Hello dear
Welcome to Highway 30 Diner, a delightful culinary gem located in Cedar Rapids, IA. Known for its classic diner fare, this eatery brings comfort food to life with dishes like their perfectly crafted hash browns, fluffy pancakes, and flavorful turkey tenderloin. Patrons rave about the warm and friendly service, which makes every visit feel like reuniting with old friends. The menu showcases diner essentials while maintaining a personal touch that keeps customers returning. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Highway 30 Diner delivers a hearty experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate, making it an absolute must-visit.
About
Welcome to Highway 30 Diner, an inviting locale tucked away at 1519 6th St SW in Cedar Rapids, IA. This modern gem pays homage to classic diner culture, serving up heartwarming dishes that evoke nostalgia and satisfaction. The diner’s decor comically reflects its name, with playful signs and a warm atmosphere that feels just like home. It’s a wonderful blend of friendly service and delicious offerings that truly makes it stand out.
As I delved into the much-anticipated menu, I was greeted with the familiar comfort of diner essentials—hash browns, pancakes, and uniquely crafted sandwiches. The hash browns here receive rave reviews, promising a crispy, golden exterior that pairs perfectly with eggs, whether sunny-side-up or scrambled. Patrons have hailed the pancakes as “diner style correct,” making it an appropriate choice for breakfast enthusiasts.
One highlight worth mentioning is the Philly cheesesteak, which diners rave about for its thinly sliced sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and grilled onions. Each bite is an explosion of flavors, drawing attention not just to its presentation but to the quality of ingredients and preparation. Meanwhile, the turkey tenderloin and the classic meatloaf have garnered their share of admirers, accentuating the diner’s commitment to scratch-made meals that taste better than what momma used to whip up.
The energy within Highway 30 Diner lies not just in the food but also in the experience. Many diners have noted the exceptional friendliness of the staff, which creates a welcoming environment reminiscent of a hometown eatery. It’s clear that the waitstaff is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience, engaging in cheerful conversations that enhance the joy of your meal. A diner isn’t just about food; it’s about connection, and Highway 30 has nailed this vital element.
One common thread in customer reviews is the wish for an upgrade to the coffee selection. While the food dazzles, enhancing the coffee options could elevate the overall experience even further. However, in a diner that champions the classic experience, you'll find plenty of other delights to savor—a charming ambiance, rolled-up sleeves, and a serving of genuine hospitality await every guest.
Highway 30 Diner invites everyone for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—a casual eatery where every visit can feel like a blast from the past. So next time you find yourself in Cedar Rapids, don’t miss out on this delightful spot. Come for the classic dishes, stay for the ambiance, and walk away with a taste of true diner culture. Don’t forget to say hi to the friendly faces behind the counter!
“ Excellent. Very good classic diner food. Nice hash browns, pancake was diner style correct. Croissants were not French pastry level but very tasty. Corned beef had an excellent flavor but a little sparse as a side. Overall well worth going back. One real complaint, but to be fair this is the same at all diners .... The coffee. Please upgrade! ”
“ Not enough stars on page to fully rate the greatness of this business. If you have not been here yet....what are you waiting for??? From scratch food better then what your mama made. There. I said it. ”
“ This was great! I saw this as an empty old Hardee's for years and was happy to see someone open up a new restaurant. I suggested it to the family tonight and was very pleased. I got the Philly cheesesteak, others got the meatloaf entre, the Diner Burger, & the brisket basket. Everyone thought theirs tasted awesome. The Philly had great thinly sliced sauteed mushrooms, chopped red and Anaheim peppers, grilled onions. The meat was thin and perfect. Lots of food! Real cream for the coffee. Hilarious signs (look out for falling cows). Great classic 50s rock music. Very attentive, friendly staff Definite Diner winner. ”
“ I ate here for the 2nd time. I had the turkey tenderloin because it is delicious. The staff was fun and engaging. I like to try locally owned restaurants. This is 1 of my favorite places ”
“ Today I breakfasted at the Hwy 30 diner, and made a new friend! I love diner food, and I especially love a diner breakfast, but on this occasion the cuisine took a backseat to the incredibly friendly waitstaff. One gets used to the cheerful staff in a small, local diner, but the welcome I received, and the level of chummy familiarity I instantly felt with the staff, surprised me. There were three people working in the dining room, and all three came over and asked how I liked the food, not just my server. Not only did they make the usual inquiries about food and drink, but were genuinely friendly, entering into conversation once they sensed my willingness to chat. All three of them, individually and in pairs, talked with me like neighbors, like friends. I had a particularly interesting conversation with Barb, who seemed to me to be an experienced member of the service industry, yet she informed me that she was essentially brand new to the job, this having been her first go at the waitstaff gig. Having worked in an office environment for 25 years, she was now loving the diner life, enjoying the opportunity to meet and talk with new people everyday. How wonderful is that? The experience provided me with a lot of energy, really jump started my day with positivity. And then there was the food, which was delicious. The menu is what I would describe as Diner Essential, build-your-own shipwreck, omlette, and croissant sandwich, pancakes and waffles, and the classic hash, biscuits & gravy, and steak & eggs. I chose, as I often do, a shipwreck. Mine had skillet potatoes (named highway fries), sausage, onions, jalapenos, and cheese with the eggs scrambled. Although I have had this combination many, many times, this time it struck me as absolutely scrumptious. Every bite was cheesy and savory, possessing the kind of flavor and mouth-feel that made me want to take another. The food was great, making a new friend? Better. They have been at their new location, 1519 6th St SW, for a month and a half. Check them out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and tell them Ricki sent you. @RickiGoesOut ”
“ Beef stew was awesome tonight, but the service was worst I have had. Wait staff seemed preoccupied. ”
“ Looking for a home cooked diner meal, earlier in the day I stopped and talked with a Cedar Rapids Police officer and he gave the recommendation to come here to eat! Paul greeted us as we approached from the parking lot and Brittany was very attentive to us. The food was amazing! Not your cookie cutter meals! The meat loaf was amazing as well as the hot turkey sandwich. Definitely going back again! Food and hospitality was great! ”
“ My wife and I had a very enjoyable meal. She had a jumbo loaded hot dog with all the fixings. She said it was delicious! They serve breakfast all day, so I had the create your own omelet meal. It was the best omelet I have eaten! The coffee was excellent, the service was great, and our server was very pleasant! We noticed that they serve beer, liquor and mixed drinks. We will be returning to see what other meals to try. But based on our experience, it is going to become one of our favorite eateries! ”