Atwater's Cafeteria

Just keep doing the same.................... more

The first thing that I noticed was limited amount of parking at Atwater's. It was not busy when I arrived, so parking was not a problem. The second thing I noticed was the trays were not as clean as I would have liked them to be. I grabbed the cleanest tray I saw. The third thing I noticed was the disappointing limited number of entrée choices offered at Atwater's. There were pork chops, turkey legs and some type of meat with lots of bones. I believe it was oxtail. I chose the pork chops. The pork chop was uniquely seasoned and very tasty, but I was only served one small pork chop that had more bone than meat on it. I was happy that the pork chop was very good, but for $8 Atwater's should have served me at least two small pork chops instead of one or charged me a couple dollars less.\r \r Two sides were included for that $8. There were a few more side dishes than entrées to chose from, but the selection was also limited. I chose mac n' cheese and collard greens. Both sides were very good and the serving size was fairly generous as I had hoped for. Atwater's was the best mac n' cheese I have had at a restaurant. Not too runny and not too dry with a nice blend of cheese flavors.The collard greens had some good sized pieces of very tasty meat in them. I think it was oxtail. It had a similar taste to corned beef. I enjoyed it. The greens were good too.\r \r I also asked for a slice of corn bread. Atwater's corn bread was fairly good tasting, but seamed to have too much flour to corn meal ratio in the recipe. This gave it more of a cake like character instead of a classic corn bread character. The corn bread was not as thick/tall as most places serve. I like it at least an inch thick or more. Atwater's corn bread was about 3/4 of an inch thick. I did not see any deserts. Unfortunately there were no signs posted, but I had the feeling that there were other items available that were not visible to me. It was my first visit to Atwater's, but I probably should have asked if there was anything else to choose from that I could not see. A customer should not have to do that. A restaurant/cafeteria like Atwater's should post some signs of items that are available that are not in view/sight.\r \r I read in other reviews that the lemonade at Atwater's was home made. It might be, but it was overly sweet and seamed more like a commercial lemonade mix with a slice of lemon thrown in the pitcher to look like it was home made lemonade. If it is home made, they need to reduce the sugar about 25% and increase the lemon about 25%. \r \r I believe the lemonade was only $1. From my receipt I was not sure if I was charged a dollar for the lemonade or if the dollar was for the slice of cornbread. My total was $9 plus tax. $9.63. I was still hungry when I was finished. I stopped at Joey Brooklyn's and had a couple slices of pizza and a bottle of water for $5.34 before I was satisfied. So really, I spent $14.97 plus gas from Largo for my lunch. Therefore eating at Atwater's was not a very good deal and not worth the trip. \r \r The table cloths were stained and dirty. Atwater's should should switch to easy to clean plastic or disposable paper table cloths. They need Gordon Ramsey to come in and do a redecorating job like he does on Kitchen Nightmares. \r \r Overall the flavor of the food was very good at Atwater's. If the place was redecorated with a cleaner look, they served me two small pork chops instead of one and had a couple more entrées and sides to choose from I would have given Atwater's 5 stars instead of 3. I know times are difficult right now, but Atwater's needs to spend a few thousand dollars on redecorating and hire a good manager. I hope Mike Atwater reads this review because it is really a fairly simple fix and could bring all his reviews up closer to 5 stars. These simple improvements would at least double and possibly triple the number of Atwater's customers and profits if not more. \r \r \r \r Pros: Great Flavor, Sweet Service, Side dishes were fair sized Cons: Bad Parking, Not Clean, Size of Entrée & selection too small more

We decided to use Atwater's Cafeteria for our wedding reception dinner. From the first moment of contacting Atwater's we were treated very nicely and Mike Atwater went out of his way to help us create the menu.\r Mike Atwater came to our home, where the reception was to be held after we had decided on the menu, which was beautiful food at a very reasonable cost. As he surveyed how he wanted to set up his crew and the dinner, he commented on the farm feel to our property.\r He was very patient with me as I went through some pre-wedding jitters and changes to the menu.\r On the day of the wedding, he and his crew came and set up the dining area for 100 people. Then, Mike surprised us by bringing our a big grill and starting the coals and barbecuing ribs for everyone! We hadn't talked about this before, Mike thought the grilling smells and tastes would add to our reception and it sure did. At the cake cutting, I had arranged for my 12 year old neice to be in charge with adult supervision. Again, Mike came over and just picked up the serving utensils and did the cutting while Erin got to deliver the slices to our guests. He did all this with a smile and added a big smile to Erin's face as the cake cutting was more than she anticipated! All of his staff were very friendly to our guests, the food was delicious. Mike had again on his own, thought we should have plenty so he added to our planned menu. Not as much as I would have liked was left over. The Atwater's did a great job of cleaning up and laughing with our guests. So much was added to that special day because of Mike Atwater's forethought and kind demeanor. I highly recommend this restaraunt for everyday and special events. Pros: great food, great prices, great people more

I used to eat at Atwaters consistantly but I have decided never again and I will explain I and many St. Petersburg natives have decided to pass up Atwaters. Atwaters is a institution whose cost has increased with the times, but food quality and ambiance has remained in the 60s. The food was better when Mr. Atwater was alive, now the kids are running the place and nobody has had the idea that maybe you should at least show appreaction for your customes by providing them a decent place to sit down and enjoy your dinner. I take pride in my city and Atwaters place in it, but I think its a shame that the owners refuse to put money back into the place that pays their bills. Food is average, Decor and Ambiance is worst than a soup kitchen. I will spend my money somewhere the owners have decided to take pride. Pros: Convenience Cons: quality of food, Ambience more

I have eaten at many different restaurants and different cafe's,but none of them beat Atwaters. Atwaters is the most quiet and calm place to eat with the best food.\r So when ever your in town you most definatly need to stop by Atwaters Cafe.\r The Chef is a good cook and very friendly and courtieous. more

The neighborhood is not an issue folks - I've eaten at Soul Food restaurants around the country and this is one of the best. Guess what? The best ones are tucked away in communities just like this one where not only hard working blue collar folks eat but white collar folks in suits can't resist either.\r Baked chicken, collard greens, and home-made macaroni and cheese - not to mention homemade lemonade - they bring a pitcher to your table. Michael Atwater, the chef and owner, greets you and welcomes you and your family and friends...all the food is made fresh from scratch and where else can you get a sincere greeting like ""God Bless You"" from a staff that truly means it? \r Pros: Great food, great service more

Well, I love Southern Food so I thought I might check this place out. If you remember the old saying ""roll em up, lock em and accelerate"" then this is definitely the place for you. If you remember the movie Vacation with Chevy Chase when they were traveling through East St. Louis... I had sudden flashbacks of the scene. Cons: Neighborhood more