Sun Diner — Restaurant in Gatlinburg

This only received 2 stars because the smoked ketchup is amazing and it's new and clean.

We came here they day they opened last year and couldn't wait to return this visit... boy were we WRONG!!!!

My partner and I walked in around 5:45PM tonight. The places was empty besides 2 other families sitting at the counter seating. There was no direction from any of the 3 employees working. So, we sat down at another counter that faces the window so we could people watch. The waitress asked us if we could move to the counter top area by the other families since she was the only waitress. So, we moved even though we wanted to people watch.

We get the menus. She takes our drink order. The menu lacks being menu. There are not as many choices as they had during their grand opening last year. We could barely find anything we wanted. Everything is also way over priced (expected). So the waitress comes over and asked what we want. We order and the food comes out fairly quickly (we were the only people in there now). Food was mediocre at best.

Another couple walks in, they sit where we had tried and the waitress moves them next to us. Then the lady asks for hot tea, waitress says the don't have it. Lady then asks for coffee, once again Miss Lazy Waitress says nope, NO COFFEE. I look at my partner and look over at the COFFEE mugs sitting under the counter .. like what are those concoctions over there for? My partner then says to me, the coffee machine is right there. Needless to say, the couple left without ordering. Miss Lazy waitress sure didn't turn down the tip the husband left her for her troubles. 🙄

Another group of 4 walk in. The dad of the group asks for sweet tea, ONCE AGAIN ....

You . Guessed. IT!!

THEY DO NOT HAVE SWEET TEA!!

This staff is a mess. This restaurant will NOT last here unless huge changes are...

Daughter chose Pancake Pantry to visit for breakfast, but the line was out the door. She quickly pivoted and chose Sun Diner. There was no line or wait. We were seated quickly and ordered. I chose the chicken and waffles with the gravy and syrup on the side. My child ordered pancakes with fresh fruit. I saw my plate get placed on the two tier warming rack and watched it. After about three minutes, I started the stopwatch on my phone. I saw no less than two different servers put their mitts on my plate and ask questions to the staff about it. Guessing something went wrong with my daughter's plate, so mine just sat there dying in the window. 12 minutes later (9 on stop watch not including the three minutes that passed prior to starting it) my server brought both plates to us. I mentioned that I just sat here and watched my plate for the last 12 minutes, and they did not have to wait for both to be ready. Our Server just shrugged and offered nothing. On top of all that neither dish moved the needle. The best thing on my plate was the waffle itself. The gravy was unimpressive, chicken was not seasoned well and the syrup was pretty good. My daughter ate a little over half of her pancakes. Loved the decor. I was able to point out the legends performing on the big screen to my kid. I visit the area twice a year on average. I won't be going back if the staff thinks it's a great idea to leave food under the heat lamps (I watched my plate be moved from the top shelf to the lower shelf for some reason 🤦🏾‍♂️) for extended periods of time. I was in town for a week and the money spent at Sun was easily the most regrettable...

The Sun Diner captivates with its unique blend of 1950s musical ambiance, merging seamlessly with the timeless charm of a traditional countertop diner that specializes in breakfast delicacies. Situated in the bustling heart of downtown Gatlinburg, this diner has evidently become a cherished haunt among the local populace, indicating its authentic appeal and quality.

The diner's service stands out for its efficiency and speed, ensuring that patrons are not kept waiting, which adds to the overall positive experience. The menu, while rooted in classic diner fare, is executed with a level of excellence that elevates the dining experience. My personal selection, the three-egg omelet, was a testament to their culinary prowess. It was not just good; it was exceptional, packed with flavor and prepared to perfection, which left a lasting impression.

This combination of nostalgic aesthetics, fast and friendly service, and delectable food makes The Sun Diner more than just a place to eat; it's a vibrant slice of Gatlinburg's dining scene that offers both a trip down memory lane and a satisfying meal. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit here promises a delightful experience reminiscent of a bygone era, but with all the comforts of...