Papa Harry’s Diner invests in northside

Many Historic City News readers either work near, or visit, the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center or St. Johns County Administration complex on a regular basis; and, for many years, they were regular customers at Stephanie’s restaurant located at 4508 US-1 North.

Not long after Stephanie Stallman passed away, in 2008, the restaurant closed.

Because of its easy-access parking lot, and close-by location, the restaurant was a favorite early morning coffee and breakfast stop for courthouse employees on their way to work. It also filled the need for a convenient place for business lunches and a place to stop for dinner by attorneys returning to Jacksonville.

That was then, and this is now!

After weeks of cleaning, remodeling, and new construction, the “old” Stephanie’s has re-opened as “Papa Harry’s Diner” with a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Everyone who’s eaten at Zaharias Restaurant at St. Augustine Beach knows Harry Zaharias’ reputation for great food, made with fresh ingredients, and served to the table in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

“Papa Harry’s Diner” is Harry’s latest venture in a food service career that goes back to 1968 with his “Gondola Pizza House” in Cookeville, Tennessee — which he still has, by the way.

The new look at Papa Harry’s Diner is like nothing you would have expected before. The diner has a traditional stainless steel wrapped lunch counter and tables, but the booth seating has all been replaced, new tabletops and upholstery throughout.

The back dining room has its own flat-screen television and seating for larger groups with the front of house seating at the counter for one, two-top tables, or full-sized booths. The seating capacity is 75.

Call ahead to (904) 825-4315 and they’ll have your to-go order ready when you arrive.

Zaharias is looking forward to expanding his dinner menu to include handmade pizza and calzones, soon. But, in the meantime, you can enjoy many Italian specialty entrees and hot meals from his daily special board anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

As a special bonus for Historic City News readers, CLICK HERE for Papa Harry’s Internet coupons.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer