by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com
So far, most of our Dining with a View issue has called attention to the view outside the featured restaurants, but this list is for the people who tend to look for inspiration by looking within. Feast your eyes on the artwork in these restaurants, but don’t take offense if we’ve missed one. Jacksonville is a huge place filled with restaurants tucked away where we might never know to look. If you know a place that deserves mention, go to eujacksonville.com and tell us about it on our jaxeatdrinkandbemerry blog.
1019 Hendricks Avenue, San Marco. 904-306-0100
This is the place where cosmopolitan people with upscale automobiles take their dates. Look for mango salsa on the duck medallions, heavy starch on the men’s collars, and canvas on the walls courtesy of the R. Roberts Gallery in Avondale. Importing fine art by the hottest artists from all over the world, the R. Roberts Gallery curates a rotating gallery for a number of restaurants in the Jacksonville area. The ambiance in bb’s is young and casual but quite sharp, immersing you in a modern decorating scheme, with artwork accenting the minimalist space with definitive color.
3556 St. Johns Avenue, Avondale. 904-387-2060
Although bb’s and Biscotti’s are under the same ownership, Biscotti’s came first. Years ago, Biscotti’s began as a hip coffeehouse in Avondale, the fancy part of Riverside. Biscotti’s and bb’s have very little in common stylistically, but the R. Roberts Gallery is also in charge of the art displays here. As the coffeehouse grew to an oversized bistro, the old brick walls needed more and more decoration. The ambiance of Biscotti’s is far more traditional than bb’s, so they tend to display softer artwork in a contemporary style.
21 East Adams Street, Downtown. 904-598-2922
Almost completely devoid of stuffiness, Burrito Gallery has the chops to put some fine art on the walls and some damn fine tacos on your plate. They’ve perfected the balance of substance and style without even the slightest hint of pretense. They consistently feature the best and brightest young artists from the Jacksonville area, both on the canvas and on the actual wall. Paintings by mactruQue cover the walls of the courtyard while other talented artists like Sean Mahan, Dan May, and Byron King have decorated the dining rooms. Even though they’re displayed informally, the full effect of each painting can certainly be gained.
100 East Adams Street, Downtown. 904-359-0001
In the spirit of a real English Pub, London Bridge has always exuded the style of its patrons. It’s a do-it-yourself kind of place, and even though it’s downtown, it really feels like the neighborhood bar you always wanted in your neighborhood. Whether you want to play darts, listen to live music, socialize over beers, or get some English grub, you’re going to see some artwork from someone who does those very same things. Obviously, only local artists create the artwork on display, and even if they don’t actually play darts there, the comfortable atmosphere inside makes you believe they do. You may even want to buy the artist a beer, because after all, he/she might be there right now.
820 Lomax Street, Riverside. 904-355-6210
Heartworks is Jacksonville’s hotbed of honest activism. Not only are they one of the few good vegetarian restaurants in town, they also house one of the city’s last remaining independent record stores. In the spirit of progressive business, Heartworks Gallery & Café also promotes local artists by prominently displaying their work. This homey little place in 5 Points will make you feel comfortable while you branch out and try different things.
1607 West University Boulevard. 904-732-7200
I had my first meal at Mojo Barbecue just the other day, and it was wonderfully memorable. The food was absolutely amazing and the blues music on the sound system built a deep, smoky vibe in the room, even though there was no smoke and the sun was shining bright. Blending in amongst the countless posters and pictures of blues legends were some paintings. Not only is this a locally owned establishment, but they also host live music and feature art by local artists. What could be more homestyle than Mojo’s?
1176 Edgewood Avenue South, Murray Hill. 904-389-4442
Tucked into the strip on Edgewood in Murray Hill is Moon River Pizza. This place exudes as much creativity as a pizza joint can. With an attitude similar to Leonardo’s Pizza in Gainesville, Moon River is a joint run by the young, for the young. They slowly but regularly rotate their art display, always focusing on colorful compositions.
60 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach. 904-247-0060
Although I’m still saving up to eat here, I’ve been inside to have a drink and enjoy the work of Devon Thursby. At the beach, you always run the risk of finding a snotty little restaurant, but Ocean 60 knows how to couple art with cuisine. The bar area is always displaying the work of a few top-notch artists, and by the way, their food is outstanding. The artwork enhances the sophisticated atmosphere and truly adds value to your dining experience.
39 Cordova Street, St. Augustine. 904-824-0402
One of the most proper dining experiences on this list, Opus 39 displays the artwork of local artists with gravity and class. This is the kind of place where you order food by the course; so don’t wander in with your Crocs on, no matter how much you want to check out your favorite local artist.
1023 Park Street, Riverside. 904-598-5271
If you’re looking for a place to spend some time, then Ragland’s is the place. Actually, there are quite a few places in 5 Points who would love for you to hang out for awhile, but Ragland’s has all the key ingredients: the beers, the lounge, the food and the art. Their dining room walls are dedicated to canvas and their food is dedicated to flavor. As was previously reported in this issue, Ragland’s features “food without a map,” which means fusion dishes prepared with perfect taste in mind.
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