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The ocean, St. Johns River, and numerous lakes and smaller rivers teem with fish, and so, naturally, seafood dominates local menus. Northeast Florida also has fine-dining restaurants, and its ethnic eateries include some excellent Middle Eastern places. And then there are the barbecue joints—more of them than you can shake a hickory chip at.
Situated in the trendy Five Points district, Hawkers replicates the small, varied dishes—made using recipes passed down for generations—sold by street vendors in Asia. Sharing bowls of noodles, steamed buns, soups, and more makes for a convivial atmosphere.
Although the five area locations fit the criteria of a neighborhood pizza joint—cheap, casual, and frequented by locals—this funky-chic pizzeria looks more like a hangout for hipsters than Jacksonvillians low on dough (pardon the pun). The main draw is the pizza, particularly Al's gourmet white pie, but eggplant parmigiana, stuffed shells, and lasagna are also good.
A stone's throw from Persimmon Hollow brewery in Artisan Alley, Bake Chop specializes in pub fare and does so exceptionally well, using locally sourced ingredients. Brewery patrons often saunter over after a few pints for bratwursts, burgers, meatball sandwiches, and other inventive and flavorful hand-helds like the Billy Madison, consisting of sloppy Joe meat, spicy collared greens, and Manchego cheese on a homemade croissant. The menu offers gluten-free and vegan items as well, and the Daily Dally salad is an always-tempting blend of seasonal greens and veggies. Saving room for dessert is a challenge, but worth it. All baking is done in-house, where rotating offerings include chocolate chip cookie cheesecake and an assortment of cupcakes. There's also an espresso bar and strong selection of local craft beers. The dining area is small, so a wait is possible, especially at lunchtime.
This lunch-only, family-owned restaurant (one of three branches) has devoted local patrons. The chicken salad pita with potato salad is legendary.
Relaxed, affordable Ellen's, an area institution for more than 50 years, serves breakfast and lunch daily to families and other beachgoers. Come hungry, and be sure to try the Hippie featuring two poached eggs served on an English muffin with toppings.
Wicker baskets and lofty shelves brimming with European confections and groceries fill practically every inch of space not occupied by tables at this café (one of three branches), which is known by locals as "E Street." The menu is similarly overloaded, with nearly 100 deli sandwiches and salads, including raspberry-almond chicken salad and the Blue Max, with pastrami, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, hot mustard, and blue-cheese dressing. Like its other locations—1704 San Marco Boulevard and 992 Beach Boulevard—the café also offers live music and trivia several nights a week.
This colorful, quirky, beer hall–inspired, family-owned eatery is part of a local chain and has an ambitious menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups. There's also an overflowing gourmet-food section; a mind-boggling beer list; cookies big enough to knock someone unconscious; and a range of other generous desserts. Thirsty locals belly up to the impressive, hand-carved bar for monthly beer tastings and daily happy hour (2–7 pm). More mature crowds prefer to sip their Zinfandel in the bustling dining room.
Locals and visitors congregate at this popular, Southwest-inspired Riverside eatery, where dinner entrées range from fish tacos and crab-cake salad to green-chili soup and ancho honey-glazed salmon. The dimly lit upstairs lounge has a coffeehouse vibe—with a handful of cozy booths and leather couches—and a tequila bar.
Early birds flock to this diner starting at 6:30 am for Southern comfort food at great prices and, true to its name, charming, above-and-beyond hospitality. Country-style eggs Benedict features two poached eggs with sausage over a fresh-made biscuit with sausage gravy. Lunch and "supper" menus feature burgers and sandwiches, as well as Southern delicacies such as fried pork chops, fried chicken and waffle, and a better-than-grandma's homemade meat loaf. Unlike many diners, this one serves beer and wine.
There's nothing "tiny" about the flavor at this chill, Caribbean-fusion spot across the street from the beach. Mouthwatering wraps, bowls, and sandwiches are served inside a brightly painted dining room or a big palapa out back. Sofrito bowls are among the more popular items, and the Ocean Wrap has black beans, guacamole, and roasted tomatillo sauce with a choice of shrimp or mahi on a pressed spinach tortilla. Heartier appetites love the Tripleta sandwich with pork, chicken, ham, jack cheese, and potato sticks on Puerto Rican bread.
Mexican street food is the specialty at this tiny, counter-service eatery in the downtown riverfront shopping district. The namesake tacos come with onion, cilantro, and lime, but for 50¢ more you can get an Americanized version with cheese. Fillings range from the familiar (chicken, steak, carnitas) to the less familiar (including beef tongue). Lines can get long during lunch hour, when surfers, college students, and the business crowd converge for fresh, tasty, and cheap eats. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and a mariachi band performs every Friday night.
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