Jacksonville, FL?

Travel, Wine Tourism, and Restaurants Forum
1

Anything good to eat/drink in Jacksonville, FL? I need to be there in mid-June for a cousin’s baptism but will have my first night free so I figured I could do some exploring.

Anyone? [scratch.gif]

2

My inlaws live in Jacksonville so I’m down there several times a year. The dining scene there has improved significantly over the last few years. Although I haven’t been any place in Jax that I think would qualify as a notable dining destination in a bigger city like NY, LA, or Chicago, etc., there are a number of places where I’ve had perfectly good meals, including Matthew’s, Bistro Aix, Chew, and Orsay (links follow below):

http://www.matthewsrestaurant.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.bistrox.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.chewrestaurant.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.restaurantorsay.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For something unique and rich with local color, however, you should go get Fried Chicken at Beech Road Chicken Dinners (when you get there you will understand why this place doesn’t have its own website):

CitySearch - Your local city guide" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Finally, believe it or not, Taste of Thai, an unassuming small place in a strip mall, is excellent (I’m partial to the various crispy whole fish preparations, but you need to call ahead to reserve one because they run out). Link here:

http://www.tasteofthaijax.com/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck and have fun.

3

Michel, glad you’re venturing down here to the First Coast. Marty’s recs are spot on, and depending upon where in the area you wind up staying, I could tailor some more to fit your tastes and your neighborhood. If you’re up for it, my wife and I could join you for some vino and vittles. She’s a native to the area and one of Jax’s most inveterate Yelpers, so she’ll have some dining thoughts, too. Glad to help out a WB bruddah! [berserker.gif]

4

Wow you guys rock!!! Thanks so much, I was starting to despair as my last trip there had been a complete cluster in terms of food/wine. I’m still organizing, but it looks like I’ll be there Friday afternoon the 18th, then busy the rest of the weekend with family stuff. But I’d love to meet some locals for some good grub and vino. I might have to source locally as I’m not checking anything in. Thoughts on good stores?

I should mention I’ll be in the Deerwood neighborhood. Anything good around there?

5

Check out Wine Warehouse (two of them).

6

Wine shopping here is a mixed bag, but we’re not without some palatable options. My favorite shops in town are the Wine Warehouses, of which there are three locations in town.
Atlantic Beach
http://bit.ly/98QKqr
San Marco
http://bit.ly/aiTiPM
Riverside
http://bit.ly/bpkrDV

These are moderately sized shops with eclectic selections and good prices. The stores in Atlantic Beach and San Marco would probably be most convenient to you in Deerwood.

Nearer to you in Deerwood is the St. Johns Town Center, and there you will find a local outpost of the 800-lb. gorilla, Total Wine & More. Moderate prices, some deals, but not a very imaginative selection, and few wines with any age on them. Also in the SJTC is The Grape, a small franchise concept store with a small and somewhat corporate book.

There are many restaurants near Deerwood, with more than a few of them in or around SJTC. They tend toward the chain pack mentality, and don’t offer much of distinction. If I had an idea of something you’d be itching to try, I can steer toward something with local flair.

Thoughts? Looking forward to it.

7

Any updated suggestions of places with good wine lists and/or good food and reasonable corkage?

8

Best meal I’ve ever had in Jacksonville in the 20+ years I’ve been going there for work. Wonderful spot that really delivers. Very nice list as well and $25 corkage if you bring.
https://www.restaurantorsay.com/

Haven’t been yet but have heard from multiple locals this spot is very good as well

https://cowfordchophouse.com/

9

Assuming Marker 32 is still around, I would definitely go there. Excellent food, service and a great view.

10

Thanks - booked those two for Weds/Thurs this week!

1 Like
11

Thanks for suggestion. If we go back (surgery appt for my 3 year old), I’ll def look into it. Looks like it’s at the beach, which is great but we also live at the beach on the Gulf Coast, so the view is less of an attraction :slight_smile: