I didn't intend to come here but here I am. Initially, I headed into Custom Auto & Truck Shop Glendale Line-X to get a bed-liner sprayed in. I was told the entire process would only take ~3 hours. Instead of heading 25 minutes home, I would just find a place to work. The shop didn't have a comfortable place to work and recommended two places to check out: the diner next door and the other place close by. As I was walking to the "other place close by" I saw the Starliner Diner glistening in all her 50's style glory, beckoning me to enter it's doors. I could see the "other place close by" and from a distance, it looked so drab, so hum-drum, so corporate, so lifeless, and clearly without food and drink. No "other place" could possibly be cooler than the Starliner Diner, so I walked in.
As I walked in, I was immediately greeted by a tall, smiling, and excited man standing in front of the counter. I didn't catch his name but he shared his excitement for the food and environment here. He could tell I was new to the place. He handed me a menu and made some "you gotta try..." recommendations. After exchanging pleasantries, he walked out the front doors and left the diner never to be see again. I thought, "does this man own the place? If not, does he work here? If so, is he employee of the month? If no to all questions, why not!?! As it turns our, he was just a frequent Starliner Diner'r. Thank you friendly, tall, smiley, man! It was my pleasure to meet you today and your recommendation was spot on!
After the man left, I quickly perused the menu and made the decision to follow the mystery man's recommendation. Then, I met Sammy. She clearly was a Starliner Diner employee. She welcomed me in and sincerely asked me what she could help me with. It was clear that this type of genuine care and customer service is not something that was taught to her, it is who she is and what she is made of. Kind, caring, and sweet. That being said, you must know, she is a fly killer. A customer near me was being bothered by a very friendly fly. He asked Sammy if she had a fly swatter. She jokingly said, I AM the fly swatter! I will avoid the gory detail and say that the fly will not be returning to the diner.
I ordered the Deluxe Breakfast. The breakfast included 2 eggs which I asked to be cooked over-medium style (Cooked whites with slightly runny yolks, added a little salt and pepper to make them perfect!), hash browns (with ketchup, yum), pork sausage (man, this was good stuff), and sourdough toast with butter and Grape/Strawberry jam. The meal quickly came out hot but quickly disappeared. Soon I found nothing but a fork remaining on my plate. I then took notice of the 50's music playing from speakers mounted in each of the corners and the decor which convinced that I had, in-fact, travelled 70 years into the past.
The meal cost me $9 and some change. I knew I would be staying a while so I offered a $5 tip and the drinks and friendly smiles have not stopped coming. (even after 2.5 hours)
To fair, it is very hard to screw up breakfast and many places do have good and great breakfast meals available. What sets Starliner Diner apart is their friendly customers, their sincerely great and personable customer service, and the 50's style environment. I highly recommend trying Starliner Diner out. Intend to come here. Stay a while, eat good food, talk to...
Read moreHands down the best hidden gem I've found in the Glendale/Phoenix area. If Google had a 6-star option, this place would absolutely deserve it.
From the moment you walk up, you know you're stepping into something special. It’s an old-school diner located right on the Sanderson Ford property, and the vibe is spot-on. Before you even sit down, you’re greeted with a warm smile and a solid cup of coffee by Kara, who makes you feel right at home.
The interior feels like a trip back in time—in the best way possible. Classic, clean, and full of character. But let’s get to what really matters: the food.
On my first visit, I had “The Fiesta”—an all-meat combo breakfast burrito with two sides of Bruce’s salsa. That salsa should honestly be sold by the 50-gallon barrel—yes, it’s that good. Easily the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had, and I don’t say that lightly.
I also tried “The MKX” Philly cheesesteak. The bread is baked in-house, and after chatting with Bruce and Paul (the chefs behind the grill), I found out most of the food here is made from scratch. You can taste the care and pride in every bite.
And here’s something that makes this place even cooler: almost all the burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items are named after Ford trucks and cars. It’s a fun and fitting nod to the location—and somehow it just adds to the whole experience.
Since that first visit, this place has become my go-to. I came back again and tried “The Model A” mushroom and Swiss burger—another knockout. And yep, I grabbed another “Fiesta” burrito to go because some things are just too good not to repeat.
The portion sizes are generous, the prices are almost unbelievable, and the quality? Top notch. I challenge you to find anywhere else around here offering this kind of food, at this level, for these prices.
One thing to note: they’re only open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. So get in while the griddle’s hot—you won’t regret it.
If you love great food made by people who genuinely care, this place is a must. Try it, and let me know what you think. You’ll...
Read moreThis place is a SECRET GEM! You feel transported in time as soon as you pull up to the building. The 50’s and 60’s music and magical customer service is the cherry on top of the initial experience.
They serve classic All American breakfast and lunch menu items. We were all happy with our food. Eggs were fluffy and fresh. The omelette had a sky high cheese pull and the hash browns had the perfect crispy crunch. The Chicken fingers are lightly breaded and flavorful. I got three pieces and they are thick pieces of white meat with a side of fresh cut french fries that will cross your eyes!
We got to chat with our server Kara about the business and the novelty of the restaurant. We were taken care of like we were family and laughed and enjoyed our interactions. She helped us get a family picture that we will treasure with our baby. She had us try the cookies and I would have regretted not getting one they were heavenly. We Will...
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