Burgers and fries are the order of the day at this genuine 1950s American diner where the clientele sit on high stools facing the bar. There's a proper juke box which is usually playing something suitably rock 'n' roll. This branch has a takeaway facility.
Ed's Easy Diner
American Restaurant in Soho
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7 / 10 from 4 reviews
Telephone
020 7439 1955
020 7439 1955
Cuisine
American
American
Other Branches
Ed's Easy Diner
Ed's Easy Diner
Region
Soho
Soho
Opening Times
| Monday |
Open 09:00 - Closes 23:00 |
| Tuesday |
Open 09:00 - Closes 23:00 |
| Wednesday |
Open 09:00 - Closes 23:00 |
| Thursday |
Open 09:00 - Closes 23:30 |
| Friday |
Open 09:00 - Closes 23:30 |
| Saturday |
Open 09:00 - Closes 23:30 |
| Sunday |
Open 09:00 - Closes 22:00 |
All In London Review
No longer the only burger joint in town... but it does do a fine milkshake.
Set up around a colourful counter, with high chairs, jukebox slots and squeezable red tomatoes everywhere, Ed’s is everything you want from a classic diner. There may be a semblance of pastiche about it but what retro product is ever without its issues?
Serving burgers, hot dogs, beef chilli fries and fried chicken, this diner has all your fast food needs covered. The burger patties are tight, thin, grilled beefcakes that have a reassuring grey juiciness running through them - none of this medium rare guff. Ed’s Easy Diner still acts like the influx of American food trends hasn’t happened. It closes its eyes and covers its ears and hopes that the Meat Liquors and Shake Shacks will go away. But they won’t, Ed. They won’t. This isn’t to say that the burgers aren’t tasty. But London has options now and Ed’s doesn’t have the authenticity – imagined or otherwise - of a Johnny Come Lately pop-up burger joint using highly flavoursome aged beef chuck between its buns. What it does do well is the shake. We’ve fawned over the chocolate and peanut butter Ed’s Easy Diner shake for over a decade and it still makes us weak at the knees. Plus, you can add yourself a scoop of Ovaltine and you’ve got yourself a malt.
Sadly, this seems to have ended up being a celebration of the Ed’s Easy Diner of old. But perhaps now it truly is authentically retro? These days burgers don’t need the Americana shtick to sell, they’re a delicacy. But despite this, Ed’s Easy Diner on Old Compton Street remains an experience.
Reviewed by T.A.O
on Feb 22, 2014
Published on Feb 21, 2014
User Reviews
studyabroadamerican
Jan 29, 2012
As an American study abroad student, I was feeling a little home-food sick. Sick of fish n' chips, I was craving a classic burger and fries (that wasn't from McDonald's.. ugh ew.) I ventured into central and found the place with ease. Went in and waited for about 10 minutes, not bad. Ordered my burger and fries, and started getting really excited. The atmosphere was nice, and the music made me feel like I was in some 1950s movie, but all the atmosphere in the world couldn't improve this fake "american" food. The fries were more like British "chips" and had a weird taste to them. The burger wasn't full cooked and didn't taste at the least bit American. Needless to say it was really disappointing. And when the locals were giggling about how horrible American food was I wanted to but in and tell them American food doesn't taste a thing like this place. Definitely not venturing back for this place.
zipwolf
Mar 11, 2006
I give Ed's Diner a Ten mainly because of their milkshakes simply blowing... my... mind...
If you live in london or ever visit the city, make sure you head to picadilly, go to the trocadero, and then head on to Ed's to pick up a milkshake (and a burger too, its worth it). I personally stuck with butterscotch the last time i went and it is unbelievable. The friends i went with chose Bananna, and a strange concoction of Oreo cookie, Baileys, and Strawberry, which was apparently incredible.
Get yourself down there NOW if you havent already. (Also, on the jukebox, put on "Magic Carpet Ride" by steppenwolf, makes the food taste better).
If you live in london or ever visit the city, make sure you head to picadilly, go to the trocadero, and then head on to Ed's to pick up a milkshake (and a burger too, its worth it). I personally stuck with butterscotch the last time i went and it is unbelievable. The friends i went with chose Bananna, and a strange concoction of Oreo cookie, Baileys, and Strawberry, which was apparently incredible.
Get yourself down there NOW if you havent already. (Also, on the jukebox, put on "Magic Carpet Ride" by steppenwolf, makes the food taste better).
Astrogirl
Feb 16, 2006
Ed’s retro American diner style is irresistible and so it transpires is the food. My veggie burger was huge, tasty and filling and I was glad I’d opted to share a portion of fries with my companion. Likewise I also shared the butterscotch milkshake which came in a large metal jug and tasted divine but wasn’t a healthy option. It’s a small place, with the majority of diners sitting up at the counter facing in to the cooking area. The Soho branch of Ed’s is one of several in London and the buzzy area is suitably matched with this cool and lively eatery.
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