Detour Pit Stop #106: Herbies American Diner, Cambridgeshire, UK
Passing through Cambridgeshire on the A14 with a healthy appetite? Then stop at Junction 24 where a gluttonous all-American dining experience awaits.
Jet black with neon lights, this family-run outpost for road-trippers is unmissable. After being greeted in the car park by a giant bald eagle that’s been hand-painted against a backdrop of stars and stripes, you’ll be welcomed inside with a friendly ‘hello, how are you?’ by a waiter who will show you to your booth.
On the menu, which is massive, there are American comfort food classics including steak and eggs, mac’n’cheese and ultra-puffy pancakes with crispy bacon. The waffle sandwich is a signature, at breakfast (served Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until noon) it’s drizzled in syrup and topped with streaky bacon, sausage patty, fried egg and melted cheese, while at lunchtime southern fried chicken makes an appearance. Serving up some of the most substantial dirty burgers and hot dogs this side of the Atlantic, Herbies Diner offers vegan versions too. Ordering a side of tater tots is a must.
For additional oink points, leave room for a sundae crowned with whipped cream or a wedge of apple Betty pie, but don’t let your full belly fool you into leaving without something for the road. Strategically placed at the counter where you part ways with your cash, the devilishly conceived selection of Herbies’ homemade bakes is ever-changing and impossible to resist. Interiors wise, it's also spot-on, and although the old school style jukebox isn’t responsible for the soundtrack of Nina Simone and Buddy Knox, it doesn’t take away from the USA-inspired authenticity of the joint.
For those within hop-skip distance, Herbies is a dessert or shake date-night favourite, there’s nothing more romantic than watching your beau slip into a dairy-induced coma, and for those in a hurry, Herbies also operates an in-store takeaway service.
ROADBOOK
CLASS: DINER
NAME: HERBIE’S American DINER
ROUTE: HUNTINGDON ROAD (A1307), SWAVESEY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB24 4RE
COUNTRY: ENGLAND
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