University Diner — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Discovered the University Diner way back in 2008. It was very good, but it is kinda far from our house and haven't been back since.

Finally last week we were in this corner of Jax, which we visit 2 or 3 times a year, hungry, so we decided to go here for a late breakfast on a Saturday morning.

The place was PACKED. The sign said seat yourself, so we hunted down the ONE bussed and cleaned table. We were kind of annoyed that more tables weren't bussed and ready to take customers. Took our seats and waited for a server. It took so long I put a timer on my phone and we agreed we would leave if we weren't approached with in a few minutes.

FINALLY our server came and took our order. At this point we were both dubious about the place and considered high-tailing it outta there and driving some place we go to weekly.

So glad we didn't do that! The food was GREAT. Ham and cheese omelette and a veggie omelette, cheese grits, hash browns for her, home fries for me. French toast for us both.

The French Toast we agreed was the best we have every eaten! And the rest of the meal was warm, delicious, was served very quickly, and large portions. Our server was prompt, friendly and engaging.

We have been disappointed since the Famous Amos's near us closed during the pandemic and have kinda settled for a few places that have never matched their appeal.

Well the University Diner is on par with Famous Amos. We LOVED University Diner. So much so... We went back the NEXT day!! We never go to the same place two days in a row, and drove past several places we go to regularly.

This time a lot earlier to beat the crowds, and it was much less crowded, but there were plenty of people there already, plenty of ready tables and the food may have been even better the 2nd time around!

Bottom line, this place is FANTASTIC and will be going into our rotation going forward.

HIGHLY...

So I’m a regular here. I love it here and the wait staff is typically great. Victoria is my absolute favorite! I love her and usually only want her as my server. However, one server, Jefere or jefferey (not sure how to spell his name), appears to be a kind soul but I would like to STRONGLY advise that serving tables is not where he should be. As someone Who works in the restaurant Industry as a server myself, he does more harm being on the floor as a server than good. It was only him and Victoria today and I had him because Victoria was busy running everything and doing take out. He greeted us and took our order, and never brought us drinks. Many tables walked in and were never greeted and left. He got our order wrong in many ways but we just dealt with it because it was too bad. He didn’t seem to know how to do anything, like ring in orders or handle carry out or process payments. Every two seconds, he was calling out for Victoria, who was already overwhelmed doing almost everything herself, and she would have to stop what she was doing to help him. Some patrons were even feeling sorry for her and helping re arrange tables. Other customers were getting extremely annoyed and even talking about never coming back. I understand if you need help with servers, however, serving is simply just not for everyone. Btw, he has served us once before and it was the same thing, I had to get victoria to fix my check both times. So there doesn’t seem to be any improvement. I love this restaurant, but change needs to occur, this can strongly affect business. I’m sure every new customer today will likely not return. Us regulars...

Ok so I know this is a local diner and I completely understand it’s not a five star restaurant I just felt the need to post this to warn others. I came in and ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich , I wasn’t expecting much but I like the atmosphere and it’s close to my home. I made a point of asking for no mayonnaise , I am allergic and just don’t like dairy in general . The server told me it doesn’t even come with it so not to worry. The sandwich comes and I take a bite and immediately taste globs of mayonnaise. As a restaurant you have a responsibility to your customer for safe food practices. The server had no idea if I was just a little or very allergic she could have really put someone at risk. When I informed her she immediately blamed the kitchen and took it away before I could tell her I didn’t even want the sandwich anymore as the chicken was definitely frozen or pre cooked and was hands down the toughest chicken I had ever had . She brings me back the sandwich with a new bun, lettuce and pickles still covered in mayonnaise . That was just really inconsiderate and irresponsible , you are going to put an elderly person or a child in the hospital if you do not start respecting people’s diets. I will never come here again, my friends and colleagues will never come here and hopefully the server is reprimanded so she understands how serious allergies can be. I work in hospitality industry and am embarrassed for this company ; the food and service is awful . Please spend your hard earned money...