In all fairness, Zaks is worth a high 4 stars, but not 5 stars…last time I went.
For sentiment, feeling, atmosphere…recent history, even, this is a really top place. On a sunny summer evening, there's nothing quite like it around here. With the building, the Americana-filled decoration, even the dry and sandy soil, it's the closest you're going to get around here to a perhaps rural southern US diner / bar - if, presumably, the TV / movie version. It's almost surprising that the soundtrack to our most recent visit was mostly 80s and 90s UK hits, not US rock and pop. Sitting upstairs just feels
In truth, the feel and atmosphere of the place is probably the biggest thing. However, the food and drink is important, still. And it's good. Curly fries are very tasty and there are great burger options to choose from, but (and you were waiting for a 'but') my burger was just a little bit dry. And the fries, should you ever mistakenly get them instead of curly fries, are pretty, well, bland. So, good food - it really is - but not great last time.
There's an excellent menu for kids that is great value - £10 for a very good size main, with pudding and a drink when we went in May 2025. And service is very friendly and welcoming - and pretty attentive. They're good people.
So… mostly, the burgers I've had here have been excellent, so the loss of a point might just be temporary. Most importantly, I'd still really, really recommend the place. Have fun!
