My family just got home from a fabulous trip to Pigeon Forge with my side of the family. That means six kids aged seven to ten, seven adults aged forty to forty five and one Neena who is almost seventy. Quite the crew, I tell you!
While this post isn’t about navigating family dynamics with a bunch of strong headed family members, it easily could’ve been. It’s also not about how wonderful Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are, especially for families with young children. Although I stand by that statement one hundred percent.
Instead, I want to focus on the amazing Sunliner Diner excursion that Adam, Griff, Owen and I experienced. We stopped in for a quick bite while the rest of the family went back to the Airbnb to watch England vs. Argentina in the World Cup game.
Although I had been watching most of the World Cup games, I knew that my husband really wanted to eat at the diner and this was our only chance to make it happen on the vacation. And boy am I glad that we did!
The Sunliner Diner is well worth the 4.8 stars it is given on Google from over fifty three thousand reviews.Yes, you read that right. Fifty three thousand reviews and they have still managed that many stars. If you get the chance, you definitely need to say yes and experience the Sunliner Diner for yourself.
First, the outside of the building is pure magic. It truly looks like a diner from the 50s. Walk inside and you won’t be disappointed. You are transported to the olden days from the counter, booths and classic cars down to the wardrobe of the servers.
Their menus are printed on newspapers, which sadly my kids had never seen before. The juke box plays golden oldies, and the whole staff partakes in singalongs of gems like Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond.
We went around 3pm, which although seems like a weird time of day it was perfect to avoid the crowds. There was no wait, and we were quickly seated and ordering our delicious meals. Let me tell you, no one was disappointed with their meals.
Their chili was on point. Their fried chicken with green beans and mashed potatoes were delicious. The kids even crushed their chicken fingers and fries. Oh my goodness, the fries. They were crispy and perfectly salted, and when combined with a side of jalapeno cheese sauce they disappeared quickly.
But none of that even compares to their milkshakes. Although a little pricey, they don’t skimp on the milkshakes. All of them arrived in the classic 50s glass mugs complete with dessert waffles, whipped cream and a cherry on top.
You also got to keep the extra milkshake that didn’t fit in the glass, which comes on the side in the metal malt cup. That just doesn’t happen in this day and age. The cookies and cream had actual oreo pieces at the bottom. Owen chugged down his vanilla like his life depended on it.
We all left crazy full and super happy. I didn’t even get complaints for wanting a family picture by one of the classic cars after our meal, which says something!
The only warning I will provide is that there is a pretty large gift shop right when you walk in. If your kids are anything like mine they will wear you down until some tchotchke is purchased.
Thankfully we found some crazy discounted Nee-Doh balls that the kids had been wanting, so I got to hit two birds with one stone. Woot woot!
If you are ever in Pigeon Forge and looking for a delicious meal, old school atmosphere and great service, look no further than the Sunliner Diner! I wish more things in this world were able to take us back in time to appreciate the glory of those simpler days.
