The Magnolia — Restaurant in Palatka

Overcharged and underwhelmed. When asking about the types of coffee, we were told there were only two: decaf and regular. We had to ask several times just to find out about the available syrups. The four of us all ordered coffee, and had to ask more than once for refills. One of the coffee cups that was brought out had a lipstick smudge on it still. Gross. When we placed our orders, I ordered the St. John's Skillet. It came with toast or biscuit and grits or home-fries. When I ordered, I asked for toast. Instead of asking if I wanted grits or home-fries, I was then asked what side I wanted. I was surprised, thinking I had an option for an extra side and ordered the sausage. They never asked me about or mentioned the grits or home-fries. When I received my skillet, I had to ask for the sausage. I was actually upcharged for the sausage and did not receive the complimentary side home-fries or grits at all (therefore, I overpaid, paying menu price and receiving less items than I was supposed to.) The skillet was definitely lacking. The "ham" was deli sliced ham, cut into squares. It wasn't chunks or even the tiny cubes you get at most restaurants. Instead, it was the flat slices of ham, cut into quarter inch two dimensional squares. I didn't realize it was even in the skillet until someone asked me what was in my skillet and began pointing at my food. The cheese was completely undetectable and possibly missing entirely. None was visible and I didn't taste any. My fiance was upcharged without notice for a side of datil pepper sauce. The taste, overall, was fine, but we definitely overpaid, especially when it came to the quality of the food and service.

Response to the owner: I understand the upcharge for the side of meat, I was just unaware because the waitress phrased it as "pick a side" instead of "grits or home fries". I was also not made aware that it would be an upcharge which is where the problem lies. I did not receive the side of grits or home-fries but still paid full price for the item. The datil sauce was so thin, the extra sauce was needed to dip the sandwich. We also were not told that the extra sauce would be an upcharge as well. I appreciate...

We usually have breakfast here on the weekends and the food is excellent. They will adjust ingredients to a dish to suit your taste if possible. I was able to go to lunch here for the first time the other day and I was not disappointed. I had a Ruben sandwich that was one of the best I've ever had! The service is very good. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. The decor is very simple. White walls with 4 large unique mirrors on each side and a hand painted accent wall at the back gives it a clean streamlined look with depth and space. And the hardwood floor gives it warmth. At first glance the prices seem a touch high until you get your plate. The portions are generous and the food is fresh... I leave full and a to-go box in my hand! You definitely get what you pay for. The seating is limited and on the weekends late morning there's usually a wait, but it's worth waiting for. The staff do not rush you and your welcome to enjoy your meal at your leisure. (Small rant: As a patron I have waited for a table and have watched others wait while I was seated. If this happens... Be kind. Eat, enjoy and leave the table so someone else may enjoy an excellent meal as well. I've seen other people that have eaten, paid and sat talking with their to-go boxes holding up tables while others wait. That's rude. Go a few blocks down to the river and sit on a park bench to visit....

Very easy to find, and convenient to the access from the main through highways of Palatka. Curbside parking is available, but is not suitable for tractor trailer access. The staff was extremely friendly, the restaurant was tidy and well organized. Restrooms were clean and well stocked. This restaurant has an vintage-antique feel from old farm style tables to various antiques on display throughout. The restaurant has chalkboards throughout for doodling or just leaving your signature letting others know you have been there. We had breakfast on our visit; the food was prepared homestyle and came with generous helpings. There were four meals at our table, two were perfect, and two had problems; there was hair in the food on one plate with a side of water that came out brown, and raw eggs in the middle of an omlet on the other plate. Wait time for a seat was very low, but wait time for food was a little slower that average during a busy time. Prices are reasonable based on the plate size and food quality. Based on recommendation, we did drive thirty minutes to try the Magnolia Cafe for breakfast. This restaurant has a lot of potential, but will need significant improvements in the kitchen to be successful. Based on a 50/50 failure with our breakfast plates, we will not be returning the the Magnolia Cafe, as there are many competitors within a short...