Starliner Diner
| Address: | 4121 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026, USA |
| Phone: | +1 614-529-1198 |
| Site: | starlinerdiner.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 9AM–3PM 9AM–3PM 9AM–3PM 9AM–3PM 9AM–3PM 9AM–3PM 9AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
A
A Private User
This place is beyond wonderful, not least because it is a unique establishment among the many strip malls & chain restaurants in the area. The food, if you order right, is incredible--the adobo pork (although sometimes tough) has flavor to spare, the cajun chicken melt never fails to amaze me, & there is definitely no better jambalaya in the whole columbus metro area. The cuban food, especially the basics, tastes just right. Youll never be disappointed with a plate of beans & rice, or with the fried plantains. And what can I say about their brunch? I hesitate to wax poetical in a review, but their huevos rancheros rival any others east of the Mississippi, & many west of it. Get there early on the weekend; the lines can top an hours wait. Things to avoid are obvious. If youre going to a cuban restaurant for a burger or for pizza, you wont be getting the worlds best. But almost anything from the specials board or from the more interesting sections of the menu is a good bet. Enjoy! Its hard not to with food floating through space and velvet Elvises all over the walls.
MA
Madeline Henry
I dont recommend going when its super busy (usually weekend brunch). Its known for being a hole in the wall diner, so you expect a certain level of grime but today for Sunday brunch it was very dirty, the service was poor, and the food was greasy and not very flavorful. Trash and utensils on the floor, flies all around us, and I saw an employee use a cleaning rag that had been left on the floor for several minutes. Our waitress didnt check in with us or bring syrup/ketchup for our food. I got the huevos rancheros and it was so greasy that the tortilla immediately disintegrated. Not worth the 45 minute wait to get seated. Usually I have a better experience on a weekday when its not as busy, and the dinner menu is much better than their breakfast. The one dish I highly recommend is the creole mac and cheese!
AA
Aaron Tom
This place is awesome, and theres nothing more than I can add to this that no one else has said. The place is divey, but that adds to its charm; the decor is eccentric, but it only adds to the experience; and the food is absolutely delicious. Every time I go it seems there is a different set of "special" menu items that are inspired, unique, maybe even a little off-putting on paper, but they have been nothing short of amazing once served. Like others have said, be adventurous; I like to order the most bizarre sounding thing on the menu, just to see how completely opposite it ends up being to what I expected. The only drawback, and its a minor one, are the weird split hours. But they are more than worth putting up with for a place like this.
AL
Alex Gilley
I ate at Starliner Diner in March 2015, and just as all the other reviews have shown, the food is excellent. I enjoyed an appetizer of fried plantains, and a Cuban sandwich. Both were fantastic and are more than I had hoped for before coming here. The location of Starliner leaves something to be desired, but I think its the location that really helps enforce the feel that theyre going for. The interior environment was inviting and homey, but theres not a lot of room for occupancy so if you want a seat without a wait, Id come early. The service was also great, nothing much else to say about that. Overall Starliner culminates into being one of my favorite restaurants Ive been to in my various food adventures.
A
A Private User
Ive eaten at Starliner Diner a handful of times and have had nothing but great service and great food. Ive come for lunch multiple times and brunch on Sunday once. I had to wait to be seated for brunch and the food was a little slow, but that could be forgiven because of how busy they were and their food quality made up for it. I recommend the jalapeno soup - It is consistently good and has just enough for someone who likes spicy food but wouldnt be too overwhelming for someone who doesnt. Make sure you get the bread with the soup! The only thing I have had here and didnt like were the fried plantains, some people liked them, but I guess Im just not a plantain guy. Will definitely return!
BR
Bridget Corry Morse
We stopped in on a busy Friday night and were lucky to snag a table for four. My companions ordered the pasta, the pork loin, and the Cuban chicken. I ordered from the specials menu: the short rib burrito and asked for it to be naked as I am gluten free. I loved my short ribs rice and beans. I did try the Cuban chicken which was over cooked in the fryer but the accompanying plantains were perfect. The pasta and pork looked great but I did not try them. The diner is staff by friendly people and nicely decorated with 60s kitsch and beautiful murals. Plenty of parking. Some outside seating. Would visit again.
KA
Kate Payne
I had never been to Starliner Diner before and I wasnt let down. They had cuban breakfast which was really great. They had a variety of breakfasts, including your basic American breakfast, but what was the fun in that. We definitely got breakfast enchiladas and they were really great. They came out nice and hot and had a great taste to them. I was really impressed and will be returning again soon. The building itself is very small and when you are inside it almost looks like a whole in the wall type place. It was your great breakfast place without all the fuss on the interior.
DA
David Demmitt
This place was awesome!!! Im not from Ohio and I have lived up on the north side for almost 5 years never came across a diner I liked until I came to The west side and found Starliner! Great atmosphere, great food, great service! Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. Try the Cuban French Toast! I had my two young kids there and they loved the music playing, the hanging decorations and murals. The staff was exceptionally accommodating of my two below kindergarten aged children. Wish I lived closer...However I intend to come back soon!
GR
Grae Sheely
My familys been going here for 22 years. Its delicious, authentic Cuban food. Theres also delicious pancakes with blueberries and bananas. Breakfast is where its at, but theres plenty of excellent lunch and dinner dishes, too. Pizza Cubana, Cuban French Toast, Juevos Rancheros, and the Cajun Chicken Melt are my favorites. The new location is really well put together and stays true to the original aesthetic. Seriously, do yourself a favor and eat here. Its good food at a reasonable price, with reasonable portions. EAT HERE NOW.
BR
brent buckley
We havent eaten here for a while. We actually went to the old location first. Where was it? Well, we eventually found the place. Great move newer building same decor. Food was tasteless for us. We always get the big burrito. Did they change the recipe? No flavor, the chicken was chucked not shredded like before. They used cheddar cheese on top no sour cream like before. This will be a 2 strikes and youre out. One more try starliner! Unfortunately, they changed. I hope it was a mistake. Well find out next time.
BL
Blackjay
I go here often with my family. If you enjoy mildly spicy foods, Id think you would like the Jalapeño Soup. I maybe just have a slight tolerance though. Plantains are a good side/appetizer if you want something sweet. I enjoy black beans also. The beans come with cilantro (not to sure) which adds a bit of flavor. The service has been great everytime I went there. We havent had to wait too long from what I remembered. Last but not least, the Reeces Peanut butter Pie is awesome. Sorry for a long review.
