81 The Original Diner in South Northamptonshire

Always a good location when it’s right off the m1, nothing ‘special’ necessarily, but nice ‘old fashioned’ American diner with some great food choices. Reasonably priced and friendly staff.

Great authentic American diner. Fantastic range of burger options, and the ‘wet’ fries with chilli were superb. Staff were all super friendly, food came quickly and the burger was spot on.

Absolutely awful First up is the drinks. They served us a warm vanilla milkshake which was clearly made with powder and had a very bitter taste, and a hot chocolate which just tasted like warm oily milk and was more tea coloured than chocolate. There was a constant ring of oil around the outside of the mug, I couldn’t drink it. Next up is the food. Half way through my steak sandwich I found a hair wedged in the middle. It completely put us off, so we pulled the steaks out of the bread and saved it for our dog. Let’s not even go into the dead spider and cob webs that were stuck under the pepper shaker. I dread to think when the place was last cleaned. To top it all off, the waitress didn’t ask us why we didn’t eat our food and skipped over with a bill for £35. For two drinks and two sandwiches??? Won’t ever be returning.

I was a lifelong fan of buddies and was very excited about this restaurant. It did not disappoint. The location may make it seem like a service station but it is anything but. There is plenty of parking. On arrival, we were greeted by a lovely server who was very welcoming. We had not booked but it was no issue. The inside is laid out like an American diner and so well themed. The menu is brilliant; there are so many options including different sizes and topping of burgers, a wide range of different dishes and opportunities to customise. The waitress taking our order was lovely and our food arrived quickly. The food was amazing (just like the buddies I grew up with). We really enjoyed it. The desserts were brilliant; there was a specials menu for desserts which we ordered from which was so good. It was also really good value and there is an NHS discount available (which was very much appreciated). Overall, it was a fantastic experience to eat here with good choice, delicious food and fantastic staff. We will definately be back and I would definitely recommend it.

Excellent breakfast. Really good value, quick service and really friendly staff. Always good to come to eat on a weekend.

My husband and I visited the diner. Upton arrival we were surprised it was at a service station however do not let this put you off. The decor is very American dinner layout. We ordered starters of nacho bowl with Mexican salsa and cheese garlic bread this was a whole baguette. Mains was chilli and a steak. The steak was cooked beautifully but for me dessert stole the show. Whilst my husband wasn't to sure about his sundae the pecan pie was amazing. The best thing about here is a the staff they were all amazing.

Kids loved it here. Great selection of reasonably priced food. Friendly staff and served v quickly. Kids loved the train!

This is a great place for breakfast The service is fast friendly & helpful and the food is very tasty and reasonably priced. We found it by accident and stopped & very glad we did

Excellent food and service, friendly staff, food is always hot as freshly cooked, good size portions , sundaes are lovely , one is big enough for 2 to share, please bring back mint stint, malteaser madness and rolo blade sundaes (from the old Buddies days)

Very friendly people Affordable prices for great food Feeling like in an original American diner The whole place is very clean and tidy

What excellent value and a super tasty breakfast. Family of 6. Hardly any wait time and bottomless tea/coffee. Will be returning to try lunch/dinner menu.

This place promises lots, but delivers little. I had the Venom burger....burger, bacon, cheese and hash browns. No seasoning on the burger, very little taste. I also had their 'Famous' wet fries.....bad is an understatement. They were just standard fries with watery, tasteless 'rib sauce' on them. Avoid at all costs. The dessert was truly abysmal. We went for the Snickers Sundae....this was as lazy as they come. Vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, 3 chunks of a Snickers bar, cream and 2 shop brought wafers....they even forgot the cherry on the top (how ironic!) This place just does not deliver anything. Its all very kitsch with its decor, but food wise it is incredibly basic. The service is rushed and totally not personable, the staff throwing your food down on the table. There are so many places in Northampton offering amazing burgers now, do yourself a favour and go to them.

I turned up for breakfast 1145 Saturday to be told can’t get you a table at quarter past. Breakfast menu would be unavailable at that time. Watched as tables were cleared ahead of 12 and emptied. Seen a table of 4 sent away as they wanted breakfast. I was a regular customer. Not any more

We used to visit Buddies in central Northamton regularly from Cambridge as the burgers were just fab. We understand this restaurant and others were sold on at some point and it wasn't the same anymore. So we were delighted to discover they had opened again as 81 The Original Diner. This was our second visit to the new venue and we enjoyed our burgers as much as before. I always have the same combination of burger with cheese, bacon and hickory sauce - yummy. Great chips and fresh salad too. We had a starter of nacho's with chilli beef which was spot on and the service was excellent. Highly recommended and we will be back very soon. Long live 81 The Original Diner!

I got lolly pop at the end, our waitress, kacey, was friendly and sweet, other staff members was mid.

Upon arrival we were met by a small waitress with glasses she was so rude and appeared to be an inconvenience she refused the booth for 6 as it was taken? As we leave it’s still empty!! We were not given menus or asked for drinks I had to ask another member of staff!! The waitress continued to ignore us as customers and was gossiping to other members of staff as a direct result other members customer service was unacceptable Turns out the rude unapproachable waitress turns out to be Gina the manager!! I asked to make a complaint but apparently the only way was to direct message on Facebook page? And no other contact details for me to make a formal complaint I will not be returning

What more could you ask for, 2 decent mains, 2 beers and less than £40. Went for a quick dinner, in and our within an hour, stuffed, and can’t fault it. Nice staff, good surroundings and decent tunes. Long live the Fat Boy.

don’t recommend this place. Just had a awful experience. Food inedible. Returned it and was told it would be taken off the bill (I would think so) but by the time they returned with a menu everyone else had finished their meals so left without eating. Not so much as an apology. It wasn’t even busy so can’t use that as an excuse!! I ordered the ribs which were so tough and looked like they had been cooked in a microwave. The buffalo wings were bland with no flavour Such a shame as have fond memories of buddies as a child and was looking forward to this meal

Only discovered this place last night on t'internet - had reason to be over that way so decided to stop in for breakfast. So glad we did. Lovely staff, great decor, comprehensive American Diner menu. Incredibly tasty fresh food - great value - only one complaint - we couldn't finish our plates (so big) - they need a pensioner size serving as well.

Stumbled upon this by accident a few years ago and it's become a must-visit if we're passing on our way. In fact, we go out of our way to visit these days! Previously, we've stopped for breakfast (which has been awesome) but this time we were there at lunchtime and had burgers and hot-dogs which also didn't disappoint. Service is great, portion sizes are ample, value is brilliant. Solidly beats anything on the motorway. Worth a short detour from the M1.

Brought the family here for Breakfast as was a fan of the original Buddies until the new management killed it. So nice to see a return to form. Great breakfasts, and great value for money in these times. I'd taken the kids out for breakfast last week to my local cafe in Brixworth and had been presented with a canapé masquerading as a Toastie for six quid. so just wonderful to see a decent plate of top nosh for a decent price - and unlimited coffee to boot. Coming back for Dinner...

This food was mega tasty, clean and fresh. Loved the menu. Definitely want to come back and try different stuff. Very good service a good check back. Only reason it wasn't 5 star is the first waitress rushed us a little but it was only because we were on the border line of breakfast and lunch. Even something simple like my eggs were exactly how I wanted them xx Great work guys loved it. Xx

We've been pretty frequent visitors since the Diner reopened. We love it, American Food done so well! Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are all yummy!! Most importantly for me is Original Buddies menu is back back back! A slice of NYC locally and some Northampton nostalgia,...

Absolutely amazing brings back nostalgia from when I was young amazing food just like the old menu. Don’t know how to explain this anymore just amazing

I dropped off for coffee - and stayed for breakfast and elevenses' The staff are the key. They were all great and helped me loads ( I wasn't sure exactly where I was!! ) Decor is good imitation USA but they have a widescreen TV...

We were big fans of the old Buddies and really missed the Old Dychurch Lane venue. We gave this a try and yes it's not the same venue but the no fuss, loaded burgers were as good as ever, service was nice and friendly and...

Really enjoyed the buddies there before. Went to 81 diner hoping it would be similar and granted it is. Decor is exactly the same, they still use 'Buddies' plates and napkins. But the food...disappointing. Very very plain, unenjoyable food. been a few times and keep...

It’s the first diner I’ve come across that caters equally for all. I‘m a vegetarian and I got to have a nice large menu to choose from. The staff are so friendly and keen to help without being overbearing. The food is delicious I had...

After I was given the menu and seeing how many items are on the menu I knew it was gonna go left from there ! but I was hungry so hoped for the best ! Wish I went with my gut feeling because I didn’t...

We usually have a good experience & this visit was no exception. Penny looked after us and made our trip memorable, she was helpful & attentive, with a great sense of humour. The only reason I haven't given 5 stars is that the taste of...

Awful floor staff and awful food. Rude waitresses’ just stood behind the bar talking amongst themselves, neglecting customers completely. Restaurant was filthy. Grubby looking chef’s walking out behind the bar. Staff sat outside smoking when we went to leave. The Grange Park Buddies and staff...

Where do I start...I booked this as my daughters14th birthday.Her choice.. Over the years I have banging on how much I loved buddies when I was a young child went there easily twice a week...Ive taken her to dychurch Lane and she loved it..So when...

I’m so happy this restaurant has re-opened. You cannot beat the food served here and the staff are always welcoming and inviting. This is one place that you cannot afford to miss. I would just say to book a table before you visit so you...

This was all very confusing as I thought this was Buddies USA at Grange Park, but it is in fact ‘Hamburger Heaven 81’ or ‘81 The Original Diner’ OR some other permutation of these letter and numbers? Anyhoo, I suppose the correct name is only...

We used to love the original Buddies, and were absolutely gutted when it changed ownership a few years ago and subsequently went downhill. This feels like the original Buddies, and we’ll definitely be back. USA! USA!

The breakfast is Fantastic and if you’ve never been you’re missing out………however, please please please buy some new bloody tea pots…….when pouring your tea it’s preferable to end up with 100% of it in the cup, not creating a tea lake over the table. The...

After my brother and I last visited in late June...they took my suggestion onboard about adding a gluten free dessert. Gluten free chocolate brownies! Who doesn’t like chocolate brownies? On our visit today the staff and food were spot on. I have another suggestion to...

Came for a family celebration and was not disappointed. The staff are friendly and attentive without being over the top and the food is amazing. This is our 2nd visit since it reopened and can't wait to come back. We also ordered several takeaways during...

We came here this week for a birthday after hearing good things about this place from friends and family. We most certainly were not disappointed. The food that we ordered came out in a swift manor, and was hot. The food itself was brilliant and...

Online they’re open 10am - 9pm but DO NOT TRUST this. They open when they feel like it! Sat outside waiting for an hour (until 11.15am) whilst the owner and his friends were all sat outside smoking and they couldn’t even invite us in for...

Had the most lovely food here recently, I had the footlong hotdog which was delicious! Big portion too. For dessert I had the “Dime O Dollar” pancakes and they were scrumptious. Service was friendly and efficient, it was incredible value for money (around £38 for...

Great atmosphere, the menu is fabulous (and so big!), and the staff were so friendly and helpful. The burgers are to die for and the hot dog was scrumptious. Excellent value too.

If anyone is missing Buddies and haven’t heard....81 has been opened by Andy one of the founders of Buddies. As he doesn’t own the Buddies name anymore, he has called it 81 as 1981 was the year Buddies was born. My brother and I went...

We opted for a pulled pork burger and a basic bacon cheeseburger, great food, shame the restaurant was so quiet, one bit of advice to the owner, I would put skinny fries on the menu instead of fat chips , as people may have room...

I went to this place for breakfast. And noticed when there give me knife and fork & tissue there was using buddies USA tissue. And when my friend was having a filter coffee there was still using the buddies USA saucer and when Park in...

Went for a long awaited breakfast with the grandchildren. I ordered coffee - there is no excuse for poor coffee in this day and age and it was poor, undrinkable. So I ordered tea - that too was weak and virtually undrinkable! Breakfast came. I...

All the beef and chicken burgers you could imagine... Great range of salads and sides....vast menu and great service....

Fantastic choice and a great American diner experience. Lots of choice, food quality good and service with a smile through the masks. Would recommend the wet fries with chilli.

Fantastic service at breakfast time. However food wasn’t very good at all. £8 for two poached eggs, and shop bought guacamole and a huge pile of fried potatoes. Soooo overpriced.