Schmap Jacksonville Dining & Drinking

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Jacksonville - Dining & Drinking
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Identifying "local" flavors along Florida's First Coast is no easy task. Over these sandy shores has streamed a long parade of "foreigners," from Italy's Christopher Columbus to Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon to French Protestant Hugenots settlers and African slaves, including residents of the Caribbean islands from Aruba to Trinidad and beyond. Along with Cuban settlers came Mexicans, Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Italians.

Add to those culinary influences chefs from nearby Southern states, lured by the abundance of natural ingredients, and Southern atmosphere and locale. Together, this combination has created a seaside bouillabaisse of cultures that brings to discerning diners an array of flavors from simple to complex, from sizzle to sauté.

Sip and Savor Attractions

Some of Jacksonville's attractions focus on food and drink. You can tour the Budweiser Brewery to discover the brewing process, and you can combine dinner and theater at the Alhambra Dinner Theater, a Jacksonville tradition for Broadway-style musicals and comedies served with supper.

Two local chocolate-makers have turned business into tourist attraction! At Peterbrooke Chocolatier, everything from popcorn to cookies and pretzels gets the chocolate touch, and at Whetstone Chocolates, you can take a self-guided tour through the family-owned factory, then gorge on their temptations!

Casual Reigns

Casual dining is the style du jour along Jacksonville's beaches, stretching from St. Augustine through the beaches of Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville Beach, to Neptune and Apollo Beaches. In Downtown Jacksonville, headquarters to many national businesses, many restaurants cater to banking and insurance industry representatives.

At the beach, such atmospheric enclaves as Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grille, First Street Grille, Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille with its New Orleans flavor and flavors, and Manatee Ray's island cuisine are tempting spots when sandals and jeans are in order.

Downtown Jacksonville

In downtown Jacksonville, River City Brewing Company and The Chart House offer seafood, steaks and pasta with downright enchanting views of the ever-changing St. Johns River, and Juliette's, cuddled into the Omni Hotel, offers a charming intime atmosphere.

Romance reigns at the elegant Hilltop Club, located in a Victorian Southern manse. Baymeadows, an office enclave on the southeastern side of the city, also offers a bit more formal dining.

Seafood

With the abundance of seafood just offshore, Jacksonville's culinary life centers around Florida lobsters, which, like their Caribbean counterparts, are a bit smaller than the famed Maines but no less succulent; shrimp and shellfish; pompano, a light, white fish rarely found outside Florida waters and often cooked en papillote (in paper); mahi-mahi, a fancy way of saying dolphin; red snapper which also comes in yellow; the ever-popular tuna grilled to rare perfection in many restaurants; grouper, another meaty white fish, and swordfish.

So while things may get pretty down-home and countrified up here where the nights are as soft as the Southern accents, there's plenty of culinary sophistication.

Down-Home Cooking

Speaking of down-home: for those who might not know exactly what that means, think thick, creamy gravy, flaky biscuits so light they'll fly right off the plate, crispy fried chicken, fried shrimp, fried pork chops or even fried country steak. A good example: Magnolias, with its genteel Southern atmosphere and accents.

Barbecue

Barbecue is the national dish of the Southern states and it appears plenty in Jacksonville on simple wood-slat tables and even in upscale candlelight spots.

Cuban and Caribbean

You'll also find good Cuban and Caribbean cooking, often built around simple but well-loved options as paella, a vast quantity of yellow rice topped by chicken, shrimp, mild red peppers and pimento peppers; picadillo, a savory combination of ground beef dotted with raisins and served with sweet banana-like plantains and black beans; black bean soup topped with sour cream and onions; ropa vieja, featuring shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce. Cuban cooking gets much fancier, featuring such dishes as a rich sopa de ajo or garlic soup, which may sound strange but is ethereal in presentation; gazpacho, a cold tomato-based soup brimming with fresh vegetables; and seviche, a plethora of shellfish and seafood "cooked" in lime juice.

International Flavors

French and Italian flavors are as popular here as elsewhere and can be found in both humble eateries and chic de chic dining rooms. You can find Thai, Chinese and Japanese, and such Floribbean fare at Plantains as pan-fried amberjack or black fettuccini topped with shrimp, clams and lobster.

Mandarin

Both Jacksonville and St. Augustine offer intriguing historical backdrops for dining. In nearby Mandarin, Cross Creek Barbecue and Steakhouse honors the hometown of writer Marjorie Kinnan Rawlins, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Yearling.

St. Augustine

Along cobbled streets of St. Augustine, history seems to come to life as you dine. In this antique enclave, famed for its plethora of historical sites, dining in the shadow of the massive Castillo de San Marcos, not far from the oldest house or the oldest schoolroom, is a sublimely serene experience.

See what we mean at such prime spots as Le Pavillon, a St. Augustine mainstay tucked away in an old house, the Columbia Restaurant, a branch of Tampa's famed 1902 restaurant that salutes the region's Spanish ancestry; and the amusing Cafe Alcazar in the Lightner Museum at the deep end of what was once a massive swimming pool for wealthy guests.

International Beer and Food Festival

An International Beer and Food Festival takes place each July, offering you a chance to sample no less than 125 beers with discounted admission for the designated driver.

Shopping and Dining

Shopping and dining go hand in hand in Jacksonville. Prime-time spots are Jacksonville Landing, which lords its cluster of shops, restaurants and other diversions over one side of the river, and Riverwalk, where more of the same is available on the other side of the river. You can catch a water taxi and toot on over to the other side.

Numerous as are the options, the best part of dining out here is finding your own favorite flavors on the flavorful First Coast.

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Alhambra Dinner Theatre

Not typical dinner theatre

12000 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246
United States
+1 904 641 1212 / +1 800 688 7469

First-rate musical dramas come to life in this popular dinner theater. Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, and South Pacific are just a small few of the Broadway productions performed by its talented cast. Seating, on four levels, circles the stage assuring every table of an unimpeded view. The buffet-styled dinners offer everything from baked chicken and barbecue ribs to roast beef and macaroni and cheese. Tickets range from USD39-USD46.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Castillo de San Marcos

Nation's oldest fortress 1 S Castillo Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32084
United States
+1 904 829 6506 Step back in time as you visit the oldest remaining European fortification in the nation. El Castillo dates back to 1672 and is a fine example of military architecture from the Spanish empire. It served as a prison for a short time and was declared a national monument in 1924. Immerse yourself in history during one of the fort's historic reenactments, living history events, or spooky torchlight tours at night. The fort's original cannons are periodically fired during the summer months.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Cross Creek Steakhouse & Ribs

Old Florida-style dining 850 Lane Ave S
Jacksonville, FL 32205
United States
+1 904 783 9579 Experience a taste of Old Florida at Cross Creek Barbeque and Steakhouse, "fishcamp" style located a mile south of I-10 on the west side of Jacksonville. Here you dine on casual, family style-food and barbeque, cooked slowly and topped with plenty of spicy sauce. Try the chicken wings a million ways(beer breaded, babyback style, hot, honey mustard, Cajun, ranch), 'gator bites served with dipping sauce, or crispy zucchini sticks. Generous salads and soups are available, but it is the barbeque that counts: sticky, sweet babyback ribs, spare ribs, pork, chicken and beef are served with side orders of baked beans, French fries, fried okra or coleslaw. There is a full service bar and children's menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Downtown

Jacksonville
United States
Jacksonville prides itself on being the largest metropolitan area in the nation, covering over 840 square miles. Its downtown is extremely picturesque, as it is situated right upon the St. Johns River. Aside from being visually stimulating, downtown Jacksonville is also a bustling metropolitan area, home to numerous businesses, shops, and cultural events.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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First Street Grille

Best waterfront view 807 First St North
Jacksonville, FL 32250
United States
+1 904 246 6555 Live music and entertainment on the outdoor deck and lounge make this a favorite local hangout and even the indoor dining offers a spectacular view of the ocean. First Street's lunch menu is very casual, serving burgers and sandwiches, along with soup and salad. Its dinner menu is more formal, with steaks, seafood, pasta, and a fresh catch-of-the-day. An extensive wine list and a full bar offer patrons plenty of beverage choices.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Hilltop Club

Romantic dining 2030 Wells Road
Jacksonville, FL 32073
United States
+1 904 272 5959 The Hilltop Club restaurant is a fine example of a classic Victorian mansion. Tucked away in the trees, it looks like a plush bed-and-breakfast. It has been lauded as one of the most romantic restaurants in the region. A piano bar opens at 6:30pm daily. Tantalizing appetizers include she-crab soup, escargot with garlic and mushrooms, and Chesapeake crab cakes. Plenty of unusual salads and light fare are available, including Key West Chicken Salad. Entrees range from fillet mignon to lamb chops, chicken Mondavi to the chef's pasta of the day.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Jacksonville Landing

Shopping & food 2 Independent Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 353 1188 Situated on the St. Johns River, this riverside playground features great restaurants and shopping opportunities. Its facade is a famed part of the Jacksonville skyline. Clothing, gifts, music and more fill the shops and a food court and wide variety of restaurants stave off starvation. Outdoor concerts and special events take place regularly at the Landing, making it a favorite gathering spot in the city for visitors and locals out to eat, drink and dance the night away.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Juliette's

A restaurant at Omni Jacksonville 245 Water St
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 355 7118 Located in the luxurious Omni Hotel Jacksonville in the heart of downtown, elegant cuisine is served all day long including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. With an upscale, but casual ambiance, prices are moderate. There is a European bistro feeling, with rich woods and crisp linens. American and Italian dishes prevail. Pasta, seafood, chicken or steak is masterfully prepared. Filet mignon is topped with a tri-color peppercorn demi-glace, and there is a grilled catch-of-the-day. A full bar is available, along with a selection of vintage wines.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Lightner Museum

Victorian collectibles 75 King St
Jacksonville, FL 32084
United States
+1 904 824 2874 Step back to the 19th century at the Lightner Museum in downtown St Augustine, the nation's oldest city, just 30 minutes south of Jacksonville. Beautiful exhibits include fine and decorative arts, unusual home furnishings, and Tiffany stained glass. The collections also include Victorian collectibles and costumes, and even mechanical musical demonstrations. The museum is in what was once the Alcazar Hotel, an historic landmark dating back to 1887 with a restaurant, the Café Alcazar, in the old massive swimming pool! Admission: Adults $8; children (12-18) $2; children under 12 free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Omni Jacksonville

A Four-Star Star 245 Water St
Jacksonville, FL 32202
United States
+1 904 355 6664 This deluxe hotel is located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, only minutes from the airport. Perfect for business travelers, it sits among the city's tallest skyscrapers, just steps away from the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. A luxuriously decorated atrium lobby welcomes guests, surrounding them with four stories of warm woods, fresh floral arrangements and incredible marble floors.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Peterbrooke Chocolatier

Gourmet chocolates 2024 San Marco Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
United States
+1 904 398 2488 / +1 800 771 0019 A Jacksonville mainstay for candy lovers, this is the city's exclusive high-end confectioner. Here, light and dark chocolates are hand-tempered in a European style that has made them the talk of the town. Assorted chocolates, truffles, and chocolate-covered goodies fill the display cases. Try the chocolate covered popcorn—it sounds strange but tastes out of this world. Peterbrooke can arrange specialty baskets and gifts. There are five other retail locations in Jacksonville. You can also visit their production center for a special tour of the facility.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Plantains

Floribbean fare One Ocean Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32223
United States
+1 904 249 7402 Located inside the beachfront Sea Turtle Inn, Plaintains serves what many consider the best "Floribbean" cuisine. Spices from the Caribbean are combined with Florida seafood, veggies and fruits to create an unusual blend of mouthwatering dishes. Thursday nights offer seafood buffet and on Sundays, a champagne brunch. The atmosphere is casual elegance with large windows overlooking the ocean. On weekends there's live entertainment. Leave room for some of the heavenly desserts!

Review © 2007, Wcities

Ragtime Tavern, Seafood and Grill

Cajun cuisine and brews 207 Atlantic Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32266
United States
+1 904 241 7877 A little taste of the Big Easy—that's New Orleans—is what you'll find at this microbrewery pub. Live music provides jazzy entertainment on weekends, and the fiery Cajun cuisine is a favorite with Jacksonville locals. Multi-leveled dining areas and dark woods provide an intimate feel. Unusual appetizers include tender artichoke hearts with horseradish dip, and the menu continues with New Orleans favorites from Po-Boy sandwiches to grilled seafood, chowder, and red beans and rice.

Review © 2007, Wcities

River City Brewing Company

Waterfront dining 835 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32207
United States
+1 904 398 2299 Here is the spot for great dining and dancing right on the St. Johns River. Boat slips are available on the riverfront. Rent a boat at one of the marinas and cruise right up to the dock, or just pull up a seat and watch boaters. The brewery features four handcrafted beers to go along with a diverse menu featuring plenty of seafood entrees, prime rib and steaks. The Sunday seafood buffet is also a popular option. Considering there is a wealth of hotels nearby, the restaurant is popular with tourists, and a good place for and afternoon business meeting.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Riverwalk

Boardwalk on the river 1000 Musuem Drive
South bank of the St. Johns River
Jacksonville, FL 32207
United States
+1 904 632 5578 This charming riverside dining and entertainment boardwalk is a popular riverfront meeting place for locals and visitors alike. You will find 1.2 miles of restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and a marina. Riverwalk is linked to area hotels, including the Radisson Riverwalk and the Hampton Inn Jacksonville Central, making it easy for visitors to take a relaxing stroll while enjoying scenic views of the downtown skyline. Convenient water taxis shuttle people to the opposite and Jacksonville Landing's additional dining and shopping.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Whetstone Chocolate Factory

Chocolate factory 2 Coke Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32086
United States
+1 904 825 1700 Have a craving for chocolate? Bring it with you to a place where chocolate abounds. Whetstone's offers a self-guided tour through its chocolate factory, where you can watch chocolate makers perform their magic, create confectionery delights, and then let you sample some. Allow 45 minutes for the tour.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Jacksonville - Dining & Drinking"
Jacksonville
Jacksonville - Historical Background
Jacksonville - Neighborhood Guide
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Jacksonville - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
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Miami (523 miles)
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Chattanooga (631 miles)
Nashville (806 miles)
New Orleans (814 miles)

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