Metro Diner

This original little gem, this cave, is where Metro Diner started, now a national chain. If you are from out of town and looking for a Metro cause there’s one around the corner from you, this place has the cozy ambience and elbow-to-elbow seating charm and busy worker cramped kitchen noise you need to fully taste the flavor of Metro. They have a GF menu, GF bread for $1, some outdoor seating with space heaters in the winter, and if you say gluten “allergy”, they have a protocol for cleaning cooking space, changing gloves and toasting bread under a heat lamp instead of in a toaster, etc. Still, obviously, with fried chicken, pancakes, waffles, wheat bread, etc in such a small volume, and no 100% dedicated GF cooking zone, utensils, pots/pans, cross contamination seems possible. Quieter back room with a handful of tables with a little more room. After eating there check out the shops and other interesting features of nearby historic San Marco area bordering the St John’s River.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

They have a GF menu. We came for lunch. I ordered a salad with grilled chicken. They cook in vegetable or canola oil which I can’t have. They were gracious enough to use the olive oil I carry with me.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Gluten free menu. Plenty of choices.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free

Absolutely delicious! I ordered from the GF menu, but our server STILL asked the chef to make absolutely sure everything was safe for me.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast
• Good for brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

They have a gf menu. Our server was knowledgeable and made sure everything was safe. I’d eat at this location again.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

A diner is a little bit of a scary adventure for a gluten free person. They have a GF menu online and in person, and I planned to order a salad. Then I suddenly ordered a BLT (club) which was a big risk for me personally. The waiter showed me how they toast the gluten free bread on a plate instead of on the rack. I could see it toasting. I chose mashed potatoes as a side with no gravy of course. No issues 12 hours later. I’m feeling great so they did it right. They have a full bar too.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good