OJ's Diner

I am a Greenville native and I just recently tried Oj's because I always hear mixed reviews. Firstly, the prices should be listed before we get to the register and although I like the buffet spread to see what options of food, it was still a little cold. The salmon patties tasted freezer burnt, and I also had eggshells in my eggs. With this restaurant being in service for so long, there is no way there should be eggshells in my eggs. But the grits and turkey sausage was good. With all that said, I will try the dinner next time.

Why I waited 12 years since first hearing of OJ's, I'll never know. Very positive first experience at this restaurant. If I could give 6 stars to their service, I would. From the time I brought in my elderly mother who struggled with her walker, to the time we left, we were treated like honored guest. The staff aided my mother to the table, then realized the table had a wonky leg, warned us, and helped us shift to another table. They even went so far as to hold the seat for Mom and tuck her in. They spotted that I'd forgotten to ask for tartar sauce for my fish, and offered to bring some. They know their stuff when it comes to greens, and asked if I'd like any of a handful of vinegar types they had for topping those greens. We were asked often if they could provide anything, and they kept the beverages topped off. When Mom rose to go, I noticed behind her one of the staff loaded down with trays and plates. I tried to wave Mom off so the worker wouldn't have to wait for Mom's slow movement, but she kindly offered to let Mom go first. We were not the only ones I noticed being treated well. Another with a walker entered the restaurant, and I observed the staff treating her with great care as well, then holding the doors when she was leaving. One other note: the cafeteria-style plastic trays were squeaky clean. You could have eaten the meal off of them. I'm used elsewhere to seeing "ah, it will pass inspection". I've eaten at restaurants all over the Upstate, and frequently, and I cannot recall the last time service was this good elsewhere. The food was good, and filling. As I stepped out of the van, I took a sniff and told Mom that "it definitely smells like good Southern food". We had a dear, late family friend who was a skilled Southern cook, and the experience reminded me of her cooking. The atmosphere is what you'd expect: a focus on the product, more than the trappings. There are a few pictures. A TV was playing G.E.T. network, and I was entertained watching some of my family's favorites old TV shows. Our lunch was late, so the diners were few. I've no idea how crowded it becomes at the main lunch hours, but I'm aware that the staff at the hospital nearby likes to eat at this establishment, so it might get swamped.

The guy at the register is never friendly or engaging as if he's doing you a favor by ringing up your food. He also rudely carries on conversations while serving you with acknowledgment beyond "Is this all?" & "Cash or card?". The freckled waitress is THE SWEETEST each and EVERY time whether you dine in or takeout. The food is pretty good for breakfast or lunch, but breakfast is getting pricey. If you love home-cooked meals, this is a good spot.

food was very good I got 3 drumsticks, fish, grits, eggs, a biscuit, and some of their sunrise lemonade and I see alotta people complaining about the prices should be listed. I also agree for clarity but it isn’t a big deal I been eating here for years.

I come here all the time I got punch and a salmon party grits and corn beef hash the food was 40 dollars they over priced the food is getting nasty and they want 2 dollars for a refill you got to be kidding me . I can see ojs running out of business in the next few months they already scored low

Could easily be 5 stars… foods good but not listing prices and once I get to the register $9.00 for half a sausage, eggs and a biscuit?? Yea way over priced… I understand inflation but at least give us the chance to decide how much we want to spend if you’re planning on charging so much. Staff was pleasant though.

I have supported this black owned business too long to know that I have finally had enough of their food inconsistencies and a lack of responsibility to make things right. They overcharge on foods and if I am not mistaken, they recently received a C rating on their inspection. I can’t stand when a restaurant refuses to acknowledge a customer’s dissatisfaction like we don’t help keep the lights on. Going forward and with no remorse, I will be happy to spend my money with other black owned organizations that take pride in making their customers happier. The two star is for the potato salad but don’t risk it anymore guys. It’s sitting out on the counter and is not refrigerated, which probably contributed to the C rating. Good riddance!

I go here when I want a fantastic breakfast. The food is really good, and they have a variety to choose from, and Im always greeted when I walk in. I would recommend this place for a great breakfast.

Great food. Some of the best fried chicken. The staff is great. Kiki does a great job taking care of folks after you've ordered. Mom loves all their fish. Mac and cheese is solid.

Written by a Northern-bred girl with southern familial roots... What it is not: Not fancy, not going to help you stick to any type of diet What it is: Reminiscent of home cooked meals of my childhood served up by ladies who remind me of my grandmother, my aunties, and beloved church mothers. Service is delivered with warm smiles that linger almost as long as the southern drawls. You can get a breakfast that fills your belly (and probably your hips, too) for under $10.

I liked the food lots. Good choices of meat and vegetables and I will return. Hours are a bit different so getting supper there isn't easy.

Sweet baby Jesus, I haven't had green beans this good since I was sitting in my Nanny's kitchen. The okra was firm and breaded perfectly, did I mention the green beans? Mac 'n cheese that was deliciously cheesy, the red potatoes were buttery and almost melt in your mouth, and I cannot say enough about the green beans. The baked spaghetti looked really good so that will be for the next trip.

Great, delicious food, customer service was outstanding. I definitely recommend this place.

On our way to Charlotte NC, we stopped at OJ's Diner for lunch. A very clean, not to large, but nicely setup, dining room with a cafeteria style service. Food looked and tasted very fresh and tasty! Our server was a very friendly and attentive lady. We stopped In again on our way back home for another taste of a home cooked meal. We will be returning if we are in the area again!

Consistently good. The hours keep me from visiting more often. The staff is always accommodating, making suggestions when warranted. The decor is not anything fancy, adequate for a casual meal.

Cool spot to grab lunch. Met my cousin for lunch. She was right... it's a highly recommended spot. It's like an old school cafeteria where tou get a tray and make your order. At the end you pay for it. Then you head to your table. Got wings, veggies, cornbread, and sweet tea. Wait staff is really cool and funny. They keep your glasses full and make good conversation with you. I'm here for a few more days and will be back. My only regret is it closes at 5.

Really great home cooking. Can personally recommend macaroni, potato salad, squash casserole, fried chicken, pork chops and fried fish. Different specials on different days but everything is good so can't miss.

Super casual down home cooking! I had the baby back ribs, squash casserole (the star of the meal), Mac and cheese, and cornbread. I recommend all of it! $15 for the entire plate plus they threw a roll in. Good southern cooking and amazing people taking care of you

This is a basic food place. Nothing fancy but that's not their claim to fame. You get a decent meal for a decent price. I wouldn't make a special trip but it's a good choice if you are nearby and just want something different than fast food from a chain.

Price has gone through the roof... my breakfast, after not coming here for quite some time, was $10 for bacon hash browns grits and tea and the food was lukewarm at best. Hashbrowns were a little greasy. The grits could not be eaten with a fork as they were so watery. It will be another few years before I can save up to come back. The two girls that wait on folks were wonderful as always. I just dropped my O'Jays for the first meal I've had here in quite some time. The girl at the drive-through was so rude and unappreciative of my business but I can honestly tell you I will never be back. She was completely pushy obnoxious had the wrong order and a terrible attitude. She should've been left without a job versus ruining this man's business. Sad days for O'Jays because I won't be back

First time for us and we'll be back. Got fried chicken, peas, rice and gravy on one plate and fried fish, dressing, gravy, steamed cabbage on the other. Each plate came with a corn muffin. At home we split the plates so we could both enjoy all the food. Outstanding dinner, no need to add salt or pepper or anything! Good home cooked food and the price is great.

Prices through the roof!!!!! For a simple breakfast!!!!! Salmon patties gotten smaller and they're now $5 a piece!!!!!! Hell I can cook AWHOLE can for $5!!!!! Service was cool but it's just those prices...... because I'd hate to them price themselves into the poor house.....!

One of my favorite black owned restaurants in Greenville everything I've tried is mmmmmm good! The service is amazing as well everyone is so friendly and helpful.

They didn't look happy to see a customer at all. I thought maybe because I had just got off work still in my scrubs I know ppl are hesitant to be around us.... but the food didn't make it any better. Might try breakfast one day

I do have to say that I have met a large number of fans of OJ's---like my wife. They get you in, get you fed, and---while I was there---provided some great customer service. That being said, it is just not my cup of tea for a place to go dining. I had the fried chicken and asked for dark and ended up with white. I also had the feeling that I needed to rush my lunch to make room for others after staring at the long line to order. So give it a try and it may be your cup of tea. It's just not mine.

Downhome for SURE! A buffet line of Southern goodness: select your fried chicken piece without a squabble; add your fave sides; select rolls or cornbread; different meats. Lean, clean seating--choose your own spot. And the most caring dining room staff-checking regularly to be certain you have what you need! My first visit but definitely not my last. Be forewarned: they close at FIVE (5:00)!

We came in for a late lunch while waiting for our car to be detailed. We love local places, real food made by real people instead of corporations, and this was fun, loud, local, with decent food. They are not open any weekends so we'll come back again, earlier in the day. Our fried chicken breast had great flavor but was a bit dry, probably because we came so late in the day. We bought a second piece right of the fryer which was delicious, huge and moist! The roasted red potatoes were tender and buttery, my husband had two servings, then ate almost all the mustard greens which were a bit too salty for me. The Mac and cheese was nice and hot and we could see a couple of different cheese types in it. The food was good, and we will be back. Come here instead of a corporate restaurant chain!

This food is SO DELICIOUS!! The macaroni and cheese is HEAVENLY. And the staff is so friendly and accommodating! I'll be coming here more often

Yummy, home-cooked food! Ate from there once a week when I was working and never got tired of it.

This is easy. At OJ's they know what they do well and they keep the quality consistently. Friendly, helpful and OH SO DELICIOUS!

What a great find! This is definitely on our must return list. Excellent fried chicken, delicious sides and very friendly service. My pallet is very full from flavor and the great helping sizes of foods.. highly recommend when in the area.

Ate lunch here and had fried fish with a side order of chicken wings along with macaroni and cheese and fried okra. The meats were good but not outstanding (perhaps a bit more seasoning would help??). I would put the mac and cheese in the same category. The fried okra was crispy and tasted great. Despite this, I am very much willing to return and give OJ's a second try. Maybe some of their other meat choices will suit me better. Although the food didn't wow me, I must say that the folks working there were GREAT. Their genuine friendliness really helped make for a good experience. They get top ratings for service!

My dear friend introduced me to OJ's telling me "it's in a questionable neighborhood but well worth the risk." She was RIGHT! You walk into OJ's and in true cafeteria style, you grab a tray and walk through the line like you're back in school. They start you off with Banana pudding then you kind of point from there. You can choose 1-3 meats and 2-3 sides. All comfort food in a quirky dining hall atmosphere. The staff treated us like family welcoming us like a long lost cousin! Hugs and all! And the sweet tea? To DIE for. Everything was delectable! Brave the hood- way the food! You won't be sorry!!

Quite possibly the worst restaurant in Greenville. I went in with three co-workers on a Friday and knew we'd made a bad choice as soon as I could see the food in the display. The fish fillets, which we all unfortunately got, were sitting in a soupy liquid that soaked into the fillets. We had to use our forks to squeeze it out and ended up eating a self made fish soup. The sides were standard meat and three sides but seemed to have more lard and salt than normal. Needless to say we all left feeling worse about ourselves and our decision. Everyone was nice there but we won't be back.

This is cafeteria style southern food at its best. Don't expect wait service and trendy decor. Do expect FANTASTIC fried chicken - OMG - SO FREAKIN' JUICY, crispy, salty, did I mention juicy? I've had a lot of fried chicken across the country, and this is in my top 5. Also, expect crazy good cornbread, fried okra, and mac-n-cheese. I'll go out on a limb and say everything here is good. I certainly wanted to try everything. Also, the employees are so nice! I'm not used to all nice all the time. I'm from So Cal. We're used to kinda nice some of the time. Anyway, I would MOST DEF eat here again. Love it!

I can't say enough good things about this place! For lunch there is always different daily options. I came here for 4 days in a row, and never had the same thing once. The staff is friendly and attentive. The food is always great, no matter what the daily menu is. The sweet tea is amazing! I have only been for lunch and any time I am in town I make it a point to stop by. I recommend coming early because this place fills up fast! Give it a try, you will not be disappointed!!

Good food and a wide variety of choices for varies of diets. The servers in this establishment are very nice but the owners son is rude to say the least.

For $7, you can be rest assured that you will walk away with a satisfying food coma. However, if you're like me (someone who must sample everything), then you're screwed...in a goodway, of course. As my co-worker and I arrived at around 11:30, the parking lot was already maxxed out to its full capacity. We knew we were in for a treat by the looks of this. As you enter the doors of this fine establishment, you're enthralled by genuine hospitality from the folks at OJ's while your nose is pleasantly indulged by the wonderful aroma of mom's home cooking.When you step in line, you're presented with a cornucopia of home cooking. You must decide, mom's meat loaf, papa's turkey, Southern comfort fried chicken, or whatever daily special they have? If you decide to opt "all of the above," you're insane and you will need a wheel barrel so you can be hauled out by the end of the feast (granted, you will leave in a euphoric state). Just when you thought you're done selecting a choice of meat, you're then faced with the daunting task of selecting your sides/ fixings to compliment your meat. Dressing, biscuit, corn bread, mac n cheese, sweet potato soufflé, rice n gravy, collard and greens, mashed potatoes, etc... They're all splendid. My co-worker and I had the opportunity to try the turkey, meatloaf, and fried chicken. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. The simplicity of the turkey and cranberry sauce, with the side of rice and gravy by itself was a taste of a "Harold and Kumar go to White Castle" moment. The rich flavor induced meatloaf, slathered in creamy mashed potatoes, white gravy, and corn further enhanced the goodness. For dessert, the savory and moist fried chicken, collard greens, and mac n cheese achieved a total knock out and we were out cold.

3 stars for the Mac n cheese, chicken and the cornbread. YUMMO, really, really good. The above-listed items were better than most places I have dined in. Not a fan of the rice. Also discrepancy in prices advertised and in person, in particular To Go Orders.

The best southern food in Greenville is at O'Js!!!! They have brought my office food several times before. It's worth every bit of the wait. A meat and three is just what you need on a rainy day to make yourself feel better. I wish I live closer I'll probably eat there every day. Even some of the elites of Greenville dine at O'Js because it's the perfect down home country cooking spot.

Good luck trying to get service if you are white! Obvious cold treatment and it was really gross!

Amazing- how can a restaurant be less than great when waitstaff brings you sweet tea directly to your table then asks if you want a "to go cup".

OJ's on Pendleton is absolutely one of my favorite place to eat in the Upstate, especially on Friday when they serve up ribs. I've never been disappointed to spend money there.

I love their fried chicken! Extremely friendly people, too. I wish portions were just a bit bigger, but other than that, no complaints. Oh, and the tea is really good.

I had a lot of people tell me about how good the food is at this place. Today I finally had the chance to experience first hand on the word of mouth reviews. This place was so good that I ate there twice in one day. Breakfast I ordered cheese grits, salmon patty, w/ scrambled eggs. Lunch I had turkey, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. I don't think I have to say anything more if I went and ate here twice in one day. Go check it out for yourself if you want some down to earth home cooking from a great family of people.

You rock O. J. Enjoyed your home-cooked Southern cuisine. Had not been here recently. I will be back. Kiki does a good job.

My family had an early Thanksgiving dinner this past Saturday 14 Oct 17.  We had the food catered by OJ's Diner.  My, my, my, good Southern fried food without having to toil in a hot kitchen. The staff was friendly and attentive from beginning to end. My hats off to everyone.  We are contemplating having an early Thanksgiving dinner in Greenville every year and you can bet OJ's is where we will go to the food catered. Thanks everyone,

OMGReal down home soul food. I mean real SOUL FOOD. In my opinion this is one of the finest restaurants in the Southeast for this cuisine. It should be featured in the Food network magazine. Authentic Soul Food restaurants are very hard to find in this area.

Always Great! The fried chicken is the best in town. The place is clean, even the bathrooms (which is my barometer of the attention to cleanliness). Love this place.

My favorite meat and veggie place. Everyone is super nice. Wish they were open later, so we could eat dinner there during the week.

The ribs were fantastic, as was the cornbread and slaw. Staff was charming, and gives new meaning to the phrase "home cooking".

Great Southern hospitality. The food is the bomb, I'm just saying...

The best southern food in Greenville! Wish the parking lot & the inside was bigger though.

We went for lunch, and walked into a madhouse - very crowded and chaotic, and the kitchen was not able to keep up with the demand for fried fish or chicken. I don't know if this is the typical "meat & 3", as I am knew to the concept. It reminds me of a military chow hall; you walk down the cafeteria-style line, telling each server what to add to your plate from various steamer trays. The food was about the same quality, too. If this is your idea of home cooking, I feel sorry for you. Not impressive food in quality or quantity.

The best fried chicken this side of the Milky Way galaxy! Haven't had this good of southern cookin' since I was a kid in Southeast Alabama in the 70s.

The real thing! Rich southern food and warm hospitality.

Fabulous food! Lots of flavor. Loved the brocolli cheese and the green beans. Super friendly staff.

Yum .. been a staple since I moved here almost 5 years ago.. their chicken wings are amazing ... southern delicious ..