Starlight Diner

Went for breakfast on Saturday morning. Service was good, but my nephew (who is a server in a breakfast/​lunch spot in the Chicago suburbs) remarked that almost all of the employees had just an angry look on their face… I then noticed it. A big deal… nope, but he then said part of their uniform where he works is a smile. Made sense. The food was not that great. Big portions… YES. Too big, and I felt bad wasting so much food. The Hash browns were soggy with little to no browning. the toast was a bit burnt, but I could not see it because I had the chipped beef on toast.
All in all a disappointing meal.

Straight up 50s diner. Black and white checkered floor, turquoise upholstered seats and chrome and Formica tables. The décor continues the theme with an old Coke machine, 45 records, pictures of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, etc. A projector shows movies and/​or TV clips on one large wall that has a painted backdrop to give a feel of a drive-​in theatre. There are life-​size statues of Elvis and Marilyn. The statue of Elvis has him looking very grey in the face. Is Elvis a zombie now?!?
I waited a bit to write this review. I wanted to make sure it was fair and I was weighing both visits equally. We’ve been there twice.
Our first visit had us feeling the place was a solid 3 stars. The music was up-​beat and they played popular hits from that era that I not only didn’t mind but had me singing along (in my head) a few times. I kept thinking how much my mom would enjoy eating here when she visited. The main courses we ordered were both good but each of our sides were, yuk. We had a difficult time believing that the burger and meat we enjoyed had come from the same kitchen as the french fries and mashed potatoes. We didn’t eat our sides but still left believing Starlight Diner deserved another visit and made plans to return.
Our second visit was dismal. Mom came to visit and we brought her there for lunch. Right away I was disappointed because the up-​beat music from our first visit was gone. In it’s place was obscure melancholy ballads that seemed to be even older than the 50s. What a disappointment! We had a long time to listen to that mess because it took 45 minutes to get our food. We were a party of three that ordered two burgers and one steak sandwich (on the special board). The burgers were average and just fine. The steak sandwich was good except for a soggy bottom bun, which took away from enjoying it in a big way. Two of us had the fries which were, again, not edible. One of us had upgraded to onion strings? (they weren’t rings) and those were fine.
Final Assessment: First Visit 3 stars, Second Visit 2 stars. Averaged that is 2.5 stars and we don’t round up. It’s possible you could go and have a better experience and I hope that happens. We don’t plan to go back any time soon.

Food was out of this world, very reasonable prices. Fun 50’s style diner, LOVED the atmosphere! I loved the burger. If you pass this place up you are doing yourself a disservice. And the service was top notch!!!

Went for breakfast. I had the meat lovers omelet, it was very good. Home fries were room temperature but the biscuit was good. My boyfriend had the Big Bopper, he said it was good, but also not very warm. We also shared the pancakes… they are huge! I’m a pancake lover and I thought they were just ok, but they were served with warm syrup, which I love. We found it strange that the food wasn’t very hot because they were very, very busy. We waited 15 minutes to get a table (we didn’t mind). But oddly, when we left there were even more people waiting, yet they had at least 6 empty tables inside… maybe they were short staffed? FYI they also do reservations which can increase the wait, I suppose.
Maybe our server was having an off day because she didn’t seem to be in much of a hurry, walked past our table at least 3 times and didn’t offer more coffee — even after she looked into my empty cup. Finally, another server filed us up.
The atmosphere was great! The fifties & sixties vibe was fun. I loved the projector screen. There was plenty to look at — they even have outdoor dining.
Overall the food was good enough that I’d give them one more try. However if I again receive poor service, I’ll not return.

Great music, good food, but if you want to split a plate it’s $ 2. You get a plate, but they don’t split it for you, so what is $ 2 for, washing a plate?

The place is beautiful. It’s clean, the decorations are wonderful, they have a projector that shows old movies/​tv shows. Authentic looking 50’s diner. If we were coming for that alone I would rate it a 10. Unfortunately, we expect more from the food, especially at a beautiful diner like this. Location is great, it’s tucked away in a strip mall.
We went for breakfast. The food is terrible. It was expensive with nothing to back the prices up. Nothing special and the cook can’t cook. The wait staff smiles but doesn’t really have it together. It’s unfortunate. I hope it gets better so we can go back.

Just went into starlight diner tonight. Had a Regina as our waitress we b I think had the pillow burgers. Our service was beyond outstanding and the food was delicious! We’ll definitely be back!

Our server took over 15 minutes just to get our drink order when there were only a couple tables full in the whole place. We didn’t receive our drinks until after our food was delivered to our table. The burger I ordered was dry, overcooked, and tasteless. Vanilla milkshake tasted like whatever chemicals they must use to clean the machine. Will not be returning.

I am rating primarily on service.
Barely greeted, my husband and I along with our very cute two year old were seated abruptly.
The menu is filled with delicious offerings– so I have to give credit where credit is due. Impressive for a strip mall diner for sure.
We ordered breakfast. It was ok. Everything was made well. My husband is much less critical than I when it comes to food and loved it.
But the sour taste left in my mouth from the negligent, sour-​puss waitress pretty much ruined the experience.
While we don’t visit Cape Coral often, when we do– we won’t be coming back here.

Great place for simple meals. I really like the 50’s theme. Kind of looks like an old diner. Food is very good and the staff is friendly and attentive.

The food is excellent. Service is top notch. The staff is very attentive and friendly. We have been to the Starlite three times in the past couple of months and twice it’s been with large groups of at least ten people. Every plate served is delicious and prices are reasonable. The décor is clean, cheerful and fun. I recommend you check this place out-​you won’t be disappointed!

Great service, and friendly, the atmosphere is great, themed, and spotless! The food was really good. I had a grilled cheese with three cheeses, fries and tomato basil soup. The soup wasn’t my favorite but ok. The basil was so heavy that it developed an anise flavor. So it tasted like tomato and black licorice soup. But it was true to its description, tomato basil soup. I would definitely come again!

Décor is adorable. Service was a bit negligent. and foods the taste like the price. Kinda cheap.

We were very impressed! The fries were delicious and my hubby loved his banana pancakes. I enjoyed the special today which was a Monte Cristo. I would definitely recommend it!

We had lunch here about a week ago and everything was well prepared and tasteful. The owner was supervising the cooks in the kitchen, which is always a good sign. Service was top notch. Loved the décor too, sort of back to the 50s with a jukebox on the wall and many other historical features from an earlier time.
We will be back soon!

I have been to Starlight on 3 occasions. The first time was only ok and they weren’t long (8) group friendly. Second time was for breakfast and it wasn’t bad. Today we went for lunch and not only was the food bad but the service was pretty awful too.
I ordered ice tea to drink which was brown tap water with a lemon. For my lunch I ordered chicken tenders that came with fries and slaw. The chicken was painfully over-​cooked and instead of salt on the fires they put sugar. When we inquired about it, after we were finished with our meal because the waitress disappeared, the waitress said «Yeah, and?»
I should note, the waitress only came to the table 4 times.
For $ 50 for 4 people to eat, we should have gone to Outback.

The epitome of mediocrity. It was just okay. So so. Middling in food quality. On a scale of 1 – 10 it was a solid 5! Not great, but not terrible.
Service was friendly. Coffee refills were plentiful. Atmosphere was unique, bordering on kitschy.
But the food wasn’t that great.

Went to Starlight on Saturday for the first time. Very clean and the look inside is very cool. Like a 60s diner. Service was good, food was good. I hate to rate it 4 stars and not 5 that it deserves but I will explain why. I ordered a country style breakfast that had hashbrowns, sausage gravy, eggs, etc. No where on the menu does it say that the hashbrowns have onions. I’m allergic to onions and lucky I was mixing the eggs and has brown when I came across the onions. When I asked the server if the hashbrowns come with onions and not plain, she said yes. I went ahead and switched plates in front of the server with my wife and she didn’t even asked if I wanted something else instead. Atleast try to accommodate my order. Other than that I would recommend this establishment.

Wow this has been one of the best meals I have had in The Cape.
My server, Jamie, & her shadow was at the top of their game Service with a big smile and answering all my questions or observations.
I had the Splish Splash. A fish entrée. Made with a fish called Pangasius. It reminded me of north Atlantic cod. A large portion breaded with panko breading. MMMM good.
The cole slaw was the best so far. They make it fresh and in-​house.
All other cole slaw that I have tasted seem to come from the same recipe or maker. A real suprise.
The décor is a bright 50’s & 60’s era.
Most meals are listed under 11 bucks.
I will be back for the listed meatloaf. For the older crowd, they will like the liver & onions :-(
So if in The Cape for good olé comfort food get on down.

Half expected the Fonz to show up at this very cool 50’s diner. Looking for breakfast, Unilocal guided us to this location. Large Elvis statue greeted us outside. John Wayne movie showing on wall. Have I gone back in time? The décor was a blast from the past! They had an old style gas pump and an old style speaker from a drive in. Anyone remember drive ins?
Diners are few and far between in Florida, but I have lots of great memories of diners in NY. They were the place to go after a night of bar hopping.
So the Starlight has a real simple menu with simple comfy food done right! Got a build your own veggie omelet with spinach and cheese with hash browns and toast. Excellent food and service earned this diner a high five star!