Jackies Diner

Jackies Diner
5758 S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
ph: 941-926-0909
fax: 941-926-0908
jackiesdiner@comcast.net

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Well we just couldnt do it anymore, work 8 days a week!!!
We had to admit that we were gettin old and need a rest.
Starting next Monday, May 18th, the Diner will be closed on Monday and Tuesday only thru the summer months
The Pelican Press, only open 6 weeks.
November 26, 2008

Jackie's Diner cooks up man-sized meals

After more than 25 years with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, motorcycle cop Sgt. John Herlihy has moved into a entirely different arena.
Good food, fun and a chance to meet new people is what John was looking for when he opened Jackie’s Diner on the South Trail six weeks ago.
He and his wife Betsy are "just every day people" who wanted to put together a menu that would "bring back memories of what we all enjoyed years ago.
"If I can’t pronounce it, I can’t cook it," he said.
The "Jackie" of the cafe’s name is John’s late father, who was a CIA agent. In one corner, a "reserved" sign is left to honor him. With a son serving in Iraq (due home within a few weeks) and a host of family members who served in the military and in public services, Herlihy makes a special effort to recognize their contribution.
Bring in a nostalgic photo showing a fire department company or military scene, and Jackie’s will give you a free meal if you let them display it. And you can bring in your favorite coffee mug to be washed and ready to serve your morning brew. The dining room wall already boasts several firefighters’ helmets and related equipment.
Their aim, John said, is to create a family atmosphere and a very happy and cozy place to eat and meet friends. Nothing is prepared the day before, he said. Generous portions and very reasonable prices are their philosophy, he said.
And if it’s not on the menu, John will make it if the ingredients are at hand.

Bacon and eggs, for example, with potatoes and toast is $5.95, and two big pancakes are just $2.95. The breakfast Juggernaut is the Big Daddy, created out of two 12-inch pancakes, with two eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries, and sausage gravy. At $10.95, few can finish it all, and they get a special treat if they do.
Another very popular item is crunchy French toast, he said. It’s French toast coated with a sweet cereal (Fruit Loops, anyone?) that will bring back memories of your childhood.
Burgers and "sammiches" are lunchtime favorites, with a "plain Jane" burger and fries starting at $5.99. The adventuresome with strong constitutions can sample Big John’s special deep fried burger (cheeseburger on a freshly battered deep fried bun). Or they can take their liking for the deep-fryer to new heights with deep fried Oreos or Milky Ways; deep-fried pickles with ranch dressing; or deep-fried Florida pig fritters (actually bacon strips).
House made soups and chili have been popular in the chilly weather, and so are "hot dawgs," bottomless coffee and soft drinks.
John supplements the menu every day with some daily specials. On a recent weekday, he offered "a pulled pork sammich" made with his own BBQ sauce.
The diner also offers a kids’ menu and house made desserts.