Uptown Joes New York Diner — Restaurant in Tampa

I don’t usually post reviews, but this restaurant stood out badly...

I’ve worked in several restaurants and diners over the years, I know what to expect. I understand off-days, being understaffed, or getting slammed during a rush. But this wasn’t any of that. When we walked in, there were only 2 other customers in the entire place. It was quiet. And somehow, it was still a mess.

The hostess greeted us with what can only be described as pure indifference. She didn’t offer to seat us, didn’t give us a smile or a “just a moment,” nothing. We grabbed our own menus and told to sit “wherever.” No direction. No care.

There were only two tables available for our group of five. One still had dirty dishes, cups, and napkins from the previous group. So we sat at the other one, which had crumbs and an empty bottle of syrup we had to push aside. We even wiped the table ourselves with napkins.

After sitting down and reviewing the menu, we waited... and waited. About ten minutes went by, and although the place was still not even remotely busy, no one came over. A few people walked in, looked around, and walked right back out. Another couple sat down near us.

Eventually, the same woman from the front brought food to another table, walked right past us again, and still didn’t check in. Finally, after about 10 minutes, she came over to take our order. We ordered food and drinks, only to be told:

No mimosas

No cheese

No syrup

The crepe machine had been broken for a while

No milk

On a Sunday. At a diner. In downtown Tampa. At 10:30am.

It felt like most of the breakfast menu had been wiped out. We tried ordering a few things that were still available, but at this point, our excitement was gone. We also asked for waters for everyone.

And then we waited again. 15 minutes passed... still no waters.

Meanwhile, other customers came in. Some left without ordering — likely for the same reasons. At some point, I saw someone who looked like a cook standing around near the kitchen, not doing much — maybe on break, maybe not. Regardless, it was a bad look considering how long we’d been sitting with nothing.

Between the lack of basic menu items, the slow and inattentive service, and the fact that after all that time we still didn’t even have water, I gave up.

I let the girl know that we were going to go. She told the cook to cancel the order, but as far as I could tell I doubt our order was even being worked on, for again a total of 2 people before us and all the waiting we had done.

We weren't thrilled with the idea of waiting more when the place wasn't even busy to have a sub par service during breakfast where there is no milk cheese, mimosas, syrup ect. We let her know we were leaving.

So we left.

We ended up eating at another spot nearby. It was packed. But even with a full house, we were seated quickly, greeted warmly, brought water immediately, and had our food in front of us quickly.

Bottom line: Avoid this place until they get new management or a complete overhaul. Something is seriously off here. And for those leaving glowing reviews …… I’m not sure if you went to the same restaurant we did… or if you just have very low standards. Either way, we won’t be back. Ever.

That’s our experience. Take it for...

I don’t like having to make negative reviews but this one is needed. When we walked in we weren’t greeted with any warm welcomes. The barista kinda just looked us over and continued to do her side work. Once she decided that we were worth her time she then finally came over to take our order still without a smile. We left her a 20$ tip because we always take care of people in hospitality and never got a thank you. We ordered the crepes which came out cold and hard? Never had a cold hard crepe. My boyfriend let her know it was cold and not even 10 secs later she come back with the same plate and it was slightly warmer so I’m assuming they just put it in the oven for a few seconds. Also got steak and eggs and just nothing to write home about. What really was the cherry on top for us was that we ordered our son a grilled cheese. After waiting for over 20 mins I got up to ask how much longer, the barista then turns to the chef and starts snapping her fingers at him with such a nasty attitude demanding where the grilled cheese is. All I asked where it is, she didn’t have to give him such an awful attitude. After he was a bit apologetic I had told her if he hasn’t started on it just don’t worry about it and refund me. She says “oh no no I’ll just put it in a Togo box for you” I was honestly stunned and just laughed and walked away truly shocked at how terrible her service was. Really awful experience and will not...

Came in about 830 on Saturday night with my girlfriend and two of our friends. The restaurant was totally empty with 2.5 hours until close. They ordered the chicken and waffles and a Mediterranean chicken sandwich. We ordered the Uptown Burger + bacon and a Vegan Eggs Benedict. The chix waffle came out with a burger and Swiss cheese. Neither sandwich was supposed to have Swiss and there was no bacon, which we paid extra for. The waffles were also hard as a rock and the chicken was just two very small tenders. After discussing the cheese mishap and realizing that the burger was also missing jalapeños and the "hot salsa", two of us continued to sit and watch our food while the others waited. another burger came out, delivered to our friend who ordered chicken. In addition to the wrong sandwiches, this second one had COLD bacon on it! The Benedict had yet to arrive, and at this point we decided we could not settle for such a disappointing experience. We each asked for a refund. The staff seemed very confused and after a little back and forth, they granted us 75% of the two orders back, because the chicken was eaten. We then realized that they charged us an additional 5 dollars for the eggs Benedict. Menus said breakfast served all day. Figure that one out. We will never go back. I wouldn't leave a...