Burrito gallery
21 E Adams St, Downtown. 904-598-2922 - A casual but artistic choice before a show at the T-U or the Florida Theatre, Burrito Gallery has become a much loved and talked about bastion of burritos and artwork. Inside, the walls are a shifting gallery of artwork form local Jacksonville artists. It’s become a real hotspot during the monthly Art Walks. You’ll often see a crowd spilling out of the place on that first Wednesday of the month. Plus, their burritos are huge and fantastic! Full bar.11am-10 pm Tue-Thurs; 11 am-3 pm Mon; 11 am-Midnight Fri.; Noon -10 pm Sat; Closed Sundays. $$
Back Porch Café
3031 Monument Rd. Arlington. 904-998-9918 - You might feel as though you’re eating on your own back porch at this neighborhood eatery. A white picket fence runs along the walls, the height just even with the windows. So many of the patrons are regulars that you might think they’d been there for twenty-five years. The Pantinakis family serves American-style cuisine with a few Greek selections on the menu. Beer & Wine. $$ 8 am -3 pm & 4:30-9 pm Mon-Thurs; 8 am -3 pm & 4:30-10 pm Fri-Sat. $$
Chew
117 W. Adams St. Downtown. 904-355-3793 - Putty greens, clean lines and industrial/urban warmth (yes, there is such a thing) mark the décor, with oh-so New York white paper lights, green tiled pillars and frosted glass. Serving reasonably priced, beautifully presented soups, salads and other breakfast, lunchtime and now, dinner favorites. Patrons come back for their fried green tomato BLT and their incredible croquet-Madame, topped with a fried egg. Salad offerings include the signature Chew salad with shitake mushrooms, the apple and goat cheese salad, fresh citrus salad, fennel and spinach salad, black mission prosciutto and classic Caesar. Each salad on the menu is paired with its own dressing, made to complement its salad. $$
The Loop
locations all over Jacksonville - Just a few months after opening the restaurant in ’81, people were calling their pizza the best in the city and flocking to The Loop in droves. But The Loop was selling more than just food, it was selling a concept: fast food served in a higher ascetic. The Loop did it before it was trendy. Long before those little luxury salads became available at McDonalds, there were gourmet salads on their menus and they upped the fast food ante by using fresh ingredients and real plates. Try one their thick shakes or their signature tomato bisque soup. $
European Street Café
Locations all over Jacksonville - One of Jacksonville’s favorite family-owned sandwich shops can be found in various Jacksonville neighborhoods. A wide selection of beers (100!!) and a huge variety of sandwich and deli selections make this a favorite for casual dining. They’ve also got shelves full of confections and candies from Europe that you can buy on your way out for a romantic post-meal dessert picnic. Beer, lots of Beer & Wine. Open 10 am- 10 pm 7 days a week. $
The Fox
3580 St. Johns Ave. Avondale. 904-387-2669 - For a lunch or breakfast date, try The Fox. At this St. Johns Avenue landmark you can eat a flavorful breakfast and hearty lunch at this neighborhood diner. Try their omelets, packed with your choice of fresh veggies or meat. It’s family run, with excellent service and a slightly funky, 1950s retro, always cozy diner atmosphere. Open 7 am- 2:30 pm Mon- Sat; 8 am- 2:30 Sun. $$
Mojo Kitchen
1500 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach. 904-247-6636 - This blues kitchen often serves up a heapin’ helpin’ of the blues music on a Saturday nights. The chipotle barbeque chicken tops our list of favorite entrées at Mojo’s. The most notable side is their savory smoked corn side. Mojo’s platters are plenty, even if you have a substantial appetite. Both the barbeque platters and Southern platters come with two homemade side items and bread—a wonderfully sweet, yet spicy jalapeño cornbread.
Mongo’s Flat Hot Grill
2 Independent Drive. Downtown, The Landing. 904-665-0123 - Down at the Landing, you can find this fun restaurant. There’s a good view of the river and the skyline. Best of all, they’ve got a full bar to go with the grill. Not a surprise, since everything at the Landing, including the t-shirt shops, eventually seems to get a full liquor bar. Choose your raw meats, veggies and spices, and then watch the chef cook it up on the grill. Just $14.95 all you can eat (without a drink). 11 am-9 pm Tue- Thurs; 11 am-10 pm Fri; noon -10 pm Sat; 10 am- 8 pm Sun. Full Bar. $$
Tommy’s Pizza
4160 Southside Blvd. Southside. 904-565-1999 - Before you catch a movie at Tinseltown, why not head up Southside about a block up and across the street to eat a pizza at Tommy’s. You might think of New York style pizza as the limp, foldable slices you can find on the street corners (and often in malls). Tommy’s Brick Oven Pizza begs to differ with that assumption, offering an almost golden crust, a pizza with a thin, crisp bottom that will hold up to many toppings. The pizza is a little too crisp to fold, but the dough and the execution is top quality. But pizza is just the beginning at Tommy’s. They serve an Eggplant Rollotini that’s a dream, probably because Tommy is very choosy about his produce. Open 11 am- 9 pm Mon-Thurs; 11 am- 10 pm Fri-Sat; 4 pm-8 pm. $$
b.b.’s
1019 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville 904-306-0100 - For diverse, stylish American food in a mod-bistro atmosphere, minus the pretension, b.b.’s in San Marco is a Jacksonville favorite, especially prior to a night at the theater. They’ve got a bisque soup that will have you wanting to lick the bowl clean (don’t do that in front of your date). Under each entrée, one of their by-the-glass wines is suggested as a pairing. Like its sister restaurant, Biscottis, b.b.’s is also known for its luscious desserts. Desserts are large, so plan to share! Last we heard, they don’t accept reservations, but you can give them a call an hour before you arrive, give them a specific time and they will put your name on their call-ahead list. Beer & wine. $$$
Bistro Aix
1440 San Marco Blvd Jacksonville 904-398-1949 - French-style bistro fare at its finest with an eclectic flare, they’re a pre-show dinner stop for patrons of the Symphony and Theatre Jacksonville, among others. Be prepared to drop some dough, but the food is worth it, from the lamb chops to the crème brulee. $$$
Blue Bamboo
3820 Southside Blvd. Southside. 904-646-1478 - The always beautiful fusion of Blue Bamboo won’t leave anything to be desired. Take a taste of their Honey-Soy BBQ Ribs, artfully arranged over a bed of shredded oriental-style slaw. Finish your meal with their striking version of red velvet cake, presented in round form instead of the typical slice, the rich red exposed in all its glory. Full Bar. Open 11 am- 2 pm Mon-Fri; 5 pm-10 pm Mon-Thu; 5 pm -11 pm Fri-Sat; Closed Sun. $$$
Galangal
145 Hilden Rd Suite 110 Ponte Vedra Beach 904-827-1150 - Those who are seeking a new romantic restaurant might want to take their sweethearts to this Ponte Vedra gem. Galangal has a unique dinner atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. The walls and accents of the place are done in sinuous curves with hidden lighting and modern art. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to some hip Thai bar in Manhattan. For something a little different at dessert, try their fruit-filled fried banana mango roll, served with berry compote and a light caramel sauce. It’s an elegant end to a Thai meal. Full Bar $$$$
Heirlooms Bistro
104 Bartram Walk, suite 101, Julington Creek 904-230-3999 - The gray-asparagus color of the high-backed booths looks lush surrounding white tabletops and yellow flowers. It’s a modern look with elegance, lots of wood tones and moss olive walls. The space is brightened by big windows with a view of a fountain and, of course, the expanse of white tables. Try the barbecue duck wontons or the bisque soup. Full Bar. $$$
Layla’s
2016 Hendrix Avenue, San Marco 904-398-4610 - With a sultry atmosphere and Thursday night Jazz, Layla’s is a frequent haunt for Theatre Jacksonville patrons before and after shows. They serve Middle Eastern cuisine and have a patio area for hookah smokers. Because it’s within walking distance from Theatre Jacksonville, you can safely down a few drinks during their Happy Hour (4 pm-7 pm Monday-Saturday) before hoofing it to the theater. Layla’s is also open late, so it’s a great post-theater place to relax, drink and eat. Food selections range from seared tuna entrées and Middle Eastern favorites like hummus and grape leaves to their Shawarma Lamb Wrap.$$$
Pom’s
1974 San Marco Blvd, San Marco 904-338-0269 - This pricey, white table-clothed Thai eatery in San Marco often serves chicken satay to the San Marco crowd. Located just off San Marco’s square above Square One, you can enjoy traditional Thai fare as well as fusion twists on old dishes. Try their seafood dishes or see if you can stand the heat of one of their spicier dishes; but be forewarned, unless you’re a true aficionado of Thai-spice, you might be sweating at your table. Full Bar. $$$$
Raintree
102 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine 904-824-7211 - This St. Augustine bastion of fine American/Continental dining is often a stop for those who take in a show at the Limelight, just a block and a half away. Since the Raintree is partnered with the Limelight, they always know what time the curtain goes up and can suggest when you should make your reservation. Each item is meticulously prepared and servers are very knowledgeable about the menu. Enjoy their beef Wellington, a great cut of filet surrounded by a puff pastry with a savory Bordelaise sauce. The Wellington is a specialty at the Raintree and it’s always on the menu. After the show, patrons drop into the Raintree’s Dessert Room for a little after-show sweetness. Full Bar. $$$$
P.F. Chang’s
10281 Midtown Pkwy. Southside. 904-641-3392 - I believe this is where all the girls in Jacksonville go with their dates before the prom. If you’re looking for P.F. Chang’s, just head to the St. Johns Town Center and find the giant stone horse blandly guarding the entrance. The crab wontons are served with a lovely plum sauce and you won’t ever regret the spare ribs, served in an oriental barbecue sauce. Vegetarians will also find no shortage of things to order on this menu, such as the coconut curry vegetable and the vegetarian rice noodles with sautéed veggies. Full Bar. Open 11 am- 11 pm Mon- Thu; 11 am- Midnight Fri-Sat; 11 am- 10 pm Sun. $$$
The Row
1521 Riverside Ave, Riverside. 904-354-5080 - Many of the people heading for a symphony or theatre Downtown, eat at the Row inside the Riverdale Inn beforehand. If you tell your server that you’re trying to be out by a certain time, they can ensure that you make your show with time to spare. Reservations are recommended, but you can always take a seat at the classy Gum Bunch Pub, a favorite post-theater bar inside the Row. Perhaps the pinnacle of The Row’s entrées is their signature Chicken Marsala. It’s not the standard thin, rough-pounded chicken, but is instead served as a roasted de-boned chicken stuffed with stunningly flavorful spinach, goat cheese and pecans, topped with an excellent marsala sauce, mushrooms and capers. Full Bar. $$$$
The Tasting Room
25 Cuna Street, St. Augustine 904-810-2400 - With their emphasis on wine and tapas, the Tasting Room has just the right atmosphere as a place to cool down and relax after walking in historic St. Augustine. It’s rare to find a so-called “tapas” bar or eatery that sticks to mainly traditional fine Spanish cuisine and ingredients, so we were happy to find this Spanish treasure. Many of the ingredients that are part of the tapas selections at the Tasting Room are exclusively made in Spain, like the Manchego cheese and the Serrano ham. If you’re into adventurous cuisine, you just might experience flavors at the Tasting Room that you’ve never had before. Beer & Wine. $$$$
Tastings
1515 Prudential Drive, Downtown next to Chart House. 904-346-0605 - If your significant other is into wine, why not take them to the Southbank to try Tastings. Here’s how it works: you buy a Tastings card and load it with cash, using it to buy a taste, half-glass or full glass. Each wine has a display above it which cycles through the prices for each. Scan the card, select your size and place your glass under the spigot. It’s simple and fun, sort of like an upscale arcade of wine. But it’s not just about the wine. The simply prepared but excellent food will be bringing you back. The menu is carefully crafted to complement wine for a lovely interplay of flavor. Wine & Beer $$$
Matthews
2107 Hendrix Ave. San Marco. 904-396-9922 - The menu is seasonal and it constantly changes, as it should in a finer restaurant. I’d characterize the food as Fine American, as it follows the newest dining trends, keeping things interesting without scaring off some of the more conservative foodies in Jacksonville. It truly is a special occasion type of place. You’ll get five star service, food and wine. Open for Dinner. $$$$
Marker 32
14549 Beach Blvd. Intracoastal. 904-223-1534 - With a sunset view of the Intracoastal Waterway, you’d think it would be hard to find a plate to match the view. Not so at Marker 32. The ever-changing menu is always cunningly presented, with innovation and style. Though they’re known for their focus on fresh seafood specials, one artistically presented fish that’s always on the menu is their pan roast tilapia, served with jasmine rice and lemon braise spinach, sprinkled with toasted almonds and Spanish tomato concasse. Full bar. Open 5:30 pm – 10 pm Mon- Thu; 5:30- 10:30 Fri- Sat; Closed Sun. $$$$
Mezza Luna
110 North First St. Neptune Beach. 904-249-5573 - Since Chef Tony Pels has won awards for his sweet confections, you might want to save room for dessert. The tiramisu is called a tiramisu tini and is served in a martini glass for a very lovely presentation. While much of the menu pays homage to the Italian roots of Mezza Luna, with a sure focus on Mediterranean style cuisine, there are plenty of dishes that make a nod toward the fusion or world cuisine that has become popular in the last ten years. Wine aficionados ordering dinner at Mezza Luna will love the extensive wine list and those who enjoy mixed drinks will be glad of the full bar. Full bar. Open 5 pm- close Tues- Sunday; Closed Mon. $$$$
Roy’s
2400 S. 3rd St. Jacksonville Beach. 904-241-7697 - For a special occasion, the fine food at Roy’s is great place to go and be treated well. Leave your table for a moment and a waiter will have folded your napkin before you get back. The excellent service is only matched by the incredible Hawaiian fusion cuisine, always presented in the most pleasing way possible. 1988 marked the year Roy Yamaguchi opened the first Roy’s in Honolulu. It wasn’t long before Gourmet Magazine, Food & Wine, as well as the New York Times took notice of Chef Roy’s culinary skills. Try Roy’s classic roasted Macadamia nut Amberjack fish, an excellent cut of fish, springy and tender, close to mahi in texture. Topped with asparagus, a divine and creamy Maine lobster sauce, and perched on a mixture of potatoes, the dish is very French in its richness and presentation. Full Bar. Open 5:30 pm- 9:30 pm Mon- Thu; 5:30 pm- 10:30 pm Fri- Sat; 5:30- 9 pm Sun. $$$$
Zaitoon
13475 Atlantic Blvd. Intracoastal. 904-221-7066 - The cuisine delves deeply into the Mediterranean, borrowing from each tradition in the area-Spanish, French, Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern. Both the décor and the food are a sensuous mélange of cultures and cuisines. They blend tried-and-true Mediterranean family recipes with contemporary techniques. Full Bar. Open 11 am-10 pm Tues-Sun; 11am-11 pm Fri-Sat; Closed Monday. $$$$
Article Published in the 2-14-08 Issue of EU Jacksonville
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