Every year, The Sentinel asks hundreds of students from both campuses about their favorite places to eat, drink and hang out. The Sentinel’s “Best of KSU” issue encompasses students’ favorite aspects of KSU and the surrounding community. In 2017, Marietta Diner was voted Best Late-Night Food by the Marietta campus students.
Whether you’re fulfilling some late-night craving or having a nice dinner out with friends, Marietta Diner offers a solid experience.
Located right next to Kennesaw State’s Marietta campus, Marietta Diner is a glowing example of American diners done right. If you happen to go at night — which is entirely possible given that the diner is open 24 hours — you will be greeted immediately by the intense neon signs that decorate the outside. The old-school diner aesthetic is in full effect.
The time spent finding parking and waiting for a table has been short in my experience, but this may increase if you go at peak times. Once inside, the neon signs and cozy atmosphere all blend into one fantastic experience reminiscent of a classic American diner.
The menu is massive, and it includes all of the food choices you would expect of a diner alongside health-conscious choices and Greek cuisine. I was glad to see the inclusion of healthier options on the menu, which blew my initial assumptions out of the water. You can find the entire menu with prices listed on Marietta Diner’s website. Not only does this make ordering easier, it also allows you to check out what you can expect to pay for your meal.
The wait staff aims to please and is extremely attentive to the needs of the customers. I never found my glass empty for long, and the food was brought out in a short amount of time. My meal, in particular, was simple and cooked well. Marietta Diner nails the core staples of an old American diner while keeping it fresh and modern.
The price is reasonable as well. My entire meal — a cheeseburger, fries, onion rings, a pickle spear and a glass of water — came out to be around $11.
What is important to understand is that, behind the neon signs, smooth rock music and classic atmosphere, Marietta Diner is a wholesome dining experience that does not fail to deliver on the promise made by its shiny exterior. While I wouldn’t hit up the diner every time the midnight cravings hit, it can be a fantastic alternative to a fast-food joint. At its heart, it’s just simple, good comfort food.
Since it is open 24 hours, there is never a wrong time to try Marietta Diner — just remember to save room for cake!
