Metro Diner sits at the corner of Route 207 and US1. This is the sixth Metro Diner location in northeastern Florida, but the first one south of Jacksonville. It seems to be busy all the time, so it was time to go see what all the fuss was about. Although it’s one of a half dozen locations, this has a very “local” feel to it that’s very appealing. The restaurant is loud (in a good way), boisterous (in a very good way) and very energetic. This is a fun place to eat. The staff is all smiles and very friendly.
General Manager Doug Willis and Assistant GM Rob Davis manage the 75 employees and run the day-to-day operations at Metro Diner, with Jamie Prescott and Tony Carta overseeing the open kitchen. Orders get to the tables quickly, and smiles are like wall to wall carpeting. This is a team, and they work very well together. The restaurant has three dining areas: The large main room, a smaller back room and a patio along the side. Each was well staffed and very well served. The patio has roll down vinyl windows for when the wind gets to be too much.
THE MENU
The breakfast menu starts at $3.29 for a chicken biscuit up to $14.99 for the fried chicken and waffles (which is on both the breakfast and lunch menus). Other breakfast items include such things as biscuits & gravy at $5.99 and a croissant French toast for $9.99. On the lunch menu, you’ll also find items such as a simple ham & swiss sandwich for $5.99, all the way up to the Charleston shrimp & grits for $14.99. Or, you can be brave and order the “J.C.’s Vortex Burger” for $12.99 (and bring your appetite).
Metro Diner brings an almost gourmet quality to their home-cooking. They run the gamut from down home southern cooking with their shrimp & grits to a yankee’s deli favorite of pastrami on rye. Whether you want to just run in for quick bite or sit down for a spell and enjoy a more relaxed meal, it should definitely be on your “short list” of area restaurants to check out.
WHEN YOU GO, TRY…
Biscuits and Gravy
Two large, freshly baked biscuits are served up with a generous serving of sausage gravy, easily making this a meal in itself. At only $5.99, it’s an inexpensive and tasty way to start the day.
Fried Chicken and Waffles
Found on both the lunch and breakfast menus at $14.99, this is some of the best fried chicken you’ll ever have. It’s brined for 24 hours and then marinated for 24 hours. Then they fry it up and pair it with a thick Belgian waffle with Metro’s own strawberry butter and maple syrup. The strawberry butter is a genetic cousin to strawberry ice cream. You’re welcome.
J.C.’s Vortex Burger
From the lunch menu, this should come with a warning label. The half-pound Angus beef patty (cooked to order) is topped with lettuce slaw, and nestled between two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with American cheese, ripe tomatoes, and Metro Diner’s own cherrywood smoked bacon. For $12.99, get it with the generous serving of onion rings. Oh, you haven’t had breakfast? Add a fried egg for only a dollar more!
Location: 1000 S. Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Claim to Fame: An authentic diner experience, expansive menu, big portions and friendly smiles
Hours: Mon-Sun: 6:30am – 2:30pm
Fare: Heaping portions of Breakfast and Lunch
Featured in our June/July print issue of St. Augustine Social Magazine. Written & photographed by Steve Parr for St. Augustine Social.
