This restaurant has a mix of strengths and weaknesses, making it a good option for some but not for everyone. While it offers very affordable food and excellent service, there are some areas that could be improved to enhance the overall experience. One of the main drawbacks is that the place is a bit small. While this can create a cozy atmosphere, it also means that seating is somewhat limited, and it can feel crowded, especially during peak hours. If you prefer spacious dining areas, this might not be the best place for you. The layout of the tables could be adjusted to provide a little more comfort for customers. Another aspect that could use some improvement is cleanliness. While the restaurant is not filthy, it does not always feel as well-maintained as it should be. The tables are sometimes left with crumbs or spills, and the floor does not always look spotless. A little more attention to hygiene and upkeep would significantly improve the dining experience and make the place feel more inviting. On the positive side, the food is very affordable, making it a great option for those who want a budget-friendly meal. Despite the low prices, the portions are decent, and the taste is satisfying. While the dishes may not be gourmet or highly refined, they offer good value for the price. If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive meal, this restaurant is a solid choice. One of the biggest highlights of this restaurant is its excellent customer service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always willing to help. Even when the restaurant is busy, they make sure that customers feel welcome and are served promptly. Their warm and accommodating attitude creates a pleasant atmosphere, which helps compensate for some of the restaurant’s shortcomings. This restaurant is a great choice for those looking for cheap and decent food with excellent service. However, the small size and cleanliness issues might be a downside for some customers. If you don’t mind a slightly cramped space and just want a quick, budget-friendly meal with friendly service, it’s worth trying. With a bit more attention to cleanliness and organization, this place could become a much better...
Read moreFamily Tradition Cafe - Bayside Lakes - 4 Stars
"We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success." - Thoreau
Sysco is like a gabelle on the food industry, having become a necessary evil that has monopolized restaurants nationwide. Sadly, because of Florida's strict farm-to-table laws and an inability to source dynamic ingredients locally, it is the only game in town with only a few smaller competitors. But despite that Goliath battle, guess what? Family Tradition Cafe is the David that has been able to rise above the moldering fray of also-rans and managed to put together an array of flavorful enjoyable comfort food items with the greatest of ease.
Family Tradition clearly cares about what they serve. My server was Kim, and she was very knowledgeable about the menu offerings. They offer a few traditional specials that rotate on a daily basis. I ordered Country Fried Steak and Eggs that was offered that day. It was served in a very pedestrian manner and you know what? - I'm fine with that. I am okay with it because the grub was executed flawlessly. The potatoes were cooked perfectly, the eggs were fried to perfection. The steak was nothing beyond the standard everyone expects to be served, but again, the execution was there. I also ordered a Sloppy Joe and a 1/3 pound burger to go. Like the breakfast, these lunch items were seething with flavor and good stuff that you would expect from a family-style restaurant. The real test of a restaurant is consistency, so I came back here two months later to see how they handled the challenge. I ordered the same breakfast except I exchanged the country fried steak out for the smoked sausage. The meal was cooked in the exact same manner with the exact same brilliant skills - they passed the test with flying colors.
There is nothing gourmet here, nothing special. Just a good ole' basic meal prepared flawlessly. Big Boy says give it a go, because it doesn't have to be fancy to...
Read moreI don't really leave many reviews for places let alone negative ones but I felt compelled on this one. I can't stop replaying my experience in my head and hoped sharing might help me. This happened just over 2 weeks ago. So I loved this place. Great food for a great price, wonderful service, cozy feel, 10 min from my home. I have been a few times and always wanted to go back with friends. Well one Sunday after a morning of fishing with my buds we headed over. There was a wait due to the church crowd and small seating area, not a problem, we were happy to wait. Added our names to the list and stood outside. After a few minutes of waiting a small group walks out, a pair of couples. In tow was a small dog. I'm all for man's best friend, and there's nothing like a good companion animal, but the sight of this tiny dog leaving a restaurant just rubbed me the wrong way. I was totally disgusted. I even immediately made a comment to my friends about my displeasure. The dog was on a leash and well behaved but it was more the thought of a dog in a restaurant. To me, that is uncommon around here. I know the restaurant is in a tough place because you can't please everybody and applaud them for allowing animals but I don't want to dine in a place where another patron's animal is sitting at another table or even knowing that an animal has been inside the place. Our group actually made an impromptu decision to find another place to eat shortly after. It had nothing to do with the dog, but more 5 big starving guys getting impatient. For me this place is forever tainted and every time I drive by I am reminded of that scene as it plays in my mind. I never went inside and expressed my concerns with the staff. It was their decision to allow a customer to bring in their dog and I respect that. Food is excellent but just know that you could be dining with...
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