This was my first trip to Stax, which must be the busiest virtually hidden burger joint in London. Sorry - diner; there's a item on the menu that doesn't come in a bun. We had to wait for seating, but not too long. I got a good seat where I could look straight into the kitchen. This brings me to my first bad point. The stools you sit on were shaped from the xenomorph from Aliens bony assed backside. One of the most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat on - my ass was numb and I had pins and needles in my left leg by the time I finished eating. Ok, good point - they do guest sodas (read American sodas you can't get in normal shops here). They had Fanta Grape on the day I visited. This brings me into the food - the burgers are pretty good but man, that chicken. Best breading I've had anywhere. The beef bacon is also interesting... but that is some platinum standard fried chicken. So good that they could have served it in a dirty bucket in a thunderstorm and I'd be all like "I have to come back here for more chicken". The three stars is simply because of the ass numbing seats and the service was super slow. Friendly, but slow - but this is partly dictated by the size of the kitchen as that has limited space. But this should get five stars in the future - I just need to order the chicken (rather than eating half the missus' order), take a cushion and go on a Cherry Pepsi day. read more

I had the opportunity to visit the Kingly Court for a late afternoon snack. It has a nice atmosphere to it: there is a central courtyard surrounded by three levels of restaurants with balconies. The outdoor seating of the ground level restaurants merge into each other like a food court and create an atmosphere. You can look out from the windows of the restaurants above to observe what's happening across the way and below. Stax Diner is an American diner on the 2nd level. I ordered the chicken and waffles which was what originally drew me to bookmark the restaurant. I also asked for a pint of cider to wash it down with. They don't serve cider by the pint, but I could get a bottle for £5. I am a great fan of the idea of chicken and waffles. I mean, who could resist the sweet and savoury combination? However this one felt a bit so-so. The chicken appeared to be of the mass-produced fillet sort and reminded me of the main fast food joints. Nothing wrong with it, but I just felt it wasn't worth the £12 pricing. The waffle and syrup were the best part. The waffle was freshly made and the syrup wasn't over the top sweet. I noticed that they also do a wide range of burgers, sides and milkshakes. The atmosphere was lively, the staff were friendly and it looks like a solid place to have lunch with friends. read more

Back and forth I've gone on the number of stars for this review, but I think a 3 sums it up. I'd gone to a Yelp event at Stax last year, and while I wasn't wowed, I thought it was definitely worth a repeat visit now that they're all settled in. We waited a few minutes for a table, but not that long, on a Wednesday at around 6.30pm. The tables are tiny, and you sit on pretty uncomfortable low stools, and every time someone walks past you, you'll get bumped. I had planned to get an onion blossom, but it wasn't on the menu any longer. So I had the ranch chickadee, my companion had a big stax, and we shared the small fries and the deep fried pickles. We did have to wait a really long time to order (the people next to us, seated only seconds before, ordered a good 10-15 minutes before us). The food wasn't quick but it wasn't annoyingly slow. My sandwich was delicious. The chicken was great, the bun buttery and soft, and the sweet beef bacon made a great combo. I did pull out the lettuce and tomato, which were just getting in my way, as it's a really messy sandwich. The fries were fine. I did not like the pickles at all - they tasted like they had been soaked in beer, and they didn't have much pickle flavour. Plus they were quite big spears, so there was all this warm pickle-ish juice. I didn't even finish half of one of the 4 in our order. I tried my husband's burger but didn't like it - I found it a bit gamey, and underseasoned. He liked it though, and will probably review it well. We finished up and I knew I wanted a dessert, so we waited. And waited and waited. Our food was clearly done, with our dirty napkins on top of the baskets. By this point I was pretty uncomfortable, with nowhere to put my legs and a sore yet numb backside from the horrid stool. We probably waited 15 minutes for our baskets to be cleared and get a dessert menu. There were at least 2 waiters, and they weren't that busy - so few tables! Finally our order was taken, and after another 10 minutes, we had our duffin sundae. Which was delicious, but really sweet and definitely best for sharing. We asked for our bill when our dessert came and couldn't believe it was £42. We each had 1 coke, no alcohol or shakes. Crazily expensive, for food which was half good and half bad, non-existent service, and uncomfortable seating. I don't think we'll be back. read more

I didn't come here by choice, my friend only eats halal food so technically I was forced here. Their menu looked OK so thought what the hell let's just go. It's a pretty cramped place, and fairly busy with queues forming to the outside. We were sat near the window, I was merely there to eat so to me it didn't make a difference. I ordered the spicy chickadee burger, stax small fries and a raspberry ice tea. I was in a bit of a shock once it was brought out to me. It was maaaaaoooooosssiiivvveeee, bigger than my actual face (no joke) I was thinking how the hell am I going to fit this in my mouth. It should come with a warning!!!! There were 3 big fillets of chicken, melted cheese, onion gravy, tomato, mayo, chilli pepper sauce and erm lettuce. Don't think I've missed anything out. The chips were a bit meh, I didn't really like them tbh. But this burger, so I took a bite and I like being neat and tidy when I eat, but I went in for the kill with loads of tissues around me if I did drop anything. The first few bites were pleasant, then came the hot pepper sauce, so I can take my hot spicy food, but when you're suffering from a major cold with a cough and a waterfall nose, this sauce will make you snort (not literally so loud) but loud enough that you can feel it going down the wrong way! I managed to eat half of it before I began to sweat. Then I knew I had to stop! Great place for American style burgers, small joint on the first floor of kingly court. Nice drinks menu, although I don't recommend the raspberry ice tea, it's like raspberry juice with ice. Very sour and nothing special. Best to share a burger and well maybe opt for cajun fries than their regular ones. Will return when I'm not so blocked up everywhere! When I feel normal again! read more

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Perfect American getaway in the middle of Soho. The place is small so definitely get there early or make a reservation, if possible. The beef is spectacular, the fries are seasoned well, and all of the shakes are a must. Hands down the best burgers in central London. read more

Great American Diner that serves Halal meat! You can't find that everywhere! I had their famous chicken and waffle which was de-licious! My partner had the blue cheese burger which they serve with beef bacon. I wasn't a fan of the blue cheese part, but the meet patty was juicy and the beef bacon was an awesome addition. I took one star off because of how small the place is. It's so noisy you can barely hear your self talking, and it's always super crowded. Please open in a bigger location! read more

Had to try some southern comfort food in London. The chicken and waffles were legit, with the chicken breast lightly breaded and still super tender and moist. Waffle looked burnt, but I think it's just the batter as it was light and fluffy. The small side of Cajun seasoned fries weren't exactly what I consider Cajun, but the chicken as so good that I will give them a pass. The whisky dark and stormy was pretty standard, not the best I've ever had but also not the worst. It's in Kingly court (2nd floor) so you have your pick of options to dine, but if you are in the mood for a quick taste of home (if you're from the US) or if you just want great chicken don't pass this up. read more

Best burger I've ever had. And it's flippin' Halal everything which is the reason I had to go. I got the spicy hot chickadee and it was really good. The stax reg. Fries and Cajun fries were just meh. Nothing special. Next time, and boy, oh boy! There will be many of those, I'm getting one of their milkshakes and will be trying one of the irresistible beef burgers. I honestly can't wait. read more

Stax Diner - Spicy hot chickadee reg stax fries. - New American Near Me - London, XGL

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Don't miss the chicken and waffles or the fried pickles. Comfortable and inviting environment. Great table service. All in my favorite part of London... Carnaby Street. Big thumbs up. read more

Chicken is gross...worst I've had. Waffles were wet and soggy. Everyone I was with hated their meal

ok, ok so I had never heard of Kingly Court. I prided myself on knowing every inch of this, my city but alas a great big slightly wonderful retail outlet place with fantastic food selections completely escaped my notice! Anyway, we happened upon this place last Sunday. Being spoilt for choice, it was tricky deciding where to go, but I eventually decided I needed a burger-badly. Stax seemed like the place. it is quite small with only a few tables. There was one empty so we nabbed that. I'm not sure I would like to attempt to enter on a Friday or Saturday if it is this busy on Sunday! Anyway, the interior is all faux distressed chairs and tables, with different types of chairs or stools around each knackered, wonky table-I liked it I must say. We ordered cocktails only because we were going to have them but couldn't face the walk back to Brasserie Zedel. Wife and son had Mojitos and said they were fine. I had a John Hamm Old Fashioned which was good. We all had the burgers-boy, it was good! My one slight issue was I asked for it medium but it was actually more on the rare side, with lots of juice running out. However, the meat was clearly such good quality I enjoyed it very much-tender, moist (a tad too much but, hey) and above all tasty. Very recommended. For desert we had a duffin sundae without the cream. I'd never had a duffin before-it was great. By the end I admit the loud music was grating a little but that's just me. Recommended as a good option amongst the many in Kingly Court. read more

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I was so thoroughly unimpressed with this place. The servers were pleasant enough but it was basically impossible to get their attention. The burgers were burnt, the beef bacon which I was really looking forward to was like hard rubber and over sweet. The peach iced tea was revolting and the second drink that I requested to replace this, (without asking for the iced tea to be struck off my bill) just never arrived. Realising this the waitress did not charge me for the iced tea when were settling up. That simple courtesy has earned star number two. read more

Great spot in Kingly Court. Burger and fries were delicious. Knocked down a star because it is pretty pricey for what it is. But I'm not complaining because it was so good. Short wait on a Thursday evening but we were seated in 15 minutes or so. read more

Situated just off Carnaby street in Kingly Court, this area has slowly become the place to be for decent food when you need a break from the chaotic streets of Oxford Circus. Stax American Diner comes from the creator of the best cupcakes in London (in our humble opinion), Beas of Bloomsbury. There's been a saturation of naughty American food outlets in recent years, so we hope Stax can stand out from the rest based on their amazing fried chicken and waffle dish (the unlikely combo DO work!). The popcorn shrimp was also first class. Bit cramped for buggies but high chairs were available in this casual venue. https://londonfoodiemama.wordpress.com/ read more

what a travesty this place is. Horrible burgers. salty fries. poor service. Best avoided.

The milkshakes are to die for! I would go there for those alone but they also do great burgers, chicken & waffles (my first ever experience of this dish), and blooming onion. Fries a little too seasoned for my personal tastes but I'm sure others will love them. Sadly my eyes are always too big for my stomach so I've not as yet had room for dessert but I'll definitely be back to try them out, along with the brunch options. The staff have always been very friendly, helpful, and entertaining on the three occasions I've been thus far. read more

Very nice place for American food. However, the names of the drinks were a bit misleading. They said "A&W Root Beer" and "Arnold Palmer" but what we were given wasn't what was mentioned. It wasn't that bad, just was disappointed that it wasn't what we believed. Food was quite good and well worth it! read more

Great find in a hidden courtyard. Small inside, but fun "american" styled food. As an American family with 2 kids (9 & 6), this place hit the spot. Kids got chicken and waffles, parents enjoyed happy hour. Place was jammed, so look for off-peak times. read more

Pretty great food to be honest. Insultingly huge portions. I already ripped into another review today with too much blunt honesty, so instead, the things that were lacking we shall list, but chalk it up to accidentally misappropriated oversight on our visit. Shrimp Po' Boy sandwich- so she liked the food, but when madam asked for them to just not include the spicy mayo and add some cheese at whatever cost, it seemed to be such a problem as though slapping on some cheese is going to lower the michelin rating of the place. It's just a slice of cheese...that much hoopla almost made me feel like....eh. Fried chicken sandwich- the only downside honestly was that it was too much food! Lol...I mean honestly I have an appetite but to be fair, this was uncalled for. But I didn't mind the leftovers at home. The biggest sour note of the evening...and I truly apologize for this but some of you prefer to have this heads up on the matter (or a business might want to reemphasize this point) but one of the servers had the most odious stench...I'm not saying hands weren't washed, or maybe tonsil stones were out of whack, but honestly. There might have been a sanitation violation if the former, so hopefully it was the latter and if so we've all been guilty at some point. Otherwise, keep on serving good food. read more

In a great location by Carnaby street, this relaxed American diner, is nothing fancy, neither was the food! iv tried alot of burger/american places in london, that i would much rather rutun to, that said, the staff were very frindly and welcoming, the place was busy when we went but they put us on the end of another table (i would have rather waited) and the tables are like old wooden tables from school, which i wasnt really a fan of! the food, was ok, nothing special. read more

Went to Stax for a late lunch on a lazy Saturday. Perfect fried chicken, not greasy at all, with fluffy, light waffles. Crunchy onion rings with a special dip, which was deelish. I had the cola float, which was...well, a cola float. But Ava's cookie milkshake was very good. So why the average rating? Our server got us our bill before we asked for it. Not okay. read more

If you want some uber tasty food, go here! If you're a vegetarian, don't bother. It was unbelievably busy when we went, which was a Wednesday night, but any night in Soho is going to be mega busy! We had to wait 10 minutes for a table and after we were seated, other people were being told they'd need to wait 30 minutes. However, these WERE just walk-ins, no bookings. It's a tiny place with little seating. It's cramped and awkward, so when I went in my suit (all 6'3" of me), it was pretty difficult. Despite this, the food was sooo good - tasty and different (I had a burger with maple syrup in it)! Understand that this isn't supposed to be a premium restaurant, it's just somewhere to eat quickly when you're feeling hungry... read more

Got the recommended waffle and southern style chicken. What a waste of money and effort. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. Tinseltown or GBK is much better and cheaper. #hype read more

Food was OK at the best. The chicken and waffles was the only stand out. The Burger was good but nothing special. The shrimp bucket wasn't appetizing at all. Milkshakes were nice though! However, the service was extremely rude. After paying our bill our waitress (who didn't even bring our food or took our orders) asked us why we didn't pay the 'optional tip'. She tried to guilt trip us by saying that she has to go back and tell her a boss reason (as though she would get fired or something for not getting a tip) We said we had to wait 1 hour 45mins, and to be honest she didn't do anything extra, nor was she even our waiter for the night. She rudely smacked the receipt back on our table and said next time book a table. As though that wasn't enough, one person in our group overheard her telling her colleagues about us and in short 'bitching' about what we did. I suggest if anyone wants a good burger meal go elsewhere. There are plenty of places in London who do the same food but better. read more

Probably my favourite burger place ever and they have great customer service with reasonable prices and a nice area to sit in a cozy space with cute menus read more

Craved for the chicken & waffle images but the chicken itself wasn't that good, way too much batter. It was falling apart immediately and didn't taste great with the waffle and syrup. I probably wouldn't get it again. That aside, the waffle with syrup on its own is better without it. Interesting atmosphere but bit too close for me personally. The service was really nice and super quick, we were seated fairly quickly considering how full it was and the fact we hadn't reserved a table. read more