The Chicken And Waffles At This Diner In Florida Are So Good, They’re Worth A Road Trip
Aug 11, 2025
There’s a moment when you bite into something so unexpectedly perfect that time stops, angels sing, and your taste buds throw a spontaneous parade. That’s exactly what happens at Metro Diner in Jacksonville, Florida.
This unassuming spot on Hendricks Avenue isn’t trying to be fancy or trendy.
It’s just quietly serving some of the most crave-worthy comfort food in the Sunshine State, with chicken and waffles that might just make you weep with joy.
You know those places that food enthusiasts whisper about to each other like they’re sharing government secrets?
Metro Diner is that place.
The exterior might not scream “culinary destination” with its modest white-painted brick and signature green awning, but that’s part of its charm.
It’s like that friend who doesn’t brag about being interesting but somehow always has the best stories at dinner parties.
The diner sits in Jacksonville’s historic San Marco neighborhood, a charming area that feels like it belongs in a nostalgic postcard about “real Florida” before the mega-resorts and theme parks took over.
Photo Credit: Kelly K.When you pull up to Metro Diner, you might notice a line of people waiting outside.
Don’t be deterred – this is actually a good sign.
Like finding a long line at a roadside fruit stand, it’s nature’s way of telling you something delicious awaits.
The building itself has that classic diner appeal – nothing pretentious, just honest-to-goodness welcoming vibes.
The green awning provides shade for the outdoor seating area, perfect for those mild Florida mornings when the humidity hasn’t yet reached sauna levels.
Large windows allow natural light to flood the interior, and if you peek inside, you’ll likely see a bustling, energetic atmosphere.
Step inside and you’re transported to diner heaven – the kind of place where the coffee is always fresh, the servers know the regulars by name, and the sound of sizzling griddles provides the perfect background music.
The interior features that classic diner aesthetic – comfortable booths, counter seating, and tables arranged to maximize both capacity and conversation.
The pale blue ceiling adds a touch of Florida sky to the proceedings, while the pendant lighting casts a warm glow over everything.
Newspapers on the tables hint at the diner’s role as a community gathering spot – a place where locals come not just to eat but to catch up on neighborhood news.
The walls feature an eclectic mix of local artwork and memorabilia that tells the story of Jacksonville’s history without being overly touristy about it.
It’s the kind of decor that gives you something interesting to look at while waiting for your food, but doesn’t try too hard to create a “theme.”
The atmosphere buzzes with conversation, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or the clinking of coffee cups being refilled.
It’s busy without being chaotic, lively without being overwhelming – the perfect balance that makes you want to linger over that last cup of coffee.
Now, let’s talk about what you came for – the legendary chicken and waffles.
This is the dish that has people planning road trips across Florida just to experience it.
The plate arrives and immediately commands attention – a half chicken, perfectly fried to golden-brown perfection, perched atop a Belgian waffle that’s somehow both substantial and light.
The chicken’s crust shatters with each bite, revealing juicy, tender meat beneath.
It’s seasoned with a blend of spices that manages to be complex without overwhelming the natural flavor of the chicken.
The waffle serves as the perfect foundation – crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with deep pockets designed to hold maximum amounts of syrup and butter.
But what elevates this dish to legendary status is the strawberry butter and signature sweet and spicy sauce that accompany it.
The strawberry butter melts into the waffle’s crevices, creating pockets of fruity sweetness that balance the savory elements.
It’s the culinary equivalent of a perfect harmony – each element distinct yet contributing to something greater than the sum of its parts.
The portion size is generous enough that you might consider sharing, but after one bite, you’ll guard your plate like it contains the secret to eternal happiness.
Which, for those fifteen minutes of dining bliss, it kind of does.
While the chicken and waffles might be the headliner, the supporting cast on Metro Diner’s menu deserves its own standing ovation.
The breakfast offerings cover all the classics you’d expect from a great diner, executed with that same attention to detail that makes the difference between good and unforgettable.
The Fried Chicken Plate features that same expertly fried chicken, served with a rich brown gravy that would make any Southern grandmother nod in approval.
The Charleston Shrimp & Grits transforms this Southern classic into something transcendent – creamy grits infused with cheese, topped with shrimp, sausage, onions, and peppers in a shrimp sauce that you’ll be tempted to drink straight from the bowl when no one’s looking.
For burger enthusiasts, options range from the classic to the creative.
The Loaded Burger Bowl takes all the components of a great burger and reimagines them in a form that somehow makes you feel slightly more virtuous about consuming them.
The BBQ Bacon Burger features hickory-smoked bacon and a tangy BBQ sauce that might have you contemplating whether it’s socially acceptable to lick your fingers in public.
(The answer, when the food is this good, is a resounding yes.)
The Philly Cheese Steak sandwich pays proper homage to its namesake city while adding just enough Florida flair to make it Metro Diner’s own.
The Iron City Meatloaf deserves special mention – this isn’t the dry, disappointing meatloaf of cafeteria nightmares.
This is a griddle-seared masterpiece served with rich brown gravy, the kind of comfort food that makes you want to hug the chef.
Article originally posted on FamilyDestinationGuide.com, written by David Reeve