The Kettle Diner — Restaurant in Jacksonville

We've been customers of the Kettle Dinner for at least 12 years and have always had a pleasant experience until today. I was one of several pickup customers that arrived within 15 minutes of each other. The young lady Cheryl was very pleasant and doing her absolute best to accommodate us. Because of her caring demeanor, nobody was inpatient or upset, she was doing an excellent job! We were all smiles! Until....Miss Liza, the manager made her dismal appearance. It was as if a dark cloud dissented over our sweet spot at the front door. She never offered a smile to any of us waiting, made no attempt at conversation or an acknowledgment or kind reply when a customer actually complimented her headband, she absolutely cast a gloom over the whole situation between the few of us that were still waiting. Once this happened, I watched her interaction with the staff, there was no difference, no encouragement, kindness, or gratitude towards them at all. These ladies were hustling and with a smile, mind you! I realize that prices have had to react to rising inflation, you had a host of seniors who were paying $30 to $60 for orders within the 20 minutes that I was there. The very least a manager could do is to show appreciation to those that still patronize The Kettle instead of choosing a less expensive site. There were elderly and probably widowed customers who made attempts to speak with Miss Liza to no avail. These simple, short, and sweet interactions could possibly be the only conversations that the elderly clientele have throughout their day and it'd be nice if the "leader" would demonstrate the same upbeat and respectful attitude I saw the wait staff pay towards their senior regulars. I actually left after getting our order with a mixture of feelings, unsure why there was someone with no interpersonal skills managing a staff who were doing their best, angry at the blatant and total lack of response to a kind remark from a customer, and overall shocked at why someone would have a person who clearly didn't enjoy her role as a representative of these hard-working wait staff at this well-respected diner. My family is involved in the restaurant business that's not local, I recognize poor leadership. You must do better, there was absolutely no excuse for her...

Typically my go to spot for all my breakfast needs. Anytime I have family in town this is where I will go to support a local business & allow my family to have a good meal. The Kettle Diner is a NY style diner with southern flair that's well-established eatery in Jacksonville, NC, has garnered a reputation for its home-cooked meals & diverse menu offerings.

This is the first time I have gotten a burger from here after being in this area for 20 years. The burger of choice was the Master Burger. This is a Half-pound of fresh ground beef cooked to order; Served with cheddar cheese, lettuce & tomato on a toasted brioche bun. The flavor profile of the burger is robust and satisfying & embodies everything that a local spot should be. The beef patty is seasoned well and grilled to perfection, resulting in a savory taste that pairs beautifully with the fresh toppings. When combined with the right condiments ( I chose just mustard), each bite delivers a delightful burst of flavor that keeps your taste buds wanting more.

Accompanying the burger are the onion rings, which are nothing short of spectacular. They are generously battered & fried to golden perfection. Each ring offers a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining a soft & flavorful onion center. The seasoning on the batter adds an extra layer of taste that complements the burger wonderfully. The potato salad served on the side is another highlight of this meal. Creamy yet light, it features tender potatoes mixed with just the right amount of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices. – Sorry for the horrible picture

Dining at The Kettle Diner is about more than just food; it’s about community & comfort. The staff is friendly and attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that your dining experience is pleasant from start to finish. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can expect prompt service that enhances your overall enjoyment.

Rating: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 |...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Kettle Diner is an absolute gem! From the moment I walked in, the customer service was PHENOMENAL. Every staff member greeted me with warm, genuine smiles and made sure I felt welcomed and well taken care of. As a person of color, I truly appreciated the hospitality and kindness shown to me—it made the experience even more special.

The atmosphere inside is cozy and homey, and it’s clear that this place has maintained its charm over the years. Even though I hadn’t visited in a while, the amazing service and delicious food haven’t changed a bit. The menu offers an abundance of choices, and the desserts on the counter were fresh, cold, and ready to enjoy.

The location is super convenient, situated near Jacksonville Town Hall and the sheriff’s office. The restaurant itself is clean and well-kept, though the outside could use a little TLC—parking and some concrete repairs would go a long way.

I also love that they offer online ordering for delivery or pick-up! It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy their food at home. However, I did find it a little difficult to locate them on Instacart, so I’d recommend using their website instead for a smoother experience.

The wait time for my to-go order was minimal, and the prices are very reasonable. For three people, the bill came to less than $40, which is a great deal for the quality and portion sizes.

This small business is clearly thriving and is a wonderful asset to the community. It’s the perfect spot to bring grandparents, family, or friends for a relaxing meal. The staff’s camaraderie gives off a true family vibe, making the experience even more enjoyable.

My only critique is the exterior maintenance, but even with that, The Kettle Diner deserves a solid 4.5 out of 5. I’ll definitely be back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food and...