The Pantry Modern Diner — Restaurant in Auburndale

First off I am so sorry I have to rate a family owned small business like this but my experience was far from perfect. I’m currently a nurse but I worked in the hospitality industry for 10 plus years. I’ve worked short staffed, under unfavorable conditions and with poor management. Unfortunately this restaurant is dealing with all 3. My and my children sat there for 10 minutes without being acknowledged. We were not the only ones, I could hear many others complain. Then drink order was taken and server said I’ll be right back. So we waited another 10 minutes (NO EXAGGERATION) then once drinks hit the table she again said I’ll be right back… so unfortunately we waited another 10 minutes and as she and others walked by us multiple times. So we’re 30 minutes in for just drinks. I kindly ordered my food when waitress came back. I ordered the build your own breakfast. Everything on my plate tasted like sink water. The A1 sauce I was given had big clumps in it to where it would not even come out, food was cold and I hate downing a server but after our food was placed she NEVER came back to check so I sat there with disgusting food which I did not like eat for 35 minutes!!! Worst part is my server and several others walked by and looked at me and my full plate several times in that time period. The excuse I was given was being short staffed. I understand being short staffed but the food quality was extremely poor, there was NO team work and no management on the floor to help smooth out any customer issues. I would have gladly order something else in place of my food but not 35 minutes later. I will most likely not be returning and unfortunately cannot recommend this place to anyone. I hope things get better for you guys but everyone is short staffed around and still manage to give half decent...

This was a place we loved to go and would come here a lot! After one bad instance with being seated in the far back front corner and being ignored or forgotten we took a break for a while. Decided I didn't want to cook tonight, so we went here because it is kind of close to home. They still give the free biscuits and those were pretty good. Our waitress must be new because she tried to give us the wrong order and we had to tell her it wasn't our food. My wife even had to go to the counter and tell her. Our food comes to the table and instead of bringing the salad my wife ordered with her meal earlier like it should, it came with the meal. Again, I blame that on a new waitress. She ordered the Country Fried Steak with Fries and said it was okay. I ordered the Fish and Shrimp with Mac & Cheese and fried okra. First shrimp I bit into the batter inside tasted raw and doughy. I tore the breading off a couple others and they were not cooked fully and the batter/breading was raw inside. The mac & cheese was really bland and not too good. The okra was okay but a little overcooked (that was the only thing I ate). I showed the waitress the raw batter and she was going to tell the cooks. I didn't want a refire on my food because by the time it would have been out my wife would have been more than half the way through her food. Our waitress also never tried to check on us after a bite or two like they should to see if everything is alright. Again, she must be new. While we were sitting, and we were really close to the kitchen area, there were other orders being sent back to be redone. I feel bad for the owner because this was a really good place but if he isn't around it seems like there is no pride in...

✨ The Pantry Modern Diner – A Hidden Gem Worth Finding! ✨

If you haven’t been to The Pantry Modern Diner yet, it’s time to put it on your breakfast, lunch, and dinner list. The menu is lengthy, strong, and delicious—whether you’re craving pancakes at 9 PM or lasagna at 10 AM, they’ve got you covered. 🍳🍝

From the moment we sat down, the hospitality shined—they started us off with two warm biscuits paired with infused cream cheeses (blueberry and mango… yes, please!) while we browsed the menu. And at the end? A complimentary snickerdoodle cookie—because what’s better than a homemade biscuit followed by a homemade snickerdoodle?

Our server Brittany—who’s been there 4 years—was wonderful, and we couldn’t help but notice her shirt proudly saying “Proud Small Town Auburndale.” What’s better than great food served with a side of hometown pride?

The diner itself has been open for 5 years, and the laughter among the staff proves it’s a place with strong leadership. The owner’s concept is so solid, they’re already planning to expand to Haines City and Lakeland.

🌟 The Food: Michelle enjoyed a Southern Chicken Salad, and I went for sliders with sweet potato fries. Fun fact—they won Best Hamburger in Auburndale, and after tasting those sliders, I can see why.

🏆 The Vibe: Adorable décor, impeccably decorated, and full of neighborly touches—like a kids’ book exchange right by the front door. Plus, they have take-home sweet treats from cobbler to pie, individually sized and perfect for the office or a...