Recently I went to ButtercuP Diner in Walnut Creek. I’m still trying to figure out why the P is uppercase (not a spelling error on my part, haha). Anyway, there are several locations of the ButtercuP Diner, including Walnut Creek, Concord, Oakland, and Vallejo.
ButtercuP Diner Atmosphere: A
When I arrived there weren’t many people there. In fact, I opted to sit outside and was the only person! I won’t complain, though.
It’s not a big metallic shiny diner like you picture in the movies but more of a modern restaurant with a full alcohol bar. ButtercuP Diner has a large indoor seating area with plenty of booths, tables, and a bar. Plus it also has the largest patio of any diner I’ve been to. I’m not sure if there is more seating outside.
As far as COVID precautions, ButtercuP Diner took it seriously, and everyone was wearing masks, and there was hand sanitizer throughout the entire restaurant. Plus it was just clean, which is important.
ButtercuP Diner Coffee: A
The coffee at ButtercuP Diner was brewed hot and fresh. One of my favorite coffee features from restaurants isn’t the coffee itself, but when a diner has their own personalized coffee mug. The ButtercuP Diner did, and they even sold their coffee mugs at the front.
ButtercuP Diner Food: B
The ButtercuP Diner menu has almost everything you need in a diner. There are the staples like pancakes, eggs, and blts and also some more usual options like shrimp and grits. ButtercuP Diner also has a few different healthier options and salads if you are looking for that too.
I opted for the shrimp and grits because I haven’t had it in a while. When it came out, it was hot. I had to wait for it to cool down. The bowl was slightly small and the food kept spilling off onto the table. I know restaurants like to add small dishes to make the food look bigger but honestly it just gets too messy sometimes.
The shrimp and grits were seasoned well with a hint of spice, but I wish the grits had more butter. It felt like they were missing something. Other than that, it was good and some of the better shrimp and grits I’ve had.
ButtercuP Diner Dessert: A
The ButtercuP Diner is known for their pies, so naturally, I had to order one. All of the pies are made in house in the morning. Diners known for their fresh pies are an American Classic. After starting at the case, I decided to go with the peanut butter pie and ice cream. The peanut butter pie tasted like a giant peanut butter cup, in the best possible way. I was happy with my decision. It tasted like a giant peanut butter cup and I would order it again.
ButtercuP Diner Service: A
The waitress was friendly, our food came out fast, plus the entire staff took COVID seriously.
Cost: $
For the coffee, shrimp and grits, and dessert, it was $30.
Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back?
It’s one of the better diners I’ve been to in the Bay Area. The food tasted great and I felt safe throughout the entire meal. I would definitely be back if anything for the dessert. . ButtercuP Diner has the slogan of “being an East Coast Diner out West”. While I wouldn’t go that far, because it’s more of an upscale diner/cafe vibe, it is a good diner and I would go back.
Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: B
Dessert: A
Cost: $15-20
Overall: A
You can see all 10 California Diner reviews here.
Questions for you:
Do you like shrimp and grits?
What is your favorite type of pie?