I think most people know this is a fine diner -- my review will just be another one singing the…read moreKettle Diner's praises. Located in a relatively convenient spot from anywhere in the Jacksonville area, the restaurant has lots of room for customers, and so I've often found a table even in some of the traditionally busier times of day. The food and the service are always reliably great. Omelets, pancakes, French toast, and even hash browns (which, in most other diners, along with their fellow traveler in undesirability, grits, are best avoided), are far better than most other diners. A lot of thought, care, and, presumably, serious on-the-job training must go into the food. The efficiency and dependably rigorous quality are not surprising in a military town. If you're visiting from elsewhere, you will be humbled by the atmosphere, at certain times, when the young service members are having meaningful, hushed meals with their beloveds. Thinking of the hard work, brutal training, and potential life-threatening danger that such absurdly young looking people are enduring will make your worries about mice in the garage, smudged eyeglasses, and forgetting your travel pillow feel awfully insignificant and trivial. Unless you're a fleshly flaneur like me, in which case, a travel pillow and a heating blanket, are still pretty nice. Service is fast and just the right amount of attentive and friendly. On my most recent visit, Elaina was particular kind and efficient.

This is our first time back at the Kettle since returning to OC last September and it is just as I…read moreremember: tasty, down home cooking and friendly folks. I asked our very helpful and sweet server Jersey if she had only 2 choices with one being chicken fried chicken or the daily special Taco Salad, which would she go with and she said the taco salad. So, that's what I ordered. It was very tasty, loaded with 2 types of cheese a side of Jalapeño (which I gave to hubby) alot of fresh tomatoes and lettuce, a side of salsa and sour cream served in a somewhat crispy tortilla shell. And the shell is the only reason for a 4 star vs 5, the shell wasn't as light and crispy as I like it. It tasted as if they fried it several hours ago and honestly, I get why they did it that way as it saves time but the shell just left me disappointed. Hubby ordered a patty melt with fries. We came into town to scope out the Jacksonville Landing for future bass fishing mornings and when I told him we were stopping in here for lunch he already knew he was having the melt. I mean, he thought about it for 90 minutes lol. I've had their melts before and it is yummy. I think though the fries were the star on his plate. They were crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside and topped with something akin to Old Bay Seasoning. And they were HOT! Y'all, i mean, they're only fries but rhey were PERFECT! I am seriously alreasy looking forward to our 1st fishing adventure just so we can have lunch at the Kettle once we've caught all the bass. Jersey was quite attentive, but not hovering and warm friendly like only you'll find in the south. Oh, bestie told me to get the chocolate torte because she said, literally, "it's life altering." However, I forgot to so, just another thing for me to enjoy after our initial fishing trip. In some ways, you can go home again.

Went there today. The review is much the same as the one from last year. I had eggs over easy…read more(cooked to perfection), sausage, bacon and avocado. The staff were very attentive and pleasant. I have to say that, unlike the first review, the coffee was meh, at best. But then I'm really picky about my coffee. :)

Good service. French toast was okay…read more Waffle was overdone and very dry. Overall not real clean -- table was sticky. Would not go again given the other options in the area. Leaning to 2 stars but went with 3

The place was so good our Amy was fabulous. the burger was so good from the meal potato fries…read moreare so good. They are made with cinnamon and sugar.

We stopped in at Pops Diner and ordered a spread that really showed off their menu. The chicken…read morewings--both BBQ and mild--were crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The cheeseburger was cooked well, juicy, and satisfying, paired perfectly with the sweet potato fries that had just the right crunch. Classic fries were golden and crispy, while the onion rings were thick, well-battered, and tasty. Service was another highlight: our server was friendly, polite, and attentive throughout the meal. The only drawback was the automatic 20% gratuity added for our party of five, which felt a bit unexpected. The atmosphere brought an old-time diner feel, with a nostalgic charm that made the experience memorable. Overall, Pops Diner delivered on food quality and service, with just one small caveat on the gratuity policy.

The restaurant was very clean. The service was awesome . We just had breakfast there for the 1st…read moretime. They service breakfast at lunch time also. If you can get Mrs.Dee as a server, SHE IS AWESOME! She loves her job and does it with passion. Also Mrs. JJ she so precious. Most definitely will recommended and return. And I apologize for no pic my phone was acting crazy but the food look like the menu. Definitely not disappointed.

City Cafe is a cute little spot in Holly Ridge! The staff have been working there for a bit and it…read moreshows! Their friendly smiles and attention to detail is apparent! I took my bacon, egg and cheese sandwich to go, but it was excellent!! I have supported their food truck - City Wheelz! Zach is the top dog on that truck! It's always like home cooking and I always want to support local!!

the employees are so kind and generous very cozy and nice…read moreatmosphere the food is amazing definitely recommend going here and to the antique store next door !!!

It's not that the food is bad - it isn't. It's just that they have never once changed their menu in…read more3 years. I've had the short rib chili five times, fish and chips three times, and a burger twice. I know they're the only game in town , do they expect us to ignore their stale menu? Geez.

It was our first time here on a Sunday. We have visited this franchise in Florida so we knew it…read morewould be good. We came at a good time because we sat right away. It gets pretty busy. We had coffee and water, we had the biscuits with gravy, a side of Mac and cheese, the protein platter and the chicken and waffles. Everything was great! Their chicken is always crispy in the outside and juicy in the inside. Always delicious! The place is clean and the servers are nice and friendly. When back in the area, I will come in for lunch. They have a full menu that I'm sure even the picky eater in the group can find something to eat!

Wife and I have been here several times. We've had a great experience every time. We have enjoyed…read morebreakfast, lunch, and dinner here. The service is always great and the vibe is casual. If we're not sure what we want, we'll eat here. It's never overcrowded. From what we can tell, this establishment has a steady flow of customers. We will continue to enjoy our meals here. Highly recommend giving this place a try.

Classic Diner food & a classic diner feel. Nothing special, but everything hit the spot and came…read moreout exactly as expected! Very nice people and good service as well.

We just moved to the area from NJ and we're excited to find a classic diner. Sadly we were…read moredisappointed. The server was wonderful, especially considering she was cashier, server, and food runner. We waited over 30 minutes for our food - an omelet, sausage, and home fries and toast for one of us and 2 eggs over easy with bacon and homefries with biscuit for the other. When it arrived we got a runny egg omelet, hard burnt sausage, two well done eggs and biscuit was a bit dry. The potatoes and bacon were the only items that were good. Oh well, still on the hunt for a good diner I guess.

The banana pudding ice cream flavor will have me coming back every day of our vacation!…read more We stopped here our first night for an easy dinner. We immediately were enthralled by the antiques adorning the walls. Yes, things are a little dusty but an antique collector knows that you sparingly clean these treasures to avoid destroying the authenticity. We ordered standard diner fare - burgers, fries, steak & cheeses, milk shakes - topping everything off with ice cream! The teenaged staff were attentive and polite, even eager to share their favorite flavors to help us decide. Everyone enjoyed their meals but my oldest said his steak & cheese was the best he'd had though it was smaller portion than he would have liked. All in all, this is a great little spot when you're looking for a quick bite.

After getting burgers here 8 or 9 times last summer I was counting the days until they opened this…read moreseason. My wife and I went last week and the disappointment could not be overstated. I REALLY hope this was a one off but I am worried it was not. What changed? The ground beef. Not sure if they got a different supplier or they are trying to cut costs but neither scenario is good because the meat is horrible. I will try it one more time to be sure but IF this is the new norm- I will not be back, like ever. If it's a cost savings plan- this never works. You end up alienating your core customer base to save a few pennies. It's not like this place is cheap. I'm paying a decent price but I expect a decent burger. Please Island Delights- don't do us like that.

Food & service was good & we went at a good time. They made my grandson's birthday special with a…read moresparkler dessert of apple pie & ice cream before heading to the aquarium.

Stopped in for breakfast while staying in Indian Beach. Greeted with a handshake from a gentleman…read moreI'm assuming would be the owner. Promptly seated and were brought drinks right away. I had just eggs and corned beef hash and my companions had omelettes. All the food was tasty and ,being a Christian, them having Christian music was a plus for me. The place seemed impeccably clean and newly remodeled. Definitely worth stopping!

Coffe was not good. The breakfast was only so so. Not worth going out of your way for breakfast…read more Staff was very efficient and super friendly. Looks like a locals favorite.

Classic small town charm with some fantastic cooks…read more First visit for breakfast. Home fried potatoes. Best I've had in 10 years and hundreds of breakfasts. Order them. Side pane cake came out hot and fluffy. The batter was so enticing I shared it with my friend. Had too. Only polite thing to do. Renegade Benedict. Was asked how I wanted my egg, the waiter countered my poached with over easy. I accepted. Gravy was fantastic. The sausage gravy was on top of another whole sausage patty. Dare I say sausage on sausage was too much. Biscuit- fluffy and firm. Will be back for a lunchtime or two. Many of the items are home made.