Best breakfast restaurant beachside priced right for good home cooking food!!! Just minutes from the beach always friendly staff and great atmosphere!!
(5)
Suzanne F.
I tell you, this restaurant was the highlight of my Florida trip. It was a flashback to the diners we would go to in the fifties on vacation with my parents. Loved the ambiance and the server, Tracy, was delightful. Coffee was spectacular. Food cooked exactly the way we asked. So much fun that we went back the very next morning and Tracy remembered everything we had the day before. It's the kind of cafe that was described in the book "Blue Highways." Hope they don't change anything, because it's picture-perfect.
(5)
Gary P.
Well, if say there's some good news, and some bad news about the beacon: Bad first: I wasn't too impressed with the home fries. I LOVE my home fries, and haven't ever really encountered any as bad as this! Also, the service wasn't too good either. It took them awhile just to refill our coffee!! And now the good news: The pancakes were great! They were nice, fluffy, and flavorful!!! Also, the ham wasn't too bad either! I'd say this place is decent, but I can't say I'd go back...
(3)
Angie I.
My relatives like coming here because they say the food is consistently good. We came around lunch time but still got to eat off of the breakfast menu. The egg sandwich was good although it had way too much mayo; and the potatoes were okay but it was just way too many potatoes for one person to finish! I barely made it through half of them. The restaurant has a typical diner feel and a pretty big menu. It's probably a good choice if you're looking for a diner
(3)
Sara P.
I am giving this 4 stars because it's exactly what it should be. This is a locally owned place with super nice employees and good food. I always laugh when people give negative reviews based on factors you judge a 5 star establishment on. Def give this place a try! A hometown gem for sure :)
(4)
Melissa G.
We have have been coming to NSB since i was 2yrs old, i am almost 40 now. This place is a sure stop a couple times while we stay. The breakfast is great, as is the burgers &seafood. Prices are great, food & service is always fantastic. We have never been disappointed.
(5)
Chris R.
Standard diner breakfast, chocolate chip pancake was the highlight. OJ is fresh squeezed according to the sign, not sure I believe it but it was decent. Grits were better than Denny's but not very good. Good location, service was kind.
(3)
Kendra B.
Decent breakfast and service. Always packed. They do seem to turn the tables fairly quick. Good local joint and location.
(2)
Bich N.
Food came out quick. Coffee was delicious. Service was good. Location was a central. Parking is a bit of a hassle but that comes with the downtown location. Best thing here though was the price. You can't beat the quality for that price for breakfast. Very happy :)
(5)
Tara J.
This is an "old school" diner that we all have experienced in Anytown USA. The prices are also old school and probably the best you'll find in NSB. However, the wait to get in seems to always be a long wait (there was a line every time we walked by -- probably 6 times) unless you pop in right after sunrise. We arrived at 8:30am and experienced about a 30-minute wait for four of us. The service was friendly, but the seating is pretty squishy. I guess they're really trying to maximize the space. The coffee was an awful weak blend of something, so if you really enjoy a good cup of coffee, DO NOT GET THEIR COFFEE. You'll waste your $1.25. As for the food, it's predictable diner food, which can be a good thing. The menu consists of eggs with -- fill in the blank with a side or two -- typical pancake menu items, some omelets, various breakfast pork, bagels, and the basic traditional diner items. There isn't anything imaginative, but that's not what a diner provides anyway. The best part about this place is the pricing. Prices are totally reasonable, and in my opinion, is the main draw to come here. So, go watch the sunrise on NSB, and then head a half of a block to Beacon for your breakfast before a line forms out the door!
(3)
Sherry W.
Went for breakfast on a Friday morning in the summer. It was almost all full at 8:30am. There is free parking in the front of the restaurant or along the street. they also have a bike rack! We were promptly greeted and seated. We received our drinks quickly and then the service became slow. I ordered the 2 pancakes, 2 bacon, 2 eggs for $5.25. What a deal! The pancakes have a great sweet flavor to them. They use a good batter. My dad had scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, and buttered rye toast. There are little jelly packets on the table. The food was standard diner breakfast quality. We had to wait for coffee refills. Place is very clean. It you want a standard breakfast for a great price this is the place for you.
(3)
Jennifer M.
It's diner food at a stupid cheap price. More than enough eggs, potatoes, and pancakes to fill up two of us for under $15. Totally worth it.
(5)
Brian S.
Breakfast beach and lighthouses The Beacon Restaurant is an old fashion breakfast and lunch type of joint. It's been around for decades and hasn't changed a whole lot over the years. The location is great, right on Flagler Ave, it's only a few minutes from the beach and a very convenient place to grab a quick bite while hanging around by the ocean. Quick actually might be a bit relative because it can get pretty packed during certain times but it's a friendly and cool and a pleasant place to hang out. Lots of the usual things you would expect in a place like this. Good pancakes, home fries, omelets, and burgers, the food is well made and has never disappointed us. Once of the coolest things about the restaurant is all the lighthouse stuff scattered around. Some great old photos, drawings and models of local lighthouses everywhere. A very cool old fashion and friendly diner type of place that has really good food. Nothing fancy or gourmet but the prices are remarkably reasonable for the amount of food you get. To me just having all that cool lighthouse stuff to look at is always worth a trip here.
(5)
Donald P.
Eat at the Beacon two to three times a week. A home cooling type place. Friendly neighborhood restaurant with a cast of locals and regulars always discussing the towns goings on. Can't bear the prices - the Turkey dinner on Fridays should not be missed. A really great place.
(5)
Tracy A.
Cute old diner style cafe with waitresses that call you "hun" and everything. I had the biscuits and gravy as well as 2 fried eggs and bacon and a side of grits. The coffee wasn't anything to write home about but the food was delish. I can just taste those buttery grits now. A little off topic, what is the deal with places only having the pink artificial sweetener, Sweet'N Low, anyway? Here in California you can readily get Splenda or Equal just about anywhere but anytime I travel east they seem to be stuck in 1957 serving up foul tasting saccharin.
(4)
John M.
Old family style diner. Good food but it can have longer wait times.
(4)
Jim O.
Let's talk about the bad first. The line and wait. They have a bizarre way of seating folks. I'd recommend going early for breakfast or going on their off-days, if they have them. Once you get in and get seated, the food is gooood. My eggs were cooked right and the pancakes are good too. This s a great place to come have some breakfast while you're at the beach. Don't miss out.
(4)
Kevin M.
Never ate one bite! Place is cash only! It's 2013 folks... Get with the times! I'll never be back! If nothing else get an iPad with a card reader.
(1)
Kaitlin H.
Mediocre food and service, but conveniently located near the beach on Flagler.
(3)
Jon V.
#2 combo all the way. No nonsense breakfast. Eggs, bacon, home fries, and toast. Just like grandma used to make.
(5)
QUINN B.
Great local restaurant. I had the Mexican/Spanish omelet on both days. It was delicious with big chunks of tomatoes. The home fries were very well seasoned and soft.
(4)
kirt k.
Not sure what everyone else found in this place yelp wise but I have to give it two stars. My first indication was when I peeked into the kitchen I saw a big mountain of pre cooked hash browns. Why I ordered hashbrowns I'll never know? Next the biscuits were undercooked and almost raw? Coffee was cold and I'll stop there. Cash only.
(2)
Rob S.
Always come back to this place every time we're in NSB. The food and portions are great. The restaurant is what it is; a great diner that will leave you feeling full and satisfied, especially for breakfast. Theoretically, you can make everything they make at your house as well, but why would you want to when meals are only about $5 and the beach is a 2 minute post-breakfast walk away? Try the #9 with corned beef hash.
(5)
Li C.
The breakfast itself was OK - but nothing wowed me. Service was quick, but I felt a bit rushed. The whole point of a vacation away from NY is to avoid fast pace, rushing, and rudeness, all of which was received from our waitress at Beacon. What I actually enjoyed about Beacon was its location. I liked having the opportunity to stroll down Flagler after breakfast.. if you get there early enough, its not too hot or humid and there is hardly anyone by the beach. If you're looking for cute scenery, give Beacon a shot.. if you're looking for a suh-weet breakfast, head to JC's. Just sayin'!
(3)
Lindsey C.
This is a great little diner right by the beach. Breakfast was good - just don't expect any frills. They serve huge, fluffy pancakes and unlimited coffee with a smile. Stop by the bank first, though - this restaurant is CASH ONLY!! If you go early you will catch all the "regulars" in their prime.
(3)
Dana W.
I am from NSB. Have lived here all of my teenage and young adult life. This place is awesome. Back when the high school was right down the street,my friends and I would come here as seniors on our off-campus lunch days. We are now all grown up but we all come back when we can. The Beacon Burger is amazing. We never come early enough for breakfast but I am sure it's good. Servers are friendly. The location is great. Word of advice from a local, come here you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Annette G.
Huge, puffy, thick pancakes. Eggs to order. Grits that will make your mama proud. Each for under 5 bucks. Bring your appetite, cash, and dive in to diner heaven at the beach. Skip the danish and go for the pie.
(4)
Steve G.
God breakfast. Try thenGreek Gyro omlette
(4)
Jeff H.
Best Breakfast you'll find just about anywhere. Grew up down the road from the Beacon and know the people there well. You'd be surprised how well known this place is all across FL.
(5)
cailen s.
A cheap greasy spoon. Somehow the fact that the food is average is very fitting. It would almost seem weird if the food tasted too good. There is a great down home feel to it as well.
(3)
A. C.
(07/26/2011) Small, locals-owned restaurant that's been around forever (or at least over 30 years). We go here for breakfast before the beach, or after the beach, or brunch on the weekend. Used to be the place closed in the afternoons (now open 'til 8pm on weekends). They're known in town for their blueberry pancakes, large, eggy yellow, puffy, thick and moist. The rest of breakfast is your typical diner food combos (eggs and omelets to order, meats, sides of biscuits, etc.). The portions are generous for the price; location off the beach on historic Flagler Avenue can't be beat.
(4)
Ray N.
The beacon is a nice little diner. Nothing to really write home about. Breakfast consisted of 2 eggs, 2 disagree patties, home fries and toast. It was good. Wife had the pancakes. They were really good. It's breakfast food, nothing fancy. My only gripe is they nickel and dome you, $0.50 for a refill. Oh and they don't take credit cards or debit cards. Bring cash. $
(3)
Laura V.
This is a great breakfast diner. Our waitress was friendly, and kept my coffee hot. Service was quick and the meals came out just as ordered. Definitely a perfect way to start the day, without making a noticeable dent in the wallet. Also just steps from the beach.
(4)
Jason C.
I made it a point to eat here every morning of my vacation. I am a restaurant owner and love to try new places. The food is great, the atmosphere is family casual, service was excellent and the prices are INCREDIBLE. Why would you not treat your self to a great home cooked breakfast for less than $5 or $6 before you start your day. Yes they only accept cash - there are a few magical places like this left that still run a profitable busy business without the fees and cashflow challenges of our plastic lifestyle. Get the pancakes and enjoy new Smyrna beach :-)
(5)
Justin F.
Love the basic family atmosphere! Probably because it is a local business owned and operated by a hard working Greek-American family. Tula is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet and they make you feel like part of the family! I have been here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is great, the coffee is fresh, and desserts are homemade! The prices are unheard of but that's because THEY ONLY ACCEPT CASH! I come back time after time.
(5)
Joy M.
Home fries dry, pancakes tough and older waitress very negative and rude! Very disappointed! Not returning!
(1)
Sue J.
Friendly staff, nice clean establishment, terrific location. Wish I could say the food was better. Went for breakfast this morning, got the House Special omelette with gyro meat, feta and tomatoes with home fries and toast. The gyro meat was paper thin and diced so small it barely lent any flavor to the dish and the tomatoes tasted of chlorine. The home fries were clearly from frozen and the coffee was see-through weak. I'd rather venture another block to find better food next time I'm in the area.
(2)
James G.
Cutsey, affordable, family, diner-style restaurant which only accepts cash and won't serve you a bloody mary or mimosa, but will fill you up with some great breakfast which is probably just what you need for another great day at the beach, anyway.
(4)
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Address :416 Flagler Ave
New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32169
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Bob K.
Best breakfast restaurant beachside priced right for good home cooking food!!! Just minutes from the beach always friendly staff and great atmosphere!!
(5)Suzanne F.
I tell you, this restaurant was the highlight of my Florida trip. It was a flashback to the diners we would go to in the fifties on vacation with my parents. Loved the ambiance and the server, Tracy, was delightful. Coffee was spectacular. Food cooked exactly the way we asked. So much fun that we went back the very next morning and Tracy remembered everything we had the day before. It's the kind of cafe that was described in the book "Blue Highways." Hope they don't change anything, because it's picture-perfect.
(5)Gary P.
Well, if say there's some good news, and some bad news about the beacon: Bad first: I wasn't too impressed with the home fries. I LOVE my home fries, and haven't ever really encountered any as bad as this! Also, the service wasn't too good either. It took them awhile just to refill our coffee!! And now the good news: The pancakes were great! They were nice, fluffy, and flavorful!!! Also, the ham wasn't too bad either! I'd say this place is decent, but I can't say I'd go back...
(3)Angie I.
My relatives like coming here because they say the food is consistently good. We came around lunch time but still got to eat off of the breakfast menu. The egg sandwich was good although it had way too much mayo; and the potatoes were okay but it was just way too many potatoes for one person to finish! I barely made it through half of them. The restaurant has a typical diner feel and a pretty big menu. It's probably a good choice if you're looking for a diner
(3)Sara P.
I am giving this 4 stars because it's exactly what it should be. This is a locally owned place with super nice employees and good food. I always laugh when people give negative reviews based on factors you judge a 5 star establishment on. Def give this place a try! A hometown gem for sure :)
(4)Melissa G.
We have have been coming to NSB since i was 2yrs old, i am almost 40 now. This place is a sure stop a couple times while we stay. The breakfast is great, as is the burgers &seafood. Prices are great, food & service is always fantastic. We have never been disappointed.
(5)Chris R.
Standard diner breakfast, chocolate chip pancake was the highlight. OJ is fresh squeezed according to the sign, not sure I believe it but it was decent. Grits were better than Denny's but not very good. Good location, service was kind.
(3)Kendra B.
Decent breakfast and service. Always packed. They do seem to turn the tables fairly quick. Good local joint and location.
(2)Bich N.
Food came out quick. Coffee was delicious. Service was good. Location was a central. Parking is a bit of a hassle but that comes with the downtown location. Best thing here though was the price. You can't beat the quality for that price for breakfast. Very happy :)
(5)Tara J.
This is an "old school" diner that we all have experienced in Anytown USA. The prices are also old school and probably the best you'll find in NSB. However, the wait to get in seems to always be a long wait (there was a line every time we walked by -- probably 6 times) unless you pop in right after sunrise. We arrived at 8:30am and experienced about a 30-minute wait for four of us. The service was friendly, but the seating is pretty squishy. I guess they're really trying to maximize the space. The coffee was an awful weak blend of something, so if you really enjoy a good cup of coffee, DO NOT GET THEIR COFFEE. You'll waste your $1.25. As for the food, it's predictable diner food, which can be a good thing. The menu consists of eggs with -- fill in the blank with a side or two -- typical pancake menu items, some omelets, various breakfast pork, bagels, and the basic traditional diner items. There isn't anything imaginative, but that's not what a diner provides anyway. The best part about this place is the pricing. Prices are totally reasonable, and in my opinion, is the main draw to come here. So, go watch the sunrise on NSB, and then head a half of a block to Beacon for your breakfast before a line forms out the door!
(3)Sherry W.
Went for breakfast on a Friday morning in the summer. It was almost all full at 8:30am. There is free parking in the front of the restaurant or along the street. they also have a bike rack! We were promptly greeted and seated. We received our drinks quickly and then the service became slow. I ordered the 2 pancakes, 2 bacon, 2 eggs for $5.25. What a deal! The pancakes have a great sweet flavor to them. They use a good batter. My dad had scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, and buttered rye toast. There are little jelly packets on the table. The food was standard diner breakfast quality. We had to wait for coffee refills. Place is very clean. It you want a standard breakfast for a great price this is the place for you.
(3)Jennifer M.
It's diner food at a stupid cheap price. More than enough eggs, potatoes, and pancakes to fill up two of us for under $15. Totally worth it.
(5)Brian S.
Breakfast beach and lighthouses The Beacon Restaurant is an old fashion breakfast and lunch type of joint. It's been around for decades and hasn't changed a whole lot over the years. The location is great, right on Flagler Ave, it's only a few minutes from the beach and a very convenient place to grab a quick bite while hanging around by the ocean. Quick actually might be a bit relative because it can get pretty packed during certain times but it's a friendly and cool and a pleasant place to hang out. Lots of the usual things you would expect in a place like this. Good pancakes, home fries, omelets, and burgers, the food is well made and has never disappointed us. Once of the coolest things about the restaurant is all the lighthouse stuff scattered around. Some great old photos, drawings and models of local lighthouses everywhere. A very cool old fashion and friendly diner type of place that has really good food. Nothing fancy or gourmet but the prices are remarkably reasonable for the amount of food you get. To me just having all that cool lighthouse stuff to look at is always worth a trip here.
(5)Donald P.
Eat at the Beacon two to three times a week. A home cooling type place. Friendly neighborhood restaurant with a cast of locals and regulars always discussing the towns goings on. Can't bear the prices - the Turkey dinner on Fridays should not be missed. A really great place.
(5)Tracy A.
Cute old diner style cafe with waitresses that call you "hun" and everything. I had the biscuits and gravy as well as 2 fried eggs and bacon and a side of grits. The coffee wasn't anything to write home about but the food was delish. I can just taste those buttery grits now. A little off topic, what is the deal with places only having the pink artificial sweetener, Sweet'N Low, anyway? Here in California you can readily get Splenda or Equal just about anywhere but anytime I travel east they seem to be stuck in 1957 serving up foul tasting saccharin.
(4)John M.
Old family style diner. Good food but it can have longer wait times.
(4)Jim O.
Let's talk about the bad first. The line and wait. They have a bizarre way of seating folks. I'd recommend going early for breakfast or going on their off-days, if they have them. Once you get in and get seated, the food is gooood. My eggs were cooked right and the pancakes are good too. This s a great place to come have some breakfast while you're at the beach. Don't miss out.
(4)Kevin M.
Never ate one bite! Place is cash only! It's 2013 folks... Get with the times! I'll never be back! If nothing else get an iPad with a card reader.
(1)Kaitlin H.
Mediocre food and service, but conveniently located near the beach on Flagler.
(3)Jon V.
#2 combo all the way. No nonsense breakfast. Eggs, bacon, home fries, and toast. Just like grandma used to make.
(5)QUINN B.
Great local restaurant. I had the Mexican/Spanish omelet on both days. It was delicious with big chunks of tomatoes. The home fries were very well seasoned and soft.
(4)kirt k.
Not sure what everyone else found in this place yelp wise but I have to give it two stars. My first indication was when I peeked into the kitchen I saw a big mountain of pre cooked hash browns. Why I ordered hashbrowns I'll never know? Next the biscuits were undercooked and almost raw? Coffee was cold and I'll stop there. Cash only.
(2)Rob S.
Always come back to this place every time we're in NSB. The food and portions are great. The restaurant is what it is; a great diner that will leave you feeling full and satisfied, especially for breakfast. Theoretically, you can make everything they make at your house as well, but why would you want to when meals are only about $5 and the beach is a 2 minute post-breakfast walk away? Try the #9 with corned beef hash.
(5)Li C.
The breakfast itself was OK - but nothing wowed me. Service was quick, but I felt a bit rushed. The whole point of a vacation away from NY is to avoid fast pace, rushing, and rudeness, all of which was received from our waitress at Beacon. What I actually enjoyed about Beacon was its location. I liked having the opportunity to stroll down Flagler after breakfast.. if you get there early enough, its not too hot or humid and there is hardly anyone by the beach. If you're looking for cute scenery, give Beacon a shot.. if you're looking for a suh-weet breakfast, head to JC's. Just sayin'!
(3)Lindsey C.
This is a great little diner right by the beach. Breakfast was good - just don't expect any frills. They serve huge, fluffy pancakes and unlimited coffee with a smile. Stop by the bank first, though - this restaurant is CASH ONLY!! If you go early you will catch all the "regulars" in their prime.
(3)Dana W.
I am from NSB. Have lived here all of my teenage and young adult life. This place is awesome. Back when the high school was right down the street,my friends and I would come here as seniors on our off-campus lunch days. We are now all grown up but we all come back when we can. The Beacon Burger is amazing. We never come early enough for breakfast but I am sure it's good. Servers are friendly. The location is great. Word of advice from a local, come here you won't be disappointed.
(5)Annette G.
Huge, puffy, thick pancakes. Eggs to order. Grits that will make your mama proud. Each for under 5 bucks. Bring your appetite, cash, and dive in to diner heaven at the beach. Skip the danish and go for the pie.
(4)Steve G.
God breakfast. Try thenGreek Gyro omlette
(4)Jeff H.
Best Breakfast you'll find just about anywhere. Grew up down the road from the Beacon and know the people there well. You'd be surprised how well known this place is all across FL.
(5)cailen s.
A cheap greasy spoon. Somehow the fact that the food is average is very fitting. It would almost seem weird if the food tasted too good. There is a great down home feel to it as well.
(3)A. C.
(07/26/2011) Small, locals-owned restaurant that's been around forever (or at least over 30 years). We go here for breakfast before the beach, or after the beach, or brunch on the weekend. Used to be the place closed in the afternoons (now open 'til 8pm on weekends). They're known in town for their blueberry pancakes, large, eggy yellow, puffy, thick and moist. The rest of breakfast is your typical diner food combos (eggs and omelets to order, meats, sides of biscuits, etc.). The portions are generous for the price; location off the beach on historic Flagler Avenue can't be beat.
(4)Ray N.
The beacon is a nice little diner. Nothing to really write home about. Breakfast consisted of 2 eggs, 2 disagree patties, home fries and toast. It was good. Wife had the pancakes. They were really good. It's breakfast food, nothing fancy. My only gripe is they nickel and dome you, $0.50 for a refill. Oh and they don't take credit cards or debit cards. Bring cash. $
(3)Laura V.
This is a great breakfast diner. Our waitress was friendly, and kept my coffee hot. Service was quick and the meals came out just as ordered. Definitely a perfect way to start the day, without making a noticeable dent in the wallet. Also just steps from the beach.
(4)Jason C.
I made it a point to eat here every morning of my vacation. I am a restaurant owner and love to try new places. The food is great, the atmosphere is family casual, service was excellent and the prices are INCREDIBLE. Why would you not treat your self to a great home cooked breakfast for less than $5 or $6 before you start your day. Yes they only accept cash - there are a few magical places like this left that still run a profitable busy business without the fees and cashflow challenges of our plastic lifestyle. Get the pancakes and enjoy new Smyrna beach :-)
(5)Justin F.
Love the basic family atmosphere! Probably because it is a local business owned and operated by a hard working Greek-American family. Tula is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet and they make you feel like part of the family! I have been here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is great, the coffee is fresh, and desserts are homemade! The prices are unheard of but that's because THEY ONLY ACCEPT CASH! I come back time after time.
(5)Joy M.
Home fries dry, pancakes tough and older waitress very negative and rude! Very disappointed! Not returning!
(1)Sue J.
Friendly staff, nice clean establishment, terrific location. Wish I could say the food was better. Went for breakfast this morning, got the House Special omelette with gyro meat, feta and tomatoes with home fries and toast. The gyro meat was paper thin and diced so small it barely lent any flavor to the dish and the tomatoes tasted of chlorine. The home fries were clearly from frozen and the coffee was see-through weak. I'd rather venture another block to find better food next time I'm in the area.
(2)James G.
Cutsey, affordable, family, diner-style restaurant which only accepts cash and won't serve you a bloody mary or mimosa, but will fill you up with some great breakfast which is probably just what you need for another great day at the beach, anyway.
(4)