The Soda Jerk Diner & Dairy Bar
403 E Main St, Hummelstown, PA, 17036
The Soda Jerk Diner & Dairy Bar Menu
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Address :
403 E Main St
Hummelstown, PA, 17036 - Phone (717) 566-7707
- Website https://www.sodajerkdinerhershey.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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bret s.
It's a typical diner. Don't expect anything fancy. The price is good though. I had a cheeseburger, and a vanilla coke. But I was hoping for something fresher and more handmade.
(3)C.M. A.
Fun place for the kids. We had great food and good service, and the ice cream was fantastic. Unlike many diners, they have a set of Greek specialities, and the vegetarian panini was excellent.
(4)Jason A.
This place sucks. Don't ever go here. They offer the worst service ever. Still waiting for food right now one hour and 10 minutes after my order was placed. Stay away from this dump. I hope they go out of business tomorrow.
(1)Kris V.
The restaurant is cute and has the old diner feel. Food was cheap and good. Service was lacking and they weren't even busy. Shakes were really good according to my buddy who had one. It was a little hard to find but I was going off directions on my phone and it's close to Hershey Park. All in all I'm not oppose to going back.
(3)Sara M.
I like the theme, but the food is pretty average.
(3)David T.
Cute decent place for breakfast, I wasn't particularly impressed by the homefries which is important to me. Service was good
(3)Mr T.
Good diner food and reasonable pricing. We were seated quickly at a busy hour. We were a large party and orders were received quickly and correctly. The menu is rather extensive so it takes a while to see all there is to offer. This being said, food is decent. On to the desserts! Again good selections and a recommendation is the sloppy jerk. You have choice of three "pie" choices... then again, almost all desserts are good choices. Four stars as this is a very good diner, but a diner that does not stand out as a wow diner. This being said, good spot for lunch.
(4)Kat R.
Man. I so wanted to love this place. Great theme, cute enough place. But the food and service crazy lacking. It took me about 15 minutes to flag a waitress down to tell her my fries were undercooked. By then, my sandwich was cold and soggy. Utterly unapologetic. There is a great variety on the menu. I was with 3 others, though, and we got straight up mediocrity.
(2)Brian S.
Came in for ice cream. Home run. Super nice patio out back. Came in a glass dish and the scopes are pretty good size. Didn't try anything else. But I liked the patio. Very chilled.
(5)Jake K.
Found this location while staying in the Hershey area. The clientele seemed to be old regulars who knew what they wanted. The staff are definitely attentive and get around the large dining area quite well. I had no issues with our server and she kept things coming. The menu is overly large - usually the first sign you're not in for good food. But, they did surprise me with some rather decent grub. I had the moussaka, which was rewarmed prepared food, but again, diner with a large menu. Huge portion and food was bad either. Would definitely come back to try some of the specials when I'm back in town.
(3)Daniel G.
From a restaurant standpoint, the menu is WAY too big. From an ice cream parlor point of view the menu could be bigger. Still, that doesn't mean either aren't any good. This place probably has some really great dishes, but its a game of hit or miss trying to find them. The menu is vast, ranging from burgers and sandwiches to steaks, Italian, Greek and more... Not to mention 24/hr breakfast. If you are hungry for something specific there is a good chance its on the menu. Though whether or not it is worth ordering remains to be seen. And yet, who cares whats on the menu? This place is all about the ice cream! They offer a good selection of flavors, as well as a range of options to serve them up. From premade novelty treats to customizable sundaes and shakes, the Soda Jerk definitely makes up for a large mediocre menu with its frozen dairy delights.
(3)Laurie W.
Brought the family here after a long road trip. So impressed with the food, the atmosphere, the staff. And the food. .honestly, so good. Try the Greek salad and appetizers. And the meatball sub was crazy huge! We'll go back before we leave Hershey!
(5)Phil G.
This is a good place for 6 people visiting to see the Hershey Bears. I had a panini but it was too greasy. The root beer float was great.
(4)Kenneth H.
Nice family diner atmosphere. Wide selection, good tasting food, good for families. I went with my wife and our 4 kids (ages 6-9) after a long fun day at Hershey Park. The diner was comfortable, the waitstaff was friendly, and the food was good. It had a nice 'small town' feel to it that made it enjoyable. I'd certainly go back there again.
(4)Bob W.
Let me preface this screed by noting that the food is pretty good. This one-star review -- which I rarely give -- is based solely on the service, which was abysmal. Our server was new and, rather than the more experienced servers help him serve our large group, they threw him under the bus. Result: 30 minutes to get water, one menu per table, well over an hour to get food, which we had to end up getting in takeout boxes, etc. Wouldn't you think a place named Soda Jerk would be fast?! The manager gave us the molacchi, too. He finally came over and sort of apologized as we were leaving, but much too little, much too late. All in all a very bad experience. If you can spare two hours for a decent sandwich, go for it. If not, try one of the many other local establishments.
(1)Moly K.
Great place as always. I usually get their beef goulash or beef tips. Sadly I have to move, but surely I will come back for this place.
(5)David A.
Great throwback diner. Had a grilled chicken panini and it was very good. Ate at the old diner counter and I thought I went back in time. Nice experience until I paid the grumpy owner at the counter. No smile. No eye contact. No thank you.
(4)Christina P.
One of the best omelets I've ever had! It was busy, but my boyfriend and I didn't feel rushed at all. We'll definitely be going back next time we're in the area!
(5)Stephen F.
Stopped into town looking for a quick lunch for the family. Everything came out fast and was very tasty, especially the fries. All of my kids' meals came with ice cream, and not just the typical vanilla and chocolate - everything from cookie dough to mint chip! Great service from Cindy too! Highly recommended ;)
(5)Charlie S.
Nice place, great value, terrific service! Nice patio off back, had a duo playing music out there too. Extensive "diner" menu with tons to choose from. Food was tasty, hot and plentiful. Would go back.
(4)Christine F.
Food was good, fun name! Friendly staff!
(3)Mike A.
Worth going out of the way for! Homemade food, nice patio area, friendly staff. Home fires were ACTUALLY real potatoes, the French toast was the best I've ever had. Not a fan of the real Greek yogurt but the staff took care of it in our bill. We even bought their t-shirts! Much better than any chain restaurants in the area! :) left happy and full.
(5)Frantz M.
Friendly service and nostalgia abounds in this local eatery near Hersey Park, PA. Great prices and ice cream too!
(4)S M.
We were here tonight after a day at Hershey Park. It was recommended by a family member that lives in the area. The exterior is very cute. The inside is cute as well, and clean. The staff was friendly. The menu was the "typical diner menu". The food was not rave worthy, but good. My sandwich order was wrong, but it was still good so I didn't bother sending it back. Everyone in our party agreed the food wasn't great, but good. The ice cream menu was extensive and I truly wish I had gotten dessert. The sundaes being served to other customers looked beyond delicious. My daughter got a small ice cream w/ 2 toppings. Her chocolate ice cream was very good! Over all this was a nice atmosphere with friendly staff and decent food. After a tiring day at the park it was nice "homey" food and a relaxing place to eat. My biggest mistake was not saving room for dessert!
(4)Stephanie M.
Huge menu, huge portions, low prices, great service - and delicious! We had large group and the waitress handled it all flawlessly. Food and service couldn't have been better. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)David S.
Lots of food;however, quality lacking. Crab soup tasted like Campbell's vegetable soup that a crab napped in. Served LUKE warm had to have it returned and nuked. Side of potato pancakes was nothing more then $.50 size McDonald's potatoes. Shepherds pie was crumbles hamburger in Campbell's soup mix topped with mashed potatoes put under broiler. Rice putting filled with uncooked rice. My partner had a grilled cheese with potato chips she loved it green salad which was fresh and soup of the day which she adored I'm glad she paid because she got her monies worth and I didn't. Surroundings were interesting well themed restaurant waitress was very agreeable and service was good
(2)Kim P.
Got take out from here last night. First the staff is awesome! Very friendly! Ordered the mushroom swiss deluxe to get the fries. The burger was really good! I like that they cook to order on meat temps. The burger was good, I added pepper to the meat. The fries were hot and tasty. Husband picked up a malt and it was ok. They were out of all the flavors he wanted (popular picks I guess) and the one he tried wasnt his fave. I would have given 5 stars but the swiss cheese didn't taste like swiss cheese. Still a good burger though. They have a huge menu!
(4)Antony M.
Great service, fair prices, but unfortunately this was perhaps the worst food I have ever paid for. Tiny portion of fried chicken, TINY, lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs all but inedible Marinera sauce enriched with high fructose corn syrup. Yuck. The ice cream scoop was nice, but I would never recommend this place. Sorry soda jerk guys.
(1)Keith T.
I love pizza burgers and this is the best one I have ever had. Located near Hershey they also host car shows. Great diner, inexpensive, fast service all the food was outstanding. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Regina D.
After roaming the Hershey Park over Thanksgiving weekend we really just wanted some comfort food. The menu looked good on line so we decided to give it a try for late lunch. When we came in were sited in one of the booths, the whole diner looks like 50s which was cute. We had French onion soup and some hot sandwiches and kids had chicken fingers with mash potatoes. The food was typical diner type of food, our waitress was very nice and patient with my choosy kids. A good stop for lunch or very casual dinner.
(4)Lauren M.
A classic dinner feel with an extensive menu. Large portions for cheap. Lots of Greek and Italian options. Breakfast served all day, and meals are finished with ice cream!
(4)Faith F.
This place is what I think of when I hear "diner". It has a very large menu with the bonus of many Greek & Italian options, but mostly your all-american diner menu, breakfast served all day. The service was friendly, the atmosphere was diner-esq, the price was super affordable. All the things you'd want in a diner.
(4)Traci T.
Ate here today while visiting a friend. Absolutely excellent Greek food! We shared the pastichio and spinach pie. Best I ever had. Ordered more to take home. Greek salad that came with it was really great too!
(5)Caidy E.
At first the staff was nice and my food was ok. Nothing to write home about though. Then my son started complaining about his French toast tasting oniony. I figured it was his taste buds so I tasted it. The first bite was ok but he said it was on the other side of the bread so I tasted it. I immediately started gagging. You don't want the rest of the details. Needless to say there was something seriously wrong with the French toast. We will not be returning.
(1)Aaron H.
awesome breakfast diner great service ALWAYS GREAT SERVICE AND BREAKFAST even on Sunday busy mornings.
(5)Dan M.
Very tasty food, very reasonable priced. I had a lunch special. For $7.50, I had a bowl of soup, a large meatball parmigiana sandwich, chips and pudding for dessert. To be sure, this is diner food, but very good. The portions were generous. My friends had a chicken salad and sandwich. Everyone had enough for two meals. The menu is quite large, especially for a diner. I was surprised that seafood was included. The waitstaff was very friendly and efficient. We were there over lunch hour on a weekday, we were seated and taken care of quickly. I don't live in that area, but if I did, I would visit this diner regularly.
(4)Amanda M.
This is such a cute diner, but that's really all that there is to it. The food was mediocre and was lacking that greasy spoon goodness. Portion sizes were large so there is never fear of leaving hungry. I just wish the food was less bland. From all the positive reviews maybe we just came on an off day. Our waitress was also really nice and didn't blink when we asked if we could do separate checks for a large group. Service was fast, but I'll stick to my NY diner haunts.
(2)Kara L.
Nah. Frozen food, mediocre service. Too many options, too much processed food and high fructose corn syrup. I wish this place served really good local fresh food, like the Silver Diner in Virginia. It would be wonderful! Instead, everything is frozen and fake. Pancakes are served with maple syrup made of corn... The only reason to come here is the milk shakes. My eggs had a weird film on them, the fries are bland and greasy. Salad is bagged, not fresh and mostly iceberg. Skip it.
(1)T M.
Found this place in Yelp in an effort to eat something decent nearby the park. Is a good place and def way better than anything you'd find on Hershey Park premises. We had eggs, pancakes and burgers. The eggs were really awesome. Light fluffy omlettes and crispy hashbrowns which we ordered well done. The pancakes were great. I gave a 3 because service was very slow and the burgers were inedible. two people in my group had burgers and they were basically BAD. So.....stick to breakfast foods and its a WIN WIN!!! Try desserts which seems to be a specialty!!!! Def give it a shot
(3)Katelyn K.
We come to the Hummelstown and Hershey area often. So we occasionally try to find things more off the beaten track. Using the Yelp app we found the Soda Jerk Diner and Dairy Bar and we are glad that we did. The menu was huge and service was quick. It was a shame we were both too full from our meals to have any ice cream!
(4)Keith M.
Food was good for breakfast! Interesting hotdog? Let know what you think? Service was good!
(3)Adam T.
I've always had bad experiences at diner's, so I was reluctant to try this one. This was without a doubt the best experience I've ever had. The place was very clean, don't know about everyone else, but every diner I've been in had a funky smell, but not this place! The people were friendly and the food was good. The ice cream is absolutely amazing. The food was delivered quickly, and there wasn't a rush to get us out. I'd highly recommend this place in general, and especially if you're looking for ice cream.
(5)Douglas D.
Been living in Hershey for almost two years and we finally got here. The place catches your eye from the outside. it looks like a blast from the past, the inside is the same as is a lot of the crowd. place was clean and service was friendly we were seated quickly our order was taken and we received our food all within about 20 mins. not bad. the waitress was friendly and was quick to refill our coffee and ask if we needed anything. i had the meat lovers omelet. i am a meat lover but that might not mean the same thing to everyone because they was not a ton of meat in it. it was very good though. my wife had the waffle with sides of bacon and eggs. she said the waffle was nothing special. the coffee was classic diner coffee. looking forward to coming back for dinner and ice cream. when went to check-in i was happy to see the 10% off. The price was reasonable before the discount.
(4)Michael N.
Awesome diner just minutes away from Hershey Park. Great prices and the food is always good. Good dessert too!
(5)Andy G.
Great find thanks to the reviews on Yelp. Perfect place to stop for breakfast after two days at the park with our kids. Huge menu with breakfast served all day. Omelettes were perfect and kids enjoyed their Mickey pancakes. Made my wife's day that they had vanilla coke. Will be back.
(5)Tallisa W.
I got the chocolate chip pancakes. Very yummy! We had a very large group, and the waitress was cool and nice about it. She got us comfortable with the place, and made us feel at home. Great customer service, and good food.
(5)Megan G.
Thank you, Yelp, for finding The Soda Jerk for me as I was traveling through Hershey! I'm a sucker for diners, but often leave disappointed. Diners, in general, are not what they used to be. We were a party of 3 adults and 2 children. We were led to a big corner booth and were greeted by a friendly server. Drinks took a while to be delivered, but all other courses came out sooner than expected. The food was good. The kids salad with grilled chicken is, by far, the best "kids" menu item I've ever seen. My boy tore it up! Breakfast is served all day. There are some Greek specialties on the menu. The dressing on my Greek salad was really, really good. Everyone was happy with their food. Most meals came with a scoop of ice cream or pudding for dessert - always a crowd pleaser. The place is clean and the staff is friendly. The ladies bathroom was decent. If I find myself in the area again, I would gladly return to The Soda Jerk.
(4)D S.
Yummy-umm and a great value. We were in town for Hershey park and had planned to come to the diner for dinner. It was Easter Sunday and we were relieved that it was open. Food was good and there was a great selection for the family to choose from. In that way, it is just like the diners we have all over New Jersey. Another nice thing is that we had a waiter in training- who was trying his best, just was new. The other waitress (manager maybe) was also very attentive and made sure that his newness did not reflect poorly on the customer experience. Only minus, we attempted to order a couple different deserts, but they did not have any left. I chalk this up to being the end of the holiday weekend. My belly was still full and my taste buds were satisfied when we left. Having just spent two days at Hershey Park we were relieved when the check came- prices are very reasonable, and we each had an entree and desert.
(5)Toni M.
Stopped in twice for ice cream sundaes. Delicious! The diner has a light, clean atmosphere and a friendly staff. The retro decor is charming. Their menu is huge! They have everything from breakfast all day, to Greek, to seafood, to sandwiches and steaks. If I were in the area longer, I would go again for something different. Check it out sometime. : )
(5)Salani L.
I recently stumbled upon this gem, and WOW! I went in there with the appetite of a hippo and came out feeling like a gleeful bumblebee who went to a honey buffet, and could then barely keep itself afloat in the sky due to grubbing on the food at the jerk. Anyway, i came here on a monday, ordered a delicious omelette, then set my sights on dessert. My delightful, joyous waitress recommended a delectable dessert that topped off the meal. Bottom line - the only thing better than the food leaving you satiated is the quick and friendly service, especially from holly. Love this place, will definitely be back!
(5)J R.
very nice place... huge variety of food, big portions and reasonable prices.Nice atmosphere as well and very nice deck out back. service was top notch as well..
(4)Cory J.
Food was delicious and was fast on the table. It was a Sunday at 3:00 and service was great. The ratatouille was delicious and so were the spicy steak fries. The meal was pretty large and was just as good at home as it was there. The dinner came with a scoop of ice cream. I chose moose tracks and my companions choose to get a banana split. The ice cream was creamy and rich and the banana split was divine it had pineapples and strawberry on to of chocolate vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Also the shop does not skimp on their scoops of ice cream. The scoops of ice cream were very large. The atmosphere was great.
(5)Amanda B.
I had a group of six go here after the Harrisburg graduation this weekend, and we all loved it. Two of us had breakfast (which we both didn't much like the hashbrowns but those are always different wherever you go), two of us had sandwiches, one had pasta and one had a panini. We all ate everything, and then had desert which was just as good. Our waitress was intelligent about the menu and answered all our questions. She was friendly, quick, and payed a lot of attention to us. She was cheerful and friendly and was wonderful in handling our food. We would've gone back for dinner, but sadly they close at 9PM, the only bad thing about this place. This place is only about 5-10 minutes away from Hershey depending on traffic, and is by far the best place we've eaten in Hershey from all of our trips here in terms of food & service. The feel of the diner is actually like stepping into a 60s or 70s diner! They had different things all over the walls, including concert posters from Elvis' time and old signs of drinks and stuff you would see at older gas stations.
(5)Stacey B.
Decent place for lunch with fair prices. Huge menu! Friendly staff which is always important when dining with children. My girlfriend and I ordered a brownie sundae to share that was super skimpy on brownie and her daughter ordered mint choc chip that they were out of and my son wanted chocolate that they were also out of! They market themselves as an ice cream place?!
(3)Tammy B.
Excellent! Great atmosphere. Great staff. Food even better! Mushroom and swiss omlet, Greek omlet, two HUGE chocolate chip pancakes. Even the coffee was strong enough to satisfy the quite picky coffee drinker!
(5)Steve H.
Amazing. A long day of driving. Family of five each found something they liked from the huge menu and all agreed it was delicious. Great service, reasonable prices, fun atmosphere. Kids are asking if we can come back tomorrow.
(5)J G.
The Reuben was delicious! Egg cream was really good but I remember them having a scoop of ice cream in them when I have ordered them in NY. Maybe I missed having to order it that way on the menu. Service was great & very friendly. The atmosphere is nice, supposed to be retro diner/soda shoppe but it needs a little help. I am also a clean freak and overall the place seemed clean except for the floors and the years of dust hanging off items behind the counter. Needs detail cleaning for me to give 5 stars.
(4)Karen F.
This place was a great find for us! First off the staff are amazingly friendly and so personable and professional. I want to specifically call out our waitress Amy. She was so sweet and courteous we made sure to tell the manager. Everyone had a smile on their face they were happy to be there. Minutes from Hershey Park, prices are so incredibly cheap and the food is well just amazing! The place is clean and decorated so nicely it had an old fashioned charm to it! We had breakfast I had the soda jerk feast and everything was done to perfection and the pancakes well they were the best pancakes I EVER had! We will definitely be coming back to the Soda Jerk on our next visit to town!
(5)Joshua K.
The food is bland but still good. The most disappointing thing is the very poor quality ice cream they use. If you are going to be a great place for a burger and shake you have to have good quality ice cream. I would recommend going the distance and making homemade ice cream.
(2)Steph F.
So this place DD&D's! soooo goooood! mom and pap style breakfast! homecookin! went here before hershey park and got an omelet and potatoes. cheap, filling, delicious! and the service was splendid. felt like a small town hospitality atmosphere :) I will be back. Fo sho.
(4)Wayne G.
This place is exceptional for a diner. My wife had a shrimp dish prepared in true Chinese style, she is from China, and loved it. I had a roasted chicken and the seasoning was excellent and it was cooked perfectly. The side dishes of salad and mashed potatoes (actually mashed on site) were good. We each had a scoop of ice cream. The strawberry was fantastic. The peanut butter swirl had some freezer burn and was the only downside of the meal. The restaurant itself is very clean and if you want quiet it s large enough to find it. They also have a deck you may eat on overlooking a junior high school football field built like most high school fields.
(3)Kim H.
Good food , huge portions! Menu with plenty for everyone, some meals come with free ice cream. Excellent service, Would Definitely Go back
(3)Bob Y.
Came here for breakfast during Easter weekend. Very nice restaurant with decor from the 50's. The food and service were superb. Yelp even gave a 10% off coupon at this location.
(4)Efti P.
So on my last trip to the East Coast I was helping my father do an installation in the middle of Pennsylvania. Boring Country PA. I thought I was doomed to a lunch or Micky D's or Wendys. Being born and raised in NJ I have a penchant for Diners. Because I now live in LA I was kinda missing the comforts of the expansiveness of a Diner. The décor is a warm and welcoming 1950s theme. Think a Johnny Rockets meets Ruby's. Checker board floor and Vintage Cola signs. What makes this place great is it's a proper Jersey Diner in the heart of PA. My father had some egg whites with Spinach and I rocked the Steak Panini . Both were Legit. The damage was not all that bad and the portions were generous. The waitress was peppy. Maybe a little too peppy. But hey it IS a Jersey Diner. It was great eating at a proper Diner especially since we dont have them in California.
(5)Emily G.
I ate at Soda Jerk last night and i was not disappointed. They had so much food to choose from. They had an amazing drink section as well. The food was very good! The only thing i didnt care for was the side salad i got. It just had a funny taste;(.
(4)Aly H.
Excellent. Not one complaint about this place. We were looking for a place after a long week of camping near-by. The strawberry salad was amazing. The kids meals were huge! The cheese fries with gravy and cheese...delicious! And our server(Carlie) was very friendly and attentive!
(5)Full C.
It's BOUT DAY and you need to carb load! Where should you go? The Soda Jerk and Dairy Bar(n). It's BOUT DAY and you need to tap into that rage and get your game face on! Where do you go and why? The Soda Jerk and Dairy Bar(n), where children roam free while their parents act oblivious to the screaming/crying/running, where the mess leftover from breakfast rivals White Sands missile testing range. BOUT DAY Grrrr!
(4)Big D.
We visited Hershey Park as a family for 2 days. Staying at the local campground, were looking for a place to eat dinner both nights. We ate at the Soda Jerk thanks to the reviews of yelp and it was excellent. Very good value, excellent selection of food and the service was great. We ended up eating there two successive nights for those reasons. Everything we ate (and we were a party of two adults and four kids) was very good.
(5)Bergen E.
One of the better diners I've been to In PA. Owner is from Jersey, so he obviously knows diner biz. I like that they have a 50's nostalgic ambiance with a bonus back deck. How many diners have a back deck??? Food was pretty good though breakfast sausage was spongy and weird tasting. Stick with the bacon. Pancakes were light and fluffy like most people prefer. I'm a whole grain guy and always recommend diners learn to make a good hearty pancake.
(4)Jared F.
Wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be after reading the reviews. My girlfriend and I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon prior to a Hershey Bears game and were greeted and seated promptly upon entering. Our waitress was friendly and alert. The food was what we expected with larger than most portions from a diner and cooked properly but wasn't enough to make us crave a return trip. The ice cream sundae we shared was the best part of the meal. Overall it was average food and what we should've expected from any other diner. The downside was the decor. Ruby's and Johnny Rockets are far superior as decoration and the 50's feel goes. The Soda Jerk in my opinion looks a little run down on the inside and could use a cleaning. The checkerboard 50's era floor looks like it was the same floor from when the place was built. With a little TLC the appearance would be great and more attractive. I won't go out of my way to go back to the Soda Jerk but may give it another shot another day down the road. Most likely for dessert. Really wish they'd have later hours that you would come to expect from a diner though.
(3)Aaron L.
Great oreo malted shake. Service was fantastic!
(5)Nicole R.
Had an amazing dinner and sundae!
(5)Hilary J.
I have went there twice the people are nice and helpful. The food is good but still have not tried the ice cream (would love too but they fill you up). It is a hidden gem in Hummelstown.
(4)PJ M.
So, my girlfriend and I cook all of our meals on Sunday night to avoid going out and eating at restaurants to save money and eat healthy. We both arrive home at around 515 on Monday and take one look at each other and are thinking the same thing after a long day at work: gyros. We have been to every diner and local Greek cuisine in the Central pa area and have not found a better gyro yet. Simply amazing. If you're day sucks I have the best recipe: a cup of chile con carne, a gyro and a scoop of chocolate peanut butter swirl. Usually a glass of scotch does the trick but this dose of food medicine is much better for the soul. Oh yeah and for two people it's like $22. Woot woot. See ya next week soda jerk!
(5)Susie P.
This is a pretty, old fashioned diner. The food isn't always amazing (I've tried the country fried steak and the meatloaf) but I would say it's not that bad. Plus the portions are huge and the dinner menu also gets you a scoop of ice cream. If you have the time, stop by!
(5)Brandy B.
I took my Grandma here for a meal (she had never been to the jerk). She got breakfast and loved it. I got the pizza burger (and was really leary ordering burger at a diner). Ahmazing! I had to use a fork to eat it, it was THAT big! Their fry seasoning is great! Our server was friendly and the guy that rang us out was super nice too. I've had their ham hoagie before and it's y-u-m-m-y and enough for two people!! Gotta love the jerk!!
(5)Dave L.
Pleasant enough diner in a strip mall near Hershey Park, it was a good alternative to the prefab continental breakfast offered by our budget hotel. They serve a full breakfast menu (all day I think). I had pancake with two eggs and bacon and my friend had a ham and egg sandwich. Total bill including beverages was around $17. The food was nothing special, typical diner food, but the place has a little more personality than the typical diner, IYKWIM. The waitress was fast and pleasant. I did notice that there were a lot of seniors in the diner. I guess that's a good sign since locals know the good cheap places to eat.
(4)Jess D.
My family has been going here almost every weekend for the past ten years. Staff is very friendly, although we have our favorites (Amy and Barb are excellent). Breakfast is great and it is served all day which is clutch since I'm not a fan of their lunch/dinner items. Definitely recommend!
(5)B J.
50's era dining with 21st century pricing! We came with a large group of kids, and parents. Considering the size of the group and the requests for separate checks, the waiter did exceptional. The food was good and hearty, and came out hot. The chow was real, and not just unloaded from a Sysco truck. I enjoyed the Monte Christo. It's not something you find on the menu all the time. Everyone in the group seemed happy, and it was a good value for the price.
(4)Mike K.
Food is good. Service is ok. Every time I go our server forgets something. It's a great little diner. Ice cream is really good. Family ran business. It is alittle annoying having the entire family stand outside the kitchen watching you eat the entire time. This seems to be a regular occurrence.
(3)Discerning T.
The food was good - large portions, low prices, and exceptionally quick service.
(4)Chris V.
If you are visiting the Hershey PA area and are in the mood for good hamburgers, forget the chains (Fuddruckers, Red Robin) and try this place.. My daughter and I think their burgers rock ! You must try the Fiesta Burger, a local favorite! Supposedly it is made from a local recipe passed around from establishment to establishment. It is spicy and tasty, and the burger itself seems homemade.
(5)Liz D.
Friendly service, good food, cute little touristy location.
(5)Jeff D.
It's hard to know where to start. I really don't know which was worse, the food or the service. The wait time for a table was reasonable, but after we were seated, there were only about 10 other tables with customers and we had to wait at least 10 minutes before a waitress showed up. After that, we waited over 50 minutes for our food - it was simple diner fare, nothing fancy. Not once during that time were we offered drink refills or an apology for the long wait. When the food did arrive, it was obvious that it had been sitting for a long time. I ordered a cheeseburger and the bottom half of the roll had turned completely to mush. Not that a fresh roll would have help that patty of what I suppose was beef. After 2 bites, I stopped eating. My wife's panini was marginally acceptable but the pasta with butter was so bad that my son wouldn't even touch it (he is far from a picky eater.) I would have sent the food back, but not one single person came back to the table to check on the meal, even though a man that appeared to be an owner or manager had been watching our entire experience. After spending another 10 minutes waiting for the check, I gave up and asked the cashier. Even then the waitress didn't return to the table to bring the check, the cashier brought it over. The only positive aspect of our visit: the french fries were pretty ok.
(1)Ryan M.
I've eaten lunch and dinner here a few times and it was pretty average or slightly above so. Stopped today for breakfast and this omelette was INSANE!! Tried the Spanish Omelette and don't regret it one bit. Even the homefries and bacon were on point. And to top it off the waitress was very nice and prompt with everything. If you're in the area and want something quick and tasty (especially breakfast) this is a darn good choice.
(5)Angela C.
In Hershey for a concert, happened to drive by this place & it looked cool so we went in. Great food at a great price! Corn beef hash, eggs, toast, bacon, home fries, coffee, everything was yummy! Left very satisfied.
(4)E T.
Good food, large portions, excellent prices, and good service. Can't ask for much more! I had chicken souvlaki with greek salad and the salad was real good. We also had a shake and loved it.
(5)Dunder M.
Excellent, clean, great food.
(5)Joe P.
I love this place. 4 days in hershey and we ate here twice. Great bang for you buck, old school diner feel.
(5)Jason R.
Friendly, attentive service, breakfast all day, reasonable prices, and a giant diner menu. I'll be back.
(4)Alexis B.
Very delicious breakfast. Good service, quick and a painless meal :)
(4)Pamela W.
We stopped here last night after a basketball game at the Giant Center, and ordered coffee and ice cream. Husband and daughter shared a sundae called "the big jerk", which featured hot fudge and rice Krispy treats. My sundae had hot fudge, peanut butter, Reese 's pieces, and whipped cream. Oldest daughter had a black raspberry cone. Everything was delish, service was great, and prices were very reasonable for being so close to Chocolate Town. Will definitely stop back here.
(4)Steve P.
Reviewing for their soda and milkshakes only: My wife and I stopped in here a few days ago. A friend of ours informed us that their flavored sodas and ice cream offerings were pretty good for a diner. Throwing diets aside we stepped into a 1960s looking location with 1990s looking people. Since the planned stop was only intended to be a short one, we decided to sit on the stools at the bar. The waitress was friendly enough when we put our order in for a chocolate malt and vanilla soda. I always enjoy places that make milkshakes and then give you the mixing cup for refills with whats left over. Service for our beverages was about 4 minutes. It was semi busy in the afternoon, no problems there. Both items were good enough to pass the test of whether or not we will be back to try other items, so this review will need to be updated when that happens.
(4)Kit D.
Our family (with 3 kids) ate here after a visit to nearby Indian Echo Caves. It's been 6 weeks since our lunch there and my husband and daughter are still raving about the open faced turkey sandwich! We are back on a diner kick and have yet to eat at another place on the East Coast that is as good as the Soda Jerk! We all cleaned our plates, enjoyed great ice cream (especially the apple pie sundae!). Strongly recommend a stop here if you are in the area.
(5)Glenn W.
The food is ranges from average to good. The deserts are what really shine here, though they are kind of on the pricier side. One of my family's orders was messed up but was quickly fixed. In fairness to the server, the place was very loud and we could barely hear each other talk. It is worth visiting for a fairly quick meal and desert, but fancier food can be found elsewhere.
(4)Janis A.
We really liked his place. Great service and good food. I'm really picky about the cleanliness of where I eat, especially in diners. This diner is very clean! Pleasant experience.
(4)Pam M.
My neighbor friend and I have been to the Soda Jerk twice now in our "girls lunch out" expeditions. The last time I ventured out of the "breakfast" portion of the menu and decided to try the "meatloaf". Where else can you get meatloaf and mashed potatoes other than an old fashioned diner. The Soda Jerk came through with a "whopping" portion of meatloaf under which was homemade stuffing, all covered in gravy. The "homemade" mashed potatoes were served on a separate plate. It was obvious that they were "real" mashed potatoes by the consistency of them. My second veggie choice was the "baked sweet potatoe" which I have never had. It was a LARGE half sweet potatoe. It was served with little container of brown sugar. We also received rolls with our meal. Our waitress is always pleasant and I would say the wait time from order to table might have been 15 mins. at the most. Price for the meal was about $8.95 plus my soda. The restaurant always appears clean and full of patrons. The 50's diner motif is a nice uplifting change from the norm. I'm sure kids would get a kick out of the diner look. Have never tried their ice cream but maybe next trip back. Would certainly go back to this nice local establishment.
(3)Gregory K.
Went here for the first time, they have fantastic service! You got to try the corn nuggets, never had anything like it before, and their the best!
(5)Martha Stewart E.
We go every year, and it's always good. Great atmosphere, very classic diner. Good food, and the wait staff can sometimes be grouchy. If you want good, fill you up food, come by here.
(4)J C.
Skip the overpriced junk food served in the Park and go directly to this diner. Great service, fair pricing, good solid diner fare.
(4)Alison H.
The Soda Jerk is a great place to go if you just want cheap, good food for breakfast or lunch with friends. The breakfast is all the standard stuff like french toast, big omelets, hash browns, pancakes. Lunch is burgers, sandwiches, fries. I prefer the breakfast stuff and they serve breakfast all day. The food is yummy and plentiful. The ice cream is also very good. I seem to recall they have some nonfat or low fat ice cream that tastes so good I had to ask the waitress if she had really used low fat rather than regular ice cream. The place has a 50's diner look to it and all the staff wear shirts that say "I'm a (Soda) Jerk". cheesy but fun.
(4)Terri C.
We visited this delightful, clean and "diner-esque" restaurant at the suggestion of the director of the Hershey Antique Auto Museum, and were very pleased with the quality and taste of the food and, especially, the friendliness of the staff and the decor. We each got a pannini -- I got a reuben and my companion got a turkey. At the end of our meal, we shared a delicious banana split. This was more than a meal -- more like a real diner experience. We loved it !!
(5)Mr T.
Good diner food and reasonable pricing. We were seated quickly at a busy hour. We were a large party and orders were received quickly and correctly. The menu is rather extensive so it takes a while to see all there is to offer. This being said, food is decent. On to the desserts! Again good selections and a recommendation is the sloppy jerk. You have choice of three "pie" choices... then again, almost all desserts are good choices. Four stars as this is a very good diner, but a diner that does not stand out as a wow diner. This being said, good spot for lunch.
(4)Kat R.
Man. I so wanted to love this place. Great theme, cute enough place. But the food and service crazy lacking. It took me about 15 minutes to flag a waitress down to tell her my fries were undercooked. By then, my sandwich was cold and soggy. Utterly unapologetic. There is a great variety on the menu. I was with 3 others, though, and we got straight up mediocrity.
(2)Brian S.
Came in for ice cream. Home run. Super nice patio out back. Came in a glass dish and the scopes are pretty good size. Didn't try anything else. But I liked the patio. Very chilled.
(5)Jake K.
Found this location while staying in the Hershey area. The clientele seemed to be old regulars who knew what they wanted. The staff are definitely attentive and get around the large dining area quite well. I had no issues with our server and she kept things coming. The menu is overly large - usually the first sign you're not in for good food. But, they did surprise me with some rather decent grub. I had the moussaka, which was rewarmed prepared food, but again, diner with a large menu. Huge portion and food was bad either. Would definitely come back to try some of the specials when I'm back in town.
(3)Daniel G.
From a restaurant standpoint, the menu is WAY too big. From an ice cream parlor point of view the menu could be bigger. Still, that doesn't mean either aren't any good. This place probably has some really great dishes, but its a game of hit or miss trying to find them. The menu is vast, ranging from burgers and sandwiches to steaks, Italian, Greek and more... Not to mention 24/hr breakfast. If you are hungry for something specific there is a good chance its on the menu. Though whether or not it is worth ordering remains to be seen. And yet, who cares whats on the menu? This place is all about the ice cream! They offer a good selection of flavors, as well as a range of options to serve them up. From premade novelty treats to customizable sundaes and shakes, the Soda Jerk definitely makes up for a large mediocre menu with its frozen dairy delights.
(3)Laurie W.
Brought the family here after a long road trip. So impressed with the food, the atmosphere, the staff. And the food. .honestly, so good. Try the Greek salad and appetizers. And the meatball sub was crazy huge! We'll go back before we leave Hershey!
(5)Phil G.
This is a good place for 6 people visiting to see the Hershey Bears. I had a panini but it was too greasy. The root beer float was great.
(4)Bob W.
Let me preface this screed by noting that the food is pretty good. This one-star review -- which I rarely give -- is based solely on the service, which was abysmal. Our server was new and, rather than the more experienced servers help him serve our large group, they threw him under the bus. Result: 30 minutes to get water, one menu per table, well over an hour to get food, which we had to end up getting in takeout boxes, etc. Wouldn't you think a place named Soda Jerk would be fast?! The manager gave us the molacchi, too. He finally came over and sort of apologized as we were leaving, but much too little, much too late. All in all a very bad experience. If you can spare two hours for a decent sandwich, go for it. If not, try one of the many other local establishments.
(1)Kenneth H.
Nice family diner atmosphere. Wide selection, good tasting food, good for families. I went with my wife and our 4 kids (ages 6-9) after a long fun day at Hershey Park. The diner was comfortable, the waitstaff was friendly, and the food was good. It had a nice 'small town' feel to it that made it enjoyable. I'd certainly go back there again.
(4)David A.
Great throwback diner. Had a grilled chicken panini and it was very good. Ate at the old diner counter and I thought I went back in time. Nice experience until I paid the grumpy owner at the counter. No smile. No eye contact. No thank you.
(4)Moly K.
Great place as always. I usually get their beef goulash or beef tips. Sadly I have to move, but surely I will come back for this place.
(5)Christina P.
One of the best omelets I've ever had! It was busy, but my boyfriend and I didn't feel rushed at all. We'll definitely be going back next time we're in the area!
(5)Charlie S.
Nice place, great value, terrific service! Nice patio off back, had a duo playing music out there too. Extensive "diner" menu with tons to choose from. Food was tasty, hot and plentiful. Would go back.
(4)Christine F.
Food was good, fun name! Friendly staff!
(3)Mike A.
Worth going out of the way for! Homemade food, nice patio area, friendly staff. Home fires were ACTUALLY real potatoes, the French toast was the best I've ever had. Not a fan of the real Greek yogurt but the staff took care of it in our bill. We even bought their t-shirts! Much better than any chain restaurants in the area! :) left happy and full.
(5)Stephen F.
Stopped into town looking for a quick lunch for the family. Everything came out fast and was very tasty, especially the fries. All of my kids' meals came with ice cream, and not just the typical vanilla and chocolate - everything from cookie dough to mint chip! Great service from Cindy too! Highly recommended ;)
(5)S M.
We were here tonight after a day at Hershey Park. It was recommended by a family member that lives in the area. The exterior is very cute. The inside is cute as well, and clean. The staff was friendly. The menu was the "typical diner menu". The food was not rave worthy, but good. My sandwich order was wrong, but it was still good so I didn't bother sending it back. Everyone in our party agreed the food wasn't great, but good. The ice cream menu was extensive and I truly wish I had gotten dessert. The sundaes being served to other customers looked beyond delicious. My daughter got a small ice cream w/ 2 toppings. Her chocolate ice cream was very good! Over all this was a nice atmosphere with friendly staff and decent food. After a tiring day at the park it was nice "homey" food and a relaxing place to eat. My biggest mistake was not saving room for dessert!
(4)Frantz M.
Friendly service and nostalgia abounds in this local eatery near Hersey Park, PA. Great prices and ice cream too!
(4)Stephanie M.
Huge menu, huge portions, low prices, great service - and delicious! We had large group and the waitress handled it all flawlessly. Food and service couldn't have been better. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)David S.
Lots of food;however, quality lacking. Crab soup tasted like Campbell's vegetable soup that a crab napped in. Served LUKE warm had to have it returned and nuked. Side of potato pancakes was nothing more then $.50 size McDonald's potatoes. Shepherds pie was crumbles hamburger in Campbell's soup mix topped with mashed potatoes put under broiler. Rice putting filled with uncooked rice. My partner had a grilled cheese with potato chips she loved it green salad which was fresh and soup of the day which she adored I'm glad she paid because she got her monies worth and I didn't. Surroundings were interesting well themed restaurant waitress was very agreeable and service was good
(2)Kim P.
Got take out from here last night. First the staff is awesome! Very friendly! Ordered the mushroom swiss deluxe to get the fries. The burger was really good! I like that they cook to order on meat temps. The burger was good, I added pepper to the meat. The fries were hot and tasty. Husband picked up a malt and it was ok. They were out of all the flavors he wanted (popular picks I guess) and the one he tried wasnt his fave. I would have given 5 stars but the swiss cheese didn't taste like swiss cheese. Still a good burger though. They have a huge menu!
(4)Antony M.
Great service, fair prices, but unfortunately this was perhaps the worst food I have ever paid for. Tiny portion of fried chicken, TINY, lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs all but inedible Marinera sauce enriched with high fructose corn syrup. Yuck. The ice cream scoop was nice, but I would never recommend this place. Sorry soda jerk guys.
(1)Regina D.
After roaming the Hershey Park over Thanksgiving weekend we really just wanted some comfort food. The menu looked good on line so we decided to give it a try for late lunch. When we came in were sited in one of the booths, the whole diner looks like 50s which was cute. We had French onion soup and some hot sandwiches and kids had chicken fingers with mash potatoes. The food was typical diner type of food, our waitress was very nice and patient with my choosy kids. A good stop for lunch or very casual dinner.
(4)Keith T.
I love pizza burgers and this is the best one I have ever had. Located near Hershey they also host car shows. Great diner, inexpensive, fast service all the food was outstanding. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Lauren M.
A classic dinner feel with an extensive menu. Large portions for cheap. Lots of Greek and Italian options. Breakfast served all day, and meals are finished with ice cream!
(4)Traci T.
Ate here today while visiting a friend. Absolutely excellent Greek food! We shared the pastichio and spinach pie. Best I ever had. Ordered more to take home. Greek salad that came with it was really great too!
(5)Faith F.
This place is what I think of when I hear "diner". It has a very large menu with the bonus of many Greek & Italian options, but mostly your all-american diner menu, breakfast served all day. The service was friendly, the atmosphere was diner-esq, the price was super affordable. All the things you'd want in a diner.
(4)Caidy E.
At first the staff was nice and my food was ok. Nothing to write home about though. Then my son started complaining about his French toast tasting oniony. I figured it was his taste buds so I tasted it. The first bite was ok but he said it was on the other side of the bread so I tasted it. I immediately started gagging. You don't want the rest of the details. Needless to say there was something seriously wrong with the French toast. We will not be returning.
(1)Aaron H.
awesome breakfast diner great service ALWAYS GREAT SERVICE AND BREAKFAST even on Sunday busy mornings.
(5)Dan M.
Very tasty food, very reasonable priced. I had a lunch special. For $7.50, I had a bowl of soup, a large meatball parmigiana sandwich, chips and pudding for dessert. To be sure, this is diner food, but very good. The portions were generous. My friends had a chicken salad and sandwich. Everyone had enough for two meals. The menu is quite large, especially for a diner. I was surprised that seafood was included. The waitstaff was very friendly and efficient. We were there over lunch hour on a weekday, we were seated and taken care of quickly. I don't live in that area, but if I did, I would visit this diner regularly.
(4)Amanda M.
This is such a cute diner, but that's really all that there is to it. The food was mediocre and was lacking that greasy spoon goodness. Portion sizes were large so there is never fear of leaving hungry. I just wish the food was less bland. From all the positive reviews maybe we just came on an off day. Our waitress was also really nice and didn't blink when we asked if we could do separate checks for a large group. Service was fast, but I'll stick to my NY diner haunts.
(2)Kara L.
Nah. Frozen food, mediocre service. Too many options, too much processed food and high fructose corn syrup. I wish this place served really good local fresh food, like the Silver Diner in Virginia. It would be wonderful! Instead, everything is frozen and fake. Pancakes are served with maple syrup made of corn... The only reason to come here is the milk shakes. My eggs had a weird film on them, the fries are bland and greasy. Salad is bagged, not fresh and mostly iceberg. Skip it.
(1)T M.
Found this place in Yelp in an effort to eat something decent nearby the park. Is a good place and def way better than anything you'd find on Hershey Park premises. We had eggs, pancakes and burgers. The eggs were really awesome. Light fluffy omlettes and crispy hashbrowns which we ordered well done. The pancakes were great. I gave a 3 because service was very slow and the burgers were inedible. two people in my group had burgers and they were basically BAD. So.....stick to breakfast foods and its a WIN WIN!!! Try desserts which seems to be a specialty!!!! Def give it a shot
(3)Katelyn K.
We come to the Hummelstown and Hershey area often. So we occasionally try to find things more off the beaten track. Using the Yelp app we found the Soda Jerk Diner and Dairy Bar and we are glad that we did. The menu was huge and service was quick. It was a shame we were both too full from our meals to have any ice cream!
(4)Keith M.
Food was good for breakfast! Interesting hotdog? Let know what you think? Service was good!
(3)Adam T.
I've always had bad experiences at diner's, so I was reluctant to try this one. This was without a doubt the best experience I've ever had. The place was very clean, don't know about everyone else, but every diner I've been in had a funky smell, but not this place! The people were friendly and the food was good. The ice cream is absolutely amazing. The food was delivered quickly, and there wasn't a rush to get us out. I'd highly recommend this place in general, and especially if you're looking for ice cream.
(5)Douglas D.
Been living in Hershey for almost two years and we finally got here. The place catches your eye from the outside. it looks like a blast from the past, the inside is the same as is a lot of the crowd. place was clean and service was friendly we were seated quickly our order was taken and we received our food all within about 20 mins. not bad. the waitress was friendly and was quick to refill our coffee and ask if we needed anything. i had the meat lovers omelet. i am a meat lover but that might not mean the same thing to everyone because they was not a ton of meat in it. it was very good though. my wife had the waffle with sides of bacon and eggs. she said the waffle was nothing special. the coffee was classic diner coffee. looking forward to coming back for dinner and ice cream. when went to check-in i was happy to see the 10% off. The price was reasonable before the discount.
(4)Michael N.
Awesome diner just minutes away from Hershey Park. Great prices and the food is always good. Good dessert too!
(5)Andy G.
Great find thanks to the reviews on Yelp. Perfect place to stop for breakfast after two days at the park with our kids. Huge menu with breakfast served all day. Omelettes were perfect and kids enjoyed their Mickey pancakes. Made my wife's day that they had vanilla coke. Will be back.
(5)Tallisa W.
I got the chocolate chip pancakes. Very yummy! We had a very large group, and the waitress was cool and nice about it. She got us comfortable with the place, and made us feel at home. Great customer service, and good food.
(5)Megan G.
Thank you, Yelp, for finding The Soda Jerk for me as I was traveling through Hershey! I'm a sucker for diners, but often leave disappointed. Diners, in general, are not what they used to be. We were a party of 3 adults and 2 children. We were led to a big corner booth and were greeted by a friendly server. Drinks took a while to be delivered, but all other courses came out sooner than expected. The food was good. The kids salad with grilled chicken is, by far, the best "kids" menu item I've ever seen. My boy tore it up! Breakfast is served all day. There are some Greek specialties on the menu. The dressing on my Greek salad was really, really good. Everyone was happy with their food. Most meals came with a scoop of ice cream or pudding for dessert - always a crowd pleaser. The place is clean and the staff is friendly. The ladies bathroom was decent. If I find myself in the area again, I would gladly return to The Soda Jerk.
(4)Toni M.
Stopped in twice for ice cream sundaes. Delicious! The diner has a light, clean atmosphere and a friendly staff. The retro decor is charming. Their menu is huge! They have everything from breakfast all day, to Greek, to seafood, to sandwiches and steaks. If I were in the area longer, I would go again for something different. Check it out sometime. : )
(5)D S.
Yummy-umm and a great value. We were in town for Hershey park and had planned to come to the diner for dinner. It was Easter Sunday and we were relieved that it was open. Food was good and there was a great selection for the family to choose from. In that way, it is just like the diners we have all over New Jersey. Another nice thing is that we had a waiter in training- who was trying his best, just was new. The other waitress (manager maybe) was also very attentive and made sure that his newness did not reflect poorly on the customer experience. Only minus, we attempted to order a couple different deserts, but they did not have any left. I chalk this up to being the end of the holiday weekend. My belly was still full and my taste buds were satisfied when we left. Having just spent two days at Hershey Park we were relieved when the check came- prices are very reasonable, and we each had an entree and desert.
(5)Salani L.
I recently stumbled upon this gem, and WOW! I went in there with the appetite of a hippo and came out feeling like a gleeful bumblebee who went to a honey buffet, and could then barely keep itself afloat in the sky due to grubbing on the food at the jerk. Anyway, i came here on a monday, ordered a delicious omelette, then set my sights on dessert. My delightful, joyous waitress recommended a delectable dessert that topped off the meal. Bottom line - the only thing better than the food leaving you satiated is the quick and friendly service, especially from holly. Love this place, will definitely be back!
(5)J R.
very nice place... huge variety of food, big portions and reasonable prices.Nice atmosphere as well and very nice deck out back. service was top notch as well..
(4)Cory J.
Food was delicious and was fast on the table. It was a Sunday at 3:00 and service was great. The ratatouille was delicious and so were the spicy steak fries. The meal was pretty large and was just as good at home as it was there. The dinner came with a scoop of ice cream. I chose moose tracks and my companions choose to get a banana split. The ice cream was creamy and rich and the banana split was divine it had pineapples and strawberry on to of chocolate vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Also the shop does not skimp on their scoops of ice cream. The scoops of ice cream were very large. The atmosphere was great.
(5)Amanda B.
I had a group of six go here after the Harrisburg graduation this weekend, and we all loved it. Two of us had breakfast (which we both didn't much like the hashbrowns but those are always different wherever you go), two of us had sandwiches, one had pasta and one had a panini. We all ate everything, and then had desert which was just as good. Our waitress was intelligent about the menu and answered all our questions. She was friendly, quick, and payed a lot of attention to us. She was cheerful and friendly and was wonderful in handling our food. We would've gone back for dinner, but sadly they close at 9PM, the only bad thing about this place. This place is only about 5-10 minutes away from Hershey depending on traffic, and is by far the best place we've eaten in Hershey from all of our trips here in terms of food & service. The feel of the diner is actually like stepping into a 60s or 70s diner! They had different things all over the walls, including concert posters from Elvis' time and old signs of drinks and stuff you would see at older gas stations.
(5)Stacey B.
Decent place for lunch with fair prices. Huge menu! Friendly staff which is always important when dining with children. My girlfriend and I ordered a brownie sundae to share that was super skimpy on brownie and her daughter ordered mint choc chip that they were out of and my son wanted chocolate that they were also out of! They market themselves as an ice cream place?!
(3)Tammy B.
Excellent! Great atmosphere. Great staff. Food even better! Mushroom and swiss omlet, Greek omlet, two HUGE chocolate chip pancakes. Even the coffee was strong enough to satisfy the quite picky coffee drinker!
(5)Steve H.
Amazing. A long day of driving. Family of five each found something they liked from the huge menu and all agreed it was delicious. Great service, reasonable prices, fun atmosphere. Kids are asking if we can come back tomorrow.
(5)J G.
The Reuben was delicious! Egg cream was really good but I remember them having a scoop of ice cream in them when I have ordered them in NY. Maybe I missed having to order it that way on the menu. Service was great & very friendly. The atmosphere is nice, supposed to be retro diner/soda shoppe but it needs a little help. I am also a clean freak and overall the place seemed clean except for the floors and the years of dust hanging off items behind the counter. Needs detail cleaning for me to give 5 stars.
(4)Karen F.
This place was a great find for us! First off the staff are amazingly friendly and so personable and professional. I want to specifically call out our waitress Amy. She was so sweet and courteous we made sure to tell the manager. Everyone had a smile on their face they were happy to be there. Minutes from Hershey Park, prices are so incredibly cheap and the food is well just amazing! The place is clean and decorated so nicely it had an old fashioned charm to it! We had breakfast I had the soda jerk feast and everything was done to perfection and the pancakes well they were the best pancakes I EVER had! We will definitely be coming back to the Soda Jerk on our next visit to town!
(5)Joshua K.
The food is bland but still good. The most disappointing thing is the very poor quality ice cream they use. If you are going to be a great place for a burger and shake you have to have good quality ice cream. I would recommend going the distance and making homemade ice cream.
(2)Steph F.
So this place DD&D's! soooo goooood! mom and pap style breakfast! homecookin! went here before hershey park and got an omelet and potatoes. cheap, filling, delicious! and the service was splendid. felt like a small town hospitality atmosphere :) I will be back. Fo sho.
(4)Wayne G.
This place is exceptional for a diner. My wife had a shrimp dish prepared in true Chinese style, she is from China, and loved it. I had a roasted chicken and the seasoning was excellent and it was cooked perfectly. The side dishes of salad and mashed potatoes (actually mashed on site) were good. We each had a scoop of ice cream. The strawberry was fantastic. The peanut butter swirl had some freezer burn and was the only downside of the meal. The restaurant itself is very clean and if you want quiet it s large enough to find it. They also have a deck you may eat on overlooking a junior high school football field built like most high school fields.
(3)Kim H.
Good food , huge portions! Menu with plenty for everyone, some meals come with free ice cream. Excellent service, Would Definitely Go back
(3)Bob Y.
Came here for breakfast during Easter weekend. Very nice restaurant with decor from the 50's. The food and service were superb. Yelp even gave a 10% off coupon at this location.
(4)Efti P.
So on my last trip to the East Coast I was helping my father do an installation in the middle of Pennsylvania. Boring Country PA. I thought I was doomed to a lunch or Micky D's or Wendys. Being born and raised in NJ I have a penchant for Diners. Because I now live in LA I was kinda missing the comforts of the expansiveness of a Diner. The décor is a warm and welcoming 1950s theme. Think a Johnny Rockets meets Ruby's. Checker board floor and Vintage Cola signs. What makes this place great is it's a proper Jersey Diner in the heart of PA. My father had some egg whites with Spinach and I rocked the Steak Panini . Both were Legit. The damage was not all that bad and the portions were generous. The waitress was peppy. Maybe a little too peppy. But hey it IS a Jersey Diner. It was great eating at a proper Diner especially since we dont have them in California.
(5)Emily G.
I ate at Soda Jerk last night and i was not disappointed. They had so much food to choose from. They had an amazing drink section as well. The food was very good! The only thing i didnt care for was the side salad i got. It just had a funny taste;(.
(4)Full C.
It's BOUT DAY and you need to carb load! Where should you go? The Soda Jerk and Dairy Bar(n). It's BOUT DAY and you need to tap into that rage and get your game face on! Where do you go and why? The Soda Jerk and Dairy Bar(n), where children roam free while their parents act oblivious to the screaming/crying/running, where the mess leftover from breakfast rivals White Sands missile testing range. BOUT DAY Grrrr!
(4)Aly H.
Excellent. Not one complaint about this place. We were looking for a place after a long week of camping near-by. The strawberry salad was amazing. The kids meals were huge! The cheese fries with gravy and cheese...delicious! And our server(Carlie) was very friendly and attentive!
(5)Big D.
We visited Hershey Park as a family for 2 days. Staying at the local campground, were looking for a place to eat dinner both nights. We ate at the Soda Jerk thanks to the reviews of yelp and it was excellent. Very good value, excellent selection of food and the service was great. We ended up eating there two successive nights for those reasons. Everything we ate (and we were a party of two adults and four kids) was very good.
(5)Brandy B.
I took my Grandma here for a meal (she had never been to the jerk). She got breakfast and loved it. I got the pizza burger (and was really leary ordering burger at a diner). Ahmazing! I had to use a fork to eat it, it was THAT big! Their fry seasoning is great! Our server was friendly and the guy that rang us out was super nice too. I've had their ham hoagie before and it's y-u-m-m-y and enough for two people!! Gotta love the jerk!!
(5)Jared F.
Wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be after reading the reviews. My girlfriend and I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon prior to a Hershey Bears game and were greeted and seated promptly upon entering. Our waitress was friendly and alert. The food was what we expected with larger than most portions from a diner and cooked properly but wasn't enough to make us crave a return trip. The ice cream sundae we shared was the best part of the meal. Overall it was average food and what we should've expected from any other diner. The downside was the decor. Ruby's and Johnny Rockets are far superior as decoration and the 50's feel goes. The Soda Jerk in my opinion looks a little run down on the inside and could use a cleaning. The checkerboard 50's era floor looks like it was the same floor from when the place was built. With a little TLC the appearance would be great and more attractive. I won't go out of my way to go back to the Soda Jerk but may give it another shot another day down the road. Most likely for dessert. Really wish they'd have later hours that you would come to expect from a diner though.
(3)Aaron L.
Great oreo malted shake. Service was fantastic!
(5)Nicole R.
Had an amazing dinner and sundae!
(5)Hilary J.
I have went there twice the people are nice and helpful. The food is good but still have not tried the ice cream (would love too but they fill you up). It is a hidden gem in Hummelstown.
(4)PJ M.
So, my girlfriend and I cook all of our meals on Sunday night to avoid going out and eating at restaurants to save money and eat healthy. We both arrive home at around 515 on Monday and take one look at each other and are thinking the same thing after a long day at work: gyros. We have been to every diner and local Greek cuisine in the Central pa area and have not found a better gyro yet. Simply amazing. If you're day sucks I have the best recipe: a cup of chile con carne, a gyro and a scoop of chocolate peanut butter swirl. Usually a glass of scotch does the trick but this dose of food medicine is much better for the soul. Oh yeah and for two people it's like $22. Woot woot. See ya next week soda jerk!
(5)Susie P.
This is a pretty, old fashioned diner. The food isn't always amazing (I've tried the country fried steak and the meatloaf) but I would say it's not that bad. Plus the portions are huge and the dinner menu also gets you a scoop of ice cream. If you have the time, stop by!
(5)Bergen E.
One of the better diners I've been to In PA. Owner is from Jersey, so he obviously knows diner biz. I like that they have a 50's nostalgic ambiance with a bonus back deck. How many diners have a back deck??? Food was pretty good though breakfast sausage was spongy and weird tasting. Stick with the bacon. Pancakes were light and fluffy like most people prefer. I'm a whole grain guy and always recommend diners learn to make a good hearty pancake.
(4)Dave L.
Pleasant enough diner in a strip mall near Hershey Park, it was a good alternative to the prefab continental breakfast offered by our budget hotel. They serve a full breakfast menu (all day I think). I had pancake with two eggs and bacon and my friend had a ham and egg sandwich. Total bill including beverages was around $17. The food was nothing special, typical diner food, but the place has a little more personality than the typical diner, IYKWIM. The waitress was fast and pleasant. I did notice that there were a lot of seniors in the diner. I guess that's a good sign since locals know the good cheap places to eat.
(4)B J.
50's era dining with 21st century pricing! We came with a large group of kids, and parents. Considering the size of the group and the requests for separate checks, the waiter did exceptional. The food was good and hearty, and came out hot. The chow was real, and not just unloaded from a Sysco truck. I enjoyed the Monte Christo. It's not something you find on the menu all the time. Everyone in the group seemed happy, and it was a good value for the price.
(4)Jess D.
My family has been going here almost every weekend for the past ten years. Staff is very friendly, although we have our favorites (Amy and Barb are excellent). Breakfast is great and it is served all day which is clutch since I'm not a fan of their lunch/dinner items. Definitely recommend!
(5)Mike K.
Food is good. Service is ok. Every time I go our server forgets something. It's a great little diner. Ice cream is really good. Family ran business. It is alittle annoying having the entire family stand outside the kitchen watching you eat the entire time. This seems to be a regular occurrence.
(3)Chris V.
If you are visiting the Hershey PA area and are in the mood for good hamburgers, forget the chains (Fuddruckers, Red Robin) and try this place.. My daughter and I think their burgers rock ! You must try the Fiesta Burger, a local favorite! Supposedly it is made from a local recipe passed around from establishment to establishment. It is spicy and tasty, and the burger itself seems homemade.
(5)Liz D.
Friendly service, good food, cute little touristy location.
(5)Discerning T.
The food was good - large portions, low prices, and exceptionally quick service.
(4)Jeff D.
It's hard to know where to start. I really don't know which was worse, the food or the service. The wait time for a table was reasonable, but after we were seated, there were only about 10 other tables with customers and we had to wait at least 10 minutes before a waitress showed up. After that, we waited over 50 minutes for our food - it was simple diner fare, nothing fancy. Not once during that time were we offered drink refills or an apology for the long wait. When the food did arrive, it was obvious that it had been sitting for a long time. I ordered a cheeseburger and the bottom half of the roll had turned completely to mush. Not that a fresh roll would have help that patty of what I suppose was beef. After 2 bites, I stopped eating. My wife's panini was marginally acceptable but the pasta with butter was so bad that my son wouldn't even touch it (he is far from a picky eater.) I would have sent the food back, but not one single person came back to the table to check on the meal, even though a man that appeared to be an owner or manager had been watching our entire experience. After spending another 10 minutes waiting for the check, I gave up and asked the cashier. Even then the waitress didn't return to the table to bring the check, the cashier brought it over. The only positive aspect of our visit: the french fries were pretty ok.
(1)Ryan M.
I've eaten lunch and dinner here a few times and it was pretty average or slightly above so. Stopped today for breakfast and this omelette was INSANE!! Tried the Spanish Omelette and don't regret it one bit. Even the homefries and bacon were on point. And to top it off the waitress was very nice and prompt with everything. If you're in the area and want something quick and tasty (especially breakfast) this is a darn good choice.
(5)Angela C.
In Hershey for a concert, happened to drive by this place & it looked cool so we went in. Great food at a great price! Corn beef hash, eggs, toast, bacon, home fries, coffee, everything was yummy! Left very satisfied.
(4)E T.
Good food, large portions, excellent prices, and good service. Can't ask for much more! I had chicken souvlaki with greek salad and the salad was real good. We also had a shake and loved it.
(5)Dunder M.
Excellent, clean, great food.
(5)Joe P.
I love this place. 4 days in hershey and we ate here twice. Great bang for you buck, old school diner feel.
(5)Jason R.
Friendly, attentive service, breakfast all day, reasonable prices, and a giant diner menu. I'll be back.
(4)Alexis B.
Very delicious breakfast. Good service, quick and a painless meal :)
(4)Steve P.
Reviewing for their soda and milkshakes only: My wife and I stopped in here a few days ago. A friend of ours informed us that their flavored sodas and ice cream offerings were pretty good for a diner. Throwing diets aside we stepped into a 1960s looking location with 1990s looking people. Since the planned stop was only intended to be a short one, we decided to sit on the stools at the bar. The waitress was friendly enough when we put our order in for a chocolate malt and vanilla soda. I always enjoy places that make milkshakes and then give you the mixing cup for refills with whats left over. Service for our beverages was about 4 minutes. It was semi busy in the afternoon, no problems there. Both items were good enough to pass the test of whether or not we will be back to try other items, so this review will need to be updated when that happens.
(4)Pamela W.
We stopped here last night after a basketball game at the Giant Center, and ordered coffee and ice cream. Husband and daughter shared a sundae called "the big jerk", which featured hot fudge and rice Krispy treats. My sundae had hot fudge, peanut butter, Reese 's pieces, and whipped cream. Oldest daughter had a black raspberry cone. Everything was delish, service was great, and prices were very reasonable for being so close to Chocolate Town. Will definitely stop back here.
(4)Kit D.
Our family (with 3 kids) ate here after a visit to nearby Indian Echo Caves. It's been 6 weeks since our lunch there and my husband and daughter are still raving about the open faced turkey sandwich! We are back on a diner kick and have yet to eat at another place on the East Coast that is as good as the Soda Jerk! We all cleaned our plates, enjoyed great ice cream (especially the apple pie sundae!). Strongly recommend a stop here if you are in the area.
(5)Glenn W.
The food is ranges from average to good. The deserts are what really shine here, though they are kind of on the pricier side. One of my family's orders was messed up but was quickly fixed. In fairness to the server, the place was very loud and we could barely hear each other talk. It is worth visiting for a fairly quick meal and desert, but fancier food can be found elsewhere.
(4)Janis A.
We really liked his place. Great service and good food. I'm really picky about the cleanliness of where I eat, especially in diners. This diner is very clean! Pleasant experience.
(4)bret s.
It's a typical diner. Don't expect anything fancy. The price is good though. I had a cheeseburger, and a vanilla coke. But I was hoping for something fresher and more handmade.
(3)C.M. A.
Fun place for the kids. We had great food and good service, and the ice cream was fantastic. Unlike many diners, they have a set of Greek specialities, and the vegetarian panini was excellent.
(4)Pam M.
My neighbor friend and I have been to the Soda Jerk twice now in our "girls lunch out" expeditions. The last time I ventured out of the "breakfast" portion of the menu and decided to try the "meatloaf". Where else can you get meatloaf and mashed potatoes other than an old fashioned diner. The Soda Jerk came through with a "whopping" portion of meatloaf under which was homemade stuffing, all covered in gravy. The "homemade" mashed potatoes were served on a separate plate. It was obvious that they were "real" mashed potatoes by the consistency of them. My second veggie choice was the "baked sweet potatoe" which I have never had. It was a LARGE half sweet potatoe. It was served with little container of brown sugar. We also received rolls with our meal. Our waitress is always pleasant and I would say the wait time from order to table might have been 15 mins. at the most. Price for the meal was about $8.95 plus my soda. The restaurant always appears clean and full of patrons. The 50's diner motif is a nice uplifting change from the norm. I'm sure kids would get a kick out of the diner look. Have never tried their ice cream but maybe next trip back. Would certainly go back to this nice local establishment.
(3)Gregory K.
Went here for the first time, they have fantastic service! You got to try the corn nuggets, never had anything like it before, and their the best!
(5)Martha Stewart E.
We go every year, and it's always good. Great atmosphere, very classic diner. Good food, and the wait staff can sometimes be grouchy. If you want good, fill you up food, come by here.
(4)J C.
Skip the overpriced junk food served in the Park and go directly to this diner. Great service, fair pricing, good solid diner fare.
(4)Alison H.
The Soda Jerk is a great place to go if you just want cheap, good food for breakfast or lunch with friends. The breakfast is all the standard stuff like french toast, big omelets, hash browns, pancakes. Lunch is burgers, sandwiches, fries. I prefer the breakfast stuff and they serve breakfast all day. The food is yummy and plentiful. The ice cream is also very good. I seem to recall they have some nonfat or low fat ice cream that tastes so good I had to ask the waitress if she had really used low fat rather than regular ice cream. The place has a 50's diner look to it and all the staff wear shirts that say "I'm a (Soda) Jerk". cheesy but fun.
(4)Terri C.
We visited this delightful, clean and "diner-esque" restaurant at the suggestion of the director of the Hershey Antique Auto Museum, and were very pleased with the quality and taste of the food and, especially, the friendliness of the staff and the decor. We each got a pannini -- I got a reuben and my companion got a turkey. At the end of our meal, we shared a delicious banana split. This was more than a meal -- more like a real diner experience. We loved it !!
(5)Jason A.
This place sucks. Don't ever go here. They offer the worst service ever. Still waiting for food right now one hour and 10 minutes after my order was placed. Stay away from this dump. I hope they go out of business tomorrow.
(1)Kris V.
The restaurant is cute and has the old diner feel. Food was cheap and good. Service was lacking and they weren't even busy. Shakes were really good according to my buddy who had one. It was a little hard to find but I was going off directions on my phone and it's close to Hershey Park. All in all I'm not oppose to going back.
(3)Sara M.
I like the theme, but the food is pretty average.
(3)David T.
Cute decent place for breakfast, I wasn't particularly impressed by the homefries which is important to me. Service was good
(3)