Sunliner Diner - Gulf Shores — Restaurant in Gulf Shores

This was our 3rd night on vacation trying to find a decent place to eat dinner. After 2 VERY disappointing evenings in a row, this place was a wonderful break from the monotony.

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, I knew the experience was going to be special. I found this place while reading a bad review on another restaurant, searched it up, and it was a 30 minute drive from the hotel we were staying in at Perdido Key. After seeing the 4.8-star rating with almost 30K reviews, I knew we had to try it out.

As we walked through the door, we were met with a 1950s atmosphere, from the retro vibrant colors to the music playing on the jukebox. There was a classic car converted into a booth in the middle of the floor where you could eat, although we didn't eat in it as it was already occupied. There was an area off to the side that looked like it might be a party room that had "I Love Lucy" playing on a projector screen.

The place wasn't very busy, but at the same time, we were on vacation in the off season (September), and it was 6:00 in the evening. The place started to become more and more busy over the course of over an hour that we spent. We were very quickly greeted and seated, and Marley was quick to introduce herself as our waitress and get our drinks ordered. From the friendly service to the promptness, the customer service was on point the whole time we were there.

The food here is a bit pricey, but we soon found out that it was worth every penny. I ordered the Jukebox Burger, my wife the Fish and Chips, my son the Waffles kids' meal, and my daughter the Chicken Tenders kids' meal. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed our food. I could tell that the burger was made from angus meat, and it had the perfect amount of flame-kissed flavor. My wife described the fish as melt-in-your-mouth. An outstanding compliment coming from her considering she's not a big seafood fan (for reference she also ordered fish and chips from the restaurant we went to the first night, and she was questioning if she liked any kind of fish that wasn't Captain D's lol).

By the way, I didn't realize this was a thing, but apparently you can get a "Jukebox Killer" reward - finish the burger, and you get a quarter for the Jukebox as well as a nifty little pin that says you finished the Jukebox burger. So not only do you get a full belly, but also a free souvenir.

After we were done eating, we decided to order dessert. The dessert prices might be a bit intimidating, but not nearly as intimidating as the size of the desserts. Again - worth every penny. The kids and I got milkshakes - a milkshake in a classic milkshake glass, topped with a quarter of a waffle, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a cherry. On top of that, they bring you the tumbler that the shake was hand-mixed in, with enough "leftover" shake to fill your glass a second time. My wife ordered the banana split, and honestly that alone could have fed the four of us.

After wincing at $60 bills for awful food 2 nights in a row, I happily handed over my debit card for the $140 bill that we got tonight - and would gladly do it again.

If you're going to vacation anywhere near Gulf Shores, make sure you don't miss out on the experience of a lifetime at...

An Unforgettable Dining Experience at Sunliner Diner

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Sunliner Diner, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The retro atmosphere instantly transported me back to the classic American diners of the 1950s, and the attention to detail in the decor was remarkable.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the exceptional service provided by Natasha and Dre. From the moment I was seated, Natasha greeted me with a warm and genuine smile that made me feel right at home. Her friendly and attentive demeanor set the tone for the entire evening. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and offered fantastic recommendations that truly enhanced my dining experience.

Dre, our server for the night, was equally impressive. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and he went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our meal was perfect. Whether it was refilling drinks without being asked or ensuring our food arrived promptly, Dre’s dedication to excellent service was evident.

The food at Sunliner Diner was nothing short of spectacular. I started with the loaded fries, which were crispy and generously topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. For the main course, I opted for the classic Sunliner Burger, and it did not disappoint. The patty was juicy, the toppings were fresh, and the bun was perfectly toasted. The milkshakes were the cherry on top—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

Natasha and Dre’s impeccable service truly elevated my dining experience. They worked seamlessly together, creating an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality that made the evening special. It’s clear that they take pride in their work and genuinely care about their guests’ satisfaction.

In conclusion, Sunliner Diner is a gem of a restaurant that offers not only delicious food but also outstanding service. Natasha and Dre are exceptional servers who made my visit memorable. I can’t wait to return and enjoy another fantastic meal. If you’re looking for a place that combines great food, nostalgic ambiance, and top-notch service, Sunliner Diner is the...

*Update: I finally tried breakfast food and it is very delicious. I recommend the Meat Lover's Omlette with hash browns. Their buttermilk pancakes are appropriately fluffy and we enjoyed splitting them. Definitely still worth a visit. In addition, for those observing a ketogenic diet, they are willing to do special orders for bunless burgers that are only burger patties, cheese, and bacon.

I cannot recommend this diner enough. It has a fun 1950s concept that they really lean into with the music, decor, juke box, booth styles and colors, and even what the waitresses are wearing. The food is affordable and well done. Obviously, it's going to be more heavy in carbohydrates, and most of the food is going to be made from scratch. They still do a wonderful job with their resources. I have visited the place twice and have found them to be very consistent with food quality and friendly service. I would recommend the Chicken and Waffles. They have a clever savory twist with little bits of bell pepper and a spicy sauce, that may be soy sauce or Buffalo based. Their traditional vanilla milkshake is an excellent thickness with a good ice cream, probably Blue Bunny or something comparable. Someone else with me got their French toast; burnt at the edges but very fluffy and flavorful, definitely not soggy. But my second visit was the best of all! This is why I'm giving 5 stars. I got the Sunliner Burger and a Caramel Apple Sundae. I have gotten a perfect burger before, this is another example. Two beef patties, cheddar cheese, bacon, Romaine lettuce, red onion, and a pickle all on a buttered brioche bun. It came with salty, hot French fries that are exactly the way McDonald's French fries used to be. Then the Sundae made me a believer in sundaes. Vanilla ice cream mixed with apple pie filling, cinnamon, and caramel. Bits of pie crust on the bottom with caramel. Topped with whipped cream, candied pecans, cinnamon, and caramel. Please go to this diner, and take your family...