Top 5 Fan-Favorite Dishes at The Mason Jar (According to Regulars)
Top 5 Fan-Favorite Dishes at The Mason Jar (According to Regulars)
If you’re wondering what to eat in Umatilla, there’s no shortage of great options but if you ask the locals where to go (and what to order), chances are you’ll be pointed straight to The Mason Jar.
Since 1979, we’ve been serving up Southern comfort food and small-town hospitality that keeps folks coming back week after week. And while our menu is full of homestyle classics, a few dishes stand out as true guest favorites. The ones regulars not only recommend but plan their visits around.
So, whether it’s your first time through the door or your hundredth, here are the top 5 Mason Jar dishes, straight from the mouths of our loyal diners.
1. Fried Chicken (Thursdays Only)
It’s crispy. It’s juicy. And it’s only available once a week. Fried Chicken Thursdays have become a rite of passage in Umatilla. Our hand-breaded chicken is fried fresh to order and served with two classic sides and a biscuit or roll. Locals say it’s the best fried chicken in Florida, and we don’t argue.
“We literally plan our week around Thursday night. That chicken is unbeatable.” — Angela M., Umatilla
2. Reuben Sandwich
When folks ask about The Mason Jar’s top dishes, our Reuben is always in the conversation. Thick slices of corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island on grilled rye. It’s everything you want in a classic deli sandwich, with a Southern twist.
“I’ve tried Reubens all over Central Florida. This one wins every time.” — Danny R., Eustis
3. Country Fried Chicken
Comfort food doesn’t get much more comforting than this. Our country fried chicken is hand-tenderized, breaded, and fried to golden perfection, then smothered in white pepper gravy. Add mashed potatoes and green beans and you’ve got a meal that feels like Sunday dinner.
“It’s been my favorite for over a decade. Tastes like home.” — Ron S., Altoona
4. Meatloaf Dinner
Made fresh in-house and topped with savory brown gravy, our homestyle meatloaf is a staple that never goes out of style. Served with your choice of sides (try the mac & cheese or fried okra), it’s a plate that satisfies every time.
“The meatloaf here is a game-changer. I order it almost every visit.” — Tina W., Mount Dora
5. All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry (Fridays)
If you’re anywhere near Umatilla on a Friday, The Mason Jar’s fish fry is a must. All-you-can-eat hand-breaded white fish, crispy and golden, served with sides like coleslaw, fries, and hush puppies. It’s not just a meal; it’s a Friday tradition.
“I’ve brought friends from out of town just for the fish fry. Nobody leaves hungry.” — Carlos G., Leesburg
Honorable Mentions (Because Five Isn’t Enough)
We couldn’t end the list without a few shout-outs to other guest favorites:
Homemade Chicken & Dumplings – especially comforting in cooler weather
French Toast Breakfast – sweet, thick-cut, and made fresh every morning
Mason Jar Club – Turkey, ham, and crispy bacon piled high
What to Eat in Umatilla? Start Here.
Whether you’re in town for a visit or just looking to mix up your usual order, these guest-approved favorites are a great place to start. They’re hearty, homemade, and consistently recommended by the people who know us best, our regulars.
Need help deciding? Just ask your server what’s popular that day. And if you’re still curious…
View our full menu here: Menus | The Mason Jar in Umatilla, FL
Plan Your Visit to The Mason Jar
Location:37534 SR-19, Umatilla, FL 32784
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
The Mason Jar: Where Locals Send Their Friends
If you're still wondering what to eat in Umatilla, we invite you to pull up a chair and taste what keeps our guests coming back year after year. From breakfast staples to nightly dinner specials, The Mason Jar is the kind of place that sticks with you long after the last bite.