Imagine my surprise at seeing that I am the first to review Skyway Jack's, a legendary south St. Petersburg locale. I'll try to do it justice.
Skyway Jack's was originally located closer to the old Skyway Bridge (hence the name). When the new bridge was built, many resisted the change and the fact that this restaurant would be moved. Now it's a bit farther away from the new Skyway, a couple of miles north on 34th Street South, but still retains the quirky ambiance that was the hallmark of the original. You can read about the history on the menu.
You can't really miss this place. It's the building with the large anthropomorphic egg and antediluvian-sized fiberglass chicken near the entrance. The chicken and egg, as well as the porcine-themed decor inside, give you a hint of their stock in trade: breakfasts. Big Breakfasts.
If you get there before 8am weekdays, there are early bird breakfast specials for under $2.00. If you come later, there may be a wait on weekends because this is a very popular place for people of all stripes to eat. Try the fluffy pancakes, the outstanding sausage gravy (though the biscuits can be alternately a tad tough or doughy, with enough gravy they are tolerable), or the breakfast combos. The sausage pancakes, with sausage cooked right in, are outstanding. The country fried steak, smothered in sausage gravy, is excellent. The whiteboards advertise specials, including the perennial "BRAINS AND EGGS," special, which I have never seen anyone order. I suspect it is another example of their puckish humor, designed to amuse tourists.
The waitresses are quick, efficient and friendly but don't give them any guff. The ban on in-restaurant smoking has made this a much more pleasant place to eat, though if your tolerance is low for eating close by people you don't know, and if a loud and convivial atmosphere is not to your liking, Bob Evans' is down the street. But there's no huge fiberglass statue of Bob Evans, and their hostess stand definitely does not sport an alligator head with a table towel in its mouth.
Skyway Jacks is open daily 5am-3pm. Ample parking except when they are very busy. Cash only, and they have added an ATM for your convenience.
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