Annie Lee's Bakery & Diner — Restaurant in Jacksonville

I'm just going to say that even though this cake would've ruined my birthday, it was for my mother. We have been buying her birthday cakes from Annie Lee's since 2013. Covid and cancer caused a pause for the last 2 years. They even made my sister's wedding cake! So when my ol' lady said she wanted a lemon poundcake, I knew just the place to get it. Well. The cake.was not ready at the requested time. The reason "the diner side got busy" so my cake burnt. Fine...another was made and another time was provided (after closing). Called before I came as advised, got hung up on. Went anyway and had to wait. The cake was also burnt, crumbling and separating from the bottom. What professional bakery gives someone a hot cake in a cardboard box?! Dry, crumbly, flavorless...my mom had to saw into it to slice it. I'm embarrassed that I presented that to my mother on her birthday. Edited: I appreciate the owner responding to my review. I immediately tried to call back and was hung up on. Once I finally was able to speak to someone...they advised the person I needed to speak to was not there and hung up. No one even attempted to take my information. I feel like I was more than patient (when the first cake burnt and no one called to let me know that it would not be ready) Edited: I appreciate the owner responding but I did give them an opportunity to correct. I called immediately after looking at the cake. The first time, I was hung up on. The second time, someone advised "the person you need to speak to aint here". Click. I thought I was more than patient when no one bothered to call me beforehand to tell me the cake burnt and they needed more time to make another. I travelled all the way from Orange Park!! Then tried to get me to pick up a cake the next day...nah my mama's birthday guests were at a planned event waiting for cake that was pre-ordered. I shouldn't have paid for the cake and left it right there but I like to give ppl chances to fix their mistakes. But...I wont be using this bakery or recommending it to anyone...

I was not impressed AT ALL! I ordered a custom birthday cake for this past weekend. I was ensured by the baker and staff that the cake could be executed with no issues (very simple 8 inch cake). The order that was written on the order form and discussed vs WHAT I PICKED UP, was completely different.

I ordered blush pink...the cake was hot pink I ordered marble on the cake... there was NO marble The topper (light stick) should have been made with fondant...they literally printed a picture of a light stick and hot glued the paper to a toothpick. The letters should have been made out of fondant...Only the bands name "BTS" was made out of fondant. Instead they decided to write in cursive (not the best writing). The cake was super little as if enough cake wasn't used to create the height (which is what was given in the original picture).

I was asked if I liked the cake and I was completely honest in the bakery that I didn't like it and it was not what I asked for. They told me they can "fix" it. So I agreed although I was skeptical of their potential...I waited about 5 mins and asked for a refund so that I can go to Publix to place an order. The manager/owner informed me that "they dont do refunds"! So I was pretty much stuck with an ugly cake the night before my daughters party. The baker was unsure of how to make the light stick with fondant so I showed her a cake I ordered from another bakery last year and they make something similar with a rice krispy covered in fondant....about 45 mins later the "fixed" cake was ready. It was pretty much thrown together. The fondant was not smooth, and lifting in certain areas. The additional cake that was added had no frosting. And to top it off the cake was NASTY. Taste like boxed strawberry cake.

I dont understand why a baker would agree to make a cake that they clearly knew they could not execute. Then refuse to give a refund forcing the customer to just accept a...

Today, we had the absolute privilege of visiting Annie Lee’s Bakery and Diner as part of the Buy Black Business Bus Tour with the Melanin Market, and let me tell you—it was like being personally escorted into foodie heaven. From start to finish, this place delivered an experience so good it could probably write its own autobiography.

Let’s talk about my husband’s order first: Oxtails. Now, these aren’t even on the Saturday menu, but Jacob, our waiter (and now honorary family member), worked his magic and made it happen. If that’s not next-level customer service, I don’t know what is. He paired those oxtails with collard greens and sweet potatoes, and trust me, they were so good they practically demanded a standing ovation.

I went the veggie route with collard greens, rice and gravy, a side salad, and yams—but because I don’t play around when it comes to food, I added grilled shrimp. Every single item on our plates was seasoned with so much love and skill that my taste buds were basically doing the electric slide by the end.

And the desserts? Oh, we weren’t leaving without cake. Key Lime and Yellow Cake joined the party, but then the staff really outdid themselves. Someone casually dropped that it was our 21st wedding anniversary (thanks for snitching, Jacob!), and the staff surprised us with a song, more cake, and ice cream. I almost started bawling right there in the middle of the diner. Like, ugly cry bawling.

Long story short, the food is a masterpiece, but the staff? They’re what makes Annie Lee’s truly special. I’d give them 10 stars if I could. I’ll definitely be back for more—and not just for the food, but to hang out with the kind of people who make you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Annie Lee’s, you’ve got my heart (and probably most of...