We had our staff party here on Friday night (30 Nov). Cadillac Diner was nothing short of excellent. Their amazing atmosphere coupled with great, friendly, enthusiastic staff and extremely yummy food, made our night one of the best we have had in years. A massive thank you to Debbie and Karl (and their mum who worked on that AMAZING ham!), they were great hosts. Looking forward to coming back and enjoying their Jaffa shakes for lunch. Keep up the great work guys!

We have twice a week lunch with my girlfriends at Cadillac’s and I celebrated my 21st birthday on October 26 here, and with my great friends in Wellington. I’m traveling and I’m away from everyone I love therefore expected to have a great night full of love, and I did! The food is very good, the service was excellent, arranged everything for my comfort and I could blow my favorite music for dancing, drinks were very good and the guys who were in the service to be honest … FANTASTIC!!! I spent a great time!! Debbie and Karl are both loving and always kept in touch with me during the preparation of the event. Thank you so much!

Forever grateful for your wonderful service, a lots of love for you!

Gianna Caffera!

This was my first time going to the Cadillac Diner and I was excited about having an American diner experience. Unfortunately I was terribly disappointed. It was in fact a horrible experience and I will never go back.

We ordered the fried chicken, and when they served it I could not believe my eyes. It was that disgusting pre-frozen deep fried crap you expect to get at a dodgy lunch bar in a dodgy suburb. It was dry and over-cooked and tasted bad. And this was a $20 dish!

Never. Again.

I recently went here as part of a birthday function. My first impression was the decor was incredibly cheap and tacky too the point of being creepy. The drinks are very well priced but $5 for a cocktail did make me start to worry. I ordered the southern friend chicken and my partner ordered a burger ( can’t remember which one ). We had a large table and I don’t think the food took that long but we where busy socialising I can’t say how long the wait was for sure. The southern fried chicken arrived and while presented plainly it looked pretty tasty. I however quickly realised after the first mouthful the chicken was in fact those frozen chicken portions you get from the supermarket ( the $10 for 1kg varity) The outter coating had next to no taste. My partners burger despite saying on the menu “homemade pattie” was clearly the cheap frozen mystery meat type. I really don’t know why you would put home-made when everyone can see it’s not. As with other reviews not surprisingly the burger had no taste at all. It’s obvious they do not buy quality ingredients and the kitchen stuff have little or no training. Had I not been in a group I would have complained and refused to pay. I had hoped the waitress would say something after taking away pretty much full plates… but no. I would only recommend this place if you want a cheap watering hole other than that stay away! You have been warned.

I recently had my 21st here, and was pleasantly surprised. The staff were kind and courteous, and helped to make it a very special occasion. The food was cheap but very substantial, and was of a high quality in terms of flavour as well.
They also were very helpful in arrangements needing to be made, such as the storage of the cake and the sound and seating arrangements.

I have been here twice, both times for dinner. My partner has ordered the steak both times and absolutely loves it. They cook it exactly to his liking and the portions are extremely generous. I have ordered burgers both times. I was disappointed with my fish burger, it was quite tasteless. However, the portions are huge and the decor is fantastic. This place would not be to everyone’s taste but if you want a large, reasonable meal for a very inexpensive price then I would definitely recommend this place.

Just popped in with a workmate for a takeaway lunch. Was very impressed. My Steak & Cheese combo was delicious – I was asked how I liked my steak cooked and the burger that came out was perfectly juicy and tasty – as was my workmate’s Mexican Border fries (which were a HUGE portion).

The price was fine for what I received; the chips were thick, cripsy on the outside, fluffy within and seasoned well. I would even go as far as to say some of the best I’ve had for a long time.

The American gentleman serving was very friendly and polite; he bought our takeaway meals over to where we were sitting waiting, rather than just alert us to them being ready from behind the counter, and these were done in a timely manner (I think we were only waiting 10mins for both meals to takeaway).

I would definitely go back! I was a bit dubious after reading some reviews here, but they’ve obviously upped their game since then because I honestly couldn’t fault them.

We booked in our mid winter christmas party for 18 people, we had great service, the food was value for money and very tasty, the desserts were outstanding and the staff more than happy to help us with our requests. Plenty of room for large groups to relax and spread out.

If anyone had asked me when I was 29 if I would have my 30th birthday dinner at an American style diner I would have been really mad! But when I went to Cadillac Diner one Friday evening by chance I knew it was what I wanted.
I have had steak there twice and it was cooked just as I asked each time. I have tried a couple of burgers and they were both good but I haven’t gone for a serious American burger yet. I’ll have to fast for the day before I do that. The meals are well priced (burger combos start at $6.00) and there is a good menu of $5 cocktails which runs all the time.
Friday night is the best time to go. From 7PM the Elvis impersonator gives a great show. He is very well presented and the consummate performer. He sings a good range of songs, not just the hits and he has great rapport with diners.
I have really enjoyed going to the Cadillac Diner.

My two experiences at Cadillac (one bring Sunday brunch, the other a midweek dinner) have both been excellent. The staff are lovely and the food is good, if a little on the expensive side for an establishment marketing itself as a diner. My one gripe is that it’s not immediately clear what to do when one comes in the door: should he seat himself; wait for a member of staff; go to the cash desk and ask to be seated…? Sufficient menus on ALL the tables would also be a nice touch.

Went to Diner Sunday night for a meal. It was a special occasion so was horrified when the place was jam packed due to a private function in bar area. We had a group discussion and decided to join the line to order because the ordinary diners appeared to be enjoying their food and soaking in atmosphere.

I ordered a steak meal and the steak that arrived looked AMAZING! When I sliced into it to inspect the rareness that I ordered it was exactly RIGHT! I really enjoyed that steak! The other meals were fantastic as well.

The waiting time for the meal was 25 mins (approx) all meals were given to us at the same time and staff service impecable smiling,attentative and friendly.

Heading back next weekend! Rock star stuff!

I have travelled a lot in the States and no country does a better burger than the good old US. Cadillac comes close and even exceeds. The decor is genuine, not cheesey. The menu is extensive and prices are very acceptable. I had the Churr burger and it was perfectly cooked and delicious and filling. My 12-yr-old daughter had the Road Runner chicken burgee and loved it. Service, while a little slow at first, was friendly and they seem to actually want to be there. Could not speak highly enough of the place. My daughter’s meal came with a drink and I had a $9 jug of Tui beer on happy hour special. Total bill for a wonderful, satisfying meal was just $40. Thanks to all at this wonderful diner. – Justin, Australia

I went there with my kids (age 14 and 12) and we loved it. Great atmosphere, friendly waitresses, fun diner decor and good diner-style food. Very impressive desserts.

Both children now want to celebrate their birthdays there .

I went to The Diner on Wednesday with a couple of friends and it was such a fantastic environment!! all the decor was amazing. i got the hamburger meal that was only $6 and i received a burger, fries and a drink. Great value!!! i loved every part of my meal, it was delicious. i will definitely be coming back. especially since it is such great value!

5 stars!!

I had the misfortune of having a meal at the Cadillac diner & Churrs Bar recently.
Very disappointing.
The Churr Burger was large but lacked flair. Taste was average.
Service was good but delivery of food was slow and when it did arrive it was half cold.
It would take a lot for me to go back here.

Really yummy food and for a really good price! You get heaps as well and the chips on the side were really tasty. Really friendly staff great customer service. Fun atmosphere loved the theme! Will be coming back again!!

Price is comparable to Maccas for the combos but the food is much better and much more filling. Decor perhaps a little over done but it’s an American themed diner – what do people expect?!

Terrible, didn’t finish anything that was ordered.

Burger was tasteless and Spicy wedges were so spicy no one could eat them not to mention the horrible display of sour cream that was clumped around the edge of the plate. not even the sour cream made the wedges edible.

Do not recommend and will not be returning.

If I could give this place no stars I would. Food is disgusting, considered not eating it. My meal first went to an old man at another table, after he had finished picking at it, they gave it to me. Service was horrible, waiters were no where to be seen, it’s likely that you will not get served at all, which you should be thank full for.

Overpriced, disgusting, horrible decor!

I would never recommend this place to anyone, you may walk past and think it looks like a fun experience, but don’t be fooled it’s sickening. I am convinced any reviews here are from employees.

Some of the reviews I’ve read here were painfully accurate. There’s no way to mark 1.5 stars, but that is where this place should belong.

The staff overcompensate for the problems in the kitchen and you’ve got to feel sorry for them when you’re out in town and you see them sprinting to New World for ingredients, which I’ve experienced on more than one occasion.

As an American, I didn’t take too much issue with the food. It was what you want to find at a truck stop, grease. It brought back strong memories of bad country music and people who referred to rice as an “ethnic” food.

They stuffed the decor from a larger venue into the new smaller location and it hurts my eyes, but oh well, I might go back someday and try some of the very strangely priced foods again.

Cadillac has the foundation for a decent restaurant if they slap their kitchen staff into shape, streamline the menu for faster service and take out some of the tackier decorations, which probably disturb diners enough to interfere with the digestive process. Best of luck with that.

Went here expecting the worst after reading a lot of negative reviews. Strange experience.

Initially the waiter and waitress went out of their way to ensure my partner and I were happy whilst waiting for our family group to arrive. We shared an oreo milkshake which was delicious ($6.50).

Ordered our mains – I ordered a bacon cheeseburger combo with fries and a soft drink for $10 whilst my partner ordered one of the ‘bigger’ meals (The number one cadillac burger). His came with a side of fries. My first observation was that despite his being on a much bigger plate, there actually wasn’t much difference at all between the size of my combo and his full size main. Hard to believe that mine also came with a lemonade which when ordered by itself is priced at $4.50 on the menu. Very bizarre although I wasn’t complaining.

The staff were very friendly and when I pointed out my burger was missing the pineapple I had requested they apologized and sorted it out. However, I quickly found that despite the chips being good – the burger was totally tasteless, greasy and not helped by the chunks of egg shell I crunched on and picked out. I shortly gave up on trying to pick out the shell and left the remainder of my meal. Not impressed at all. Not wanting to make a scene, I waited until the waitress was collecting our plates before informing them politely. Due to the reviews I read, I wasn’t surprised when no one apologized but I was surprised when we came to pay the bill and they were still expecting me to pay an extra $2.50 for the egg.

After reminding them that it was inedible, it was duly removed from the bill but in a manner that wasn’t exactly the most friendliest customer service I have experienced.

Overall a mixed experience here. You can tell a number of the staff are trying their best to go above and beyond in their service (probably due to the many bad reviews) however there are clearly still a numMoreber of staff with no empathy for the customers or understanding when there is a problem with the food they are serving. I understand it must be hard though when such poor quality is consistently coming from the kitchen. Such a shame considering the location and the potential this place has!

Hey Chris P – it’s unbelievably obvious you work at Cadillac – next time you pose as a customer (who – also unbelievably – is the only person I know who seems to have had a good experience with the food and staff), you should make it less obvious.
I had a burger and fries – took ages to arrive, and the burger was one of the worst I’ve ever had. Weird mystery meat drowning in mayonnaise, wilted lettuce. The chips weren’t bad however!
Seriously – you occupy a prime piece of Willis St real estate and have such a great opportunity – sort out your food and staff issues before your bad rep grows and sticks.

Having walked past many times whilst working and out and about I had no idea this place was as big as it is! Very spacious and inviting environment with a wonderful decor. Ordered the Number #2 Combo – Bronco Bull Steak Burger + Chips. Very generous and tasty portions of food given that it was only $10.50!!! Have had many burgers in my time and this had some great mix of flavours which was great to see they used more than just tomato sauce etc… Since returning I have tried 6 different items from the menu and enjoyed great pricing at their Bar. I would give it a quick 9/10 for food. 9/10 pricing. 10/10 Atmosphere. 8-9/10 For customer service.

Will be getting behind this place big time and bringing more and more friends in. I have taken time to read some of the reviews and it would seem it very much depends on the ‘Crowd’ you belong to. If you are looking for a starbucks or a place to get your shoes shined this is not the place. If you are looking for great affordable dining and also to be entertained on top of that then this is definately a worthwhile stop. I think given they are still firing up the engines they are doing very well for themselves with their great attentive staff and I’m sure the menu will continue to be developed (as is any establishments) A+ Team – see you soon!!!! – Chris


Updated to Address Blenna and have sent appropriate correspondence. – I do not work or have any affiliations to this place whatsoever which is funny because again I am saying it depends what ‘crowd’ you associate with. I curently work night shifts and often walk past this place (no idea it was there until around April 2012….) My experiences since being there I have had 20-30 friends come with so far and intend on having the family there this week. If you must know they didn’t have sufficient pool cues but then again it’s free pool so who can really complain…… – I am intending to try their Breakfast Menu aMorend other items and will submit further reviews.

Massive place and pretty interesting decor. But the service was bad, slow and unprofessional and the food was just terrible. We finally got our brunch an hour and a half after we arrived. We should have left when the waitress rolled her eyes when we asked for glasses to drink the water out of!

I go to brunch with a group of friends on a fortnightly basis. We try somewhere different each time in Wellington City . We were really looking forward to the Cadillac diner as it presents itself as a fun dining experience. It was actually so disappointing. Staff member who served us was very unpleasant. No smiles or conversation from her. When we asked for water she brought us 3 glasses for a table of 9. When we asked for more glasses, she rolled her eyes before going to get them. We ordered coffee and was told there would be quite a wait for it as there was only one coffee machine. The restaurant was not busy. Food took 90 minutes to arrive. Quality of food was extremely poor. Food was very overpriced. This has possibly been my worst ever dining experience.

Went for mothers day today and had an awesome time. The atmosphere is wickedly well done and there are things to keep the kids amused which is great! Our food was great and the pancake stack with bacon, bananas and berries that I had was pretty much perfect. All the meals were out within a reasonable time and the staff were very friendly. We will definately be back and will be bringing the rest of the family. LOVE IT

Unfortunately we didn’t have a very good experience. No one greeted us when we walked in the door and no staff member was to be seen. Older blonde lady working there was wearing a cardigan over her uniform which was hanging off her shoulder which looked very messy as if she had trouble dressing herself. Staff members on their break were walking behind the bar and some of the staff were wearing hats on shift. The decor was weird for when you walk in the door it looked like a old american diner but as you walked further to the back of the restaurant it look almost as if they grab whatever they could salvage and put it wherever there was room. Tables were held up by bricks… food came out very quickly but almost too quickly we had the “homemade” chuur burger pattie didn’t taste very “homemade” and the fish didn’t taste fresh and was dry in the U.S Marine. The only good thing was the music…

We have been to real American diners in L.A and the Cadillac Diner have alot of work to do to make that happen in Wellington.

From Jacob and Mystique

Just had dinner on the 5/5/12 and the food there was awesome recommend the ‘Churr Burger’ meal. Great service very friendly staff. Waited by a staff member Chris, very polite and fast. Recommend to all if you looking for something different and retro =)

Today i went to the fisherman’s table (an openly seafood place) and ordered a stake. I had low expectations as you dont expect great things at a place like that especially at only $15. Well it was soooo good that it made me mad. Mad that i had to pay $30 at Cadillac diner who claims this kind of a meal as their specialty. The stake was well done the vegies over boiled, tasteless an void of any imagination what so ever! Its so sad cos the place looks sooo great. I almost wish i could get into kitchen there myself!!! The chefs need to taste the food and maybe ask themselves would they like to pay $30 for that!?!? Even the milkshake was watery. Still left wanting our $60 back! Even over a month later!!!!

Honestly disappointed with my food, coffee was burnt, an older male staff member was openly rude, very strange place. Not going back.

Went to this place when it was in the Hutt. We were blown away by the decor and the effort the owners had been through. The environment was and still is very family friendly. Staff were friendly and I believe they would attempt to assist (or at least the owner/s) with any issues on hand. The only downsides that my wife and I commented on are; the food isn’t anything great – think Denny’s. Unsure if this is intentional But the majority of the menu is burgers..and not really anything that seems outstanding. The food was a bit costly for plain no-frills meals. On the plus side we recently went with a work group and would recommend for groups or corporates due to it’s fun setting. Think twice if you don’t have much time on your hands or if you want a flavorsome meal.

Never ever again, quite possibly one of the worst meals I’ve ever eaten and overpriced for what it was. Could only manage 2 bites of the burger due to the grease and those were only because I’d paid $20+ for it. Service was good but such a shame that the food is so so bad.

My family and I went for dinner on a non-busy night, and I found the whole experience disgusting, and would never recommend anyone to eat there. Two dinners came out, then I had to tell them that there were 4 of us, and that the other two dinners had not come out the same time. After 10mins, the next dinner come out, and then after complaining again! the last and final dinner came out! As a family of four the meals were not brought out at the same time which is poor judgment and service of the chefs part.
The meals were overly expensive for what you got, the quality was lacking, the presentation was disgusting, part of my fish was burnt in my burger, the whole dining experience was pitiful. When complaining, the waitresses and manager never apologised once. Never again would we set foot in the place!!!! If anyone wants a decent burger head of to one of the well known burger chains, don’t waste your money stopping of here!

I’ve walked past this Diner a number of times and it looked like a proper American Diner. I decided to give it a shot one day and was sorely disappointed. Having eaten in diners all around the world, they all have on thing in common: they serve proper American style burgers, thick, heavenly milkshakes and everything is simply delicious. This place is the opposite. It looks like everything a diner should – the atmosphere is great. But, I ordered a regular size burger which came with a side of fries, costing $6. My boyfriend ordered the Devill Deluxe Combo, priced at a whopping $16 looked exactly the same (size etc). What was he paying $10 extra for? An extra slice of tomato? Both burgers were very plain and lacking in taste. $5 at Burger King would have been better spent! The milkshakes were awful, the chocolate one tasted like cocoa powder and milk blended together while the vanilla tasted like milk with vanilla essence. Sorely disappointed as Diners always serve amazing food. If you’re looking for a tasty burger head to Burger King just down the street. Don’t waste your money!

Customer Service is really bad! Especially the Manager, she is really rude and arrogant!

We really love your place when we first saw it, but we are really disappointed when we were treated by the manager. She embarrassed when she accused us that some of us didn’t pay. But in the end, they were wrong and didn’t even apologise to us.

I hope that this would not happen again to others.

I don’t think this worth recommending this place to other after our experience.

Management: Please see to it that your Managers has good training when it comes to Customer Service!

My friend and I were walking down Willis Street looking for somewhere to have lunch, and we cruised into Cadillac Diner without any expectations. However, the second we walked through the door, boy were we VERY pleasantly surprised! The ambience and theme based place is new, interesting and very, very well designed and executed.

I spent two months in the States and Canada a year and a half ago, and walking in here was like being transported to a diner in North America – every last detail has been considered and looked after, making the experience itself AMAZING! The food was delicious, with a very cool Kiwi flag on top of a true American dish. The portion sizes are definitely American – large! Great value for money, and the service was incredible. Staff were super friendly and courteous, very attentive, and the food didn’t take long AT ALL. I honestly feel like if I go back again and again, I’ll still have a brand new experience each time – in a good way.


I love going out and trying new places, and I have to say this place is a real gem, five big stars from me!

Had a fun night with my mum at the Cadillac Diner.
Came in from the cold had lovely hot toasties sandwich and hot cup of tea serve in cute teapot and cup and saucer set. Mum went the extra mile and enjoyed the kids sundae.(with passion fruit)
Great to experience a new and exciting place in the city.
We will be back to sample Churrs Bar.
T and W

Myself and 3 work colleagues went here for lunch today and it was fantastic! The regular burger combos are great value and very tasty! Service was great and friendly! One of my friends was on her 3rd visit there since it opened in Wellington City… and the other 3 of us will definitely be going back there again!!!

Loved the decor and the old school newspapers around the place to read while I waited. Really loved the Dr Seuss and Elvis DVD’s on the wall screens.

I had the dutch harbour burger (prawn & surimi based), while my dining companion had a chicken and cheese burger combo…chicken was greasy but delicious!

We went in at lunchtime to find it extremely busy so naturally there was a bit of a wait- but I found it a lot shorter than so many places in Wellington that disparaging reviewers here would climb over to be ‘seen’ at.

The bar looks like it would be a good spot to drop by post work…no licence when we went in so couldn’t sample the atmosphere at that time…well it was lunchtime on a workday anyway!
All in all a nice wee spot and the food was exactly what you’d expect for a place priding themselves on being a diner… Will be going back.

Place was clean and tidy, loved the theme, vibrant atmosphere, attractive decor and great music. Could work on their customer service. Bit expensive for average food.

Ordered a ‘Route 66′ burger combo. Prawn twisters for appetizers were a bit on the burnt side. Didn’t wait long for food to arrive which was good.

I was given a fork and steak knife since it was a steak and mushroom burger. The burger was served on a napkin next to a box of fries (that lacked seasoning). Was I supposed to cut through my burger and a piece of napkin too? Chewy steak, not much mushroom, tasty sauce. Add tomato and lettuce and you have the route 66 burger.

I’m too scared to try a main dish with prices ranging $20+, just in case it’s not what I’m expecting.

In the end I’m glad I’ve experienced it and can say I’ve eaten there and am planning to go back and try something from the dessert menu instead.

Yum yum yum. Plenty of variety and even if you are on a tight budget you can get plenty to eat with their burger combos at the back of the menu. The milkshakes are amazing and the food was really good. I had the Golden gate bridge fish burger combo (burger, chips, drink) for $8.95! Will definitely be back, and will take my friends.

Having daily walked by this supposedly USA style retro diner, I popped in today to see what it was like.

I only wanted something light as I was not too hungry and was recommended a chicken and chips with drink, not showing on the menu board at all.

Having been told that there would be a 20 minute delay, I sat and read and was anticipating a tasty meal.

Finally the food turned up and the two pieces of chicken were served up on a napkin on a tray, with fries in a carton.

There was already fat oozing from the chicken pieces (the reason I have refused to eat ever again at KFC!) and as for the ‘taste’, I have never had such disgusting chicken in my life – it was not only riddled with fat but was also totally tasteless, with no successful attempt at making it southern fried style at all.

One kind member of staff did bring me out some extra fries, as they had apparently served me a short portion due to lack of them in the kitchen!

I can only hope that this place gets its act together soon, or word will travel that it is very missable and much over-priced for the quality it serves!

What is the point of opening an American style diner, but using a Kiwi style menu? Why bother with the 50′s/60′s diner decor if you’re not going to have a menu to match? Quite a disappointment. It’s a total waste.

I could not give this diner any stars.

I found it difficult to choose anything off the menu as it was very uninspiring. Finally choose the Road Runner chicken burger, smallest piece of chicked I have ever seen, along with a very cheap tasting bun. Fries were chunky, but lacking in any flavour, did not appear to have salt on them. Very watery tomato sauce, so not Heinz.

Would not be going back, if I was to have a burger it would be to the nearest Burger Fuel, where at least it would be decent tasting.

There was a lot of staff on, granted it was a Friday night and were expecting to get busy, so a lot just hanging around trying to look busy. Kept coming over to our table to make sure we were enjoying our meal, sadly it was not the servers fault but a bit over the top.

went a couple of days after they had opened, full american diner style decor pretty tidy. food was nice, went for the king kong burger was a bit of a challenge with 3 patties haha, got through it though, milkshake was tasty to. good place to take the family, menu outside of the burgers was perhaps a little lacking and would be cool to see some other american classic dishes other then steak and fried chicken such as hot dogs.