This place is great, I've had so much fun in the (early) 9am hour rush of this place. My server Emily was wonderful, she was attentive, expressive and impressively insightful about the menu selections and tailored options for her guests. This place is well run, with women servers on a mission for excellence: people are seated promptly and are seen by their server quickly. Here are some things that I noticed about this place: -the family bathroom was clean, well-lit, and (thank god) did feature a coat rack! *this is important for purses*, changing station, and railing on the door and walls to assist our friends who need extra support. -the grits were HOT, buttered and delicious, very simple recipe with cheddar cheese and my addition of salt & pepper, best restaurant grits ever (and I'm generally underwhelmed by grits from every restaurant) -I was able to sub turkey sausage for my topping in the Secret Bene dish was met with a smile and agreeance. No pork on this fork -if you want to dine with ease, come here the seating in the general dining area is built for tables of 2-4 patrons, semi-closely spaced but the larger tabletops are sequestered into their own section. This seating plans allows for smaller parties to be tended to quickly and redirects the noise and collaboration needed to tend to a larger table top away from others' dining experience. I am delightfully pleased to say that they need to bring back this classic American dining practice of partitioning of space for a larger tables. I remember this in restaurants like ihop and TGI Fridays from back in the day, it does make a difference. -the silverware was clean, very clean place. Thank you SGC! read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Secret Garden Bene with turkey sausage links - 10/10. If poached isn't your thing, order it with a fried egg! - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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We stopped at a place we haven't been in a LONG time: Secret Garden Cafe which is located at 10095 Beach Blvd. We split a couple of mimosa pitchers and I had the Patty Melt with Kettle Chips. The melt was decent and I'll circle back to it eventually but I'll try something else next time because I remember loving their breakfast options last time we were here. I LOVED the kettle chips and would get them as a side with anything else. Lauren had the Morning Grab Sandwhich. She picked sausage patties. She could get her egg done however she wanted so she picked fried hard. She could pick cheese as well so she picked American. She liked how buttery the croissant was and said it held up fairly well to the main ingredients. She really liked the breakfast potatoes for her side and said she'd order them every time. This is a cute little place and it's been too long since we stopped in. Emilie was a great server and she happened to be the same person who waited on us the last time we were here, well over a year ago! read more

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Service was good, felt just like an old school diner, giving me a excited feeling of small town cafe vibes. But I wasn't as excited about the food, nothing special. The cinnamon roll was by far the best part in my opinion, but my eggs Benedict was heavy on the lemon juice and the poached eggs were over done. Then egg platter was decent sized but nothing special. Biscuits and gravy, was heavy on the clove and texture was interesting. Overall... It was not bad. But I would not take someone there for their first time. Though I'd give it another shot. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Gravy. For Smothered Biscuits - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I stopped by secret Café on a Friday morning around 11 o'clock. I've been craving pancakes for about a week. And their pancakes are so delicious. Every bite is soft and fluffy and the edges were crisp, which is very important to me. My main course was a Philly cheesesteak and it was loaded with peppers, onions and cheese. The bread was super soft and warm. Omg it was so good....delectable. For my side I chose café potatoes, they're pretty good but I wish they were a little more crispy. The waiter really made my day. She was super cool, very attentive and provided great customer service. She even offered a way to make our bill cheaper. All about saving money. Hands-down, one of my favorite brunch spots I come here pretty often and I'll be back soon. You should definitely try it out if you're in the area. read more

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Absolutely loved this spot! I have been looking for a good breakfast cafe on the Southside of Jax and this one definitely meets the mark. Server was very friendly but a little slower when it came to taking my order and bring the check. However, the food made up for all of this. The food came out quick and it was amazing. My favorite thing was the strawberry pancakes! read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Griddle Platter - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Oh my goodness guys! You have to eat here. The food was so good. I got the secret garden bene and my husband got the griddle?? Not 100% sure. Our serve Dominique was so lovely. She was easily one of the best servers we've ever had. Odd thing to say.. it was the perfect temp inside and the place was quiet and decorated some beautifully. We loved it. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This is our second visit & I enjoyed the food. Our server was excellent & active. The atmosphere is a comfortable place to have breakfast. I think I enjoy the fact that I can have breakfast the way I would cook it in my own kitchen. This is a nice place for me to relax & enjoy breakfast with the grandbaby. I might just stop in once a week... read more

I hadn't been to Secret Garden Cafe in years. But I was looking for a relatively quick breakfast spot that wouldn't be too crowded. They had all the usual options for breakfast - French toast, pancakes, waffles, egg dishes, and breakfast platters. They also had a kids menu. They had a few options for mimosas as well. We got vegetarian omelettes with turkey sausage added, which also came with bread and we got biscuits. The home fries were our side. We tried the waffles with eggs and turkey sausage, and a kids 1/2 waffle with turkey sausage. The food was excellent! The waffle was large and slightly crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The vegetarian omelette was actually well seasoned and the turkey sausage added offered flavor. The portions were great, even with the kids meal. All of us had leftovers. We had a great breakfast here! read more

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The food served was very good and truly enjoyable, complemented by very nice and sweet service. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - The food was very good nothing too exciting but it was enjoyable and the service was really nice - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Hidden Gem! Wonderful customer service, friendly casual atmosphere. Sweet tea and coffee was great. Ordered breakfast platters with eggs, sausage, café potatoes and homemade pancakes. Everything was very fresh and prepared perfectly. Love supporting these kind of places instead of the chain restaurants where most food now comes prepackaged and warmed up. Will definitely return on our next visit! read more

Cute restaurant. Decor reminded me of a tea room. There were event 2 private dining areas. I ordered the Egg Platter and my friend ordered the French Toast. Food prices were less than most breakfast places in Jacksonville. Egg plate came with 2 eggs, choice of sausage, bacon or turkey sausage and choice of grits or potatoes. I had the sausage patties and potatoes. The sausage patties were tasty and juicy, not dry as most places are. Potatoes were well seasoned. I will definitely be coming back! read more

I used to go here fairly often when I lived in Jacksonville. The place does not seem to have changed much. It is clean and inviting. I always loved their Fried Green Tomatoes. They are still great. Sweet pickled red onions and a red pepper remoulade compliment the perfectly fried tomatoes covered in goat cheese. The service was excellent. read more

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Nommmmmiiesss! Secret Garden is the spot for a delicious breakfast and terrific service. Nothing crazy fancy over here--just straight up good eats. The team there is hospitable and welcoming. You can feel the friendly vibes as soon as you walk in. Ellie!! You're the best. Scott and Evangeline are always awesome. Everything we ordered was good--but I had total food envy. My friend's corned beef hash was yummm! I will definitely be ordering that next time. One of my favorite things about Secret Garden are the number of regulars--I think that says a lot about a spot. Put Secret Garden on your breakfast places to eat. read more

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Walking through the door you're greeted by the staff letting you know to sit at a table that you're comfortable at. Eli (pronounced Ellie) was our server whom was great by the way. Customer service was spectacular and her sweet tooth was spot on. The caramel pecan French toast was delicious to the point everyone had to try. The strawberries with pecan was good but definitely recommend caramel pecan on your choice of whatever you desire. read more

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Family Jami M., Kaity, David & I met for brunch. I had delish fried green tomato eggs bene. Great lemony sauce, delish bacon, eggs perfect. Great wait staff. It's seen a few owners but remains constantly good. Jami had fried green BLT,, Kaity, Smoked turkey & feta Sam, and David breakfast bowl. Scrambled eggs a little over cooked. Will return. read more

I stopped in for a bite and a coffee and was not disappointed!! The cafe was small but lively. Yuri, despite being busy with a large party, was very attentive and kind the entire time. I could've been the table of 1 he forgot about, but he was on top of everything! The coffee was perfect, and their honey butter that comes with their pancakes and waffles is delicious!! I'll be stopping in again when I have some more time to sit and enjoy it all, but the first impression was a 10/10. read more

Just walked out. It's my birthday, I walk in with my elderly parents. They refuse to let us sit at any open table. We sat there for ten minutes and no one said a single thing. Half the restaurant was empty. Plenty of staff walking around saying nothing. Owner below says they said something to us, if they did I didn't hear it and sat there looking at all these open tables. It's also important to say we have eaten there for years. But hadn't been there in awhile due to staff being so unwelcome and food going downhill. Good luck staying open with such stellar attitudes and service....this is not your first terrible review so I think it's time to ask the question: maybe it's you? Go to the Loop or Sundeli instead. By the way- see owner response below. Tells you everything you need to know. Large party was me and my parents and my 15 year old daughter - a party of 4. Also, I'm pretty sure you won't be arrested for moving tables together. Much better restaurants than yours do it daily. It's the stupidest remark I've seen a restaurant make on a yelp comment. There were literally at least TEN OPEN tables. How about this: if you get arrested for moving tables together to accommodate a group of 4, I will defend you for free. Also if you look at my history, I believe this and one other business are the only ones I've ever felt strongly enough to review. The rest are 5 star reviews. So...yea. Cheers! Also after I posted this, I got a notification that the restaurant magically got 341 reviews after mine. Sounds like robots have taken over. read more

We were able to sit immediately! The service is so friendly! Plenty of delicious options for breakfast, I got the griddle platter with pancakes and loaded potatoes! The two of us both got a platter and drinks and the check was $60 with tip- our server was Dominique and she rocked!! read more

Everything was good other than sending my waffle back for a fresh hot one to go Along with my tasty grits and juicy turkey link sausage. It's a nice spot and very laid-back atmosphere. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Farmer Platter was delicious. The only thing that wasn't perfect was my waffle. It was nice, not crowded yet since it was Easter. - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

We decided to visit this place for brunch after church. We were able to walk right in and sit down. We were greeted at the door. We ordered the veggie mess with a croissant and corn beef hash adding a pancake. The croissant was split and warm grilled(which was nice with strawberry jelly). The corn beef hash was made in house and was good. The veggie mess was good. The eggs and veggies were cooked tender. The pancake had no flavor but the cinnamon butter tried to correct that. Pancake not so good. The restaurant was clean. The wait staff was friendly read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Veggie Hot mess and cornbeef and hash - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Greeted and told to sit where I liked upon entry. My server came over with a menu and took my coffee order shortly afterward. I ordered the griddle platter which includes 2 pancakes, your choice of meat, 2 eggs, and your choice of side - I chose breakfast potatoes. All cooked perfectly. I love the honey/cinnamon butter served with the pancakes. The coffee is pretty good as well. The ambiance gives community cafe vibes, nothing fancy or polished but it's the perfect spot for a homestyle Sunday brunch. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Loved our breakfast here! Staff is super welcoming and friendly and let us sit at a table of our choice. Service was super fast as well. The veggie hot mess bowl was so good- the potatoes were seasoned so well and super crispy. The classic pancakes were the size of the plate, steaming hot, and super fluffy. The cinnamon butter they come with was so good. I also loved the fried green tomato BLT but just wish the sandwich was a little bit bigger- its perfect for a light meal though. We will definitely be back when in Jacksonville! read more

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Been ages since been here but did a good job for breakfast. 2 eggs over easy, grilled the biscuit (have to ask for that) cafe potatoes kicked up a notch with cheese and mushrooms and Turkey link sausage Great coffee and waitress that was super friendly. Worth going again. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - My breakfast with the kicked up potatoes. Super good - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Brunch was fabulous!!! waitress was very. Attentive as well! I would totally recommend this place to anybody who wants a great breakfast!

I have been here 10 or more times and every single time it hits the spot. good is always consistent and the place has to be the best place to get breakfast in Jax. read more

We were hungry for brunch and didn't feel like waiting 40 minutes at the typical Broken egg or 1st watch so Googled places near by and stumbled on this place and we all loved it. Service was amazing, very attentive waitstaff. Food was great, i ordered the waffles, my boyfriend ordered the griddle platter which had pancakes, bacon, grits and eggs. Our daughter had the chicken salad sandwich and said it was better than chicken salad chick. We have definitely found a new breakfast spot, most definitely recommend. read more

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Excellent service! Good is all homemade including corned beef hash. Nice selection of breakfast items. Been to several times when visiting JAX. read more

Went her for breakfast/brunch and I feel like this is such a hidden gem in the old Jacksonville area! Our service was great and all food items were delish! Our only negative which I didn't even drop a star was that the mimosa pitcher was warm, but overall still an outstanding experience!! Would definitely recommend and we will be back again! read more

The secret has been out.. just a bit late to the brunch game. So "pitcher" this - mimosas! I was all in! Don't stop there... they have more delights! If you want some delicious pancakes and a meaty omelet? I suggest you plow on over to this quaint garden cafe on Beach Blvd. Just make sure it's a day off- that champagne will sneak up on ya. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Berry good! - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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The Secret Garden Cafe is a great place to head over for breakfast. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the Secret Garden Cafe not only makes it the most important meal of the day, but a truly delicious way to start your day. Just to start, the Secret Garden Cafe has a pretty cool vibe. It is nothing fancy, but it definitely is a pleasant place to sit back and enjoy a meal. The omelets are a good choice and the corned beef hash is a good way to go, as well. All in all, I woukd definitely recommend here and I give it five stars. read more

The food was good , the service a little slow , if I had been in a hurry I would have left . I ate lunch with an old friend so it was ok for us to wait & talk with each other. read more

Such a great spot! Amazing food, and excellent service!! The staff are so sweet! Will definitely be coming back regularly :)

Have eaten here several times and very impressed with the taste and freshness of my breakfast. Can't believe this place has been open for 13 years and I had no ideal that they served breakfast. Thought this was a Chinese dinner style restaurant. Service is very fast and friendly. Met the owner on a recent visit, very friendly and takes a lot of pride in his restaurant. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Outside of restaurant - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I'm updating my previous review to 5 stars! My sister's bridal shower was held here. They have a private room that can seat 15 people for no charge (up to 2 hours, $50 if over 2 hrs although they were EXTREMELY generous to not charge us as people didn't arrive on time.) The room was secluded enough to be able to play our own music (outlet on two sides of the wall), play bridal shower games, and even have enough room for a tripod so I can take videos/photos! Ms. Holly took great care of us! She singlehandedly served 12 ladies who were there to have a great time. We were goofy, had multiple drink spills (oops!) tons of requests, and as clumsy as we were, she never seemed to mind! We were apologetic and she would joke around, laugh with us, and just continue to smile! She was the perfect host! Thank you Ms. Holly! Our food was incredible. I was very upset that they no longer have their famous Shrimp n Grits! They have their reasons. Alas, I ordered the Secret Garden Crab Benedict and the Secret Garden Benedict with Fried Green tomatoes. Delicious! It even looks amazing when it comes out. I got a bite of the Chicken Cordon Bleu and that was pretty phenomenal as well. Everyone around me seemed to enjoy their food. It got pretty quiet in the room for 2 minutes after the food came out and that was because everyone was happily stuffing their face. Oh and they have mimosas! Can't forget to mention that! What I thought would be a simple casual brunch with the ladies turned out to be an impeccable event that all of us enjoyed. Secret Garden Cafe has a lot to boast about! Incredible food and service all around! We are so thankful for the experience we had here! read more

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Met a friend for brunch. Shannon was our server. Shannon was so bubbly and had such sweet charm. Loved it! The restaurant was moderately packed. The food is cooked to order and therefore took some time. I ordered the crab and egg Benedict with fried green tomatoes. My friend ordered the crab and Eggs Benedict sans the tomatoes. Albeit they were smothered with hollandaise sauce, we both thoroughly enjoyed our brunch plates. And there was so much food, that we both had leftovers. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Crab and Eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes and potatoes! - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Read some food reviews about their food so my husband and I decided to stop by. Order: country fried chicken steak and secret crab bene The egg Benedict was awful. The English muffin was soggy. The hollandaise sauce was sour, the fried green tomatoes weren't crispy enough to be described as fried and they did not pair well with the crab cakes. The eggs had a bitter aftertaste. The country fried chicken steak was not chicken at all; it's actually beef. The name threw us off as we were definitely expecting chicken. The entree was under seasoned and the meat was tough. It was disappointing as the place had good reviews and was PACKED that morning. Maybe we ordered the wrong things?? I'm not sure what went wrong. read more

Clean and very nicely plated. My 2nd time here and as I ate this awesome lunch. Just the day before I can't believe I paid $15 for a combo and a Frosty, It's insane! I've decided to seek out and support the local restaurants that are not franchises under big corporations. I'm just tired of the merry go round y'all . read more

YUM! I've said it before- breakfast is my favorite meal. I prefer to eat within an hour of waking up and Sunday morning, as soon as I opened my eyes John asked if I wanted to go out for breakfast.... you don't have to ask me twice. I went to finding a new spot to try and a ton of chain restaurants came up first, but I kept scrolling looking for something more Jacksonville and I found it! Secret Garden Cafe has a small dining room and a couple tables outside, but the dining area has a ton of vibrant art adorning the walls! The kitchen is at the back and a counter and case that I assume gets filled with goodies- the empty cake plate had a sign that said coconut cake and I'm sitting at my table contemplating asking if they have some in the back! Hmmm- cake. I always check menus before picking a breakfast place- John doesn't like frou-frou, he thinks breakfast should be simple and hearty. I agree for the most part. If the place has corned beef hash- I know it's a safe bet. I was genuinely shocked he didn't order that though! He went with the griddle platter- 1/2 waffle, 2 eggs, bacon & grits (there are alternative choices for this platter). I, on the other hand, couldn't decide between salty or sweet! I wanted biscuits and gravy and their strawberry and cream waffle sounded delightful! So- I ordered both! 1/2 order of B&G and the waffle. That strawberry and cream waffle was so good no syrup was needed! John's waffle came with cinnamon butter- which tickled him, he's always excited about little things like that! And the biscuits and gravy- a TON of gravy, very rich and creamy and had a ham-ish flavor to the gravy. I don't know another way to describe it- it was sausage gravy, but there was a bonus flavor to it. The biscuit very filling. I couldn't finish both- of course! Service was great- Cami was our server and very attentive! And the young lady who dropped our food complimented my snarky hat and my t-shirt! Who doesn't love compliments!!! We will for sure be back! I at least gotta try the cake! read more

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Service was very good. I had hot mess, it was good. My husbands pancake was good. A quiet and nice place for breakfast. read more

Secret Garden Cafe - Pancake - Cafes Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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First of all this is a super cute little diner style restaurant. The art on the walls is eye catching. The staff is super friendly and they have mimosas! That's all I needed to see to make my decision on trying them out or not. Our waitress Carly was WONDERFUL! Súper friendly and she gave us tips on ordering. I had the Everything platter and it legit had everything. SO MUCH FOOD! I barely ate half but at that point I was pretty full of mimosas . My date had the crab cake Benedict and it was delicious. I've never tried eggs Benedict before but if it tastes even semi close to what I had here it's definitely going to be my new go to breakfast order. We also ordered a side of french toast and one pancake and the pancake was fluffy and the French toast wasn't overly sweet. Most definitely worth a visit. read more