Diners are the heart and soul of any city or town, offering more than just meals—they serve up a slice of community with every plate. These classic establishments are where locals gather for hearty breakfasts and satisfying lunches, always accompanied by a side of friendly service. One of the best parts of my job, besides sampling all the delicious food, is meeting the hardworking people who run these diners. They create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home, and if you’re a regular, you can bet they’ll greet you by name. In Indian River County, these top-rated diners not only feed your appetite, but also nourish the spirit of community.
Country Ham & Egg – Sebastian, FL
Country Ham & Egg is renowned for its hearty home-cooked meals and strong sense of community for over 25 years in Sebastian, FL. Now run by Herb Greenhalgh Jr. in honor of his late father, the restaurant continues to uphold its legacy of friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. Famous for their pancakes and grits—often hailed as the best in the South—Country Ham & Egg never disappoints. During my visit, I tried the Turkey Club, made with fresh roasted turkey (not lunch meat), which truly sets it apart. I also enjoyed the Greek Omelet with a side of home fries, both of which were incredibly delicious.
Country Ham N Egg Restaurant
Address: 478 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 589-4845
JT’s Corner Diner – Sebastian, FL
JT’s Corner Diner has been a beloved staple in Sebastian since 2012, renowned for its all-day breakfast and hearty lunch offerings. After changing ownership in July 2023, new owner John Truckner rebranded the diner to signal a fresh start under new management. The diner has quickly regained its footing, drawing locals back with a dedicated staff and consistently high-quality food. During my visit, I sampled the Gyro sandwich and a unique dish called the Sweet and Savory French Toast. The French toast sandwich was the highlight for me, with its exceptional blend of sweet and salty flavors, making it a true standout on the menu.
JT’s Corner Diner
Address: 13600 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 581-9137
Nettie’s Roadside Restaurant – Vero Beach, FL
Nettie’s Roadside Restaurant has a rich history and a strong sense of continuity that diners appreciate. Nettie, the current owner, took over in 2022 and has deep roots in the local restaurant scene, having worked in the industry from a young age. The opportunity to own Nettie’s arose unexpectedly when her bid for another location didn’t pan out (Seaside Grill), but a chance breakfast visit to the former Larry’s Roadside Restaurant led to an offer that very same day. Nettie’s quickly became known for its warm atmosphere and commitment to quality, continuing the legacy that Larry’s established over its 11-year history before changing hands. During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying a couple of customer favorites: a custom omelet with ham, cheese, spinach, and feta, and the Roadside Casserole, featuring hash browns topped with scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, and sausage gravy. The casserole, with its hearty and savory flavors, quickly became my favorite dish.
Nettie’s Roadside Restaurant
Address: 2555 27th Ave Suite G-6, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 778-8495
Riverwalk Cafe – Sebastian, FL
Riverwalk Café in Sebastian, FL, has quickly become a cherished local spot since opening its doors in December 2022. The café, housed in the former Mandarin Garden location within the Riverwalk Shopping Center, underwent a comprehensive makeover under the guidance of experienced restaurateurs Larry and Debbie Peters. The couple, known for their successful ventures in the area, built the café from the ground up, creating a brand-new diner that quickly won the hearts of both locals and tourists. Tragically, Larry passed away in December 2023, making it difficult for Debbie to continue managing the café alone. In a turn of fate, Richard and Joanne Wagner, longtime loyal customers who had followed Debbie’s culinary journey for 27 years, purchased the café to ensure it remained the warm, inviting place it had become. During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying two standout dishes: the Coconut French Toast, a unique offering not commonly found on menus around town, and the Poor Man’s Benny, a hearty comfort food dish featuring biscuits, eggs, sausage, and a generous ladle of sausage gravy.
Riverwalk Café
Address: 13537 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 783-6745
https://riverwalkcafesebastian.com/
Seaside Grill – Vero Beach, FL
Seaside Grill, the iconic eatery at Jaycee Park in Vero Beach, finally reopened its doors on December 12th, 2023 after being shuttered for over 18 months. The beloved blue-and-white wooden structure, owned by the city of Vero Beach, had served patrons for 30 years under the care of Dan Culumber and his family before they retired in April 2022. Following significant renovations, South Florida restaurateurs Andy Studebaker and Wylie Wong of SW Hospitality Group took over the space, winning out over six other bidders. During my visit, I had the pleasure of sampling their Philly Cheese Steak egg rolls and the Seaside Burger, both of which were delicious and showcased the attention to quality that the new owners bring to the table. With indoor and outdoor seating, Seaside Grill offers an unparalleled dining experience, just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike.
Seaside Grill
Address: 4200 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 205-2865
https://www.seasidegrillvero.com/
Did I miss any other diners that we should have visited? Let me know in the comments below so I can go check them out!
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Kountry Kitchen and Mrs. Macs here in Vero are two of our favorite diners.
Both great places, thanks for your suggestion!
Good job pal!!! Hope all is well!!
Thanks Rick!
Kountry Kitchen with Love should have been at the #1 spot!
We do our best to try and include as many restaurants as possible in these articles. It’s also not a contest, restaurants are listed in alphabetical order, not a ranking system. Thanks for the recommendation!