The ugly Diner

4.5 ( 1256 reviews )
$10–20
2200 E 2nd St, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States
+1 251-224-3182
The Ugly Diner, nestled conveniently at 2200 E 2nd St in Gulf Shores, AL, is a delightful hidden gem that transports diners back to a nostalgic 50s vibe. Renowned for its homemade comfort food, this American diner has garnered enthusiastic praise from locals and visitors alike. The reviews consistently highlight the outstanding quality of its dishes and the warmth of its service. Guests rave about the shrimp and crab omelet and the country fried steak, expertly crafted by a talented chef rather than merely a cook. Breakfast options such as the Diner Plate and shrimp and grits showcase the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices. A recurring theme in the reviews is the dedication to perfection in cooking—a fresh biscuit described as "out of the oven" and eggs cooked just right are enough to make anyone's morning. The personal touch from the kind owners and attentive staff enhances the dining experience, making guests feel welcomed. Whether you are a local or just passing through, The Ugly Diner promises not only a meal but a memorable experience filled with great food and a friendly atmosphere. Make sure to stop by and indulge in a breakfast that will linger in your thoughts long after your visit.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great coffee
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For The ugly Diner

Jodi McCracken
Jun 4,2025
The winter storm was affecting their supply so we didn't get the shrimp and grits breakfast that we went there for but the shrimp and crab omelette was delicious! Waitress was great!
Derrell McDougald
May 25,2025
What a find!! This amazing gem will remind you of a 50s diner with a chef who knows what he's doing. Not a cook. A chef. I had country fried steak done perfectly with over medium eggs done exactly right. Thanks. Next time I'm in this area, I'll be back for sure.
Rob Huey
May 2,2025
What a great find and exactly why typing “local breakfast near me” in Google is the way to go. The food was excellent, the people were nice and of course service was outstanding. I’m pretty sure I was the only non-local in the spot so that says a lot about how good this place is. Everything was cooked perfectly and my biscuit was fresh out of oven. Yum!
Paul Castro
Apr 27,2025
A perfect breakfast in an unlikely place. Don’t let the exterior fool you. You will find great food at a great price. I had the Diner Plate, which had two eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, home fries and toast. Everything was cooked to perfection and was tasty. My wife had the shrimp and grits which were perfectly cheesy and creamy. The shrimp were plentiful and not overcooked.
Cynthia Robbe-Dren Hollinghead
Apr 23,2025
The owners are two of the kindest people you could ever meet. And the food is superb. They use fresh, high quality ingredients and prices are reasonable. Staff is very accommodating. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, you should definitely stop by The Ugly Diner. Highly recommend.
Frankie Hawn
Apr 22,2025
This is one of the best places we've found for breakfast in the area. It's a small little home town feel diner. The food was good which has been the problem with most places in the area. I got the Diner. It came with eggs, ham, sausage, bacon and toast. My husband got the omelet. The people were nice. It was packet and we had a wait. Service was quick and food came out quickly. We will definately be back. We met others in there who were coming back for the country steak breakfast. It must be good too.
Ann Nelson
Apr 2,2025
Great local diner open for breakfast and lunch. Loved the atmosphere, classic rock playing, great food, too.
Robert Fisher
Feb 21,2025
This place is a hidden treasure. The Shrimp and Grits were some of the best tasting I've ever had. The crowd was relatively small for a weekend, which made it even better. Our waitress was friendly and the service was quick. I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. This will be a regular part of my Gulf Shores visits.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

John Ryan Brewery
(117 review)
John Ryan Brewery
  • 151 E 3rd St, Williamsport, PA 17701, United States
Restaurant
+1 570-505-3986
Happy Wok
(183 review)
Happy Wok
  • 141 College Ave, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States
chinese restaurant
+1 540-552-3186
Franklin Motors
(144 review)
Franklin Motors
  • 601 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, United States
Restaurant
+1 919-869-7090
Café Qui Pense
(256 review)
Café Qui Pense
  • 204 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 0G4, Canada
Cafe
Spirit Room
(399 review)
Spirit Room
  • 166 Main St # 155, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States
bar
+1 928-634-8809
The Post Restaurant
(1495 review)
The Post Restaurant
  • 101 N Travis St, Sherman, TX 75090, United States
American restaurant
+1 903-892-8211
Browns Socialhouse Brewery District
(1259 review)
Browns Socialhouse Brewery District
  • 296 E Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 0E3, Canada
restaurant
+1 604-553-0440
El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill
(270 review)
El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill
  • 3453 Lake Dr Suite 100, Circle Pines, MN 55014, United States
Mexican restaurant
+1 763-205-1729
The Rake
(1665 review)
The Rake
  • Borough Market, 14A Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AG, United Kingdom
Bar
+44 20 7407 0557
Las Margaritas Méxican Restaurant
(834 review)
Las Margaritas Méxican Restaurant
  • 737 Clinton Pkwy, Clinton, MS 39056, United States
Mexican restaurant
+1 601-924-0005