If you crave a no-frills breakfast that hits every comfort note, Metro Diner in Jacksonville is your spot. Locals swear the plates here are worth the wait, and the 4.6-star buzz backs it up. You will find generous portions, sizzling griddles, and friendly faces that remember your coffee order. Keep reading to plan exactly what to try first and how to make the most of your visit.
Legendary Chicken and Waffles
Metro Diner’s Chicken and Waffles is the crowd favorite for good reason. Crunchy fried chicken tops a golden waffle, finished with powdered sugar and syrup that pulls everything together. You get sweet, salty, and savory in one forkful that keeps calling you back.
Ask for their signature strawberry butter to dial up the decadence. The portion is generous, perfect for splitting or powering through solo if you are extra hungry. Pair it with hot coffee or iced tea, and the morning instantly improves.
Locals say it is worth arriving early to beat the rush, especially on weekends. Even if you wait, service moves quickly and stays cheerful. This plate is pure Florida comfort with a Southern soul.
The Bissell Breakfast
If you want the ultimate everything breakfast, order The Bissell Breakfast. It arrives loaded with eggs cooked your way, crispy bacon, savory sausage, toast, and a generous pile of home fries. Every bite tastes exactly like a Saturday morning should.
You can swap toast for a biscuit if you are chasing extra comfort. The crew here keeps coffee topped up so you never fall behind your plate. Ask for onions on the home fries to add sizzle and sweetness.
It is a reliable pick when the menu feels overwhelming. Price meets portion perfectly, a great value for hungry mornings. Two people can share, or you can conquer it solo with zero regrets.
Jacksonville Breakfast Sandwich
Sometimes you just need breakfast you can hold, and this sandwich delivers. A fried egg, melty cheddar, and your choice of bacon or sausage tuck into a toasted bun. It is portable, satisfying, and perfect with a side of hot home fries.
Ask for a dash of hot sauce or a smear of strawberry jam for that salty-sweet twist. The bun holds up well without getting soggy, even with drippy yolk. You can also swap in a biscuit for extra flake and butter.
It is a fast option if you are squeezing breakfast between errands. Pair with fresh fruit if you want a lighter plate. Either way, you will leave happy and full.
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Flaky biscuits arrive steaming and split, then smothered under creamy sausage gravy. The gravy is peppery, rich, and clings to every crumb without feeling heavy. It is the kind of Southern classic that feels like a hug on a plate.
Order two if you have a big appetite or want to share around the table. Some regulars add a fried egg on top to mix into the gravy. The yolk blends in and takes it into brunch territory.
Pair with black coffee for balance, or choose sweet tea for a classic Florida touch. It is affordable, filling, and consistently comforting. Expect to mop every last bit with the biscuit edges.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
These pancakes taste like the best parts of a cinnamon roll and a diner flapjack combined. A cinnamon swirl runs through each pancake, then icing drizzles over the stack. You get warm spice, caramelized edges, and syrupy sweetness in every bite.
If you like dessert-for-breakfast, this is a happy lane. Add bacon for salty contrast, or ask for extra icing if your sweet tooth insists. The pancakes are fluffy and large, easily shareable with a friend.
Kids love them, but adults order them just as often. They pair nicely with scrambled eggs if you want some protein alongside. Do not be surprised if you take leftovers home for later.
Classic Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict at Metro Diner comes with silky hollandaise that feels hand whisked and bright. Poached eggs spill perfectly over Canadian bacon and a toasted English muffin. The balance of tangy sauce and runny yolk is spot on.
Home fries on the side add crunch, especially with a little ketchup or hot sauce. Ask for chives if you want a fresh pop of flavor. The dish is plated hot and arrives quickly even during busy brunch hours.
If you are Benedict loyal, you will be pleased by the consistency. Consider splitting with someone and adding a pancake to the table. It is a reliable cornerstone of the weekend lineup.
The Hash Stack
The Hash Stack piles crispy potatoes with peppers, onions, and your choice of protein. Over-easy eggs crown the top so yolk runs over the crunchy bits. It is smoky, hearty, and built for anyone who loves texture and bold breakfast flavors.
Order it with bacon or corned beef to lean savory. Add jalapenos if you want gentle heat that wakes you up fast. The portion is generous enough that you might pack a to-go box.
It is also great after a morning beach walk when appetite hits hard. Pair with iced coffee or a tall sweet tea. Expect a satisfying crunch in nearly every bite.
Belgian Waffle Combo
Deep pockets on the Belgian waffle hold syrup like treasure. It arrives crisp at the edges and tender inside, with a butter pat melting into every square. You can add eggs and bacon to make it a complete breakfast without overthinking it.
Ask for fresh strawberries if they are available for a light fruity lift. The bacon gets cooked to your preferred crispness, just let them know. Eggs come any style and land hot on the plate.
It is a classic combo that scratches sweet and savory cravings at once. Perfect for first-time visitors unsure where to start. You will understand the hype after the first bite.
Avocado Toast with Eggs
Craving something fresh but still filling? The avocado toast hits that balance with creamy smash, bright lemon, and chili flake. Poached or fried eggs add richness while tomatoes and radish keep things crisp.
The bread is thick enough to stay sturdy under toppings. You can add bacon or smoked salmon for extra protein if you like. A sprinkle of everything seasoning is a great finishing touch.
This plate travels well if you are grabbing takeout on a busy morning. It pairs beautifully with hot coffee and a side of fruit. You leave energized instead of stuffed, but still satisfied.
Country Fried Steak and Eggs
If you want full-on comfort, go for Country Fried Steak and Eggs. The crust is crisp and seasoned, topped with creamy peppered gravy that anchors the plate. Eggs sunny side up let the yolk mingle with each crunchy bite.
Home fries give you that extra starch, and toast is there to swipe the gravy. You can request extra gravy if you are feeling bold. The steak stays tender under the coating without getting soggy.
This is a sit-and-savor kind of breakfast, best enjoyed unrushed. Pair with black coffee for contrast or a sweet tea treat. You will not need lunch for a while after this one.
Veggie Omelet Supreme
Light but hearty, the Veggie Omelet packs in mushrooms, peppers, onions, spinach, and tomatoes. Cheddar melts throughout so every forkful lands creamy and savory. It comes with toast and your choice of fruit or home fries.
Ask for egg whites if you want to keep it extra light. A dash of hot sauce or salsa on top adds a sunny kick. The veggies arrive sautéed just enough to stay lively and colorful.
It is a solid go-to for weekday breakfasts when you need focus fuel. Pair with hot herbal tea or a fresh orange juice. You leave refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Sausage Griddle Scramble
This scramble brings sizzling griddle flavors to your table fast. Eggs fold around crumbled sausage, onions, peppers, and cheddar that melts into every bite. It is savory and satisfying without feeling over the top.
Toast on the side helps scoop up the cheesy bits. You can add jalapenos for heat or swap cheddar for pepper jack. The portion size is strong, especially if you have an early start.
It pairs well with hash browns or fruit if you want variety. A splash of hot sauce makes it sing even louder. Expect clean flavors, warm service, and a plate that disappears quickly.
Blueberry Pancake Stack
Blueberries pop in every bite of this fluffy pancake stack. The fruit gets warm and jammy on the griddle, then syrup ties it together. A dusting of sugar and soft butter finish the picture perfectly.
Order a side of bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness. If you prefer extra berries, ask for a handful on top. The pancakes stay tender even as they cool, which is rare and wonderful.
Kids adore this choice, but it works for adults craving cozy flavors too. Pair with hot coffee or milk for simple comfort. You leave with blueberry happiness that lingers all day.
Grits Bowl with Cheddar and Bacon
When you want spoonable comfort, this grits bowl answers immediately. Creamy, buttery grits carry melted cheddar and crispy bacon for salty depth. Scallions add brightness so it never feels heavy or dull.
You can top it with a fried egg for extra richness and flair. The bowl stays warm longer than you expect, perfect on slower mornings. A side biscuit lets you scoop every last bit with style.
This is Southern simplicity done right, at a fair price that pleases. It pairs beautifully with coffee or sweet tea, your call. You will walk out warmed and genuinely satisfied.
French Toast Platter
Thick-cut French toast gets a custardy center and crisp edges that snap lightly. Powdered sugar and syrup bring the sweetness you want without overwhelm. Fresh strawberries brighten the plate, making each bite feel balanced and lively.
Add bacon or sausage for that classic sweet-savory dance. If you like spice, a shake of cinnamon on top works wonders. The slices are hearty, so two may be perfect unless you are truly hungry.
This platter makes mornings feel like weekends any day. Pair with a cappuccino or black coffee to cut the sweetness. You will be smiling before the plate is even halfway gone.
Southern Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits here bring coastal comfort to the table. Creamy grits meet tender shrimp, a little smoky bacon, and savory gravy. The textures marry perfectly, with scallions lifting the whole bowl.
It is a great crossover for brunch when you want something more than eggs. Ask for extra gravy if you love sauce-forward plates. The shrimp stay bouncy and sweet, never rubbery or overcooked.
Pair it with a biscuit to swipe the edges clean. A squeeze of lemon brightens the richness nicely. This dish feels like Jacksonville sunshine in comfort-food form.
Breakfast Tacos
Breakfast tacos keep things fun and flexible. Soft tortillas hold scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, pico, and creamy avocado. Each bite lands fresh and colorful, especially with a squeeze of lime.
Ask for salsa on the side to tune the heat to your liking. They are easy to share or customize if friends order different proteins. You can add hash browns inside if you want extra crunch.
These are quick to arrive when the diner gets busy. Pair with iced tea or a light roast coffee. You will finish energized and ready for the day.
Corned Beef Hash Benedict
This twist on Benedict swaps the muffin for corned beef hash. The hash is crispy at the edges with tender bites throughout, adding smoky depth. Poached eggs spill into hollandaise, creating a silky, savory sauce.
It is a smart choice if you love classic deli flavors at breakfast. Ask for extra hollandaise if you want a richer experience. Potatoes on the side echo the crispy hash bits perfectly.
It is hearty without being clumsy, and feels special without fuss. Pair with black coffee for contrast and clarity. You will keep coming back to this combo again and again.
Coffee, Service, and Atmosphere
What seals the deal at Metro Diner is the easygoing vibe. Coffee arrives hot and fast, refills show up before you need them. Staff greet you like a regular, even on your first visit.
The space feels classic Florida diner with comfortable booths and warm lighting. Weekend mornings get busy, but lines move and conversations flow. You will hear sizzling griddles and soft chatter that makes breakfast feel social.
Hours run daily 7 AM to 8 PM, perfect for early cravings. The Baymeadows location stays consistent, drawing families and solo diners alike. It is the kind of spot you recommend without hesitation.