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    Merl's Diner

    4.8 (21 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Diners, Seafood
    Closed 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    MERL'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    3 filet Catfish plate.

    Merl's was a good adventure. It was our first time visiting. I enjoyed my catfish, and my wife enjoyed her shrimp. The Hushpuppies were a little sweeter than I prefer, but they were cooked perfectly (like only a master fry cook can deliver. Merl knew everyone there, and before we left, she knew me too. The next time we come, I don't expect to be greeted by name, but I will be recognized as a repeat customer. It's not fancy, and I doubt I'll ever be in town for the week day $14.00 lunch buffet, but I'll bet a seat is tough to get.

    a street sign for alabama

    Miss Merl greeted us at the register where we ordered two catfish fillet lunches one with slaw, one with slaw & fries. Another option was a multi-item buffet for $14. (Fried chicken, roast pork, other mains & sides.) It was the perfect spot for our drive from Auburn to ATL.

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    Photo of Beth C.
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    2 months ago

    Absolutely love the catfish and shrimp. The hush puppies are the tastiest I've had. Enjoying the new tablecloths too!

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    3 months ago

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    5 months ago

    The food is delicious. The service is good. The hush puppies are light and fluffy. The catfish is amazing.

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    2 years ago

    Haven't had a good home made burger like they served in a long time ...I'm definitely going back when I'm in the area

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Deep South Dishes ! Tender baskets, Fish Plates, Shrimp, Specials etc. . . My go-to for takeout !

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    10 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Merl's Diner

    The catfish, real white meat chicken strips, and shrimp are really good!

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

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    I read some good reviews and decided to try this place. I walked in and asked for tuna, but they…read morewere out. They did not offer me a menu so I asked if they had sea bass, and they said, yes. I said "I would like that to go. What are my side options?" They said, "You don't really get options. It just comes with certain things. You get mashed potatoes, asparagus, and you get to pick what kind of salad dressing you want." I chose blue cheese. They said it would be a fifteen minute wait for my meal, and I asked for a cocktail menu. They said they don't serve cocktails. They did not ask me if I wanted a water. Sea bass is supposed to be delicate, juicy and tender with a bounce back when you poke it. It is crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. I order it every time I go to bonefish grill, and that's what I expected when I came here. It was grossly disappointing. I honestly don't even think that fish they gave me was sea bass. It was much too thin. It was soaked in an overwhelming amount of lemon. The mashed potatoes and greens tasted like lemon. It was like my entire meal had been marinated in lemon juice all day. Yuck. There was no sweetness at all. It was just bitter like strsight lemon. This "meal" cost me $42. I was back at my hotel before I realized how bad it was. Going out in the rain to return it was not an option. I Very rarely give bad reviews. This is the only one star review I think I've ever given. This food was truly atrocious.

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    Merl's Diner - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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