Three Coins Diner — Restaurant in Tampa

First off, the waitress Linda was fantastic. She was absolutely the star of the show. I think she was the only server, working her bottom off and doing it with a smile on her face. There was never an inkling of annoyance and she made everyone feel welcome.

I ordered the liver n onions which is rather difficult to find. I have also had it at Joe’s NY Diner here in Tampa and wanted to compare.

To be clear I asked to make sure the liver wasn’t overcooked. I hate tough liver. I heard Linda yelling back to the cook to make sure not to overcook the liver. Lol.

The meal started with chicken noodle soup ( the only soup option) which was edible but forgettable. Egg noodles in a bullion broth and I didn’t see any chicken at all in the soup.

The liver was very lightly floured and griddled. It was seasoned perfectly and very tender. I thank my waitress for making sure of that. When I ordered she said they typically cook it well done i.e. tough which would have been a total fail.

The sides are the reason for the less than awesome review. The mashed potatoes were very bland. Even though the waitress said they were “homemade” they sure tasted like instant. Or perhaps, very finely mashed, overly boiled and unseasoned potatoes. Either way, they were not worth eating. Had they not run out of baked pots I suspect I would have been much more pleased. The gravy was a dark brown thickened liquid with almost no flavor. I also ordered the fried okra as my vegetable (I had the choices of canned peas, carrots or okra). Wow! They didn’t hold back on the serving size. There was enough for at least three people. It was okay. It seemed to be the frozen okra you get in a bag. Edible, bland, and tbh, forgettable.

The liver n onions and my awesome waitress were the stars of the night and I would def order it again…with different sides.

So determination of my comparison…honestly this liver n onions was slightly better but the sides at Joe’s were so much better that I think I will stick with them for this particular late night meal.

But Linda you are wonderful! Give this...

For several years, I used to come here all the time. I'm talking about two to three times a month. In the last few years it started becoming visits about 2-4 times a year. I heard there was a change in management. I didn't notice much change at first but in the last year and a half there has been a definite decline.

While the menu itself, and prices have largely stayed the same, the quality and consistency of the food has gone down. Just over a year ago I was super excited to bring my boyfriend (now Husband) here. There was a daily special of a meat lovers type bowl. The price was so good and the quantity of the food was great. He loved it. So much so that he wanted to visit again a couple months later.

When we returned there were no specials that day, to his dismay, so he ordered the breakfast wraps/burritos. He's a huge fan of breakfast burritos and he was so disappointed by the size, and blandness of everything. He said it was as if we ate at two different restaurants completely.

After giving it some time, we returned a couple weeks ago and "played it safe" by ordering the French toast deluxe and him the supreme. Unfortunately, both of our french toast was cold with a soggy middle, as if it wasn't cooked all the way through. He asked for scrambled eggs with pepper and onions, and was served plain scrambled eggs that were oddly pale, almost like an egg substitute would be.

It's kind of sad. This place used to be a go-to breakfast spot with my parents when I was younger, hang-outs with friends, etc. Truthfully, I can't say that I'll return.

The service has always been great though. The folks that work there are always kind, and attentive. The issue is definitely not with them.

Best of luck Three Coins, thanks for...

Three Coins Diner should be designated as historical. A GEM & RARE TOP SPOT! Diners like it have been replaced by bougie brunch spots or Panera Breads.

So grateful for the yummy eats every time! Cheese grits with an egg over easy is my default. But today, I shared a Southern Skillet recommended to me. It was a revelation!

It’s a whole lotta breakfast goodness!! (3)seasoned eggs resting on freshly chopped breakfast potatoes followed by generous slices of chopped sausage folded into southern gravy and served over hot buttermilk biscuits. Inspired mash-up that delivered!

A cool morning allowed us to enjoy patio seating in front with our 2 dogs. Our server, Stacy, took good care of us. She is always aces & today was no different. With a tenure north of 15ish years, she knows what’s up & will tell you, if you ask (maybe even if you don't!)

I am mad about the food, but it's the people inside that seal the deal. Genuinely interesting, to be sure. Storytellers telling stories. People engaging one another. People watching which is spectacular.

Protips: Outside patio seating (5 or so four tops) Dogs are permitted on the patio (leave barkers & biters home) Smoking is permitted on the patio (sorry Karen) Inside seating (booths, counter, tables seat 60ish) Free Parking: adjacent lot & street Moderate pricing & generous portions (don't tip on the total & tip servers generously, if you can) Takeout and delivery (sometimes) Awful people: go to Howard (you were never here!)

Finally…I hope the owner or mgmt takes care of their people. Without each server, cook, and runner, it would be a dirt lot or a greasy spoon with many health...