While in Jacksonville, I decided to stop at the Beach Diner Mandarin. It’s my third Florida diner after Scenic 90s Cafe in Pensacola and Banana Cafe in Key West. It was the day of my brother’s wedding, so I opted for takeout in the midst of getting ready. I actually couldn’t remember if I had been to any other “Beach Diners,” but then I remembered the Beach Diner in Point Pleasant, NJ.
Beach Diner Mandarin Atmosphere:
The Beach Diner Mandarin is located in an outdoor shopping mall. The outside is modern and, like the name suggests, has a beachy theme. The white exterior makes it look modern and fun. Inside, it keeps with the beach theme (you would hope so with the name). Most of the diner is white with white booths, tables, and even beach chairs.
It’s modern, clean and fun. It’s open, airy, and modern. In all, it’s one of my more favorite diners looks.
Coffee:
While I forgot to take a photo, the coffee was hot and fresh and tasted great. Not much more to ask for.
Beach Diner Mandarin Food:
The Beach Diner Mandarin menu has everything you want for breakfast and lunch in a diner. Since they are only until 2:30, they just serve breakfast a lunch. They have many more healthy options than many other diners, and you can find something for everyone, including pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, and salads.
There were a few things on the Beach Diner Mandarin menu that caught my eye:
- Bagel and Lox with Smoked Salmon, Capers, Red Onion, Sliced Tomato, and Cream Cheese on a
Toasted Plain Bagel - Fish-n-Grits: Deep-fried 7 oz. filet (no bones!), Two Eggs (any style), Cheese Grits, Toast or English Muffin
- Tossed Shrimp & Crabmeat Salad: Tossed Green Salad with Jumbo Shrimp, Crabmeat, Diced Tomato,
Parmesan Cheese, Croutons, tossed in our House Dressing. - The BET Rider or(BLT) had Crisp Bacon, fresh Egg Salad, juicy Tomatoes & fresh Lettuce in a Pita Pocket.
- The Sensational Salads: When I arrived, I saw someone eating a salad, and it looked so fresh and green (plus large).
You can see the complete Beach Diner Mandarin here.
Ultimately, I decided to get the BLT with avocado and sweet potato fries. I was happy with my decision, and it tasted great. The BLT wasn’t soggy, and the sweet potato fries were crisp and thick.
Beach Diner Mandarin Service:
Everyone was friendly, and my food was ready to go when I got there. I couldn’t have asked for better service.
Cost: $
For the BLT and coffee, it was $14. It’s one of the cheaper diners I’ve been to lately, but maybe I’m just on California prices these days.
Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back to the Beach Diner Mandarin?
I really enjoyed the food there, and I would love to come back when in Jacksonville. The food tasted great, and everyone was friendly. I have no complaints. It’s also fairly cheap, which is nice.
Atmosphere: A
Coffee: A
Food: A
Service: A
Cost: $10-$14
Overall: A
You can see more diner reviews here.
Questions for you:
Have you ever been to the Beach Diner Mandarin in Jacksonville?
Are you a fan of BLTs?