Steve worked in a diner in 1967, and is picky about diners. He’s military, so we’ve crossed the US three 1/2 times and he always searches out local diners. We drove from Nona to check out Woodsby’s. Steve liked it! Said there were many more things to try than just breakfast. The plates going past looked great.
We came on a Friday afternoon and chose to sit at the bar because Steve was hungry. Good move! We got to hear Anna belting out along with the 80s feel-good songs overhead. Anna also led the staff in singing happy birthday to a teen with a large family behind us.
I was reminded of the Cheers bar, “Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” They were friendly to everyone and I noted the clientele was very diverse.
The servers greeted people like family. Steve said, “Why—-they’re having fun!”
It’s rare to find a place where the people are happy to work there. Woodsby’s has hit that magic spot. It’s that magic that draws the community in.
The food was good ol’ American classics. They have breakfast all day so Steve had the biscuits and gravy. I had a great, filling house salad for a great price: it had bacon and hard boiled egg, plus croutons, fresh lettuce, cheese and tomatoes for only $8.99! You could also get a smaller size of the salad for even less. With dressings made in-house!
The decor was like our Alabama in-laws’ kitchen: a sweet collection of ceramic roosters and chickens behind the register; plus head of deer and large screen tvs scattered here and there behind the bar and throughout the place.
Food costs are getting high and Woodsby’s has had to adjust, but I think we still paid less than other diners and we got to support a small business with a huge heart!
Get here early, because the devotees don’t mind waiting and there is a wait sometimes.
I’d say the current 4.7 stars is accurate because the sausage gravy and ranch dressing were short on flavor. I mean, there was a lot of sausage in the gravy but it lacked sage; Steve said it tasted almost like chicken gravy. He peppered it and that fixed it. And the biscuit was fluffy and perfect. So the biscuits and gravy were okay. My ranch dressing tasted mostly like mayonnaise; it lacked the oomph of garlic and seasonings, which you could still detect, but barely.
So all in all, I highly recommend Woodsby’s! Five stars from me because we need great...
Read moreSO GOOD!!! Weird though, about the syrup cap....
Their sponsored posts have been in my feed for months, and I finally got around to trying them. WOW! They're so good! The portions are ridiculously massive! I've yet to finish anything, but I sure enjoy trying. The service has been good. One weird thing: Our first visit, our server dropped some maple syrup off at our table. No one in our party uses it and 1-2 of us can't stand the smell. Why is the smell relevant? Because the server apparently decided we were in some sort of silent battle. Apparently, it is her belief that the bottle needs to be open at all times. She'd come over, say nothing, open that syrup bottle, and leave. I'd immediately close it because I don't want an unpleasant-to-me aroma in my face as I'm eating. She'd come around and open it again. Very, very odd. Why, did my aversion to having this bottle open, bother her so much?? Why did she care so much, about whether or not a bottle was open, on a table she wasn't sitting/dining at? I'm sure I'll be left to wonder, but Woodsby's social manager, you're certainly welcome to reply if you know the answer to this bizarre mystery. Anyway, after finally trying this place, it was so good that we returned again the very next day. I recommend: corned beef hash meat lovers omelette pancakes loaded hashbrowns Those are all the things I've tried so far, along w/ the biscuits and gravy, and all were fantastic. Only issue is: after inputting an email address for a receipt we were added to their mailing list. This is illegal. One must receive EXPRESS CONSENT in order to send marketing mails / and maintain someone's data for such purposes. I do hope they will discontinue their illegal marketing tactics, but yea - the food is great and the service is great, as long as you can avoid the one woman who has—apparently—weird bottle battles with guests. Woodsbys, your FB ad targeting seems to be working, you've gained new customers in us.
*Updated on 31 March 2025 to add we returned today and it was bomb and thankfully, the server did not wage a syrup bottle war with us!
Got: meat lovers omelette with loaded hash browns and wheat toast. Costs around 16 bucks and is beyond ridiculous in portion, but incredible in flavor. Am PAINFULLY stuffed as I write this and I didn't even...
Read moreWoodsby's Cafe offers a quintessential diner experience with a mix of hits and misses on the menu. This local eatery caters to a blue-collar crowd and provides a cozy atmosphere, albeit with limited seating. Food The menu features standard diner fare, with some dishes standing out more than others: Bacon Cheeseburger: Generally good, though the bun quality was inconsistent. The top was dry while the bottom became soggy from the patty. The grilled onions were a tasty addition. Fries: A highlight of the meal, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, both filling and well-cooked. Chili: Fell short of expectations. It was drier and chunkier than typical chili, with an abundance of beans and a strong tomato flavor. The dish could benefit from additional seasoning and spice. Coffee: Satisfactory and enjoyable. Service The service at Woodsby's Cafe is a standout feature. The staff is notably friendly, and the waiters are attentive, accurate, and prompt in their service. This level of customer care significantly enhances the overall dining experience. Atmosphere The restaurant offers a cozy, intimate setting, which aligns well with its diner concept. However, the limited seating might pose challenges during busy periods. The clientele primarily consists of blue-collar workers, contributing to an unpretentious, down-to-earth ambiance. Location and Parking Situated in a relatively quiet area, Woodsby's Cafe doesn't benefit from much surrounding activity. Parking is limited, which could be inconvenient for some patrons. Despite some culinary shortcomings, Woodsby's Cafe's friendly service and comfortable atmosphere make it worth a visit, especially for those seeking a genuine local diner experience. While it may not be a culinary destination, it serves its purpose as a neighborhood...
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