[Trayderjoe]

My wife and I have been going out to breakfast every Sunday, trying different places each week. I decided to post this note about Darrell's (near Spanish Springs) as we did look at previous reviews and it was not always clear as to which location might be under discussion. The reviews we saw were mixed, with one consistent message of long wait times for food to be served.

First off, this is not "fine dining cuisine", it is simple food at what we perceive to be reasonable prices. I have been fortunate to experience a wide range of cuisine, and price does not always equal value. I have had expensive, disappointing meals, and cheaper enjoyable meals as well as the inverse.

Our experience today was quite the opposite of other posts in terms of timing. Our food was ordered and received in a reasonable (less than 10 minute) time frame. We did choose to sit at the counter, so this could have impacted our experience differently than had we sat at a table, but the wait staff was constantly on the move throughout the diner, including a 8 top that was sitting outside. This is also the FIRST time eating at any restaurant in the Villages (including the pricier restaurants) that my coffee cup was NEVER less than 1/2 full before a wait staff member came by to freshen up my cup and everyone else's coffee (a BIG 2 thumbs up on that-I hate waiting on getting refills on my empty beverage while dining).

Our food came out at a good temperature and we both enjoyed our selections. I will refrain from critiquing the food beyond saying that the seasoning was reasonable, and we both enjoyed our meals (we agreed that we would re-order what we had and that we will go back in the future) as I have found way too many times that what I might enjoy, you might not. My wife for example doesn't like spicy food, but I enjoy flavorful spicy food.

So what is the purpose of my post if I am not critiquing the food? Well: the wait staff was very friendly and attentive; the diner including the restrooms (which we always check to see how the staff pays attention to cleanliness) was very well kept up; we did not have any issue with the timeliness of the food, nor in our opinion, the food quality. Overall we felt that we had a good meal at a reasonable price at a restaurant in The Villages. I would say give it a try and if you don't like the food, then absolutely don't go back, but you might find you like the food and the atmosphere. We did.

[Villager Joyce]

Thank you for an upbeat post. I always enjoy Darrell's at Pinellas Plaza.

[JoMar]

I enjoy Darrels, also eat at the one on 301 and all of them have been exactly as advertised, nothing special, variable service, food is ok and the personnel are respectful. Prices are reasonable for what you get.....if you want more then try KeKe's, better service, extensive menu and higher priced. It just depends on what you want.....I will continue to support Darrels and KeKe's and Rey Rey's.

[SCasey]

I love the fact I can get a Reuben for breakfast at Darrell's. My wife gets a cheeseburger.

[Allegiance]

Originally Posted by SCasey

I love the fact I can get a Reuben for breakfast at Darrell's. My wife gets a cheeseburger.

Breakfast of champions! [emoji6]

[tophcfa]

We go there frequently because if you sit outside your dog is welcome to join you. The food is simple but good, just how we like it.

[Henryk]

Oops, my bad.

[Henryk]

Originally Posted by SCasey

But I love her still.

[Henryk]

Originally Posted by Trayderjoe

...
So what is the purpose of my post if I am not critiquing the food? Well: the wait staff was very friendly and attentive; the diner including the restrooms (which we always check to see how the staff pays attention to cleanliness) was very well kept up; we did not have any issue with the timeliness of the food, nor in our opinion, the food quality. Overall we felt that we had a good meal at a reasonable price at a restaurant in The Villages. I would say give it a try and if you don't like the food, then absolutely don't go back, but you might find you like the food and the atmosphere. We did.

Thanks for your thoughtful post. I happen to love their corned beef hash.