Lisa Browder

If you Google the word “diner,” you get a short paragraph that says diners are “historically small businesses operated by the owner.” It goes on to say that “diners typically serve staples of American cuisine such as hamburgers, french fries, club sandwiches, and other simple, quickly cooked, and inexpensive fare such as meatloaf or steak.” Trip’s Diner had been recommended as a great breakfast place, so I decided to try it out. My review is mixed.

I found a full parking lot and thought that meant lots of locals, but there were a bazillion empty tables inside. Who did all those cars belong to? Although I saw an outside dining area, I decided I should experience the main restaurant before opting for a side venue. I’ve since heard the outside area with its privacy hedges and string lights is a more appetizing (forgive the pun) place to dine. And inside, I found there were local patrons the staff seemed to know by name. It’s usually a good sign when there are regular customers.

The menu is quite varied. There are breakfast platters, pancakes, avocado toast, waffles, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, bagels, and grits galore. Since I was there for breakfast, I chose eggs benedict with a side of cheese grits.

The eggs were perfectly cooked and utterly delicious. The grits were good but a tad lumpy. As you can see, the presentation would most certainly be described as plain and simple – the “no frills” plating method. But I’m being picky. It’s about the flavor, right?

I have some hesitations about recommending this diner. (1) The wait was long when there were plenty of empty tables and booths and only two families in front of me; (2) my tabletop and silverware were sticky (a huge turnoff); (3) the coffee was weak and there was no cream or sugar on the table. I couldn’t get my waitress’s attention as she whizzed past, so I grabbed them off a nearby table that had yet to be cleaned.

In the restaurant’s defense, I heard the cashier telling another customer that they were short-handed that morning. My review is mixed because the ambiance was missing, but the food was good. Nevertheless, the food was good enough that I’d give them a second chance.

• 6416 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
• 813-533-1900
• Open Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Sunday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• 2339 Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg
• 727-498-8980
• Same hours as the Tampa location