Friday, May 15th, 2026 Approx. 4:30 PM OVERVIEW: This place is awesome! The model trains, the jukebox era music playing in the background, and of course, the delicious food! PROS: 1) Ordered the Sirloin Steak & Eggs, (#9 on the menu) & the Pancake & Eggs selection. (#31) Was delicious. Ordered the eggs over-easy, and the eggs were served exactly over easy. (I.e., all wet & yellow on the inside) Other diners nowadays don't serve over-easy eggs this way, and the egg yolk is fried & dried when served. Today's chef did these eggs right! 2) The pancakes were HUGE! Not just fluffy for show, but actually packed with volume. Was totally surprised. Plus, the syrup is served in those old-school dispensers, (see attached picture) so you can pour as much syrup as you want on your pancakes. I usually drown my pancakes in syrup. However, a lot of diners nowadays pour the syrup in tiny containers when served, (in order to cut costs) so I usually have to bug the servers for more syrup. 3) The venue is quite amazing. Most young kids nowadays have probably never seen the type of classic trains in the display cases at the restaurant. So in that sense, this place is also a train museum. Plus, the restaurant retains that nostalgic vibe of when diners were an integral part of the American family dining experience. 4) A petite Latina Lady took my order at the counter and this Gen Z Bro served the dishes. Both individuals were polite & professional. (Honestly, didn't expect to see such a well-mannered Gen Z Bro as a server. Must be local Lodi hospitality.) NOTE TO MANAGEMENT: Give these kids a raise. 5) At the time of this post, high inflation plagues America. But this restaurant provides good food, at a high volume, at an affordable price. But Management still needs to give the kids in the aforementioned a raise. CONS: The bacon served with the pancakes are a teensy bit burned. But I'm sure that there are a lot of other customers who prefer to have their bacon prepared well-done. SUMMARY: There are so many items on the menu. I NEED TO GO BACK to try some of the other entrees. In the meantime, if you're reading this, and have never been to this place, by all means give it a try! read more

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Exceptional service, we were checked on frequently and the food arrived fast. The wait staff and servers were friendly it felt like home. French toast, country potatoes, fries, and gyro were great. PJ loved the trains and it kept him entertained the entire time especially the ceiling train. We'd definitely come back when we are in the area. read more

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Just moved into town and was looking for a local breakfast restaurant. This little place doesn't look like much from the outside but so cute inside. If you are into trains then you need to visit. They have model trains all around the restaurant and if you're lucky you'll experience the train going around the inside perimeter. You order first then have a seat. We both had Omelettes with hash browns and toast. The portions are good size. Definitely get what you pay for. Their hash browns are crispy and so tasty but not greasy. I had a hot chocolate and it was really good. The table service was great. The staff would make sure people had their coffee filled and kept the booths and tables clean. You know it's good when the locals eat there. I look forward to going back for our next visit. read more

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Let's talk about Golden Ox for a second. I ordered through DoorDash and went with the ribs, expecting a decent meal -- and instead got an abundance of food. The portions are generous, the ribs were exactly what I was craving, and the entire order completely exceeded expectations. This is the kind of spot that delivers both quality and quantity, which is a rare win. Pleasantly surprised and very impressed. read more

Golden Ox Diner - Ribs, side of mashed potatoes... - Diners Near Me - Lodi, California

So I really wanted to love this place and won't say I won't try it again but last night wasn't the best. This is from what I have been told a Lodi staple for decades. The inside decor and ambiance brings you back to a long ago diner feel vibe which I do like. You order at the counter and they bring you lr food to you. Service I will say was a 10 out of 10 the people working here are amazing and some of the friendliest staff I have encountered. What fell flat was the food. I had the club sandwich and my daughter had the pastrami sandwich. Both were extremely underwhelming and hers was so salty she couldn't even finish it. Plus the the fries and my onion rings had a somewhat funky flavor that maybe they needed to change the oil they were being fried in. My club was just ok nothing special and wasn't even that hot but the highlight was the what you could tell was the homemade turkey not store bought. Like I mentioned maybe an off night and will try again and the service is amazing and for sure a place that has been around for years. Plus last night it was very busy so they must be doing something right. The menu is also pretty incredible with choices galore. So for now a 3 star but we will see. read more

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Excellent fried chicken dinner and steak and eggs cooked perfectly.Service is wonderful. Staff is very friendly. This restaurant has a delightful atmosphere with all the little model trains. read more

Golden Ox Diner - Fried chicken - Diners Near Me - Lodi, California

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I ordered the California Benedict through the drive-thru, which was absolutely delicious. The eggs were perfectly poached, layered with fresh avocado, and generously topped with hollandaise sauce. It was creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent. The hash browns underneath were crisp and golden, holding up beautifully under all that sauce! What really sets Golden Ox apart is the convenience, the charm, and the people. Stephanie is always very friendly and kind. She makes every visit feel welcoming and personal The drive-thru is such a thoughtful touch, which is rare for a diner. The whole setup gives off retro vibes with its railroad crossing sign and classic diner flair. Service was fast and super friendly, and everything was made fresh to order. Whether you are a Lodi local or just passing through, this place is worth the stop. Breakfast all day? Yes, please! I highly recommend it! 410 W Kettleman Ln, Lodi Open Mon to Sat 7 AM to 8 PM, Sun 7 AM to 3 PM #MoniApproved #GoldenOxDiner #LodiEats #BreakfastAllDay #CaliforniaBenedict read more

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Lovely, exceptional workers like Britney, Roger, Emily, and Diana make this place special. Yeaterday, our table had delicious Cobb Salad, Greek Salad, Patty Melt, mashed potatoes, Minestrone Soup, ham, eggs, pancakes, and Lemon Blueberry Marscapone cake. Lots of sharing and leftovers. All 10/10! read more

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Been here a few times for dates with my boyfriend and the service is always amazing along with the food ! Anytime there's a special or deal going on we always try it because they're so delicious, just tried the valentines dinner special and it did not disappoint. Big fan of golden ox read more

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Atmosphere and food was good. Spouse loves trains and he was excited to look at the collection while we were eating!!

I don't usually take the time out of my busy schedule to leave a review, but I thought after so many mess ups I need to warn customers and future customers. If I could give them negative stars on this review, I would do so. I used to eat at this restaurant quite a bit. But recently, their service has gone down and so has the food quality. I could almost bet or wager that every time I order my food they're going to mess up my order in some form of fashion. I have just gotten tired of them continually messing up my order or getting it wrong. I will not bring my business to this restaurant any longer. I will find a new favorite place, maybe Avenue Grill down the street again or a different place like richmaid, or even McDonald's might be better. Don't waste your time or your money going to Golden ox. The food quality has gone down and so has the service. And mark my words, they will mess up your food order. Guaranteed! If you want to gamble and try it out, go right ahead. Have a nice day :-) carry on.... read more

Lots of choices for comfort food. Doing a $10 build your own breakfast deal with choose your style of eggs, meat, potatoes ans bread. I had mushroom omelette, sausage links, hash brown potatoes and biscuit & gravity. Food tasty. Other good choices are burgers and sandwiches. Friendly service, clean and the place to go if you like trains. read more

A nice quaint diner in Lodi, efficient food and counter service, nice people, not too greasy. I got the fruit pancakes combo -- pancakes were nice and fluffy, bacon was crispy. Model trains run around the wall perimeter which is pretty cute. They also have a drive thru--was wondering personally how this works without fast food, but they seem pretty efficient w made to order food. Would maybe be an out of way destination if you like trains, but otherwise its an efficient local spot! read more

Great service starts with how a business treats its own people. Unfortunately, the toxic environment and poor treatment of staff here are impossible to ignore. There are plenty of other places to eat where employees are treated with dignity. Don't bother tipping the waitresses! Boss takes the money! Shake my head. Also got told they don't even use gloves. Get some perspective boss. EDIT* I find it interesting that you claim staff receives tips in full. You specifically told your former employee, 'You will not get tips unless I think you deserve tips,' despite the fact that the tip was given to her by a customer for her hard work. If they 'receive earned gratuities in full,' why is the owner deciding who 'deserves' the money customers left specifically for the staff? read more

Awesome place. Trains,planes, and cars decorating the restaurant. Very 50's diner feel. Staff very friendly, food is great . Very big menu to choose from. Try them you will not be disappointed. read more

Things seem to have changed a bit. When we arrived, most all tables were unkept. The food was warm, not hot, hinting it was pre-cooked. The food was tasty, but needed to be warmer. Days later, I got an email with a discount coupon and then another for a free birthday meal. That's nice, but how did they get my information? I also tipped 15%, just to get my food delivered. No coffee refill. I wouldn't feel comfortable going back to Golden Ox. read more

10 star!! The chef Isabella deserves her own classification on the OMD as in OH MY! DELICIOUS!! Absolutely phenomenal split pea and ham soup! Today we tried the clam chowder and blew us away! We would take any Bay Area clam chowder challenge and you'll be driving from The Bay to come to The Golden Ox in Lodi after you have this soup!! Wow!! Had me licking the bowl so good! read more

Dropped in for lunch today for the first time. It's definitely a diner vibe going on there. Great music in the background and if you're into model trains this place will make you feel good. So the routine here is you order at the counter and then seat yourself in one of the many booths or few tables and wait for your meal to be served. The place is clean but a little thread worn. The menu is large with mostly diner type fare. I ordered the gyro plate with fries (crinkle cut!) and a soft drink. My wife ordered the chefs salad. The gyro was tasty and the fries were crispy delicious. My wife said her salad was fresh and testy. Overall it was a very good experience and this will be on our return list. read more

Very nice homestyle meal love, looking at all. The old model trains in there. Had the feeling like you were sitting down to a meal with your family. read more

Great Food Great Service Great Value We're fairly new to the area and have been looking for a place we could go to for any meal. This is a GREAT place! It's got everything you want and even everything you didn't know you wanted! We had a delicious breakfast and great service! This is now our go to spot in Lodi! read more

First time here! Cool place!..decorated with trains and planes inside! Very tasty breakfast, good portions, fresh home cooked! great prices too! We will definitely be back! I highly recommend this place. read more

The service was good. The dinner meals we had were really good. The only reason why 4/5 stars was because for one of the options of the potato I didn't know there was butter ice cream added to it. read more

Golden Ox Diner - Chicken Parmesan with baked potato & some carrots/broccoli - Diners Near Me - Lodi, California

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First of all I would like to say how amazing all the staff was and how friendly everyone was and they were making sure me and my girlfriend had everything we needed. The atmosphere is amazing with all the model trains around so you can always have something to look at as well especially with the train they have that drive across overhead. The food was incredible especially with their limited time brunch special which was a great price for everything included the food was delicious and me and my girlfriend will have to come back for sure read more

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I've driven by this place so many times and never tried it. Finally stopped for breakfast and what a pleasant surprise! Great food at a reasonable price. read more

When you walk in you go directly to the cashier's, order your food than find a seat. The decor is quaint, the helpers are kind and pleasant. More of you serve yourself . This is a nice neighborhood place. I'd come by again. Breakfast was delicious, plenty to fill your stomach. read more

Golden Ox Diner - Lots of trains. You can ask the staff to run the trains. - Diners Near Me - Lodi, California

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I don't know how I never had been to this diner. My mistake! Love the decor with the trains inside. Had excellent service from my server. It was clean inside, including the bathrooms. I had the cabbage rolls with a side salad and Roll. It was excellent and the perfect dish on a chilly night. I forgot to take pics because I couldn't wait to eat. Can't wait to back and try some of their other menu items. read more

Well 1st time here and I must say probably best French dip i have ever had everything was quality including the bread was amazing will back soon to try other items on menu highly recommended seriously!!! read more

Food was very good been going here for years but been having problems with this one worker he knows my daughter and is very rude to me and her when we order because they had a past still very unprofessional today around 6:30 I went with my daughter he rolls his eyes and talks very rude I know he's a younger kid in high school but I will not be returning due to his service the other workers are very friendly but he seems to hold a grudge his name is Santiago I feel he needs a talking to about this read more

Our breakfast was preferred perfectly eggs cooked just the way I like them hashbrowns not too well done and the bacon was not burnt or overcooked service was exceptional refilled my coffee cup coming back to check to make sure everything was all right. The ambience I loved all the trains and the planes hanging from the ceiling. I would definitely go back and suggest it to anyone else ate there twice during my visit to Lodi. read more

I go here all the time and ab love the place but I here to make an announcement THEY TOOK AWAY MY BEUTIFUL CHILLY HOTDOG..yes you've herd me..the only food I could eat there GONE..and yes golden ox you might ask "well wasent that a while ago" YES and I tried to be reasonable with you but after a hard day in the er all I want is to scoop my fries into the delectable chilli on the hotdog with no I want just get the filling fries ITS NOT THE SAME :( the delectable thing that used to be golden ox is gone..also there's like cool trains there I like the little train at the top that kinda moves up in the air and that one statue in the corne..also people are supper sweet and they have thanksgiving meals..if olny they where the hotdogs with the chilli and fries read more

Never going there again. This is what extra pastrami is and I paid extra for it. So embarrassing what a waste of $30. read more

Golden Ox Diner - Chili cheese fries with Pastrami (extra pastrami) - Diners Near Me - Lodi, California

I have been going here for several years and recently went there after a 3 month gap and didn't see any familiar faces working there. I don't know what happened to those folks but, sadly, their replacements aren't so good. How hard is it to fry an egg? read more

First time here yesterday, had a decent sized portion breakfast and a great service experience here. Everyone working the shift on Sunday were great. I wanna say even the owner/manager walked out in the dinning area to ask how everyone and their meal/service was. Now that's hospitality. The food was good, pretty neat to view all of the antique model trains there and one of the going around the track above head while you are seated. They have a nice sized menu to choose from. Even for being a location that has been around for many of years, the location was clean EVEN the restroom. I know we will go back. It seemed like a well frequented location. read more

This is diner food at its best. Quality food, at reasonable prices, and served with a smile ! When I want comfort food, this is my stop.

Wonderful fun place, service with smiles, superb short order cook, a very tasty diner menu we thoroughly enjoyed. Loved crunchy potatoes mixed with onions/green bell peppers, eggs not over cooked, large toast generously buttered - we try lots of diners & this is one of the best! read more

Golden Ox Diner - Order counter - Diners Near Me - Lodi, California

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Great spot, they have a really tasty pastrami burger, alot of vintage stuff around the place, good service, and it had a mom and pops kind of vibe read more

I got the BEST mozzarella sticks here, amazing service 10/10!!!!! Stephanie was the server and she is amazing!!!

Their chicken fried steak with grilled onions plate was massive. Everything on the menu looked really delicious. For me it's always gonna be chicken fried steak every time! read more

Yummy burger with feta cheese, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce and cucumber with crunchy onion rings for the side. Service was pleasant. We asked them to run the train since we had our toddler with us. She loved it!! read more

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Always great food - fast and friendly service. Highly recommend! Apple pie is good too!!