robbed people 😂

[@christianboutell7112]

My local kebab house in byfleet does a stunning burger for £4.50,the staff are always at the top of their game,call yourself an american diner, their having a f**king laugh.

[@johnginty2715]

No root beer!!! It was a slippery slope after that. I think if petrochelli himself came out of the loo he couldent save the day. Great adventure lee. Well done on the 40k👍

[@andypalmer1895]

When we stayed in New York the hotel was called the New Yorker and at the bottom was tick tock dinner and it’s easy to see why you would put on so much weight the portions were massive and the food was fantastic

[@nixonm70]

Loved the video, I believe that Diner used to be a Little Chef, the one where Lara Croft was created

[@MrVxrman]

I've never been to one of those but been past them plenty of times. All the best 😊🍻👍🏻

[@kateroyston9416]

That chicken burger looked terrible!

[@TheMacMaster]

It was awful.

[@jimbrewer2730]

I absolutely ❤️ root beer! Think they may have overdone your salad on the burger 😂 and as for the customer service.....still waiting to see it!

[@davidgriffiths3713]

With a large menu no way everything is fresh. Freezer food would be used many times.

[@Tazza81]

I would have walked out as soon as I saw the prices on the menu. What is it with the UK and high prices on food when you eat out and the staff being paid a pittance?

[@garyphillips006]

Ive ñever had root beer but always wanted to try it. I've always assumed it would be like ginger beer but it sounds not. 😂

[@WelshMichigander.]

Sausage and Bacon. That would be a first on a American menu. Usually One or the other and pay extra if you want both.

[@MrDoctorsmith]

Oh ffs. Trying to pass off mediocre American food as genuine. It's England. Serve English tucker. And serve it well. Better the Devil you know.

[@kazzsimo8276]

Enjoyed your honesty guys 👍😁

[@lisaburns9047]

If OK diner wants to put themselves forward as an American diner they have a long way to go. Stale bread, frozen chicken & fries. The only half decent thing was the shake. The poor girl serving obviously hadn't been given any customer service training either. The whole experience would be no more than a 2.5 for me.

[@stevesandford1437]

One of the best things about your channel/videos is that we get a REAL review, good or bad... (MOST are good, in fairness...) You'd THINK though that if somebody on staff sees that the customer is RECORDING the experience, they might up their game??? (Sadly not in this case...) xx SF

[@TheMacMaster]

Thank you. 😎

[@DanGer-dw1qx]

This restaurant was a proper franchise restaurant when I was a teenager n it was my fave there's only a few left in the UK but looks like it's gone way down hill

[@WhiteHorseOfKilburn]

When you both entered I thought cheap an gimmicky, food not good at all😒 steer clear.

[@rosemaryharwood2032]

I worked in a cafe in my home town and I did cook for from the cheep food and I tried to make it good and I wish I was there still there but the owner sold it but you would have got a 💯 present better service love you guys xxxxxx

[@topravrnick215]

Hi great video. Is that the ok diner situated at the side of the A1 Near Newark, Nottinghamshire?

[@TheMacMaster]

No this on is in Derby. 👍🏼

[@strumminsimon]

The one on A1 southbound is much better.

[@topravrnick215]

@@strumminsimon #Northbound@SuttonOnTrent.

[@topravrnick215]

@@TheMacMaster a comparison review would be excellent 😎