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Corvette Diner

Corvette Diner celebrates the joyous 1950’s, with a menu of hearty comfort food that satisfies the soul as well as the stomach. The burgers, sandwiches, entrees, and daily specials range from time-honored to wildly inventive, like the unusually delicious “Rory” Burger, a hamburger topped with peanut butter and bacon that actually boasts a money-back guarantee. Its new Liberty Station location enhances the fun-loving atmosphere with a full bar, three distinctive dining rooms, and the massive Gamer's Garage arcade, making it easy for diners young and old to embrace their inner-child.

Rock N' Roll and Cookin' Good Food

1950’s chic and kitsch is brilliantly captured in the recently relocated and revamped Corvette Diner, in Liberty Station. The prized throwback-themed restaurant now calls the once Officer’s Club of the Naval Training Center home, and boasts more than one advantage over its previous 22-year gig in Hillcrest. Visitors familiar with the old Hillcrest locale will immediately appreciate the new parking situation where parking spaces are plentiful, and free. Moreover, the diner itself has doubled in size, and offers numerous features catering specifically to families and large dining parties: three distinct dining spaces exude different characteristics of the iconic retro diner theme; a separate 5,500 square foot “Gamers’ Garage” provides an arena for kids and adults alike to test their luck at 50 time-tested arcade games; and two private dining rooms may be reserved for birthday parties and other festive events. Other nostalgic touches include a suitably authentic soda fountain and an energetic, quick-witted disc jockey spinning our favorite oldies-but-goodies.

Business suits and flip-flops are traded in at the Corvette Diner front door for poodle skirts and saddle shoes – in spirit, anyways. One cannot help but be seduced by the blaring old-time rock n’ roll, the equally loud and quirky décor, and the sprightly energy of the entire staff. Large black and white tiling throughout the main dining space is complemented by chrome accents in the furniture, a vibrant color palette of teals and pinks, and jukebox inspired tube-lighting that casts everything in a surreal hue of days-gone-by. Two more dining spaces sit to the right of the main room, and lie in complete contrast to one another. The first is a Day-Glo Mecca of sorts with black walls, black light fixtures, and an array of colorful radiating posters reminiscent of the Swinging Sixties. The second offshoot is a long and narrow area designed to resemble a dining car – high-gloss white walls and chrome accents provide a minimalist backsplash to highlight the series of inlaid video screens that grace each booth.

We enjoyed our blast-from-the-past dinner fairly early in the evening of our visit, and were not surprised by how quickly the tables filled around us. Excited to taste one of the more eccentric items of the menu and a couple fan-favorites, we placed our appetites in the hands of our capable and hip server, Flo, and prepared for a cookin’ good time.

Knowing that we were about to enjoy quite a spread, we opted not to order any of the Diner’s famous shakes or malts like the Banana-Rama and the Chocolate Ice Cream Soda. Instead, we committed ourselves fully to the grub that awaited us. To begin, we were served a large steaming plate of the Chili Cheez Waffle Fries. This supremely massive dish was immediately as appealing in sight as it was in aroma. Criss-cross waffle fries were lightly spiced and smothered in the Diner’s famous “Sting Ray Chili.” Melted cheddar cheese lay atop the chili, and a sprinkling of green onions finished off the entire dish. The chili was a rich and savory combination of ground beef, black beans, tomato, and seasoning, and was both hearty and welcoming. The waffle fries, crisp and warm, soon revealed why they are a superior choice to the usual julienne-cut variety in such a dish. The corrugated structure of the fries held the chili and cheese nicely, and their disk-like shape allowed for easy scooping. Strands of melting cheese added another degree of irresistibility to this already comforting appetizer, and I see why some may choose to order it as a hearty entrée.

The next dish to be devoured was one that has quite the reputation for being both strange and oddly wonderful. The Rory is a one-half pound natural Angus beef burger topped with bacon and peanut butter – yes, peanut butter. I am the first to admit that I was a pinch more than skeptical about this seemingly blasphemous combination, but two bites in and I was converted. A thin layer of diced lettuce and mayonnaise was spread under the juicy beef patty, and crisp strips of bacon rested on top of it. Over the bacon was a light dollop of smooth peanut butter softened by the heat of the meat. The result was a full-bodied bite that incorporated multiple textures and flavors. The soft bun gave way to the crunch of the bacon and the moist richness of the beef, while the peanut butter offered an underlying creamy base. Similarly, the slightly fatty and salty flavor of the bacon was balanced by the subtle sweet and saltiness of the peanut, and the two soon revealed themselves as the Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello of condiments. As the menu so aptly notes, Elvis would love this burger; fortunately though, if you do not, you are covered by a money-back guarantee. Crisp skin-on French fries also accompanied the dish and were difficult to part with even after the meal was over.

The Meat Loaf is an established favorite on the Corvette Diner menu, and continues to live up to its reputation. Grand slices of it were served to us with an impressive helping of mashed potatoes and gravy, a honey wheat roll, and steamed carrots and broccoli. The meat was also topped with gravy, and enticed us with the rich and comforting scent of past childhood meals. Cutting into a slice exposed the tender and rich texture of the meat – fifteen ingredients compose the savory loaf; and while I’ll dare not pretend to be able to identify them all, Worcestershire sauce, hints of sweet carrot, and pepper each shown through nicely. The smooth and flavorful brown gravy graced both the meat and potatoes, and provided a bridge between the two with its subtle sweet and savory notes. The potatoes were coarsely mashed with some skin intact, which provided a comforting and hearty textural element that was balanced by a subtle flavor base of cream. The steamed vegetables, slightly crunchy and firm, mediated the more intense elements on the plate with their discreet refreshing aromas, and were tasty and welcomed additions. Also, the warm honey wheat roll’s yeasty composure and slightly sweet taste countered the pronounce heartiness of the dish.

The last entrée selection we tasted was the Diner Chicken Fried Steak. This heart-warming and palate-pleasing Southern specialty was made with tenderized lean beef, which was breaded in-house with buttermilk, and fried. Texas-style white gravy finished off the steak and also covered the mashed potatoes. Steamed vegetables and a honey wheat roll were also present. The white gravy has always been my favorite part of this specific dish, so I coordinated my first bite around a generous taste of it. Its eggshell color base was speckled here and there with flecks of pepper and spice that translated into a richly smooth and alluring essence. The lightly breaded outer layer of the steak was delightfully crunchy, retaining the tenderness of the steak, and the ever-so-subtle hint of buttermilk harmonized brilliantly with the flavor of the meat. Again the handsomely textured potatoes demanded their own share of attention, and revealed the finer facets of the gravy’s complex play on sweet and savory. So similar, yet so distinct, every component of the dish had a very important roll.

Dessert, anyone? If this had been any other night or any other meal, I would cower at the prospect of eating any more. Tonight, though, deserved to end on a proper sweet note, and the Ooey-Gooey Brownie Hot Fudge Sundae has the reputation for being a groovy good time. Sheer awe cannot describe our reaction to this jaw-dropping whopper of a sundae splayed before us. A Matterhorn-sized helping of vanilla ice cream was presented on a similarly colossal plate. Concealed beneath this pinnacle of confectionary goodness was a large dark chocolate brownie smothered in fudge and nuts. Digging through the ice cream to penetrate the decadent chocolate inside was oddly thrilling, and we took pleasure in the smallest accomplishment of making a dent in this mammoth dish. This ooey-gooey experiment in the melting arts would be a joy to share with everyone at the table – especially if there are at least six of you.

One meal at the Corvette Diner puts everything into perspective: Having fun and eating with revelry has its place in this world, and a little nostalgia can go a long way in brightening the future. With abounding smiles, rocking music, and kickin’ food, the Corvette Diner brings out the joy in children and the kid in adults. A neon sign hanging over the full bar says it best: “You Can’t Go To Heaven In A Sedan.” Surely, a venetian red corvette convertible is the proper sendoff.

 

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Deals & Special Offers

Deal:   Buy a $100 Corvette Diner Gift Card for just $79.99.

Valid: Nov. 4, 2016 - Dec. 31, 2099

Days Available: Daily Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday,

Time Available: 1:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rules: Get two $50 gift cards ($100 total) for only $79.99. This exclusive offer is only available online through our website while the supply lasts. Only a limited number of gift cards are available at this discounted price. No rain-checks.


Restaurant Info

  • Address: 2965 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego CA 92106
  • Cross Street: Truxtun Road
  • Location: Point Loma & Ocean Beach | Point Loma
  • Cuisine: American | Hamburger |
  • Cost: $$ | Inexpensive | $25 - $50
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Not Available
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Street | Private Lot |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover |
  • Corkage Fee: 15.00 | Per 750ml bottle.
  • Phone: (619) 542-1476

Business Hours

Monday
Main Dining Room | All Day 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday
Main Dining Room | All Day 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesday
Main Dining Room | All Day 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday
Main Dining Room | All Day 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday
Main Dining Room | All Day 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday
Main Dining Room | All Day 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday
Main Dining Room | All Day 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Features

  • Full Bar
  • Catering Services
  • Live Entertainment
  • Private Room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Valet Parking
  • Happy Hours
  • Lounge / Bar

Occasion

  • Child Friendly
  • Meet for a Drink
  • People Watching
  • Special Occasion
  • Quick Bite

 


F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the restaurant has an arcade and is available for birthday parties

Menus

Daily Menu

Appetizers

Ice Cold Beer

Soda Fountain and Desserts

Burgers

Kids Menu

Sandwiches

Chicken Sandwiches

Green Stuff

Soups

Platters

Limo Party Package ($299.95)

  $299.95 plus tax and mileage. Pick up times are from 11:00am-3:30pm. Availability is limited. Please book early. Seating for up to 6 additional guests may be reserved. Larger limos are available for an additional cost. Party times including limo: 2.5-3 hours.


Limo Party Package Includes:

Dine and Play Packages

  Offered Monday-Thursday, all day. Packages include food and Gamers Garage Playing Cards.


#1 Pint Size

#2 Groovy Deal

#3 Fill 'Er Up

Kid's Party Packages

  Theme parties include private room for 2 hours plus choice of twin cheeseburger sliders, chicken fingers, or grilled cheese--all served with fries, a bottomless fountain drink, and a kid's dessert shake. Call restaurant for full details.


Package #1

Package #2

Package #3

Package #4

Package #5

Party Add-Ons


Map

Restaurant Address: 2965 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego CA 92106

User Reviews

YUM!!!  

I've never had a bad meal yet. My personal fave, Chicken Fried Steak...just like grandma's!

A fun way to get away from the stress of life  

Uptight people will have a hard time enjoying themselves at the Diner. If you aren't able to just relax and have fun then this is not the place for you. I went with a friend of mine, and it looked really cute. I thought it was just a cute little 50's diner, but in fact it was way more. I was totally caught off guard when our server chucked straws at us (and she was on her way to deliver a milk shake to another table, and she was holding a spoon and accidently threw that too... it was hilarious). The food was great, the atmosphere was great, and the gum thrown at the end... great.

watch out for the bubble gum!  

This is definately a spot for a good time with friends and family. It can get a little loud but only cause the waiters and waitresses are absoultely entertaining! There is plenty to see all around the restaurant. The food is affordable and its good eating. Just watch out for the bazooka bubble gum they throw at you ;)

corvette diner  

Not a date place, but a fun place to hang out with a couple of friends. Fun atmosphere and good burgers, at reasonable prices.

Lots of fun  

The Corvette Diner is a lot of fun. The waiters and waitresses often dance around, sing, and throw straws. The atmosphere definitely takes you back to the '50's. One word of caution-turn your cell phone off! The food is mostly burgers and sandwiches. It's simple but it's delicious. The lines here can be long so arrive early.

corvette diner  

It is a fun place to go especially if you have kids.. They can scream and no one cares.. the food is great as well

dessert!  

The food is good but not light. Losts of fried stuff and burgers. The shakes are SO GOOD. We ordered a banana split and it could have fed 6 people. No full bar, only beer and wine

Super Fun for Families  

This is a very fun, exciting restaurant for kids and their parents. The restaurant itself is, of course, decorated with great touches - sawed off cars hanging from ceilings, endless neon signs, portraits of movie stars. The wait staff are fabulous at creating a fun atmosphere and they even dance periodically in the aisles! There's a balloon animal guy and a DJ who takes requests. The food - well, stick to burgers and you can't go too wrong, but in all honesty food isn't this place's strong point. Heavy on portions!!! Really, really great fries. If you order dessert, get one for your whole table even there's ten people, and you still won't be able to finish. We had a *great* time having dinner here with the kids, its a great place to take a child on their birthday.

Great for kids only  

I always see people lined up outside on Friday and Saturday night and I don't understand why. It's loud, food is exactly like Denny's, but kids seemed to love it. (yes, they actually throw bubble gum at you)

Fun Times  

This place is great when you just want to have a good time. It's fun to get dressed up and be taken back in time in this retro style restaurant.

Corvette a Bust  

I just had dinner at the Hillcrest Corvette diner and had to make some remarks. I went in alone to have a nice meal. It all started with the throwing of the straws on my table, not exactly an Oscar winning performance. The server's schtick was incredibly awkward. I understand what they are going for, but does corporate policy require that every customer get the "party" treatment even if they are alone? The manner in which she tried to act "sassy" came across as rude and unprofessional. Secondly, the milkshake I ordered was basically glorified chocolate milk. For 4 bucks they need to buck up and use about 3 times as much ice cream. Thirdly the hamburger seemed pre-cooked with a bun that seemed microwaved. The mustard on the bun had also gone through the heater. The tomato and lettuce looked like something you'd get at Jack in the Box. I finally asked my server for the check after pushing away my half eaten meal and shake. After waiting 10 minutes for her to get back, I calculated the money in my head including a 20% tip and left. Could've gotten better food and service at McDonalds.

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