University Diner

4.2 ( 1170 reviews )

Checking... 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM See Hours

5959 Merrill Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32277, United States

+1 904-762-3433

Located at 5959 Merrill Rd in Jacksonville, Florida, University Diner has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. With a charming atmosphere reminiscent of classic diners, the place feels welcoming and homey. Patrons rave about the friendly staff, with many noting how the waitresses remember regulars and engage in heartwarming small talk that creates a sense of community. As Teri Taylor puts it, “Excellent food” accompanied by “extra nice and friendly” service makes for an enjoyable experience.

The breakfast options draw consistent praise, though some diners express curiosity about trying lunch items. Rachel Cardy encapsulates the sentiment, emphasizing that the real charm lies in enjoying the meal without distractions. The food may not be groundbreaking, but Toni Smailagic appreciates the solid offerings at budget-friendly prices, especially noting the tasty spicy corn nuggets.

With each visit, customers like Chad Bishop feel an undeniable connection to the diner. Owner Andrew’s commitment to customer care fosters a family atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for brunch or casual dining. It’s clear that University Diner serves not only delicious meals but also a sense of belonging.

Accessibility
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
- Offers kerbside pickup
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- No delivery
Highlights
- Has fast service
- Serves great coffee
- Serves great dessert
Popular for
- Popular for breakfast
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
Offerings
- Serves alcohol
- Serves coffee
- Serves comfort food
- Serves healthy options
- Quick bite
- Serves small plates
Dining options
- Serves breakfast
- Serves brunch
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Has catering
- Has counter service
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
Amenities
- Has bar on site
- Has toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
Crowd
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
- Popular with university students
Planning
- Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Accepts NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs available
- Has kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Plenty of parking

Teri Taylor

Jun 11,2025

This was my first time here. Excellent food Waitresses were extra nice and friendly. Food was on point.

Rachel Cardy

May 12,2025

Words you'll here at University Diner: "Good to see you, It's been awhile." "Are you by yourself today?" "That's two sugars right?" "Do you need a menu?" "The usual?" This is the sign of a wonderful local diner. Diners like University Diner make big cities feel a little bit smaller and a little friendlier. Are you going to Instagram your plate? Probably not. Just put your phone away and enjoy it for what it is. Every time I come the same two wonderful ladies take care of me. They don't know my name yet because I haven't been enough, but hopefully that will change with time. Note that I've only ever been here for breakfast. So I can't speak to lunch food or atmosphere.

Toni Smailagic

May 3,2025

Is this mind-blowing & innovative? No. But it’s great for what it is; an old-school diner with super interesting people , both working there and attending as customers. Listening to random dialects and stories from nearby tables made me think I was in the middle of a movie scene. The prices are cheap and the food is solid (spicy corn nuggets not pictured but worth mentioning). I’ll be back

Ruby Cactus

Apr 23,2025

This was a great place! We really enjoyed our Sunday breakfast there. Friendly staff, good food.

Chad Bishop

Apr 18,2025

This place is the best of the best! Andrew the owner is super friendly and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is always taken care of. My family has adopted this place as our go to spot and our neighborhood is lucky to have The University Diner and it’s amazing owners! Looking forward to many more brunches, wing nights and dorm sinks!

Illesha Duffy Massaline-Kemmerer

Feb 27,2025

University Diner on Merrill at Cesery Roads in Arlington, Jacksonville, Florida. A quaint little local breakfast and brunch eatery with lots of personality, and seat yourself tables. The staff were all super friendly. Our server was very attentive and came back several times to check on us and see if our drinks needed refills. The restaurant was quite packed but still had 3 tables available when we arrived on Sunday at 11ish. A very chill local atmosphere with a good mix of personalities and multi-cultured patrons. The food was on par with a local diner. We have heard great things about the place, so we decided to stop in for a late breakfast. Prices were on par with Waffle House or Ihop. We ordered Western Omelet, Biscuits & Gravy, Chicken (tenders) & Waffles, and kids meal Pancakes. Would recommend and will be going back : )

Raven Prince

Feb 20,2025

First time visit and we enjoyed our meals. It was busy but they got people in and out fast. Prices are good and you get plenty of food.

Bobby Brown

Feb 12,2025

Wow absolutely great. I took my wife and two of my daughters here for lunch today and everything was wonderful yes it was a little pricey but that's to be expected these days, but you pay for what you get large portions and the staff was incredible i looked over some of the reviews b4 posting mine and the negative reviews we didn't experience none of them everything was great we will most definitely be back Thank you University diner for the great food an exceptional wait staff keep up the great work

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