After living in the Bay area most all of my life, I have a special place in my heart for diners, especially 24 hour diners. Who knows maybe it is part of my wayward youth phase or after divorce phase or peeps watching phase or....it really doesn't matter, they are good friends of mine. This certainly wasn't my first time here and I am sure it won't be my last. Ok you caught me, I know y'all think you are so cleaver, so I will just fess up with the truth......I have always loved Fonzi. You happy, now you got a big secret on me and you owe me one in return. You enter the estaishment and you feel that you somehow got transported straight back to the 50's,. Most everything is black and white checked... how classic and cool is this. No matter the hour of day or night you are greeters as a friend and given efficient, courteous and prompt service. I can't say the food is great, but I certainally can say that for average dinner food it's pretty darn good. Usually I stick to the bacon crisp, Sunnyside eggs, potstoes with onions and whole wheat toast and I am never disappointed and always a happy camper. This place has been here forever and I hope it stays there for another forever. What's a girl to do? I want my bacon and eggs too and at two.
(4)
D D.
I love this place! The staff is friendly and it has a great old time feel. I've been here more than ten but because I'm a creature of habit, I've only had their breakfast. I've never wanted to try anything other than that because the breakfast has never disappointed. I love the eggs scrambled with cheese, smoked sausage, hash browns, and French toast! If you're in need of a good breakfast + 24hr diner, this is the place for you!
(5)
Annie The PodRacer X.
Great service & my spinach & feta omelet was splendid. I would go back again!
Simple, uncomplicated good breakfast!.. Definitely coming back, l love breakfast for dinner so, now there's a spot where I can go , cool
(4)
Barry P.
The place is overrated. The service was extremely slow and only got a waiter to wait on me after flagging him down. The food was nothing special --not great but not horrible either. Would only recommend in a pinch or very late at night.
(2)
Peter C.
The taste of the food was very poor. I couldn't even finish my meal. Everything tasted old or expired and the atmosphere was very dirty. The server was nice and got the order correct but I wouldn't come back here. The quality of the food just terrible.
(2)
michelle l.
I love places like this. Greasy spoon with friendly and attentive staff? Yes, please. We started with the fried mushrooms. They were perfectly crispy and wonderful. My husband also had a bowl of chili that he proclaimed excellent. My real winner was the Reuben sandwich. I was expecting the corned beef to be some nasty lunchmeat, but it was thick chunks of corned beef. The sandwich got a tiny bit soggy. I got the fried okra on the side, and they were a tad under seasoned, but with ketchup, they were fine. My husband had the country fried steak. He did not love it, but the rest of the meal was so good, he's okay with returning to try other things.
(4)
Michael L.
Overrated. Service is slow, servers are not friendly and prices are higher than comparable places. Food quality is low and things which are supposed to be hot like sausage turned out cold. This place is a huge disappointment as I normally like these small family owned diner concepts for quick Sunday brunch. It took 15 minutes or so just to be acknowledged and once our order was in, about an hour to get our food. The restaurant wasn't packed or anything and most people seemed to arrive after us and leave before we even got our food. My guess is that they forgot to put in our order but then had no explanation for us and when the food arrived, they were still missing items which they had to put back in. Again no apologies or acknowledgment. What was intended to be a faster dining experience turned into a good investment into our morning/afternoon. When we arrived we also asked for a chocolate milk for our 4 year old son. Later when the server came she told us that we received too large of a cup and therefore would be extra and not included in the kids meal. It was the manager who brought it in the first place so crazy they would ask us to pay extra for their mistake. This ended up not being on our final bill (I would not have paid that anyway). We definitely would not recommend this place and would recommend people pick another place.
(1)
Juan L.
First time at the restaurant, and the Watter has gave such a bad reputation to the great food that this dinner has to offer. She rude I've eat my burger and did not come around till I finished,"to late for a refill now". She also for got to add my sides. Right after we talked about it. I'm not sure if she might be intoxicated at work or what's going on. Aside from the horrible service I recomend the food, by the way her name is Gia
(1)
Don K.
So at 1 am on a Monday the waitress tried her best to smile and greet us as we doubled her customers to a total of 4. Maybe she's pop's mom, cause I think she's been waiting tables since the 50's music they play was new. Good pancakes and chicken sandwich served quickly with a wry smile! At this time at night not bad!
(4)
Mitch L.
Had the Senior Meat Loaf as good as ever. No buttermilk drop biscuits this time, other wise I would have given 5 Stars.
(4)
Mel R.
Love that it's 24/7, I can see myself coming back on a late weekend. Got very good service, food was decent and affordable. Nothing more nothing less, just a decent spot for breakfast or a late night snack.
(3)
Lindsey S.
The hubs & I -love- mom & pop diners like this! I've heard Mark H. and Steve E. mention this place a few times, but we're not on Dale Mabry often. Guavaween night we finally got the opportunity to stop by for a really late dinner. When we walked in we were greeted by a server who seemed kind of grumpy. She kept looking me over incredulously, no doubt because of my costume (I was fully clothed. I am no harlot!). Even by the end of our meal she didn't know what to make of me, aptly confused by my spot-on manners. I digress. Pop N Sons has a great variety of affordable meal options on their menu. I settled on the country fried steak dinner and Christoph opted for the meatloaf. We were both pleased with the speed in which our food came out. The speed did not sacrifice the quality at all, and in no time flat we were stuffed to the gills. The only part of my meal I would've changed was how peppery the sausage gravy was on my steak. Other than that, everything was up to snuff (including their rich macaroni & cheese). The food is comforting here, and so is the atmosphere. This diner is a blast from the past, and even their music adds to the 50's ambiance. My sweetie & I will definitely be making a return appearance!
(4)
Hercules A.
You know your food and service is on point when you are directly next to another diner and you packed and they look like they are outta business. Food very affordable and the service was A1. Kelly is awesome
(5)
Stephania K.
Best diner ever! I have been to many diners around the country and this probably tops them all!! Our server Gina is awesome!! I feel like I'm at home.
(5)
Jerry G.
Pop N Sons has been around ever since I can remember. My son used to come here so much, I was surprised there wasn't a statue dedicated to him somewhere in the place. Picture a diner and you picture this place. I grew up in North Jersey. You jab someone with a smart comment, they jab you back. Same here. The service is friendly, you make a dry comment, they make one back. Just like home. The kitchen is pretty quick. I kept them on their toes. I had just done 5 days of juicing. I hadn't had any caffeine for 5 days either. I had two cups of coffee that morning and my wife said I wouldn't shut up. So we (three of us) entered here for lunch. For starts, I ordered two plates of onion rings (to share, to share), a bowl of Chili with cheese and onions on top (not to share, not to share). I then ordered a cheesesteak with fries. The prices are just right. The food is commensurate with the prices. Good food, cheap. The cheesesteak roll (was that a hot dog roll???) was crisp and the cheesesteak was hot. Didn't take me back to the Philly area since the cheese was different. It wasn't that gooey American cheese they use up there. The onion rings were hot and good. The chili was your basic chili, not over spicy, but it had a decent taste to it. Parking is around the back. Entrance is around the front. My son says the awesome burger is pretty good anytime. Go back? Sure.
(4)
Elizabeth R.
It was nice to find this place in an area with very little food options. Definitely a run of the mill diner with good prices. The server was attentive and friendly. My only complaint was that I order the corn chowder and it was lukewarm and straight from a can. I was really disappointed. I was at a hotel just a block away. They are open late and it makes it convenient to get food anytime.
(3)
Tim R.
Love coming here for breakfast food anytime during the day. For those that like a greasy spoon diner, this is the place to be. Prices are good for what you get, I have not tried any of the lunch or dinner menu items here. 3 stars only because the cook could do a little better.. Hash browns were covered in oil... But I'll still come back for my French Toast.
(3)
Mira L.
Greasy horrible breakfast food. Low quality. Food. Downhill since what it use to be just cheap breakfast food.
(2)
Kenny A.
I did not like this place. I wanted to like it. I like supporting small local businesses and generally this is where you get the best food. Not the case here. I stopped in early Saturday as I was waiting for the fish market up the street to open. I was by myself so I sat at the counter and waited a little longer than I should've for someone to ask me if I wanted something to drink. I get my coffee and I place my order: corned beef hash, eggs, and sliced tomatoes. Simple enough, right? By the way, the hash is my go-to dish that I use to measure the worth of any breakfast restaurant. If they can't make good hash, it is not worth it for me to come back and try anything else, the same way I wouldn't go back to a Chinese restaurant that makes horrible fried rice. The hash was not good. In fact, probably the worst I've ever had, and I've had a lot. It tasted like it came out of a can, then warmed it a bit on the flat top, and put it on my plate. Parts in the middle where still cold. Cold hash = YUK!!! The eggs where cooked hard, when I asked for over medium. The sliced tomatoes: I thought I'd at least be able to eat this, I mean, really... How hard is it to pick a ripe tomato and slice it? Right? But yes, they messed that up too. My guess is that they washed the knife right before slicing into my tomato and did not rinse it very well. Nothing gets your taste buds going in the morning like a mouth-full of Palmolive Anti-bacterial dish washing soap! One bite and done. I asked for a second cup of coffee, since no one ever offered even though I was sitting at the counter and servers walked by every 30 seconds and I had my best "I need coffee come hither" look. I ate my egg whites, paid my check, and went on my way. So maybe the hash is not their forte. And maybe the cook got distracted and over-cooked my yolks. And maybe the wait staff was so busy that they forgot about the guy at the counter. Maybe... Try at your own risk.
Great service thanks to Gina. Clean diner and food was made/serviced fast. Overall a good place to go for breakfast at any time, open 24 hours.
(4)
Steve E.
9pm on a rainy Sunday night, and there aren't a lot of places still open that are serving food. You have your usual fast food joints, pancake houses, and other flat top grills manned by short-order cooks, and then you have the classic 24 / 7 / 365 diners. Tonight I decided to drive down Dale Mabry towards Raymond James Stadium and stop in at a perennial diner favorite - Pop N Sons Diner located a few blocks north of the stadium. This place has a classic "Happy Days" vibe with 50's style vinyl booths, black and white tiles on the walls, high-topped stools at the lunch counter, doo-wop music playing in the background, and super-friendly waitresses. The menu is filled with classic diner favorites, starting with the early-morning omelets, eggs, country-fried steak, pancakes, corned beef hash and more.If you're after more afternoon and evening-type meals, you'll find soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with full dinners such as breaded veal steaks, meatloaf, fried chicken, fried shrimp, fried grouper fingers and more. And of course, like any good diner you'll find a glass case filled with a wide variety of dessert options. The food is inexpensive and its served quickly. A meatloaf dinner with 3 sides and a soda cost just over $10, which is tough to be at that hour of the night. It's nice to know Pop N Sons offers great food 24 hours a day.
(4)
Quan D.
Quick: A classic style diner, that in days past may have been a popular stop for trucks on late runs. The food is comforting and what you would expect from a a vintage location reminiscent of 'Pleasentville' and 'Leave it Beaver' days. And as the food is comforting the service is just as friendly and eager to be of assistance. Working the late night shift I usually take a day or two to transition back to the night hours after a break. This leaves me in an awkward position for meals as there are limited late night options. Seeking a relief from the standard late night fast food, I was happy to find this 24/7 diner. It's not a very assuming location and looks as though in glory days past, it may have been a popular stop for truckers making the overnight drives. Inside you'll find your standard booths and a bar, and coffee that's kept hot and fresh all day long. Everything looked decent and clean to me, the lighting isn't the best... got that bluegreen glow from fluorescents but... hey if you're up at 3AM looking for food, I doubt ambiance is your game. The late staff was quick to respond and through out my meal made a diligent effort to check if i needed anything. I wanted something a bit more than the burger and went with the open faced chili burger and some onion rings on the side. Everything was prepared quickly and came out piping hot! There wasn't anything particularly memorable about the meal, but it did leave me full and happy =) An attentive staff, quick hot food, and fresh coffee so I never see the bottom of the cup...... it's what I would expect from a late night visit to a diner! If you're ever up at 3AM we might just pass each other by!
(4)
Cat G.
I love it here. It's a great late night diner-esque spot since it's open 24/7. It's a little dated looking but I think it adds to the charm. Food is consistently good, fast service. Great place to go after a night of drinking.
(4)
Todd B.
I wanted to go to 2 stars, but my disappointment was my fault, not the diner's, so I'll stick with 3. Firstly, its great to know there is a 24 hour diner that isn't Denny's or Waffle House in Tampa. There are more apparently, but this one was the closest to our location at 12:30 on a Saturday night. By the time we got there, it was around 1 AM, and I was a bit surprised to find it empty. I know bars close at 2 in Tampa, but you'd think the early birds may have left their bars already and were ready for a late night burger or egg platter. But there was no one here. Normally, my go-to food at a late night diner is breakfast, but I really wanted a sandwich, so I got their club (turkey, roast beef, ham, cheese). I don't know why I was expecting a hot sandwich, but I was. At least I was expecting the bread to be warm. But when it came out, the meat was so cold that it even chilled the bread, which was toasted, but no longer hot. So I was disappointed in that I wanted a hot club sandwich and that isn't what I got. Still, there was nothing wrong with the club sandwich, and the fries were decent and piping hot. It had a cool 50's diner vibe, though it was a bit run down. I guess that even with the disappointment being my fault, I am going with 3 stars because of the run down look of the place and because my sandwich was something I could have made at home. Nothing special. And while I suppose that's true of most diner food, I've had damn good club sandwiches at diners, and this was just okay. I'm going to be back though - fairly sure of that - since they do have an extensive diner menu, so there's always more to try. However, I might try one of the other 24 hour diners first for comparison's sake.
(3)
Anish Z.
Went there cause had a friend in town from out of state and he wanted to go to a "local diner" late night. Crotchety old white waitress took our order which consisted of bacon, scrambled eggs and pancakes for me and same for my friend as well. Food came out I got sausage and told her. She laughed and said "honey you aint getting no bacon" and walked away. I thought she was joking but apparently not! Finished the meal walked up to the pay the bill with two cards to split the check. She said the we had told her it was together... which we had not. At that point she grumbled and split the check. With a calculator and excellent math skills she split the check which was incorrectly done to no surprise. We paid and left. Pancake were really good but unfortunately the syrup was a horrible gelatinous consistency. So maybe take the to go if possible? otw bitch of a waitress spoiled the experience
(1)
Lindsay F.
This place was just grand. The food was pretty good; however, the ambiance was fantastic and so was the staff! This place makes you feel like family, and they treat you like family too...minus the whole judging and pushing you to marry and have kids before you're ready thing. That would be weird. It was such a nice experience. I had breakfast for lunch, which is my favorite. Another table had spaghetti and meatloaf, and that looked very tempting. Please give this spot a try. It will be worth it, unless you do not like being treated well, given good food, and listening to the oldies while you dine.
(4)
Jenn M.
Seems they may have a problem with racism here...maybe they're going for the genuine 50s feel?? Upon walking in with my black boyfriend, was ignored. I asked one server if it was seat yourself, she told us to wait to be seated. After awkwardly standing for several more min (in a near empty diner), I ask another server who tells me to wait longer (looking annoyed that we would ask). I ask if we can just grab a seat at the counter, she rolls her eyes and says we can. At least five min after sitting, the crabby older walks over with a terrible attitude and asks "is this to go?" We did take it to go & the rest of the transaction continued on until we walked out the door. In retrospect, we should have just gone somewhere else.
(1)
Ben M.
For what it is, a diner that serves traditional diner food, this place is brilliant. It was late, 11 pm, and we were looking for some place that was open, other than junk food. This restaurant is open all night. We were pleasantly surprised at all the good things on the menu. I like liver and onions, and when I saw that on the menu I had to try it (although I'm nearly always disappointed elsewhere). The portion serving here was large, and both liver and onions were cooked just right, tender and moist and not burnt at all. The sides were excellent, too. The hash browns were crispy and golden, and not greasy. The cole slaw and potato salad were very good, although a bit more mayonnaise than I like, but I think right in line with what most people expect. The food was inexpensive, and an excellent value. The staff was courteous and friendly. My companion's dinner was also very pleasing. I really can't say anything negative about our experience here, and I would highly recommend it for any hour of the day or night.
(5)
Melissa Z.
This place gets 3 stars as a diner that's open 24 hours 7 days a week. When it's 1 or 2 am and you need something to eat, I would recommend this place bc has good late night comfort food at reasonable prices and the service is very friendly. Its not a fancy 50s diner like you'd find in NYC, but it is a step up from Waffle House. Friendly staff and it is not sketchy looking so you won't get worries that there'll be a side of rape with your entree. Portions are large here. We got some sandwiches around 1am - they were pretty average, but there hashbrowns were awesome, so I would suggest sticking to breakfast items if you come.
(3)
Rich D.
Stopped by here for a late night snack with "King of Yelpers" Steve E., who recommended it highly. In my world of disappointing last night meals dominated by places like Denny's and Waffle House, Pop N Sons Diner serves up some good home-style cooking. Entering the building, I was first impressed by the cleanliness, which is often the downfall of late night diners. Second, the wait staff was super friendly and attentive. I opted for a bowl of chili, which had a very good homemade flavor to it. Steve E. grabbed the meat loaf entree, which he pronounced excellent as well, and was abundant enough to take home half. Hopefully I'll get back to try out more of the menu choices. My scores on the late night diner scale: Atmosphere: 4 Service: 4 Food: 4 Value: 4
(4)
Hal F.
Three words....DON'T DO IT!!!!! Just because somebody puts the word "Diner" on the front of a building, does not make it a Diner. The basic tenets of a diner is good food, quality preparation, low cost, and good service. The only thing going for my meal was the waitress and the coffee. I ordered pork chops and eggs for dinner. When I tell you that the pork chops were swimming in grease, I am not exaggerating. It was so bad, I had to get several napkins to dry them off and a separate plate. How are fried eggs and home fries also swimming in grease? When I say swimming, I mean 1/8 of an inch of grease on the bottom of both plates. It literally turned my stomach. The waitress was fantastic, however. She kept checking on me, and when she saw that I was not enjoying or could even eat the food, she offered to get me something else. I reordered something simple like a grilled cheese with bacon, and it to was drenched in grease. I would not go back, and I would not recommend it. how previous reviewers gave it 4 stars, I don't know. I am a diner master, and this is no diner.
(1)
Jeremy B.
I have only been to a genuine New York diner once in my life, so I'm not fit to be an expert on the subject of diners, but I have been to quite a few in Tampa, so that does give me a little knowledge to draw from. And my knowledge tells me that this place is great! If it were as close to my house as Three Coins I would probably never be able to decide which to go to since they are so similar. Yes, you're not going to get high cuisine when you come to a diner, but that's why that plate full of eggs, hash browns and toast is only $4.25. You go here for some simple comfort food, or a no fuss breakfast, or just because you want to get out of the house but don't want to spend a lot on food. Or maybe you just love the 50s style decor and the friendly and competent wait staff. Personally, I'm thrilled that my pancakes came out tasting like they contained hints of funnel cake and didn't have that oily coating that a lot of flat top cookeries leave on everything. I love that my wife's over-medium eggs were genuinely over medium and that our coffee tasted like it wouldn't be served anywhere else but a little diner. So if you can't tell, I enjoyed my experience here. Maybe I just enjoy diners in general, but I think Pop N Sons could stand on its own against most of those casual sit down chains. Give them a try!
(5)
Mark H.
I'll make this quick... 1. Best pancakes ever. Screw IHOP. I haven't quite figured out what the hell they put in their batter, but it's ridiculously good. Nutmeg? Vanilla? Who cares? Just go eat some. Send a sample off to the FDLE forensics labs in Tallahasse. 2. Fantastic home fries. Ask them to add onions. Amazing. 3. Cheap, cheap, cheap! You can get stuffed in this place for about $8 a head. 4. Ask for Cookie during the day. This lady has been a greasy spoon waitress since like WWI. I actually worked with her at The Westview Rest (RIP) in the late 80s, and she's still doin' the damn thang! At night, ask for Patsy, she's truly the best server ever. I love this lady like my own grandma. 5. Tip in CASH because if you tip on the credit/debit card, they don't get that money until their payday. I always try to make it a point to stop and grab a few bucks before I make the trek there just to be nice.
(5)
Ken D.
Good old greasy spoon! wonderful people and service. beats the hell out of a dennys or IHOP. A little bit of everything on the menu! Enjoy!
(4)
Kristie K.
A wonderful late night hidden gem! One of the best cubans I've ever eaten. Great service and food even at 1:00 in the morning on a Sunday. Do yourself a favor and go!
(5)
Magnus T.
I use to work graveyard shifts so i give then 3 stars but the food and service at that time several times before we stop going rated a minus 3 stars however if there in the area during the day check out mom next door who got one of the best gyros in Tampa
(1)
Kevin F.
What won me over here was the bacon. So. Freaking. Good. Other than that, you can expect all of the usual diner trappings.... for better and for worse. I've gone back a few times now and haven't had a bad experience yet.
(4)
Mike S.
Pretty good diner on North Dale Mabry close to Landers, and right next door to Mom's diner...go figure. Ate there only once and had a nice dinner special. They offer lots of old-time comfort foods, and stuff you may like occasionally but not to fix at home....like liver 'n onions. Breakfast menu also looks good, with prior reviewers well pleased. Now it has a new name and possibly new management, so it needs another try and update reviews.
(3)
Amanda S.
"You gonna eat dat with dem fangers?" -Scowling Waitress at Pop n' Sons.
(4)
Randi S.
We came in at 2 a.m. so I'm gonna take it for what it was. The food was typical diner food, but I have to say that the Reuben I ordered was the worst I'd ever had. I only ate a quarter of it. The salad was limp and brown on the edges.
(2)
Donald H.
Good food...good selection and a fun place to be...! been going there since they started... Never ever had a bad meal...!
(5)
Tyler J.
Decent diner food, interesting atmosphere. Would eat here again.
(3)
Adam P.
Staff were friendly but food left something to be desired. Not terrible but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Mollyana W.
Good authentic diner food! Great bacon!
(4)
Rachel S.
This place is adorable! It completes the diner feel with retro seats and tables. Friendly service! The owners must be patrons of the arts because original art (photography and paintings) are on the wall for sale. The food, however, was a little lacking, particularly the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was rather gelatinous and the biscuit was dry, so the combination was odd to me. Other than that, the eggs, sausage, grits, and pancakes are your standard fare, nothing too special.
(3)
Matt S.
Wow yelpers... nothing special here. Had the 2-2-2 pancakes, eggs, and bacon. It wasnt bad but very uneventful. Bacon was crispy and had a burnt taste. Coffee was blah and tasted watered down. Free wifi... where's the password... shouldnt have to ask. Prices are fair and reasonable. Probably should of went to mom's next door
(2)
Jim N.
On the coldest night of the year my wife and I are trapped in Tampa as our flight has been cancelled. We checked into the Comfort Inn and were directed to this dinner for supper. We ordered the Meat Loaf and the Breaded Veal. Both meals were great and it felt like home cooking on a cold wet night. If you are looking for a great simple home cooked meal, this is the place. The atmosphere was great with music from the 50s and 60s.
(4)
Debbie L.
While waiting for my friend's car to get serviced at Toyota, we got hungry, so we asked Mr. Mechanic for suggestions. "Um, the shuttle could take you to Mom's Place", okay, whatever. We hopped onto the shuttle, and literally 30 seconds, we were at Mom's Place! Oh wait... they closed at 3. Darn. But hold on, right next door is Pop N Son's, and they're... OPEN, and 24/7 at that! So to Pop N Son's we go :) Pop N Sons may look dingy and bleh from the outside, but inside is a surprisingly clean and spacious diner with all sorts of muscle car memorabilia. I ordered a feta cheese and spinach omelet, which was kind of dry, and it came with a choice of bread and a side. I got a yummy biscuit, and a not-so-yummy fruit cup. Their fruit cup is fruit cocktail from out of a can and the sliced banana in it... tasted like a raw plantain. Ick! My friend ordered a chili dog that was bigger than the size of her head: flickr.com/photos/alovel… And she says that it was pure amazingness. And then some. The best part: After all the food, a couple of OJ's and a couple more sides, the bill came out to $18.54. Nice! The food was run-of-the-mill diner food at 3 stars, but the waitress was a sweetheart, the price wasn't bad, the place was clean and had a nice atmosphere, and they're open 24/7! That deserves at least a 4. Oh, and bonus points for this dude sitting across the restaurant from us: flickr.com/photos/alovel… It was kinda creepy, but his long beard and wizard hat were amusing and seriously intense!
(4)
Dan B.
The food was at a good price, and it was delicious! The staff couldn't have been friendlier.
(5)
Laura H.
Still delish! Another delightful waitress, quick service, GREAT prices! French toast was perfect, not mushy at all! Yummy bacon. Perfect over-medium eggs (which you wouldn't think would be difficult, and yet...), Chicken fried steak was good and hearty, although the crust wasn't perfect; grits were good, but get them with shredded cheese instead of an American slice. Corned beef hash was from a can, but served beautifully crispy! Their coffee is outstanding and refilled constantly! They keep two different kinds of hot sauce on hand (hooray, Crystal!)
(4)
Alan V.
Definitely will be back. Food and service was great! Had the 3-3-3, eggs, links and pancake...yummy!
(4)
Shyam S.
This is an old school diner that feels like a relic of a different time and place and judging by the old codgers in the corner, this diner is the kind of spot where the food has stayed relatively the same, while the prices have inched up a little. This is the kind of Midwest or Northeastern diner that is all too common in those regions of the U.S., but not so much in the South. As soon as I saw scrapple on the menu I knew Pop N Sons was legit. I also saw meatloaf, fried bologna, fish dinners, burgers, steaks, pies and all the other foods we associate with diners. As I joked to my friend, I could imagine Guy Fieri barreling in here at any moment to whip up something in the kitchen and exclaim, "Oh this is killer." The only thing I didn't like was that I didn't feel exactly welcome - my server was great, but the old timers gave me that look like, "Boy, what are you doing in here?" Basically this is an "up north" diner in the South.
(4)
Myra S.
They have THE BEST homemade chocolate milkshakes in Tampa Bay. Real deal, classic diner style. Open 24 hours so you can get breakfast at any time. Good food, cheap prices. Try the Philly Cheesesteak if you don't want breakfast. The parking in the back is too dark at night but it is brightly lit inside and always clean. Come often and the waitresses will memorize your order :)
(4)
Denise W.
If your looking for just plain good food this is the place, biscuits and gravy are the best gravy is home made. Nothing fancy here just great food. Breakfast served all the time. Real down home cooking will go back again.
(5)
Chase H.
Great place for a home like feeling. The staff knows you by face the 2nd visit, soon, will be by your name. Very friendly to everyone.
(4)
Gigi S.
If an old Tampa feel with deliciously greasy diner food isn't what you are into..beware. Pasty is my fave here, she is hilarious. You know it's been a long night when you show up and eat two breakfasts yourself with an order to go.I love the comfort food here, although I have always ordered the same succulent thing: Two eggs, sunny side up on hash browns with sausage patties, mix vigorously, add massive amount of ketchup, mix vigorously, devour in seconds, order another, then another for homesies!
(5)
Lala L.
DISGUSTING!!! Smells like a nursing home and burnt toast- good luck getting even moderately fast service, you'll be told "I'll be right with you" as the city's grossest servers scramble around like they are beyond busy. Mind you they only have Aprox 25-30 tables/booths. sit at the bar and get a good look at their disgusting kitchen- I keep my grill cleaner then their kitchen is. Needless to say I wasn't even able to eat my food after sitting and seeing the waitresses wipe sweat from their faces and then touch peoples toast bare handed. GROSS GROSS GROSS!!!
(1)
Jennifer C.
I can't say it was bad, I just wasn't impressed. I guess I always hope to walk into these small diners and find something insanely delectable and completely out of the ordinary (i watch too much triple D). My husband & I had loaded omlettes with biscuits and hashbrowns, totaling about $25. Like I said, it was good, just not rememberable.
(3)
Michael P.
My friend and I go here just about every night for a late night breakfast past midnight. We are always greeted by our 2 and only waitresses we know there, patsy and sandy. Both the sweetest little old ladies we have ever come across. Both love to joke around and since they know us so well now, they will come and sit down with us, talk about how their night was, as we do to them too. It always reminds me of going to my grandparents house and my grandmother saying, sit down sweetie let me fix you something. I feel the most comfortable at this place than any other. Those 2 ladies know just about everyone that comes in on their shift and everyone loves them. As we do too. The chili is very good, i had the soup of the day last night it was chili mac, again, very good, chicken strips ive had before, home fries with cheese and chili on top, all great. I especially like the decor and oldies music playing in the background, It makes you feel as you were back in the old school 40's and 50's. This place is very clean with a great mood. And the prices are very reasonable. They also have free VERIZON FIOS WiFi. Fast as hell.
(5)
Cricket L.
I had the cheese grits twice. One time, it had shredded cheese. The next time, it had a Kraft single draped across the top. Specify what you want! Excellent coffee. Everything was great except the corned beef hash, which was well crisped, but is canned. Fantastic service. Also: good bacon!
(4)
Lisa C.
This place was great. Very good service and the chili dog was fantastic. I would totally go here again, especially since it's close to IADT which I may be going to next fall. It's very easy to drive to, very clean- both of which are pleasing aspects.
(5)
Joe P.
I went for breakfast, it was typical diner food. Pancakes and eggs were cooked well and tasty. Service was ok, I would go again.
(3)
Colin W.
It's a diner. Solid... Nothing special. Good sausage patties.
(3)
David K.
Getting in late to my hotel after a long cross country flight, I was famished. After settling in, I asked the front desk if there was anywhere to eat nearby and she suggested "the Diner" next door. This place is definitely a throw back to old school Diners. The wait staff was very friendly and suggested the hamburger steak dinner. I went ahead with that and within 5 minutes, my plate came out. Everything was good and tasted like something mom would make at home. They have all the comfort staples and after a draining day, I filled my belly to its delight.
(4)
Rob F.
Super clean inside, nothing scroungy about it. The food is all excellent, and as they told me over 85% of whats on the menu is made fresh. Deserts, milkshakes, etc all awesome. Need to go back. Open 24/7.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kathy D.
After living in the Bay area most all of my life, I have a special place in my heart for diners, especially 24 hour diners. Who knows maybe it is part of my wayward youth phase or after divorce phase or peeps watching phase or....it really doesn't matter, they are good friends of mine. This certainly wasn't my first time here and I am sure it won't be my last. Ok you caught me, I know y'all think you are so cleaver, so I will just fess up with the truth......I have always loved Fonzi. You happy, now you got a big secret on me and you owe me one in return. You enter the estaishment and you feel that you somehow got transported straight back to the 50's,. Most everything is black and white checked... how classic and cool is this. No matter the hour of day or night you are greeters as a friend and given efficient, courteous and prompt service. I can't say the food is great, but I certainally can say that for average dinner food it's pretty darn good. Usually I stick to the bacon crisp, Sunnyside eggs, potstoes with onions and whole wheat toast and I am never disappointed and always a happy camper. This place has been here forever and I hope it stays there for another forever. What's a girl to do? I want my bacon and eggs too and at two.
(4)D D.
I love this place! The staff is friendly and it has a great old time feel. I've been here more than ten but because I'm a creature of habit, I've only had their breakfast. I've never wanted to try anything other than that because the breakfast has never disappointed. I love the eggs scrambled with cheese, smoked sausage, hash browns, and French toast! If you're in need of a good breakfast + 24hr diner, this is the place for you!
(5)Annie The PodRacer X.
Great service & my spinach & feta omelet was splendid. I would go back again!
(5)José M.
Simple, uncomplicated good breakfast!.. Definitely coming back, l love breakfast for dinner so, now there's a spot where I can go , cool
(4)Barry P.
The place is overrated. The service was extremely slow and only got a waiter to wait on me after flagging him down. The food was nothing special --not great but not horrible either. Would only recommend in a pinch or very late at night.
(2)Peter C.
The taste of the food was very poor. I couldn't even finish my meal. Everything tasted old or expired and the atmosphere was very dirty. The server was nice and got the order correct but I wouldn't come back here. The quality of the food just terrible.
(2)michelle l.
I love places like this. Greasy spoon with friendly and attentive staff? Yes, please. We started with the fried mushrooms. They were perfectly crispy and wonderful. My husband also had a bowl of chili that he proclaimed excellent. My real winner was the Reuben sandwich. I was expecting the corned beef to be some nasty lunchmeat, but it was thick chunks of corned beef. The sandwich got a tiny bit soggy. I got the fried okra on the side, and they were a tad under seasoned, but with ketchup, they were fine. My husband had the country fried steak. He did not love it, but the rest of the meal was so good, he's okay with returning to try other things.
(4)Michael L.
Overrated. Service is slow, servers are not friendly and prices are higher than comparable places. Food quality is low and things which are supposed to be hot like sausage turned out cold. This place is a huge disappointment as I normally like these small family owned diner concepts for quick Sunday brunch. It took 15 minutes or so just to be acknowledged and once our order was in, about an hour to get our food. The restaurant wasn't packed or anything and most people seemed to arrive after us and leave before we even got our food. My guess is that they forgot to put in our order but then had no explanation for us and when the food arrived, they were still missing items which they had to put back in. Again no apologies or acknowledgment. What was intended to be a faster dining experience turned into a good investment into our morning/afternoon. When we arrived we also asked for a chocolate milk for our 4 year old son. Later when the server came she told us that we received too large of a cup and therefore would be extra and not included in the kids meal. It was the manager who brought it in the first place so crazy they would ask us to pay extra for their mistake. This ended up not being on our final bill (I would not have paid that anyway). We definitely would not recommend this place and would recommend people pick another place.
(1)Juan L.
First time at the restaurant, and the Watter has gave such a bad reputation to the great food that this dinner has to offer. She rude I've eat my burger and did not come around till I finished,"to late for a refill now". She also for got to add my sides. Right after we talked about it. I'm not sure if she might be intoxicated at work or what's going on. Aside from the horrible service I recomend the food, by the way her name is Gia
(1)Don K.
So at 1 am on a Monday the waitress tried her best to smile and greet us as we doubled her customers to a total of 4. Maybe she's pop's mom, cause I think she's been waiting tables since the 50's music they play was new. Good pancakes and chicken sandwich served quickly with a wry smile! At this time at night not bad!
(4)Mitch L.
Had the Senior Meat Loaf as good as ever. No buttermilk drop biscuits this time, other wise I would have given 5 Stars.
(4)Mel R.
Love that it's 24/7, I can see myself coming back on a late weekend. Got very good service, food was decent and affordable. Nothing more nothing less, just a decent spot for breakfast or a late night snack.
(3)Lindsey S.
The hubs & I -love- mom & pop diners like this! I've heard Mark H. and Steve E. mention this place a few times, but we're not on Dale Mabry often. Guavaween night we finally got the opportunity to stop by for a really late dinner. When we walked in we were greeted by a server who seemed kind of grumpy. She kept looking me over incredulously, no doubt because of my costume (I was fully clothed. I am no harlot!). Even by the end of our meal she didn't know what to make of me, aptly confused by my spot-on manners. I digress. Pop N Sons has a great variety of affordable meal options on their menu. I settled on the country fried steak dinner and Christoph opted for the meatloaf. We were both pleased with the speed in which our food came out. The speed did not sacrifice the quality at all, and in no time flat we were stuffed to the gills. The only part of my meal I would've changed was how peppery the sausage gravy was on my steak. Other than that, everything was up to snuff (including their rich macaroni & cheese). The food is comforting here, and so is the atmosphere. This diner is a blast from the past, and even their music adds to the 50's ambiance. My sweetie & I will definitely be making a return appearance!
(4)Hercules A.
You know your food and service is on point when you are directly next to another diner and you packed and they look like they are outta business. Food very affordable and the service was A1. Kelly is awesome
(5)Stephania K.
Best diner ever! I have been to many diners around the country and this probably tops them all!! Our server Gina is awesome!! I feel like I'm at home.
(5)Jerry G.
Pop N Sons has been around ever since I can remember. My son used to come here so much, I was surprised there wasn't a statue dedicated to him somewhere in the place. Picture a diner and you picture this place. I grew up in North Jersey. You jab someone with a smart comment, they jab you back. Same here. The service is friendly, you make a dry comment, they make one back. Just like home. The kitchen is pretty quick. I kept them on their toes. I had just done 5 days of juicing. I hadn't had any caffeine for 5 days either. I had two cups of coffee that morning and my wife said I wouldn't shut up. So we (three of us) entered here for lunch. For starts, I ordered two plates of onion rings (to share, to share), a bowl of Chili with cheese and onions on top (not to share, not to share). I then ordered a cheesesteak with fries. The prices are just right. The food is commensurate with the prices. Good food, cheap. The cheesesteak roll (was that a hot dog roll???) was crisp and the cheesesteak was hot. Didn't take me back to the Philly area since the cheese was different. It wasn't that gooey American cheese they use up there. The onion rings were hot and good. The chili was your basic chili, not over spicy, but it had a decent taste to it. Parking is around the back. Entrance is around the front. My son says the awesome burger is pretty good anytime. Go back? Sure.
(4)Elizabeth R.
It was nice to find this place in an area with very little food options. Definitely a run of the mill diner with good prices. The server was attentive and friendly. My only complaint was that I order the corn chowder and it was lukewarm and straight from a can. I was really disappointed. I was at a hotel just a block away. They are open late and it makes it convenient to get food anytime.
(3)Tim R.
Love coming here for breakfast food anytime during the day. For those that like a greasy spoon diner, this is the place to be. Prices are good for what you get, I have not tried any of the lunch or dinner menu items here. 3 stars only because the cook could do a little better.. Hash browns were covered in oil... But I'll still come back for my French Toast.
(3)Mira L.
Greasy horrible breakfast food. Low quality. Food. Downhill since what it use to be just cheap breakfast food.
(2)Kenny A.
I did not like this place. I wanted to like it. I like supporting small local businesses and generally this is where you get the best food. Not the case here. I stopped in early Saturday as I was waiting for the fish market up the street to open. I was by myself so I sat at the counter and waited a little longer than I should've for someone to ask me if I wanted something to drink. I get my coffee and I place my order: corned beef hash, eggs, and sliced tomatoes. Simple enough, right? By the way, the hash is my go-to dish that I use to measure the worth of any breakfast restaurant. If they can't make good hash, it is not worth it for me to come back and try anything else, the same way I wouldn't go back to a Chinese restaurant that makes horrible fried rice. The hash was not good. In fact, probably the worst I've ever had, and I've had a lot. It tasted like it came out of a can, then warmed it a bit on the flat top, and put it on my plate. Parts in the middle where still cold. Cold hash = YUK!!! The eggs where cooked hard, when I asked for over medium. The sliced tomatoes: I thought I'd at least be able to eat this, I mean, really... How hard is it to pick a ripe tomato and slice it? Right? But yes, they messed that up too. My guess is that they washed the knife right before slicing into my tomato and did not rinse it very well. Nothing gets your taste buds going in the morning like a mouth-full of Palmolive Anti-bacterial dish washing soap! One bite and done. I asked for a second cup of coffee, since no one ever offered even though I was sitting at the counter and servers walked by every 30 seconds and I had my best "I need coffee come hither" look. I ate my egg whites, paid my check, and went on my way. So maybe the hash is not their forte. And maybe the cook got distracted and over-cooked my yolks. And maybe the wait staff was so busy that they forgot about the guy at the counter. Maybe... Try at your own risk.
(1)Tiffany B.
Mmm, breakfast. This place is an old school diner, for sure. They have a little bit of everything on the menu. I had the biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon and home fries sautéed with onion. it was delicious, although i did have to add a little extra salt to the potatoes. The waitresses are very friendly and relaxed- no one is rushing you to turn over your table, which is always nice. Over all, no complaints!
(4)Michelle L.
Great service thanks to Gina. Clean diner and food was made/serviced fast. Overall a good place to go for breakfast at any time, open 24 hours.
(4)Steve E.
9pm on a rainy Sunday night, and there aren't a lot of places still open that are serving food. You have your usual fast food joints, pancake houses, and other flat top grills manned by short-order cooks, and then you have the classic 24 / 7 / 365 diners. Tonight I decided to drive down Dale Mabry towards Raymond James Stadium and stop in at a perennial diner favorite - Pop N Sons Diner located a few blocks north of the stadium. This place has a classic "Happy Days" vibe with 50's style vinyl booths, black and white tiles on the walls, high-topped stools at the lunch counter, doo-wop music playing in the background, and super-friendly waitresses. The menu is filled with classic diner favorites, starting with the early-morning omelets, eggs, country-fried steak, pancakes, corned beef hash and more.If you're after more afternoon and evening-type meals, you'll find soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with full dinners such as breaded veal steaks, meatloaf, fried chicken, fried shrimp, fried grouper fingers and more. And of course, like any good diner you'll find a glass case filled with a wide variety of dessert options. The food is inexpensive and its served quickly. A meatloaf dinner with 3 sides and a soda cost just over $10, which is tough to be at that hour of the night. It's nice to know Pop N Sons offers great food 24 hours a day.
(4)Quan D.
Quick: A classic style diner, that in days past may have been a popular stop for trucks on late runs. The food is comforting and what you would expect from a a vintage location reminiscent of 'Pleasentville' and 'Leave it Beaver' days. And as the food is comforting the service is just as friendly and eager to be of assistance. Working the late night shift I usually take a day or two to transition back to the night hours after a break. This leaves me in an awkward position for meals as there are limited late night options. Seeking a relief from the standard late night fast food, I was happy to find this 24/7 diner. It's not a very assuming location and looks as though in glory days past, it may have been a popular stop for truckers making the overnight drives. Inside you'll find your standard booths and a bar, and coffee that's kept hot and fresh all day long. Everything looked decent and clean to me, the lighting isn't the best... got that bluegreen glow from fluorescents but... hey if you're up at 3AM looking for food, I doubt ambiance is your game. The late staff was quick to respond and through out my meal made a diligent effort to check if i needed anything. I wanted something a bit more than the burger and went with the open faced chili burger and some onion rings on the side. Everything was prepared quickly and came out piping hot! There wasn't anything particularly memorable about the meal, but it did leave me full and happy =) An attentive staff, quick hot food, and fresh coffee so I never see the bottom of the cup...... it's what I would expect from a late night visit to a diner! If you're ever up at 3AM we might just pass each other by!
(4)Cat G.
I love it here. It's a great late night diner-esque spot since it's open 24/7. It's a little dated looking but I think it adds to the charm. Food is consistently good, fast service. Great place to go after a night of drinking.
(4)Todd B.
I wanted to go to 2 stars, but my disappointment was my fault, not the diner's, so I'll stick with 3. Firstly, its great to know there is a 24 hour diner that isn't Denny's or Waffle House in Tampa. There are more apparently, but this one was the closest to our location at 12:30 on a Saturday night. By the time we got there, it was around 1 AM, and I was a bit surprised to find it empty. I know bars close at 2 in Tampa, but you'd think the early birds may have left their bars already and were ready for a late night burger or egg platter. But there was no one here. Normally, my go-to food at a late night diner is breakfast, but I really wanted a sandwich, so I got their club (turkey, roast beef, ham, cheese). I don't know why I was expecting a hot sandwich, but I was. At least I was expecting the bread to be warm. But when it came out, the meat was so cold that it even chilled the bread, which was toasted, but no longer hot. So I was disappointed in that I wanted a hot club sandwich and that isn't what I got. Still, there was nothing wrong with the club sandwich, and the fries were decent and piping hot. It had a cool 50's diner vibe, though it was a bit run down. I guess that even with the disappointment being my fault, I am going with 3 stars because of the run down look of the place and because my sandwich was something I could have made at home. Nothing special. And while I suppose that's true of most diner food, I've had damn good club sandwiches at diners, and this was just okay. I'm going to be back though - fairly sure of that - since they do have an extensive diner menu, so there's always more to try. However, I might try one of the other 24 hour diners first for comparison's sake.
(3)Anish Z.
Went there cause had a friend in town from out of state and he wanted to go to a "local diner" late night. Crotchety old white waitress took our order which consisted of bacon, scrambled eggs and pancakes for me and same for my friend as well. Food came out I got sausage and told her. She laughed and said "honey you aint getting no bacon" and walked away. I thought she was joking but apparently not! Finished the meal walked up to the pay the bill with two cards to split the check. She said the we had told her it was together... which we had not. At that point she grumbled and split the check. With a calculator and excellent math skills she split the check which was incorrectly done to no surprise. We paid and left. Pancake were really good but unfortunately the syrup was a horrible gelatinous consistency. So maybe take the to go if possible? otw bitch of a waitress spoiled the experience
(1)Lindsay F.
This place was just grand. The food was pretty good; however, the ambiance was fantastic and so was the staff! This place makes you feel like family, and they treat you like family too...minus the whole judging and pushing you to marry and have kids before you're ready thing. That would be weird. It was such a nice experience. I had breakfast for lunch, which is my favorite. Another table had spaghetti and meatloaf, and that looked very tempting. Please give this spot a try. It will be worth it, unless you do not like being treated well, given good food, and listening to the oldies while you dine.
(4)Jenn M.
Seems they may have a problem with racism here...maybe they're going for the genuine 50s feel?? Upon walking in with my black boyfriend, was ignored. I asked one server if it was seat yourself, she told us to wait to be seated. After awkwardly standing for several more min (in a near empty diner), I ask another server who tells me to wait longer (looking annoyed that we would ask). I ask if we can just grab a seat at the counter, she rolls her eyes and says we can. At least five min after sitting, the crabby older walks over with a terrible attitude and asks "is this to go?" We did take it to go & the rest of the transaction continued on until we walked out the door. In retrospect, we should have just gone somewhere else.
(1)Ben M.
For what it is, a diner that serves traditional diner food, this place is brilliant. It was late, 11 pm, and we were looking for some place that was open, other than junk food. This restaurant is open all night. We were pleasantly surprised at all the good things on the menu. I like liver and onions, and when I saw that on the menu I had to try it (although I'm nearly always disappointed elsewhere). The portion serving here was large, and both liver and onions were cooked just right, tender and moist and not burnt at all. The sides were excellent, too. The hash browns were crispy and golden, and not greasy. The cole slaw and potato salad were very good, although a bit more mayonnaise than I like, but I think right in line with what most people expect. The food was inexpensive, and an excellent value. The staff was courteous and friendly. My companion's dinner was also very pleasing. I really can't say anything negative about our experience here, and I would highly recommend it for any hour of the day or night.
(5)Melissa Z.
This place gets 3 stars as a diner that's open 24 hours 7 days a week. When it's 1 or 2 am and you need something to eat, I would recommend this place bc has good late night comfort food at reasonable prices and the service is very friendly. Its not a fancy 50s diner like you'd find in NYC, but it is a step up from Waffle House. Friendly staff and it is not sketchy looking so you won't get worries that there'll be a side of rape with your entree. Portions are large here. We got some sandwiches around 1am - they were pretty average, but there hashbrowns were awesome, so I would suggest sticking to breakfast items if you come.
(3)Rich D.
Stopped by here for a late night snack with "King of Yelpers" Steve E., who recommended it highly. In my world of disappointing last night meals dominated by places like Denny's and Waffle House, Pop N Sons Diner serves up some good home-style cooking. Entering the building, I was first impressed by the cleanliness, which is often the downfall of late night diners. Second, the wait staff was super friendly and attentive. I opted for a bowl of chili, which had a very good homemade flavor to it. Steve E. grabbed the meat loaf entree, which he pronounced excellent as well, and was abundant enough to take home half. Hopefully I'll get back to try out more of the menu choices. My scores on the late night diner scale: Atmosphere: 4 Service: 4 Food: 4 Value: 4
(4)Hal F.
Three words....DON'T DO IT!!!!! Just because somebody puts the word "Diner" on the front of a building, does not make it a Diner. The basic tenets of a diner is good food, quality preparation, low cost, and good service. The only thing going for my meal was the waitress and the coffee. I ordered pork chops and eggs for dinner. When I tell you that the pork chops were swimming in grease, I am not exaggerating. It was so bad, I had to get several napkins to dry them off and a separate plate. How are fried eggs and home fries also swimming in grease? When I say swimming, I mean 1/8 of an inch of grease on the bottom of both plates. It literally turned my stomach. The waitress was fantastic, however. She kept checking on me, and when she saw that I was not enjoying or could even eat the food, she offered to get me something else. I reordered something simple like a grilled cheese with bacon, and it to was drenched in grease. I would not go back, and I would not recommend it. how previous reviewers gave it 4 stars, I don't know. I am a diner master, and this is no diner.
(1)Jeremy B.
I have only been to a genuine New York diner once in my life, so I'm not fit to be an expert on the subject of diners, but I have been to quite a few in Tampa, so that does give me a little knowledge to draw from. And my knowledge tells me that this place is great! If it were as close to my house as Three Coins I would probably never be able to decide which to go to since they are so similar. Yes, you're not going to get high cuisine when you come to a diner, but that's why that plate full of eggs, hash browns and toast is only $4.25. You go here for some simple comfort food, or a no fuss breakfast, or just because you want to get out of the house but don't want to spend a lot on food. Or maybe you just love the 50s style decor and the friendly and competent wait staff. Personally, I'm thrilled that my pancakes came out tasting like they contained hints of funnel cake and didn't have that oily coating that a lot of flat top cookeries leave on everything. I love that my wife's over-medium eggs were genuinely over medium and that our coffee tasted like it wouldn't be served anywhere else but a little diner. So if you can't tell, I enjoyed my experience here. Maybe I just enjoy diners in general, but I think Pop N Sons could stand on its own against most of those casual sit down chains. Give them a try!
(5)Mark H.
I'll make this quick... 1. Best pancakes ever. Screw IHOP. I haven't quite figured out what the hell they put in their batter, but it's ridiculously good. Nutmeg? Vanilla? Who cares? Just go eat some. Send a sample off to the FDLE forensics labs in Tallahasse. 2. Fantastic home fries. Ask them to add onions. Amazing. 3. Cheap, cheap, cheap! You can get stuffed in this place for about $8 a head. 4. Ask for Cookie during the day. This lady has been a greasy spoon waitress since like WWI. I actually worked with her at The Westview Rest (RIP) in the late 80s, and she's still doin' the damn thang! At night, ask for Patsy, she's truly the best server ever. I love this lady like my own grandma. 5. Tip in CASH because if you tip on the credit/debit card, they don't get that money until their payday. I always try to make it a point to stop and grab a few bucks before I make the trek there just to be nice.
(5)Ken D.
Good old greasy spoon! wonderful people and service. beats the hell out of a dennys or IHOP. A little bit of everything on the menu! Enjoy!
(4)Kristie K.
A wonderful late night hidden gem! One of the best cubans I've ever eaten. Great service and food even at 1:00 in the morning on a Sunday. Do yourself a favor and go!
(5)Magnus T.
I use to work graveyard shifts so i give then 3 stars but the food and service at that time several times before we stop going rated a minus 3 stars however if there in the area during the day check out mom next door who got one of the best gyros in Tampa
(1)Kevin F.
What won me over here was the bacon. So. Freaking. Good. Other than that, you can expect all of the usual diner trappings.... for better and for worse. I've gone back a few times now and haven't had a bad experience yet.
(4)Mike S.
Pretty good diner on North Dale Mabry close to Landers, and right next door to Mom's diner...go figure. Ate there only once and had a nice dinner special. They offer lots of old-time comfort foods, and stuff you may like occasionally but not to fix at home....like liver 'n onions. Breakfast menu also looks good, with prior reviewers well pleased. Now it has a new name and possibly new management, so it needs another try and update reviews.
(3)Amanda S.
"You gonna eat dat with dem fangers?" -Scowling Waitress at Pop n' Sons.
(4)Randi S.
We came in at 2 a.m. so I'm gonna take it for what it was. The food was typical diner food, but I have to say that the Reuben I ordered was the worst I'd ever had. I only ate a quarter of it. The salad was limp and brown on the edges.
(2)Donald H.
Good food...good selection and a fun place to be...! been going there since they started... Never ever had a bad meal...!
(5)Tyler J.
Decent diner food, interesting atmosphere. Would eat here again.
(3)Adam P.
Staff were friendly but food left something to be desired. Not terrible but nothing to write home about.
(3)Mollyana W.
Good authentic diner food! Great bacon!
(4)Rachel S.
This place is adorable! It completes the diner feel with retro seats and tables. Friendly service! The owners must be patrons of the arts because original art (photography and paintings) are on the wall for sale. The food, however, was a little lacking, particularly the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was rather gelatinous and the biscuit was dry, so the combination was odd to me. Other than that, the eggs, sausage, grits, and pancakes are your standard fare, nothing too special.
(3)Matt S.
Wow yelpers... nothing special here. Had the 2-2-2 pancakes, eggs, and bacon. It wasnt bad but very uneventful. Bacon was crispy and had a burnt taste. Coffee was blah and tasted watered down. Free wifi... where's the password... shouldnt have to ask. Prices are fair and reasonable. Probably should of went to mom's next door
(2)Jim N.
On the coldest night of the year my wife and I are trapped in Tampa as our flight has been cancelled. We checked into the Comfort Inn and were directed to this dinner for supper. We ordered the Meat Loaf and the Breaded Veal. Both meals were great and it felt like home cooking on a cold wet night. If you are looking for a great simple home cooked meal, this is the place. The atmosphere was great with music from the 50s and 60s.
(4)Debbie L.
While waiting for my friend's car to get serviced at Toyota, we got hungry, so we asked Mr. Mechanic for suggestions. "Um, the shuttle could take you to Mom's Place", okay, whatever. We hopped onto the shuttle, and literally 30 seconds, we were at Mom's Place! Oh wait... they closed at 3. Darn. But hold on, right next door is Pop N Son's, and they're... OPEN, and 24/7 at that! So to Pop N Son's we go :) Pop N Sons may look dingy and bleh from the outside, but inside is a surprisingly clean and spacious diner with all sorts of muscle car memorabilia. I ordered a feta cheese and spinach omelet, which was kind of dry, and it came with a choice of bread and a side. I got a yummy biscuit, and a not-so-yummy fruit cup. Their fruit cup is fruit cocktail from out of a can and the sliced banana in it... tasted like a raw plantain. Ick! My friend ordered a chili dog that was bigger than the size of her head: flickr.com/photos/alovel… And she says that it was pure amazingness. And then some. The best part: After all the food, a couple of OJ's and a couple more sides, the bill came out to $18.54. Nice! The food was run-of-the-mill diner food at 3 stars, but the waitress was a sweetheart, the price wasn't bad, the place was clean and had a nice atmosphere, and they're open 24/7! That deserves at least a 4. Oh, and bonus points for this dude sitting across the restaurant from us: flickr.com/photos/alovel… It was kinda creepy, but his long beard and wizard hat were amusing and seriously intense!
(4)Dan B.
The food was at a good price, and it was delicious! The staff couldn't have been friendlier.
(5)Laura H.
Still delish! Another delightful waitress, quick service, GREAT prices! French toast was perfect, not mushy at all! Yummy bacon. Perfect over-medium eggs (which you wouldn't think would be difficult, and yet...), Chicken fried steak was good and hearty, although the crust wasn't perfect; grits were good, but get them with shredded cheese instead of an American slice. Corned beef hash was from a can, but served beautifully crispy! Their coffee is outstanding and refilled constantly! They keep two different kinds of hot sauce on hand (hooray, Crystal!)
(4)Alan V.
Definitely will be back. Food and service was great! Had the 3-3-3, eggs, links and pancake...yummy!
(4)Shyam S.
This is an old school diner that feels like a relic of a different time and place and judging by the old codgers in the corner, this diner is the kind of spot where the food has stayed relatively the same, while the prices have inched up a little. This is the kind of Midwest or Northeastern diner that is all too common in those regions of the U.S., but not so much in the South. As soon as I saw scrapple on the menu I knew Pop N Sons was legit. I also saw meatloaf, fried bologna, fish dinners, burgers, steaks, pies and all the other foods we associate with diners. As I joked to my friend, I could imagine Guy Fieri barreling in here at any moment to whip up something in the kitchen and exclaim, "Oh this is killer." The only thing I didn't like was that I didn't feel exactly welcome - my server was great, but the old timers gave me that look like, "Boy, what are you doing in here?" Basically this is an "up north" diner in the South.
(4)Myra S.
They have THE BEST homemade chocolate milkshakes in Tampa Bay. Real deal, classic diner style. Open 24 hours so you can get breakfast at any time. Good food, cheap prices. Try the Philly Cheesesteak if you don't want breakfast. The parking in the back is too dark at night but it is brightly lit inside and always clean. Come often and the waitresses will memorize your order :)
(4)Denise W.
If your looking for just plain good food this is the place, biscuits and gravy are the best gravy is home made. Nothing fancy here just great food. Breakfast served all the time. Real down home cooking will go back again.
(5)Chase H.
Great place for a home like feeling. The staff knows you by face the 2nd visit, soon, will be by your name. Very friendly to everyone.
(4)Gigi S.
If an old Tampa feel with deliciously greasy diner food isn't what you are into..beware. Pasty is my fave here, she is hilarious. You know it's been a long night when you show up and eat two breakfasts yourself with an order to go.I love the comfort food here, although I have always ordered the same succulent thing: Two eggs, sunny side up on hash browns with sausage patties, mix vigorously, add massive amount of ketchup, mix vigorously, devour in seconds, order another, then another for homesies!
(5)Lala L.
DISGUSTING!!! Smells like a nursing home and burnt toast- good luck getting even moderately fast service, you'll be told "I'll be right with you" as the city's grossest servers scramble around like they are beyond busy. Mind you they only have Aprox 25-30 tables/booths. sit at the bar and get a good look at their disgusting kitchen- I keep my grill cleaner then their kitchen is. Needless to say I wasn't even able to eat my food after sitting and seeing the waitresses wipe sweat from their faces and then touch peoples toast bare handed. GROSS GROSS GROSS!!!
(1)Jennifer C.
I can't say it was bad, I just wasn't impressed. I guess I always hope to walk into these small diners and find something insanely delectable and completely out of the ordinary (i watch too much triple D). My husband & I had loaded omlettes with biscuits and hashbrowns, totaling about $25. Like I said, it was good, just not rememberable.
(3)Michael P.
My friend and I go here just about every night for a late night breakfast past midnight. We are always greeted by our 2 and only waitresses we know there, patsy and sandy. Both the sweetest little old ladies we have ever come across. Both love to joke around and since they know us so well now, they will come and sit down with us, talk about how their night was, as we do to them too. It always reminds me of going to my grandparents house and my grandmother saying, sit down sweetie let me fix you something. I feel the most comfortable at this place than any other. Those 2 ladies know just about everyone that comes in on their shift and everyone loves them. As we do too. The chili is very good, i had the soup of the day last night it was chili mac, again, very good, chicken strips ive had before, home fries with cheese and chili on top, all great. I especially like the decor and oldies music playing in the background, It makes you feel as you were back in the old school 40's and 50's. This place is very clean with a great mood. And the prices are very reasonable. They also have free VERIZON FIOS WiFi. Fast as hell.
(5)Cricket L.
I had the cheese grits twice. One time, it had shredded cheese. The next time, it had a Kraft single draped across the top. Specify what you want! Excellent coffee. Everything was great except the corned beef hash, which was well crisped, but is canned. Fantastic service. Also: good bacon!
(4)Lisa C.
This place was great. Very good service and the chili dog was fantastic. I would totally go here again, especially since it's close to IADT which I may be going to next fall. It's very easy to drive to, very clean- both of which are pleasing aspects.
(5)Joe P.
I went for breakfast, it was typical diner food. Pancakes and eggs were cooked well and tasty. Service was ok, I would go again.
(3)Colin W.
It's a diner. Solid... Nothing special. Good sausage patties.
(3)David K.
Getting in late to my hotel after a long cross country flight, I was famished. After settling in, I asked the front desk if there was anywhere to eat nearby and she suggested "the Diner" next door. This place is definitely a throw back to old school Diners. The wait staff was very friendly and suggested the hamburger steak dinner. I went ahead with that and within 5 minutes, my plate came out. Everything was good and tasted like something mom would make at home. They have all the comfort staples and after a draining day, I filled my belly to its delight.
(4)Rob F.
Super clean inside, nothing scroungy about it. The food is all excellent, and as they told me over 85% of whats on the menu is made fresh. Deserts, milkshakes, etc all awesome. Need to go back. Open 24/7.
(5)