Grinder's American Diner — Restaurant in Jacksonville

At 7:30 am on August 20, 2025, I was pleasantly surprised to see the inside area of this diner to be as clean as it is! Even the men's bathroom was spotless. There is no built-up of dirt in the corners of the floor for as old as this diner is. The atmosphere is a nice 1980 - 1990's feel which I loved!! As soon as I walked in, all of the ladies behind the counter say "Hi". This is my first visit. I took a seat at a booth and Ms. Sheri pleasantly approached to ask what I'd like to drink. The menus are on the table so after reviewing the choices, I ordered the omelette with mozzarella cheese, mushrooms and a biscuit. A side of grilled home fries with a coffee where also enjoyed. Sheri was very attentive by stopping by often. Thank you Sheri!! As time went on, all of the regulars were coming in. The atmosphere was very friendly and upbeat! The total cost for my breakfast was much more than one would have paid 4 years ago: $17.00 with tax. The saddest part of my experience was the outside parking lot. There was trash all over the area. My parents taught me that there's no reason one has to be dirty. I don't understand how one lives in such conditions especially having a business. The trash is overwhelming, unwelcoming and takes my appetite away. This is what keeps me from...

I really wanted to like this place. My tuna salad slider was good and, while we waited a long time for our food, our server was honest about the wait up front because they were understaffed.

So why only 1 star? My coworker's breakfast sandwich was kind of pathetic. So when they accidentally gave me a turkey grinder instead of tuna, I asked my server when she came to replace it what they would do with it and she said they'd throw it away. (Obviously, being a server in the past, I knew that was the case) So I asked if I could just give it to my coworker since it would otherwise be trashed. She said that was fine since it was going in the trash. (I know this is repetitive, but I just want to clarify that this was a mistake on the restaurants part and they were just going to trash it. I didn't start eating something and then change my mind.)

They put the sandwich on his bill!! When we paid, he pointed it out and the server copped an attitude and said, "Well, you ate it." After clarifying that we didn't order it and she was going to throw it in the trash, she said, "If you eat it you pay for it!"

I'm sorry, but that is bad customer service. If you misorder someone's food and you gotta trash it anyway, just offer it to the table. Server 101! Advocate for your table.

Anyway,...

Grinders used to be in our rotation of breakfast places, but no more. We went Saturday morning (3/22) and ordered two orange juices, a ham, cheese and mushroom omelet and eggs and grits with a side of bacon, after we ordered I noticed a small sticky note saying prices went up 25%. Let’s just say our bill came to $50.36 before giving a 20% tip (because April is always nice and does a good job). $50 for a breakfast that is subpar is a huge no go for us, I could spend that at Grumpy’s and get a better breakfast with GREAT orange juice, not the cheapest stuff and a lot cleaner place to eat and it still wouldn’t be $50. I’m surprised they were as packed as they were, but I have a feeling that price hike is going to do some damage. It can’t be the egg prices because those prices have been coming down. They really should have better labeling all around for others to see before they sit down and order. Hopefully they use that money to update the place and upgrade the quality of food, because their breakfast just isn’t worth $50. Sad they did this and are now losing a customer as I’m sure others notice the same. This used to be the place to go to get a cheap breakfast and not go to Waffle House, but...