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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.
Although many flock to this artsy and inspired eatery for its veggie-centric menu, there's plenty to tantalize omnivores as well. Delicious Southern food with flair ranges from braised pork belly biscuits to toast du jour, a rotating bruschetta inspired by the freshest produce from local farms. Many dishes, such as the cornbread panzanella, offer a choice of meat, seafood, tofu, or tempeh. Some gluten-free dishes are also available. Attire is casual, and the oceanic hues and funky decor put you at ease. Kids' needs are handled with flexible good nature. It's a deservedly popular spot, especially on weekends, when you should make a reservation.
Considering NASCAR fans' affinity for barbecue, it was only natural that this wildly popular Florida chain, which originated about an hour away in Orlando, would set up shop across the street from Daytona International Speedway. First-timers might want to try the Smokehouse 2X2, which lets you mix and match mouthwatering smoked meats, such as the 18-hour smoked brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. The Six-Shooter starts with a layer of baked cheese grits that's topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, jalapeños, and the signature sauce. For an outside-the-box side, consider trying the bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapeños.
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.
Don't be surprised if your server introduces herself as your cousin, though you've never seen her before in your life. The silly Southern hospitality is only one of the draws at this wildly popular waterfront restaurant specializing in mouthwatering plates of fresh seafood and other Southern favorites. Hot cinnamon rolls, hush puppies, baked beans, cheese grits, and slaw come with every entrée and can be a meal in themselves. Bring your appetite and your patience—a wait is practically guaranteed. Sunday brunch lures empty stomachs with made-to-order eggs and French toast, and a chocolate fountain.
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 sprawling restaurant is always crowded and festive, but it's not just the rustic setting that draws the throngs—it's the seafood. The specialty is rock shrimp, which are served fried, broiled, or steamed. Diners with a hearty appetite can opt for the Dixie Spectacular, featuring rock shrimp, scallops, crab legs, and lobster, or, if seafood isn't your choice, the menu offers steaks, chicken, and ribs. You might have to wait (up to 90 minutes) for a table, but if you don't have time to wait, you can order takeout or use the call-ahead seating option. A word to the wise: when that basket of corn fritters dusted with powdered sugar appears like magic on your table, try not to fill up on them.
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.
Better known simply as J.B.'s, this local landmark is on the eastern shore of the Indian River (i.e., the middle of nowhere). Crowds gather around the picnic-style tables (inside and out) or belly up to the bar to dine on mounds of spicy seafood, Cajun alligator, J.B.'s famous crab cakes, and rock shrimp by the dozen. It's a great place to catch the sunset, and there's live music on weekend afternoons. Five bucks says at least one person at your table says their hush puppies are the best they've ever eaten.
The word rustic doesn't even begin to describe this down-home, no-nonsense fish camp restaurant (translation: you eat off paper plates with plastic forks) housed in a weathered, old, clapboard shack along with a bait shop and airboat-tour company. Set your calorie counter on stun as you peruse the plates of fried fish, frogs' legs, and alligator (as well as burgers and hot dogs). Dine inside or out on the deck overlooking the St. Johns River with live music every Sunday. Who knows, you might even see your dinner swimming by.
True barbecue aficionados know that the country's divided into four territories: North Carolina, Memphis, Kansas City, and Texas, each renowned for its own barbecue style. Mojo's, as the locals call it, honors all four traditions—and throws in some Deep South sides, like garlic cheddar grits and black-eyed peas, as well as sweet tea and banana pudding. The whiskey menu is as impressive as the food. There's also good recorded blues playing at all times, and on occasion, some great live blues, too.
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.
Across the Bridge of Lions from downtown, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is recognizable for the line of customers who wait patiently for fried shrimp (the specialty), seafood, and fried chicken. Needless to say, it's been a popular local eatery for generations. On the menu are oysters, scallops, hush puppies, broiled seafood, coleslaw, biscuits and cornbread with gravy, and banana cream pie. Bring cash; credit cards are not accepted.
Across from the St. Augustine Pier, this lively, family-friendly lunch and dinner spot attracts surfers and other local or vacationing beachgoers. Seated on the patio or the rooftop bar, enjoy ocean views while choosing from seafood options that include sushi, poke bowls, and fish tacos (the fried grouper version is noteworthy).
There aren't many oceanfront restaurants left, let alone moderately priced places with views like this one—an offshore break makes it a good place to watch surfers do their thing. Dishes like shrimp and grits and oysters in season have also made it a local favorite. In addition, Sliders has a lively tiki bar, where bands like the region's reggae favorite, Pili Pili, often play.
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.
They take their chowders seriously in St. Augustine, and many will tell you Sunset Grille's is the best—so good that it's poured over French fries as an appetizer. If you prefer a lighter version, a cup of the award-winning chowder is the perfect prelude to fresh fish dinners featuring Caribbean snapper and macadamia-crusted grouper. The popular restaurant, framed by a white picket fence, has a Key West vibe and two dining areas: a lively interior and an open-air second-story deck with distant ocean views. Reservations are not accepted, but the frequent crowds gathered in the pleasant waiting area indicate that most consider the dining experience well worth the wait.
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.
This family-favorite spot is one of the few restaurant–bars accessible to the beach itself. It's known for its hearty breakfasts, flavorful burgers, and a beer menu with 20 draft selections. With 30 TVs, it's also popular with sports fans; there's also live music on the weekends.
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.
Although it's in a resort, this family-friendly restaurant is open to non–guests, many of whom drive in from Jacksonville. The dining room has a casual vibe, with plush, roomy booths and tables overlooking the tennis courts; the menu, however, is all business, with a focus on Southern and local food.
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