⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic retro diner experience at Ella Mae's!

What a delightful surprise! Ella Mae's Diner at the Luminary Hotel is the perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern culinary excellence. The retro-inspired atmosphere with vintage finishes and bright color palette creates such a welcoming neighborhood gathering spot.

The food was absolutely outstanding! We tried several dishes during our stay and everything exceeded expectations. The bourbon french toast was incredible, and the fried chicken biscuit sandwich was a standout favorite. Their all-day breakfast concept is brilliant – you can enjoy classic diner favorites whenever you're craving them.

What really impressed us was how their inspired chefs put a fresh approach to traditional neighborhood favorites while still maintaining that authentic diner feel. The service was excellent throughout our visits, with friendly staff who clearly take pride in what they do.

The convenient Bay Street entrance makes it easily accessible, and we loved that it's open for early birds and late risers alike. The atmosphere encourages you to sit, stay awhile, and enjoy good food with good company.

Ella Mae's perfectly honors Dr. Ella Mae Piper's legacy as a place where the community comes together to share stories over a great meal. This gem has become our go-to spot for comfort food done right. Highly recommend for anyone looking for that classic diner experience with a...

My first visit here started out really wierd! I walk in the door and right there next to the Hostess station there is a sihn that says "Wait To Be Seated". So I turn my attention to the lady behind the desk, who is looking at me in the strangest way! She has this confused, deer in the headlights expression on her face, and she is just looking at me, not saying a word. (I didn't get her name, she had no name tag)

So I just "look" back at her. Finally she says to me, "Have you been helped"? And I'm thinking, You just watched me walk through the door, you already know that I have not been helped. So I tell her "no".

She then asked me, what did I need? (With the same confused look on her face) Now, I'm starting to get pissed! What the hell you think I want???!!! A TABLE!!! How is this woman a Hostess when she don't even know that when people walk through the door they want to be seated!!!

Once I got seated, my Server's name was "Cindy" and she was Fantastic!!! Everything from there forward was outstanding!! The fish and chips were some of the best I've ever had!

I'll be back, and hopefully there will be a Hostess at the door who isn't...

We don't always find good restaurants at hotels, but this one is an exception! While staying at the Luminary Hotel, we had an early lunch at Ella Mae's one day. We started with the biscuits. You get two large biscuits with sorghum butter and smoked apple butter - you definitely pick up on that smoke flavor! These were delicious, and my son was eating the apple butter like it was apple sauce. I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken Cobb salad with honey mustard dressing. I forgot to get a photo, but it was a large, filling salad and very good! The fried chicken was excellent. My son ordered the fried chicken sandwich with fries. Holy cow, that was a good sandwich! He added onion and got some Ranch for it. Everything arrived the right temp and cooked perfectly. Service was very good! My son drinks a TON of water, and they kept his glass full. Overall, it was a surprisingly good dining experience as we had some lower expectations honestly! As I said, you don't always find good restaurants in hotels. We are thinking we'll have one more meal here before we head home! I've got my eye on that BLT with some...