Bite By Bite

by neighborhood
Go Somewhere & Eat!
ortheast Florida is a big place, with literally thousands

N of places to dine. But each neighborhood is its own

culinary microcosm, a reflection of the culture, habits
and personalities of residents.
Folio Weekly’s Bite By Bite by Neighborhood is your guide to
discovering the region’s many food enclaves. Whether you’re
looking to eat outside of your comfort zone or just want
learn more about a local haunt, our comprehensive
restaurant directory has all the details you need to find
the meal you want.
Also in this issue, you’ll find features on
clean fish, an homage to food on a stick and a
conversation with Folio Weekly food blogger
Ashlee Wetherington.
So load up the kids, fill up the tank and go sink
your teeth into something a little different.

Amelia Island,
Fernandina Beach & Yulee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Arlington, Ft. Caroline & Regency . . . . . . . . . . 21
Avondale & Ortega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Baymeadows ..................................... 26
The Beaches ...................................... 28
Downtown Jacksonville ...................... 35
Fleming Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Intracoastal West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Julington Creek & NW Saint Johns ...... 41
Orange Park & Middleburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Ponte Vedra Beach &
NE St. Johns County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Riverside, Five Points,
Westside & Murray Hill ....................... 48
St. Augustine & St. Augustine Beach . . . . . 50
St. Johns Town Center & Tinseltown ..... 56
San Jose & University (Lakewood) . . . . . . . . 58
San Marco & Southbank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Southside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
JESSICA TOEPLER

Springfield & Northside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62


AMELIA ISLAND,
FERNANDINA
BEACH & YULEE
(All restaurants are located in
Fernandina Beach unless
otherwise noted.)
AMELIA ISLAND COFFEE
& ICE CREAM
207 Centre St., 321-2111
This locals’ coffeehouse offers fresh
roasted coffees — by the cup or
pound — as well as cappuccinos,
frozen drinks, deli sandwiches,
soups and 16 flavors of ice cream.
Open daily.
ARTÉ PIZZA
109 N. Third St., 277-1515
The wood-fired oven at this busy,
funky spot renders specialty pizzas
like a traditional Napoli pizzeria,
topped with imported cheeses,
plum tomatoes and other fresh
ingredients. Arté also serves
authentic Italian dishes like egg-
plant parmigiana and caprese
salad, and offers outside seating.
Open daily.
BARBARA JEAN’S
960030 Gateway Blvd., Amelia
Island, 277-3700
See Ponte Vedra.
BAXTER’S RESTAURANT
4919 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island, 277-4503
This upscale restaurant serves
continental cuisine with a focus on
certified Angus beef, seafood, veal
and lamb. A children’s menu is
available, a full bar is served, and
outdoor seating is available. Open
for dinner nightly.
BEECH STREET GRILL
801 Beech St., 277-3662
Located in a home built by Captain
Bell in 1889, this restaurant is
known for its extensive wine list.
Beech Street has won multiple Best
of Jax awards and features daily
blackboard specials with a focus on
regional dishes. A full bar is served
and a Sun. brunch is offered. John
Springer plays piano Thur.-Sat.
evenings. Dress is resort-casual.
Open nightly.
BEEF O’BRADY’S FAMILY
SPORTS PUB
1916 S. 14th St., 261-0555
See Julington Creek.
The crew at
Bakery Moderne
in Riverside
serves up classic
pastries, artisanal
breads and sea-
sonal favorites.
BONITO GRILL
614 Centre St., 261-0508
Located in downtown Fernandina
Beach, Bonito Grill serves fusion cui-
sine — American with an Asian
influence — in a contemporary
atmosphere. A full bar is available,
and there’s an extensive wine list
and separate sushi area. Open daily.
BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ
1 S. Front St., 261-2660
Brett’s is located on the water at the
foot of historic Centre Street and
specializes in traditional Southern
hospitality in an upscale atmos-
phere. The menu features daily spe-
cials, fresh Florida seafood, aged
beef and a full bar. Open daily.
BRIGHT MORNINGS
105 S. Third St., 491-1771
This small café is hidden behind
Amelia SanJon Gallery. With indoor
and outdoor dining, the café is open
for breakfast and lunch daily;
closed Wed.
CAFÉ 4750
At The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia
Island, 4750 Amelia Island
Parkway, Amelia Island, 277-1100
This seaside bistro serves three
meals daily in a casual atmosphere
with ocean views and Southern
charm. Dine indoors or out on the
poolside veranda. Open daily.
Reservations recommended.
CAFÉ KARIBO
27 N. Third St., 277-5269
Housed in a historic building in
downtown Fernandina, Café Karibo
serves eclectic cuisine, including
sandwiches, big salads and home-
made desserts. Costa Rican coffee,
beer and wine are available, and
meals are served inside or out on
the oak-shaded patio. Open for
lunch on Mon., lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sun. Live music is performed
every Sun.
CHEZ LEZAN BAKERY
COMPANY
10145 Atlantic Ave., 491-4663
European-style breads and pastries,
including croissants, muffins and
pies are baked daily. Most breads
made at Chez Lezan are made with-
out fat or sugar. Open daily.
CRAB TRAP
31 N. Second St., 261-4749
For 30 years, family-owned-and-
operated Crab Trap has been serving
fresh local seafood and steaks. Food
and drink specials are featured, a full
bar is served, and cold beer and wine
are available. Open daily for dinner.
DICK’S WINGS
474313 E. S.R. 200, 310-6945
See Arlington.
DOO WOP’S 50S DINER
1120 S. 14th St., 432-8400
It’s the ’50s all over again: Dishes
include the Chubby Checker (hash
browns, eggs and a biscuit with
sausage gravy), the Blue Moon
Burger and the You Ain’t Nothin But
a Hound Dog all-beef hot dog. Kids
are treated to Little Bopper Baskets
of burgers, dogs and PB&J, and the
malt shop features shakes, ice
cream and root beer floats. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
EIGHT SPORTS LOUNGE
At The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia
Island, 4750 Amelia Island
Parkway, Amelia Island, 277-1100
This contemporary sports lounge
features billiard tables and multiple
flat-screen TVs to occupy you while
you dig into classic sports-bar fare,
including burgers, wings and nachos.
Extensive beer and wine lists are
offered, along with cocktails. Open
Mon.-Fri. for dinner, for lunch Sat.
and Sun.
ESPAÑA RESTAURANT
& TAPAS
22 S. Fourth St., 261-7700
Owners Marina and Roberto Pestana
serve Old World Spanish and
Portuguese cuisine, including cara-
coles (Andalusia-style escargot) and
gambas al jerez (shrimp and garlic,
sautéed with sherry and cream). The
tapas menu includes ceviche and
homemade sangria. A kids’ menu is
available. Open daily.
FALCON’S NEST
6800 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island, 491-4242
Located at Amelia Island Plantation,
Falcon’s Nest offers the specialty
burgers, burritos, martinis, beer and
wine. Airplane memorabilia deco-
rates this island nightspot. 21 or
older after 9 p.m. Open Wed.-Sun.
FANCY SUSHI JAPANESE
GRILL & SUSHI BAR
1478 Sadler Road, 261-9855
Hibachi, teppanyaki, teriyaki, katsu,
tempura and udon style dishes are
all available, along with an extensive
WALTER COKER

CHOW
CHOW
TIME
First rule of Bite Club:
Always talk about Bite Club
shlee Wetherington may be relatively new
A to town, but she’s already got Northeast
Floridians talking. Folio Weekly’s food blogger is
a self-taught chef, cookbook author and all-
around culinary adventurer. She also hosts our
Bite Club events, free tastings held at a differ-
ent local restaurant each month, and open
exclusively to Bite Club members (join online
at biteclublog.com). So far, Bite Club events
have explored the new gastro-pub menu at
Culhane’s Irish Pub, tasted the fresh, local
cuisine of Sun Dog Steak & Seafood and
sampled the globally influenced dishes at North
Beach Bistro. The next one will be at The Fish
Company Restaurant & Seafood Market in
Atlantic Beach.
Ashlee sat down recently to fill us in on her
history as a food blogger, her Bite Club friends
and what really makes a great meal.
Folio Weekly: How did you become a food
writer?
Ashlee Wetherington: When I got married and
moved out on my own, I was so excited to have
my own kitchen. I always loved cooking, and
knew when I was in my own place, I’d be able
to create fun dishes and try something new
each night. I would tell friends and family about
a meal I made or I’d bake something for them,
and they always wanted the recipe.
I started out by typing them up and e-mail-
ing them. Then I discovered food blogs. I decid-
ed to start my own food blog so my friends and
family could have my recipes at their fingertips,
as well as read any commentary I had about
the creation of the dish, learn about any
strange ingredients and see photos.
F.W.: What’s the difference between a food
blogger and a restaurant critic?
A.W.: When a food blogger goes to a restau-
rant, they want to have the best experience
possible, and will not hide that fact. A blogger
will ask their foodie friends, their server, the
chef or even other patrons what their favorite
dish is, or a specialty. They’ll savor each bite,
and decipher what makes the dish so success-
ful. If it’s not, they will think of ways it could be
altered to make it even more successful. A food
blogger is likely to ask questions and learn as
much as possible about a secret ingredient or
preparation technique.
F.W.: In a nutshell, what’s the concept behind
Bite Club?
Bite By Bite
Ashlee Wetherington
A.W.: The Bite Club was the result of collabo-
ration on how my blogging and passion for
food could best be utilized with Folio Weekly
and area restaurants. Folio Weekly had been
considering the idea of creating a dining club
for foodies, but wasn’t sure how to start it, who
would run it and how the details would work
out. We knew a blog would be the best way for
me to put up information in real time. We also
thought a blog would be the best way for there
to be interaction between members and me,
leaving an open forum for food discussion.
Once we came up with a concept,
Culhane’s signed on to be our first host. We had
a few ideas for how events would work, but it is
really about what the restaurant wants it to be,
while keeping it centered on the food and the
experience for members.
F.W.: What goes on at Bite Club events?
A.W.: Each event is a free dinner for about 50
members that features a sampling of food and,
sometimes, wine. I welcome all guests and tell
them about Bite Club, then the owner or chef
will tell Bite Clubbers why they chose to host
and a bit about the food they prepared. The
menus vary — some restaurants choose to fea-
ture items off their menu, some choose to cre-
ate a special menu for the Bite Club. Some
events pair a course with wine or some other
drink. I work my way from table to table, col-
lecting descriptions and opinions about the
food and drinks.
F.W.: Do you find people are really interested in
talking about food?
A.W.: I have always believed that food is one
thing that can bring the closest family — or
complete strangers — together. When great
food is served, it not only is a sensory experi-
ence, but an emotional experience. Bite Club
members share their feelings because of the
emotional ties to food, as well as the amazing
high they feel when they taste delicious food.
Though there are some existing friends that
come to events, many friends have been made
at Bite Club events. Food is a very basic topic,
but real foodies develop something deeper, and
bond over sharing a meal. o
— John E. Citrone
jcitrone@folioweekly.com
Link to Ashlee’s food blog “A Year in the
Kitchen” at biteclublog.com.

sushi bar. Appetizers, soups, salads
and desserts round out the menu.
Children’s selections are available,
and beer, wine and sake are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
FERNANDELI
17B S. Eighth St., 261-0008
Located in historic Fernandina
Beach, FernanDeli offers deli clas-
sics with a touch of the South.
Popular items include fresh corned
beef, pastrami and Carolina-style
pulled pork. Sandwiches and wraps
are built to order from fresh ingredi-
ents and served with a variety of
toppings. Open Mon.-Sat.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
1978 S. Eighth St., 491-8095
See Mandarin.
GENNARO’S RISTORANTE
ITALIANO
5 S. Second St., 261-9400
With a sister location in St. Pete
Beach, Gennaro’s specializes in
Southern Italian cuisine, including
baked and sautéed pasta dishes,
gourmet ravioli and hand-tossed piz-
zas. Specialties include a shrimp
feast and margherita pizza, and the
bread is baked on-site. A children’s
menu is available and beer and wine
are served. Open daily.
GREEN TURTLE TAVERN
14 S. Third St., 321-2324
Housed in a historic shotgun shack,
this local hangout offers Chicago-
style Vienna beef hot dogs and pub-
style fare, a vast cold beer selection
and a chill atmosphere. The tavern
earned the Best Neighborhood Bar
on Amelia Island in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax. Live music is featured
weekends. Open daily.
HANA SUSHI
JAPANESE CUISINE
1930 S. 14th St., 277-8838
Hana’s bright, welcoming shop offers
items from the sushi bar or off the
menu, including teriyaki, tempura,
hibachi, katsu, udon and bento
boxes. Sushi selections include
entrées, à la carte items, hand rolls
and chef’s special maki sushi. Beer
and wine are served. Open daily.
THE HAPPY TOMATO
COURTYARD CAFÉ & BBQ
7 S. Third St., Fernandina Beach,
321-0707
Located in historic downtown
Fernandina Beach, Happy Tomato
serves fresh salads, deli sandwiches
and barbecue — pulled pork, pulled
smoked turkey, chicken and ribs —
in an easy, laid-back atmosphere.
Beer and wine are served, and a
kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open for lunch Mon.-Sat.
HORIZONS RESTAURANT
4828 First Coast Highway,
321-2430
Chef Courtney Thompson specializes
in continental cuisine served in a
casual atmosphere. Homemade
bread and pastas are made fresh
daily and served alongside seafood,
rack of lamb and pasta entrées, with
a menu that changes daily. Dine
indoors or out. Reservations recom-
mended. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.,
for dinner Thur.-Sat.
Bite By Bite
INDIGO ALLEY WINE BAR
& SECRET GARDEN
316 Centre St., 261-7222
This gathering spot offers light bar
fare and fresh roasted coffees, wine,
beer and cigars. Live music, poetry
readings, open mic, dance lessons,
film screenings and art shows are
featured. Open daily.
JACK & DIANE’S
708 Centre St., 321-1444
Housed in a renovated 1887 shotgun
home, this café features a tasting
menu of favorites like jambalaya,
French toast, Greek salad and mac-
n-cheese. Other dishes include
Cajun seafood platters, pancakes,
curry chicken pizza, and an exten-
sive vegan and vegetarian selection.
Dine indoors or on a porch overlook-
ing historic downtown Fernandina. A
full bar is served and a children’s
menu is available. Open breakfast,
lunch and dinner.
JADE’S BISTRO
1484 Sadler Road, 321-2777
The menu here is Asian fusion, the
walls are painted a rich red, and the
menu ranges from traditional
General Tso’s Chicken to Thai-style
Mango Prawns. Open daily.
JOE’S 2ND STREET
BISTRO
14 S. Second St., 321-2558
Chef Joe Robucci offers upscale
New American fine dining with
French, Creole, Asian and South of
the Border influences. Seating is
available in the dining room at tables
arrayed around the homey fireplace,
out in the large, New Orleans-style
courtyard, or upstairs on the porch
with a view of the Intracoastal. Beer
and an extensive wine list are
served. Open nightly.
KABUKI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE &
SUSHI BAR
1147 Amelia Plaza, Fernandina
Beach, 277-8782
A Best of Jax 2009 winner for Best
Waitress (Brittany Curtis), Kabuki
serves certified Angus steaks and
fresh seafood — all MSG-free. The
Japanese dishes and items from the
unlimited sushi bar can be cus-
tomized to suit any taste, and the
teppan art of cooking entertains as
chefs prepare food in front of you.
For more than 31 years, James Willard (right) has been wow-
ing customers with his slow-cooked barbecue at Willard’s
BBQ Junction in Ortega.
Beer and wine are served, and sushi
take-out is offered. Open Tue.-Sun.
KARIBREW BREW PUB
& GRUB
27 N. Third St., Amelia Island,
277-5269
Amelia Island’s first microbrewery,
Karibrew is located next door to its
sister restaurant, Café Karibo.
Karibrew offers a variety of beers,
ales and wine, and pub food, and
Sunday brunch. Take-out is avail-
able. Open daily.
KELLEY’S COURTYARD
CAFÉ
19 S. Third St.
Brand-new in the heart of Fernan-
dina’s historic district (the grand
opening’s on April 6), Kelley’s Café
serves sandwiches, wraps, soups
and salads, along with fried green
tomatoes and tofu corn dogs, in a
casual atmosphere.
KÔFÉ HÔUS
822 Sadler Road, 277-7663
The coffee beans are roasted
onsite at Kôfé Hôus, which also
offers hot pressed sandwiches,
soup, bagels, pastries and more.
Cheesecakes are available whole
or by the slice. And the Hôus
serves a wide variety of specialty
beers and wine. Open daily.
LE CLOS RESTAURANT
20 S. Second St., 261-8100
Located in Fernandina’s historic dis-
trict, Le Clos features fresh fish,
braised lamb shank and seafood
entrées by candlelight in a turn-of-
the-century cottage. Chef/owner
Katherine Ewing earned degrees in
pastry and cuisine from Le Cordon
Bleu, Paris, and trained at Paris’ Ritz
Hotel. Beer and an eclectic wine list
are available. Reservations recom-
mended. Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
LUIGI’S TRATTORIA
ITALIANO
31 S. Fifth St., 277-4080
The dishes are veramente, the
atmosphere is homey and the staff
speaks Italian. Tortellini, lasagna,
manicotti, parmigiana, linguini …
owner Giovanna DeMartino Ott hails
from the Napoli countryside, so you
know the recipes are authentic
Southern Italian. Open for dinner
Mon.-Sat.
WALTER COKER
MARCHÉ BURETTE
6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia
Island, 491-4834
This old-fashioned gourmet food
market and deli, located at The Spa &
Shops at Amelia Island Plantation,
offers a continental breakfast and a
lunch that features wood-oven fired
gourmet pizzas, deli sandwiches and
salads. A children’s menu is available.
Beer and wine are served. Open daily.
MARINA SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
101 Centre St., 261-5310
Located in a former Customs House,
Marina Restaurant features local
seafood, including shrimp burgers,
fish sandwiches, scallops, crabs
cakes, seafood platters and oysters.
There’s steak, pasta dishes and pork
chops, too, along with a kids menu.
Open daily.
MERGE RESTAURANT
510 S. Eighth St., 277-8797
Owner Adam Sears, a former sous
chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia
Island, presents modern American
fusion cuisine made with fresh
ingredients. The menu features
seafood — fried oysters, seared
tuna — but there’s duck, chicken
and beef dishes, too. Open for dinner
Mon.-Sat., for brunch on Sun.
MONTEGO BAY
COFFEE CAFÉ
463363 S.R. 200, Yulee, 225-3600
Locally owned and operated,
Montego Bay serves specialty cof-
fees, fruit smoothies and breakfast
and lunch items. Dine in or hit the
drive-thru. Open for breakfast and
lunch Mon.-Sat.
MOON RIVER PIZZA
925 S. 14th St., 321-3400
At this edgy little pizzeria, work by
local artists hangs on the walls and
rock music is pumped into the din-
ing room. Northern-style pizzas,
with more than 20 toppings offered,
are served by the pie or the slice.
Moon River was voted Best Pizza on
Amelia Island in Folio Weekly’s
2009 Best of Jax. Dine in or take
out. Open Mon.-Sat.
MS. CAROLYN’S
BREAKFAST & DESSERTS
1881 S. 14th St., 261-6277
Specialty breakfast creations include
sausage and egg pie, crab omelet
and eggs Benedict. Cakes (including
the much-beloved coconut cake)
and pies are also available. Open for
breakfast Mon.-Sat.
MURRAY’S GRILLE
463852 E. S.R. 200/A1A, Yulee,
261-2727
Situated west of Amelia Island on
S.R. 200, Murray’s serves steaks,
seafood, pastas and barbecue. The
hand-cut steaks, grouper Elizabeth
and homemade Key lime pie are
among the most requested dinner
items. A full bar is served. Open daily.
OCEAN GRILL
6800 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island, 261-6161
This elegant Amelia Island Plantation
restaurant features steaks, chops,
chef’s specials and bountiful wine
list, accompanied by a view of the
Atlantic. Open for dinner Tue.-Sat.
O’KANE’S IRISH PUB
318 Centre St., 261-1000
A 2009 winner of Folio Weekly’s Best
of Jax award for Best Neighborhood
Bar, O’Kane’s offers a large selection
of draft and imported beers. Located
in the rear of a historic 19th century
building, the eatery offers fish and
chips, corned beef and cabbage and
certified Angus beef. Open daily.
OPS PIZZA KITCHEN
& CAFÉ
2030 S. Eighth St., 277-8665
This new spot serves all manner of
Italian favorites: cannoli, osso buco
and stuffed eggplant, to name a few.
Pizzas include thin crust, Sicilian-
style and by-the-slice. Specialty cof-
fees and teas are also available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
PABLO’S GRILL
& CANTINA
12 N. Second St., 261-0049
Pablo’s is located in Fernandina
Beach’s historic district and serves
an authentic Mexican menu featur-
ing chimichangas, fajitas and vege-
tarian dishes. A kids’ menu is avail-
able. Dine inside or out on the brick
patio. Open daily.
PARKWAY GRILLE
5517 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6614
Owners Mike and Bobbe Malcolm
prepare breakfast and lunch with
fresh ingredients, including a selec-
tion of Boar’s Head deli meats. The
atmosphere is bright, airy and
casual. Open daily.
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL
& CANTINA
2128 Sadler Road, 277-2011
This casual, family-friendly restau-
rant features dishes made fresh
with the authentic flavors of
Mexico. Daily specials are featured,
and happy hour runs all day
Saturday. A full bar —featuring
margaritas — is served, take out is
available and a children’s menu is
offered. Open daily.
PHILLY BOYZ’
TRADITIONAL CHEESE
STEAKS
117 Centre St., Fernandina Beach,
624-5678
Located behind the Palace Saloon,
this new eatery offers — what
else? — a variety of authentic
Philly cheese steaks, along with
hoagies, fries and dogs. Breakfast
sandwiches, too. Open breakfast,
lunch and dinner.
PLAE
80 Amelia Village Circle,
Amelia Island, 277-2132
Located in the Spa & Shops at
Amelia Island Plantation, this bistro-
style venue offers an innovative
menu (with such crowd pleasers as
asiago-encrusted snapper and bison
short ribs), full bar, artistic décor and
live entertainment Thur.-Sat. Open
daily for dinner. Best of Jax 2009
winner for Best Restaurant on
Amelia Island.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
474272 E. S.R. 200, Yulee
Junction, Fernandina Beach,
261-8151
See St. Johns Town Center.
SALT, THE GRILL
At The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia
Island, 4750 Amelia Island
Parkway, Amelia Island,
491-6746
The menu at Salt features cuisine
made with simple elements from
the earth and sea served in a con-
temporary coastal setting. The
WALTER COKER
Bamboo
Creek Asian
Bistro fires up
everything
from dim sum
to Peking
duck from
their busy
kitchen in
Baymeadows.

With several locations around Northeast Florida, including this one in Julington Creek, Beef
O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub features signature wings, happy hour specials and multiple TVs for
sports fans.
wine list boasts more than 500
wines. Cocktails are also available.
Open Tue.-Sat. for dinner.
SANDOLLAR
RESTAURANT & MARINA
9716 Heckscher Drive, Ft.
George Island, 251-2449
Sandollar’s menu includes snow
crab legs, fresh fish and shellfish
dishes. A full bar is served. Dine
inside or out on the deck. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SANDY BOTTOMS BEACH
BAR & GRILL
2910 Atlantic Ave., 310-6904
Owner Claude Hartley offers a
menu featuring seafood, sandwich-
es and pizzas. Dine indoors or out
on the deck overlooking the ocean.
A full bar is served. A children’s
menu and take-out are available.
Open daily.
SHUCKER’S OYSTER BAR
& GRILL
942699 Old Nassauville Road,
277-2580
Steamed and raw oysters are
abundant at the oyster station (the
friendly staff will help shuck the
raw ones, but the menu also fea-
tures shrimp, gator bites, crab
cakes and seafood po’boys. For
the nautically challenged, there’s
wraps, pulled pork and wings. Kids
choose from their own menu, and
beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL
1998 S. Fletcher Ave.,
277-6652
Oceanfront, Caribbean-themed
Sliders serves handmade crab
cakes, fresh seafood and fried
pickles. Outdoor dining is featured,
and children get their own beach-
front playground. A full bar is avail-
able. Live music is presented every
Fri., Sat. and Sun. Open daily.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
2742 S. Eighth St., 261-6632
See Riverside.
Bite By Bite
THE SURF
3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 261-5711
Oceanfront dining is still possible at
The Surf, inside or out on the deck.
The menu features steaks, fresh
fish, oysters, shrimp and nightly spe-
cials. And there’s a Sunday lobster
special. Open daily. Entertainment
nightly and week-end afternoons.
TONY’S PIZZA &
RESTAURANT
1425 Sadler Road, 277-7661
Tony’s New York Style Brick Oven
Pizza & Restaurant is well-named:
The many varieties of pizza are
indeed cooked in a brick oven, there
are several dinner selections (like
baked ziti and chicken broccoli alfre-
do), and you just know there’s some
guy named Tony tossing the dough.
Subs, salads and wings complete
the picture. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily; free delivery on the island.
T-RAY’S BURGER
STATION
202 S. Eighth St., 261-6310
This hidden gem is actually located
inside an old Exxon station, but it
doesn’t escape the notice of tourists
or locals. T-Ray’s won Best Burger
on Amelia Island in Folio Weekly’s
2009 Best of Jax readers poll, and
is famous on the island for its blue
plate specials. Go for the food, stay
for the gossip. Open Mon.-Sat. for
breakfast and lunch.
29 SOUTH EATS
29 S. Third St., 277-7919
Located in Fernandina Beach’s his-
toric downtown, this popular bistro’s
Chef Scotty Schwartz serves tradi-
tional world cuisine with a modern
twist. Open for lunch, dinner and
Sunday brunch.
THE VERANDAH
RESTAURANT
6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia
Island Plantation, Amelia Island,
321-5050
Set among the moss-draped oaks
of Racquet Park, this restaurant
features an extensive menu of
fresh local seafood and steaks,
but the Verandah’s signature
WALTER COKER
entrée is Fernandina shrimp. And
many ingredients – including
tomatoes, chives and lemongrass
— come from the restaurant’s
own herb and vegetable garden. A
children’s menu is available and a
full bar is served. Open nightly.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
474323 S.R. 200, 206-4046
See Mandarin.
ARLINGTON,
FT. CAROLINE
& REGENCY
ABE’S PIZZA GRILL
10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6,
Arlington, 425-3983
See Southside.
AJ’S BAR & GRILL
10244 Atlantic Blvd., Regency,
805-9060
AJ’s menu includes burgers, salads
and wings, and the grill is open
daily till midnight. A full bar is
served. There are video games and
pool tables, Karaoke on Thur. with
DJ Sara, and live music most week-
ends. DJ Mike is in Tue., Wed., Fri.
and Sat.
BLUE BOY SANDWICH SHOP
5535 Ft. Caroline Road, 743-3515
See Downtown for menu items. This
location serves beer and wine.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
8011 Merrill Road, Ste. 23,
Arlington, 743-3727
Bono’s has offered slow-cooked
meats and tangy sauces for 60
years, including the baby back ribs,
barbecue salad and chicken breast
sandwich. Folio Weekly readers have
repeatedly picked Bono’s as their
favorite barbecue joint in our annual
Best of Jax poll. A kids’ menu is
available. Open daily.
CHUN KING
2771 Monument Road, Ste. 33,
Arlington, 646-1393
From sushi to soup to fried bananas,

Authentic Indian, South Indian and Indochinese dishes are always hot and ready at The Fifth
Element’s large lunch buffet in Baymeadows.
Chun King offers daily chef specials
and all-you-can-eat Mongolian bar-
becue. A full menu, including Thai
and Japanese dishes, is also served.
All food is MSG-free, and take-out is
available. Beer, sake and wine are
served. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
CLIFF’S ROCKIN’
BAR-N-GRILL
3033 Monument Road, Ste. 2,
Cobblestone Plaza,
645-5162
Cliff’s features 8-ounce burgers,
wings, seafood, homemade pizza
and other daily specials. A full bar is
served, with a weekday happy hour.
There’s Karaoke with DJ Jack Tue.,
Thur. and Sun., and live music is
featured Wed., Fri. and Sat. Trivia is
held every Mon.; poker is played
every Tue. and Wed. night. Open
daily. Smoking permitted.
CHRISTY’S WINGS
AND THINGS
5907 Merrill Road, Arlington,
744-0329
With daily all-you-can-eat specials,
and no alcohol, Christy’s caters to
the whole family. Wings are served
with 12 different sauces, and the
menu includes chicken strips and
sub sandwiches served on home-
made breads. Appetizers are also
featured, and a children’s menu is
available. Open Mon.-Sat.
CRAB CREEK CAFÉ
7404 Atlantic Blvd., Arlington,
724-8050
A seafood shack with a yacht club
attitude, Crab Creek Café offers
shrimp, oysters, gator tail, frog legs
and seafood — plus pasta — in a
family-friendly atmosphere. A kids’
menu and takeout are available.
Open lunch and dinner daily.
DE REAL TING
SIDEWALK CAFÉ
6850 Arlington Expressway,
446-9777
This Caribbean restaurant — a Best
of Jax winner — features jerk or
curried chicken, conch fritters and
curried goat and oxtail. A full bar is
served. Open Tue.-Sun.
Bite By Bite
DICK’S WINGS
9119 Merrill Road, Ste. 19,
Arlington, 745-9301
Sporting a NASCAR atmosphere,
Dick’s serves 365 varieties and
flavors of wings. The menu also
features half-pound burgers, ribs
and salads. Beer and wine are
served. Takeout is available. Open
daily. Best of Jax 2009 winner for
Best Wings.
EAST COAST BUFFET
9569 Regency Square Blvd. N.,
726-9888
This new buffet restaurant has a
wide variety of Chinese,
Japanese, American and Italian
cuisine, offering more than 160
items, as well as sushi. Dine in or
take out.A full bar is served. Open
for lunch and dinner daily; open
on Sun. for brunch.
FUJI SUSHI
660 Commerce Center Drive,
Ste. 155, Regency, 722-9988
A respite from the busy Regency-
area bustle, this casual, modern
restaurant serves sushi and sashi-
mi, tempura, soups and entrées.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
GENE’S SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
6132 Merrill Road, Arlington,
744-2333
See Southside.
GRINDER’S CAFÉ
10230 Atlantic Blvd.,
Arlington, 725-2712
For more than 20 years, Grinder’s
has been serving home-style meals,
featuring fresh veggies, burgers,
meatloaf, pork chops and seafood. A
kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily.
THE HOT DOG SPOT
& MORE
2771 Monument Road, Ste. 32,
Arlington, 646-0050
Located in Cobblestone Crossing,
Hot Dog Spot offers a variety of
sausages — Italian, smoked and
spicy — as well as all-beef hot
dogs, with the usual toppers.
Additional menu items include
WALTER COKER
wings, Philly cheesesteak sandwich-
es and burgers. A children’s menu
and take-out are available. Open for
lunch daily.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
8818 Atlantic Blvd.,
Arlington, 720-0106
See San Marco.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
7001 Merrill Road,
Arlington, 743-5664
1301 Monument Road, Ste. 5,
Arlington, 724-5802
10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 14,
Regency, 642-6980
See St. Johns Town Center.
MARTI’S CAFÉ
3031 Monument Road,
Arlington, 379-8363
Family-owned-and-operated, Marti’s
offers home-style breakfast, lunch
and dinner at a reasonable price.
Traditional favorites include meat-
loaf, fried shrimp and Reuben sand-
wiches. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open breakfast, lunch
and dinner Tue.-Fri.; Sat. for break-
fast and lunch only; Sun. breakfast
only; closed Mon.
MATT’S ITALIAN CUISINE
2771 Monument Road, Ste. 8,
Arlington, 646-4411
Chef and owner Matt Gulacar is
proud of all of his pizzas, but he’s
particularly fond of his white pizza
with shrimp. The menu also includes
seafood, strombolis and veal,
cooked-to-order. Delivery is avail-
able. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
THE MUDVILLE GRILLE
1301 Monument Road, Ste. 1,
Arlington, 722-0008
See San Marco.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
9501 Arlington Expressway,
Regency Square Mall, Ste. 175,
721-3595
Known since 1968 for their Orange
Frost drink, Orange Tree serves hot
dogs — topped with slaw, chili,
cheese, onion sauce or sauerkraut
— as well as personal pizzas.

SKEWERED
GETTING
believe it was Cameron Diaz in “There’s
I Something About Mary” who lamented that
there just aren’t enough meats on sticks. And
she’s kind of right. Plenty of sweets —
lollipops, fudgesicles, candy apples — but
few meats. (This is not true at the Minnesota
State Fair, an annual event that boasts
serving 56 “foods on a stick” including
bacon, pork chops and sausage-wrapped
eggs). But if you’re willing to stretch the
meaning of stick to include all stick-like
implements (which we are), then there’s
plenty of savory, skewered stuff to be had
right here in Northeast Florida.
CORN DOGS!
The most traditional of stick foods, the corn
dog is like an oblong time machine back to a
simpler era, when a battered and deep-fried
wiener dipped in equal parts ketchup and mus-
tard constituted a meal. Popular at carnivals
and in elementary school cafeterias, the beau-
ty of the corn dog — and most stick foods —
is portability. It’s a food for the not-so-health-
conscious gal-on-the-go. And if that gal is
going shopping, the Ramona Flea Market on
Jacksonville’s Westside has a wide variety of
old VHS tapes, knockoff sunglasses and CORN
DOGS! Nothing says Saturday in the South
quite like stick food and flea markets.
KEBABS/KEBOBS!
Fact: The “shish” that usually comes before
the “kebobs” means “stick” in Turkish. Well,
it means “skewer,” but close enough. A
Middle Eastern treat consisting of meat and
vegetables (and sometimes fruit) threaded
onto a stick and then grilled, the kebob is tra-
ditionally made with lamb, but any meat will
do. At The Casbah Café and Hookah Lounge
in Avondale, for instance, kebobs are avail-
able in lamb, chicken, swordfish, shrimp and
Everything tastes
better when it’s
served on a stick
SKEWERD
kufeth varieties (kufeth, according to
GETTING
Casbah’s menu, is “ground beef, parsley,
onions, spiced and charbroiled” — which
sounds amazing).
FONDUE!
In the case of fondue, the stick isn’t as much
a feature of the food as it is the implement
with which to eat it. Now, I’ve been to
Switzerland and had real-deal fondue, and I
don’t think I’ll ever be the same because of
it. Traditionally, fondue is made of a mix of
cheeses — gruyère and emmental especially
— diluted with a little bit of kirsch, wine or
beer. Stick some sturdy bread on a stick and
dunk away. But there’s more — meat fon-
due! Rather than cheese, you sit around the
same communal pot and dunk bits of
uncooked meats in hot oil. It’s not as danger-
ous as it sounds, and it’s delicious, and if you
can’t make it to Switzerland in these dicey
economic times, try The Melting Pot on Gate
Parkway on Jacksonville’s Southside.
CHURRASCO!
The ultimate meat-on-stick experience, chur-
rasco is basically Brazilian for big hunks of
barbecued meat carved from a big-ass, sword-
looking skewer. Churrascurias — Brazilian
steakhouses — have become especially popu-
lar in the past few years, and there are now
two in Jacksonville, Espeto in Avondale and
Tento in Jacksonville Beach. At both spots, you
basically pay a flat fee for dinner and hot
Brazilian gaucho guys in their cute little ban-
danas make their way around the room with
different meats (Espeto boasts 14 varieties),
and you can tell them whether or not you’d like
to sample that particular stick-meat. o
— Gwynedd Stuart
gstuart@folioweekly.com

PITA EXPRESS
2754 Trollie Lane, Arlington,
674-2637
Pita selections include Philly, chicken
fajita, falafel, chicken Caesar salad
and eggplant parmigiana. For break-
fast, there’s omelets and pancakes.
A kids’ menu is available. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
9527 Regency Square Blvd.,
725-2744
See St. Johns Town Center.
RACK ’EM UP BILLIARDS
1825 University Blvd. N.,
Arlington, 745-0335
See Mandarin.
MILLER ALE HOUSE &
RAW BAR
9541 Regency Square Blvd. S.,
720-0551
See Mandarin.
ROYAL PIZZA PLUS
3547 University Blvd. N.,
Arlington, 744-1555
Homemade Italian fare includes
subs, New York-style pizzas and
lunch specials, as well as seafood,
ravioli and lasagna at dinner. Take-
out is available, and deliveries within
a five-mile radius. Open daily.
ST. JOHNS SEAFOOD
& STEAKS
7001 Merrill Road, Ste. 42,
Arlington, 745-0304
These casual, family-oriented
restaurants specialize in seafood
and certified Angus steaks. The
shrimp entrées are popular, as are
the all-you-can-eat specials. Seniors
and children select from special
menus. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
THE SHEIK
SANDWICH DELI
9720 Atlantic Blvd., Regency,
721-2660
Family owned and operated, The
Sheik has served Jacksonville for
more than 40 years, serving a full
breakfast — from pitas to country
plates — and an extensive lunch
menu, ranging from burgers to pitas
and subs. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat.
Hand-cut Angus steaks are a big deal at Big T’s Grill & Tavern, in the Intracoastal West area,
along with ribs, Mayport shrimp — and cigars.
Bite By Bite
SWEET TOMATOES
1115 Mary Susan Drive, Regency,
722-9889
The 60-foot salad bar features four
types of tossed salads, 17 freshly
cut vegetables and deli items, five
pasta salads and a dozen dressings.
The bakery offers muffins and
focaccia to complement the three
featured pastas. Takeout is available.
Open daily.
TREY’S DELI & GRILL
2044 Rogero Road, Arlington,
744-3690
Trey is a Jacksonville native who’s
been serving Northeast Florida for
two decades. His menu includes deli
sandwiches (and his own Trey’s
Reuben) along with pork, seafood
and homemade soups. Prime rib
specials are offered every Fri.
evening. Beer and wine are served,
and a children’s menu is available.
Open Mon.-Sat.
AVONDALE &
ORTEGA
ARDEN’S KAFÉ
& KATERING
1650 Hamilton St., Ste. 4, Ortega,
384-4144
From gourmet to Cajun, Chef Arden
deSaussure can create it, using
fresh ingredients, including local
seafood, veggies and meats. Arden’s
is open for lunch Mon.-Fri.
BEETHOVEN’S BISTRO
5917 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 1,
Ortega, 771-6606
This bistro’s breakfast menu
includes French toast and bagels.
Lunch features wraps, Reubens and
paninis. The dinner and brunch
menus revolve, so check for current
selections. Bring your own bottle,
’cause there’s no corking fee. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wed.-Sat., for dinner Mon., Wed.-
Fri. and for brunch on Sunday. Take
out is available.
BISCOTTIS
3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale,
387-2060
A 2009 Best of Jax winner for Best
Dessert, Biscotti’s is a microcosm of
the Avondale neighborhood it calls
home. From upscale dinner entrees
to innovative pizzas (their Duck
Confit Pizza is legendary) to their
massive selection of almost-too-
pretty-to-eat desserts, Biscotti’s has
something for anyone in the mood
for a good meal. Open daily; for
brunch Sat. and Sun.
THE BLUE FISH
RESTAURANT &
OYSTER BAR
3551 St. Johns Ave., Avondale,
387-0700
Fresh seafood, steaks and chops are
served in a casual atmosphere,
along with an oyster bar and an
extensive menu that includes small
plates. A kids’ menu is offered, a full
bar is served and live music is pre-
sented Thur.-Sat. A daily happy hour
is held and doggie yappy hours are
held Sat. and Sun. Open for lunch
and dinner daily; for brunch and
dinner on Sun.
BRICK RESTAURANT
3585 St. Johns Ave., Avondale,
387-0606
This casual eatery’s exposed-brick
façade and interior are modern and
hip, but still classic Avondale.
Despite the expensive fixtures, you
can still grab a burger and watch a
game or get the best lamb chops in
town. And their veggie burger? Killer.
Open daily.
THE CASBAH CAFÉ
3628 St. Johns Ave., Avondale,
981-9966
The Casbah serves Middle Eastern
and Mediterranean cuisine on the
patio or inside the hookah lounge,
where customers sit on ottomans at
low tables. The café serves Turkish
coffees, imported beer and wine.
WiFi is available, belly dancers per-
form some nights, and hookah pipes
are offered for smoking flavored
tobacco. Live jazz is performed on
select evenings. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
ESPETO BRAZILIAN
STEAK HOUSE
4000 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 40,
388-4884
Called a churrascaria (Portuguese for
steakhouse), this Brazilian steakhouse
WALTER COKER
features gauchos who carve the meat
onto your plate from their serving
tables. A full bar is served. Open for
dinner Tue.-Sun.; closed Mon.
THE FOX RESTAURANT
3580 St. Johns Ave., Avondale,
387-2669
Owners Ian and Mary Chase offer
fresh, diner-style fare and home-
made desserts. Breakfast is served
all day, along with Hot Plate
Specials and signature items such
as burgers, meatloaf and fried
green tomatoes. A Jacksonville
landmark for 50 years, The Fox is
open daily.
HARPOON LOUIE’S
4070 Herschel St., Avondale,
389-5631
A locally-owned-and-operated
American pub, Harpoon Louie’s has
been a fixture in the Avondale area
for 18 years. The menu includes
half-pound burgers, fish sandwiches
and pasta. Open daily. Happy hour is
held during the week.
LET THEM EAT CAKE!
3604 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 2,
Avondale, 389-2122
This artisan bakery serves coffee,
croissants and muffins in the early
morning, then cupcakes, pastries
and individual desserts throughout
the day. Whole cakes are made-to-
order. Open Tue.-Sat.
LILLIAN’S SPORTS BAR
& GRILL
5393 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Venetia Plaza, 388-4220
This family sports bar serves wings,
burgers, salads and sandwiches. The
TVs air sporting events. Open for
lunch and dinner daily. Happy hour is
held daily.
ORSAY
3630 Park St., Avondale,
381-0909
Opened by Chew owner Jon Insetta,
this French/American bistro serves
steak frites, mussels and Alsatian
pork chops in an elegant setting. A
full bar is served. Open for dinner
Tue.-Sat., for brunch on Sun. Best of
Jax 2009 winner for Best New
Restaurant, Best Restaurant to
Impress a Date.
PINEGROVE MEAT
MARKET & DELI
1511 Pine Grove Ave., Avondale,
389-8655
Pinegrove offers Cuban sandwiches
and homemade chicken salad from
inside the meat market, which also
sells USDA choice prime aged beef
cut to order. Breakfast, lunch and
dinner are served Mon.-Sat.
WILLARD’S BBQ
JUNCTION
5895 Roosevelt Blvd., Ortega,
317-9713
James Willard has been serving up
barbecue for more than 31 years,
and he makes it easy — it’s drive-
thru service only. Everything is pre-
pared on premises: The beef, pork,
chicken and ribs are slow-cooked
and the BBQ beans are award-win-
ning. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
BAYMEADOWS
AL’S PIZZA
8060 Philips Highway, 731-4300
See Beaches.
BAMBOO CREEK
ASIAN BISTRO
8532 Baymeadows Road, 733-1188
The all-Asian restaurant specializes
in dim sum, but also offers Peking
duck, lo main, fried rice, pot stick-
ers and spicy calamari salad. Beer
and wine are served and there’s a
daily happy hour. A kids’ menu is
available. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily, with specials offered
Mon.-Fri.
BASIL THAI & SUSHI
8358 Point Meadows Drive,
379-3446
See San Marco.
BOWL OF PHO
9902 Old Baymeadows Road,
646-4455
Bowl of Pho serves traditional
Vietnamese noodle soup along with
authentic favorites like spring rolls,
shrimp wraps and egg rolls. The
portions are big and the atmos-
phere’s easy-going.
BROADWAY RISTORANTE
& PIZZERIA
10920 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 3,
519-8000
This family-owned-and-operated
Italian pizzeria serves calzones,
stromboli and brick-oven-baked
pizza, all made with fresh veggies
and meats. Wings, subs and desserts
are also featured. Dine-in, take-out
or have it delivered. Open daily.
BROOKLYN PIZZA
8358 Point Meadows Drive,
322-7051
Located at 9A and Baymeadows
Road. See Mandarin.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
GRILL & BAR
9550 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 10,
448-1293
Along with Buffalo style wings fixed
up with 14 sauces ranging from
mild to better-be-ready blazin’,
BWW serves up wraps, burgers and
ribs. A kids’ menu and take-out are
available, and a full bar is served.
Sports are always on the big-
screen TVs. Open daily.
BULL’S BAR B Q
8602 Baymeadows Road, 739-3874
Bull’s serves pork, ribs, beef, chick-
en and baby back ribs, as well as
salads and sides. Open Mon.-Fri.
CHA-CHA’S MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
9551 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 21,
737-9903
Owner Celso Alvarado and his family
run this authentic Mexican restau-
rant. The menu includes 26 combi-
nation dinners and a wide variety of
specialty dishes including chalupas,
enchiladas and burritos. A full bar is
served, and margaritas are the
house specialty. Open Mon.-Sat.
THE COFFEE GRINDER
9834 Baymeadows Road,
Deerwood Village Mall, 642-7600
Owner Slavisa Micukic runs this cof-
fee gallery, which features the work
of local artists. Seating is available
indoors and out, and a full coffee/
espresso menu includes several
frozen mochas and frozen jet teas.
Beer is served after 7 p.m. DJs spin
Thur., Fri. and Sat. Open daily.
WALTER COKER
The Blue Fish
Restaurant &
Oyster Bar focuses
on seafood, steaks
and chops, along
with small plates
and an oyster bar
in their airy
Avondale digs.

Blackstone Grille in Northwest St. Johns County offers fine wine and modern American fusion
cuisine in a trendy bistro-style setting.
DEERWOOD DELI & DINER
9934 Old Baymeadows Road,
641-4877
This 1950s-style diner features
pink-and-chrome furnishings and
photographs of the heartthrobs of
yesteryear. The menu includes burg-
ers, Reubens, shakes and Coke
floats. Breakfast, a kids’ menu and
take-out are available. Open daily.
EVERGREEN CAFÉ
3837 Baymeadows Road, 636-9040
This upscale café serves savory and
sweet crepes made with fresh ingre-
dients, as well as subs, paninis and
European-style cakes. Beer and
wine are served and take-out is
available. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
THE FIFTH ELEMENT
9485 Baymeadows Road, 448-8265
The Fifth Element (the first four ele-
ments being earth, water, air and
fire) prepares a variety of authentic
Indian, South Indian and Indochin-
ese dishes with artistic flair. The
large lunch buffet includes lamb,
goat and chicken dishes, as well as
tandoori and biryani items. A kids’
menu is available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
8380 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 8,
737-3473
See Mandarin.
FLAVORS ESSENCE
OF INDIA
9550 Baymeadows Road, 733-1525
Master chefs create contemporary
and traditional dishes from all over
India, including lamb, fish and prawn
entrées. Clay oven kabobs and
breads, vegetarian dishes and
desserts are also served. A lunch
buffet includes vegetarian items.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
FUJI SUSHI JAPANESE
RESTAURANT
10920 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 30,
363-8888
Fuji Sushi offers fresh sushi, steak,
chicken, tempura, teriyaki and
seafood. Beer and wine are served.
A children’s menu is available.
Open daily.
Bite By Bite
GATORS DOCKSIDE
8650 Baymeadows Road, 448-0500
See Orange Park.
INDIA’S RESTAURANT
9802 Baymeadows Road,
Ste. 8, 620-0777
Located at Baymeadows and
Southside, India’s has claimed sev-
eral Best of Jax awards for authentic
Indian cuisine — most recently in
2009 — and serves a popular lunch
buffet. Curry and vegetable dishes
are offered, along with lamb, chick-
en, shrimp and fish tandoori (mari-
nated in yogurt, then roasted in a
clay oven). Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch Mon.-Sat.,
dinner daily.
JACKIE LEE’S
CHINA BISTRO
10915 Baymeadows Road, Ste.
101, 425-6988
Upscale Chinese cuisine, featuring
shrimp dumplings and chef’s spe-
cials, is served. A full bar is avail-
able. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner nightly.
KOJA SUSHI II
9866 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 8,
232-4400
See Downtown.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
8616 Baymeadows Road, 739-2498
3928 Baymeadows Road, 737-7740
10920 Reedy Branch Commons,
519-9801
See St. Johns Town Center.
LEMONGRASS
9846 Old Baymeadows Road,
645-9911
Lemongrass offers innovative Thai
cuisine in a hip, metropolitan atmo-
sphere. Chef Aphayasane’s creations
include crispy whole snapper with
pineapple curry reduction, and cus-
tomers’ favorite is “The Amazing.”
Reservations are recommended. An
extensive beer and wine selection is
served. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
LOS TOROS MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
5210 Baymeadows Road,
367-8633
Los Toros serves authentic Mexican
WALTER COKER
fare, including fajitas and a selection
of vegetarian dishes. A children’s
menu is available, and the full bar
features margaritas. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
MANDALOUN
MEDITERRANEAN
LEBANESE CUISINE
9862 Old Baymeadows Road,
646-1881
With restaurants in London, Paris
and the Middle East, owner Pierre
Barakat brings authentic Lebanese
cuisine to Jacksonville, including
charcoal-grilled lamb kebab and
baked filet of red snapper. Belly
dancing is featured every Fri. and
Sat. with a full bar. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
MANHATTAN COFFEE
8358 Point Meadows Drive, Ste.
9, 322-7061
This coffee shop offers pastries,
espresso, lattes, organic coffees and
teas. Free WiFi, too. Open daily.
MAYURI INDIAN
CUISINE
9551 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 10,
448-5999
This new Indian restaurant offers
traditional Indian items, including
tandoori specials, South Indian, Indo-
Chinese and vegetarian dishes, as
well as biryani and thali style dishes.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner.
MEDITERRANIA
RESTAURANT
3877 Baymeadows Road, 731-2898
With an Old World atmosphere, this
family-owned-and-operated Greek
and Italian restaurant has been a
local favorite for more than 23
years. Fresh seafood, veal chops
and rack of lamb are among the
specialties. Beer and wine are avail-
able. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
NATIVE SUN NATURAL
FOODS MARKET & DELI
11030 Baymeadows Road,
260-2791
Fresh, organic ingredients are used
for healthy to go items, including
wraps, hot pastas, quesadillas,
soups and cold salads. Many vegan,
vegetarian and gluten-free options
are available. Indoor and outdoor
seating, a kids’ menu, a juice,
smoothie and coffee bar are
offered, and all-natural and organic
beers and wine are available. The
Baymeadows location features a
hot bar and free WiFi. Open Mon.-
Sat. A Best of Jax winner, too.
OMAHA STEAKHOUSE
9300 Baymeadows Road,
739-6633
With an English tavern atmosphere,
this Embassy Suites Hotel’s restau-
rant offers center-cut beef, fresh
seafood and sandwiches. The signa-
ture 16-ounce bone-in ribeye is pop-
ular, and desserts include crème
brûlée. A full bar is served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
8380 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 4,
733-0588
See Arlington.
PAGODA CHINESE
RESTAURANT
8617 Baymeadows Road,
731-0880
Mr. Tam, owner and chef, has been
serving customers since 1975.
Popular dishes include the seafood
combination (lobster, shrimp, scal-
lops and Chinese vegetables) and
spicy General Tso chicken. Pagoda
has a full-service bar. Open for lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat.
PATTAYA THAI GRILLE
9551 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 1,
646-9506
A frequent winner of Best Thai
Restaurant in Folio Weekly’s Best
of Jax readers poll, Pattaya Thai
offers a variety of new menu
items, including curries, seafood,
noodles and soups. A video screen
displays the open kitchen, so you
can watch your order being pre-
pared. An extensive menu of tra-
ditional Thai, vegetarian and new-
Thai is available. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri., for dinner Mon.-Sat.
Closed Sunday.
PIZZA PALACE
3928 Baymeadows Road,
527-8649
See Riverside.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
9802 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 4,
997-7774
See St. Johns Town Center.
RENNA’S PIZZA
8642 Baymeadows Road, 730-9313
This causal New York-style pizzeria
also serves calzones, antipasto,
parmigiana and homemade breads.
Beer and wine are served, and a kids’
menu is available. Buy by the slice —
they’re humongous — or full pie.
Take-out and delivery are available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
SMOOTHIE KING
9810 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 4,
642-1777
See Beaches. Best of Jax 2009 win-
ner for Best Smoothie.
STICKY FINGERS
8129 Point Meadows Way,
493-RIBS (7427)
See Beaches.
STONEWOOD GRILL
& TAVERN
3832 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 3,
739-7206
The casual, upscale Stonewood Grill
offers a flavorful dining experience
with a classic American menu. The
full bar offers a large wine list and a
daily happy hour. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
SUSHI HOUSE
9810 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 12,
997-0966
With an assortment of specialty rolls,
sushi and sashimi, this quaint
restaurant offers tempura, katsu,
teriyaki and hibachi entrées. Beer
and wine are served. Take out and
delivery are available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
TIJUANA FLATS
9942 Old Baymeadows Road,
641-1090
See Beaches.
TIMES GRILL
10915 Baymeadows Road,
674-2606
This Louisiana-based restaurant
chain serves big burgers, seafood
and old-fashioned malts. If you eat
the one-and-a-half-pound Wall of
Fame burger, you get your picture on
the — that’s right — Wall of Fame.
Open daily.
VITO’S PIZZA & ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
3825 Baymeadows Road,
737-9236
Vito’s is family-owned and in its
25th year, serving grouper
Francesco, New York and Chicago-
style pizzas, surf-and-turf and rack
of lamb. For dessert, homemade
tiramisu and cannolis. A full bar is
served. Open Tue.-Sun.
THE BEACHES
(All venues are in Jacksonville Beach
unless otherwise noted.)
A LA CARTE
331 First Ave. N., 241-2005
Authentic New England cuisine
includes Maine lobster rolls, Ipswich
clams, haddock, crab cakes, fried
shrimp and clam chowder. Lunch on
the outside deck or carry out. Open
for lunch Mon., Tue., Sat. and Sun.
AL’S PIZZA
303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic
Beach, 249-0002
For the 15th year in a row, Folio
Weekly readers have named Al’s as
the source of the Best Pizza in our
annual Best of Jax poll. Celebrating
more than 20 years and 6 locations,
Al’s offers a selection of New York-
style and gourmet pizzas. Wine and
beer are served, open for lunch
and dinner.
ANGIE’S SUBS
1436 Beach Blvd., 246-2519
Home of the original baked sub,
Angie’s has been serving Italian-
style subs to devoted locals for
more than 25 years. In addition to
hot, oven-baked or cold subs,
Angie’s offers huge salads and
blue-ribbon iced tea. Beer and
wine are served. Open Mon.-Sat.
ATOMIC FLYING FISH
TACO GRILL
309 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune
Beach, 372-0882
This new beach-casual restaurant,
just a short hop from the ocean,
features California-style fish, steak
and blackened gator taco, served
with all manner of sides. Spicy
bisque, Neptune Beach clam
chowder and a kids’ menu are also
available. Open lunch and dinner.
AZURÉA
1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach,
249-7402
Located within the Ocean One
Resort Hotel, Azuréa offers elegant
oceanfront dining with a menu
influenced by flavors of Europe,
the Caribbean and the Americas. A
children’s menu is available, and a
full bar is served, including an
extensive wine list. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
BAGEL WORLD
2202 S. Third St., 246-9988
A previous winner for Best Bagel,
according to Folio Weekly readers,
this cozy little place offers a
breakfast special (eggs, ham and
cheese) and a variety of coffees
and juices. Open for breakfast and
lunch daily.
BEACH BUDS CHICKEN
1289 Penman Road, 247-2828
This new, family-owned Beaches
addition serves fried chicken just
about any way you’d want: as fam-
ily meals, giant tenders, in box
lunches and as Mini-Me sandwich-
es. More than a dozen sauces are
available at various levels of hot-
ness, along with gizzards, livers,
and 15 side dishes. Open for lunch
and dinner daily; takeout available.
BEACH DINER
501 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic
Beach, 249-6500
This locally owned diner has a
casual beach atmosphere with
indoor and outdoor seating. The
Southern comfort menu items
include fresh seafood, sandwiches
and hot lunch specials. For you
late-sleeping beach bums, cooked-
to-order breakfast is available all
day. Open daily for breakfast
and lunch.
BEACH HUT CAFÉ
1281 S. Third St., 249-3516
Celebrating more than 20 years in
the biz, Beach Hut Café often wins
the Best Breakfast category in Folio
Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll.
The full breakfast menu is served all
day (featuring some darn good grits),
but expect a wait on weekends —
this place packs out. Open daily for
breakfast and lunch.
BEACHSIDE SEAFOOD
& MARKET
120 S. Third St., 444-8862
A full fresh seafood market,
Beachside also serves a lunch and
dinner menu of seafood baskets, fish
tacos, oyster baskets and Philly
cheesesteaks. There are tables
indoors and out on the open-air deck.
Live music is featured on weekends.
Beer and wine are served, and take-
out and Beaches area delivery are
available. Open daily.

Sushi joins 160 prepared dishes at East Coast Buffet in Regency Square, which features
Chinese, Japanese, American and Italian cuisine.
BILLY’S BOAT HOUSE
GRILL
2321 Beach Blvd., 241-9771
Located at Beach Marine, Billy’s Boat
House Grill has a view of the
Intracoastal Waterway and focuses
on fresh local seafood, hand-trimmed
steaks and offers a full bar. There’s
trivia every Mon., open-mic every
Wed., and oyster and wing specials
every Thur. Live entertainment is fea-
tured Thur., Fri. and Sat. nights and
Sun. mornings and nights. All menu
items available for take-out. Open
daily for lunch and dinner.
BONGIORNO’S PHILLY
STEAK SHOP
2294 Mayport Road, Atlantic
Beach, 246-3278
Jeff and Deanna Bongiorno of South
Philly have brought the Northeast to
Jax — the Amoroso rolls are flown
in from Philly and the chipped ribeye
comes from South jersey. Sandwich
choices include the Original Gobbler
and Mayport Big Boy, as well as
wraps, burgers and dogs. Beer and
wine, and a kids’ menu are offered.
Open lunch and dinner.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
1307 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune
Beach, 270-2666
1266 S. Third St., 249-8704
See Arlington.
BUDDHA’S BELLY
301 10th Ave. N., 712-4444
The proprietors of this new Thai
restaurant are, in fact, from
Thailand, so you know the cuisine’s
authentic. Each dish is made with
fresh ingredients using tried-and-
true recipes. A full bar is served
and take-out is available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
BUKKETS OCEANFRONT
GRILLE & BAHA BEACH
CLUB
222 N. Oceanfront at First Avenue,
246-7701
Known for a partying crowd, Bukkets
serves wings, shrimp, oysters and
ice-cold beer, along with burgers and
lots of appetizers. There’s open-air
casual dining — right on the board-
Bite By Bite
walk — and pool tables. Live music is
on the deck every weekend. A week-
day happy hour includes 50-cent oys-
ters, wings and shrimp. Open daily.
BURRITO CANTINA
22 Seminole Road, Atlantic
Beach, 246-2000
This new hole-in-the-wall place
makes up for its small size by
serving big burritos and big beers.
The beach hangout is open for
lunch and dinner daily; take-out
is available.
CAMPECHE BAY CANTINA
127 N. First Ave., 249-3322
Campeche Bay has repeatedly won
Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax awards in
the Best Mexican Restaurant, Best
Fajitas and Best Margaritas cate-
gories. Customers favor the chili rel-
lenos, the homemade tamales and
the homemade margaritas – to say
nothing of the two daily happy
hours. Open for dinner nightly.
CARIBBEE KEY
100 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune
Beach, 270-8940
With outdoor seating and a popular
upper deck, Caribbee Key features
fresh local seafood, wraps, big sal-
ads and the de rigueur Key lime pie,
served in a tropical setting. A full bar
and live music keeps things jam-
ming every evening. Open late daily.
CASA MARINA INN
& RESTAURANT
691 First St. N., 270-0025
The 1924 Casa Marina Restaurant is
the oldest structure in Jax Beach and
offers dining indoors, out on the
verandah or in the restored courtyard
by the ocean. The New Beach menu
features Casa crab cakes, tuna
Mediterranean and goat cheese
salad, as well as homemade breads.
Open Tue.-Fri.; for brunch on Sun.
The oceanfront Penthouse Lounge
offers tapas and a martini bar.
CHICAGO PIZZA SPORTS
BAR & GRILL
320 First St. N., 270-8565
See Southside.
WALTER COKER
CHIZU JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
1227 S. Third St., 241-8455
Owners Bobby Nakajima and Cindy
Ramalho serve sushi from a 28-foot
bar, featuring fresh sashimi, specialty
rolls and teppanyaki entrées. There’s
also a traditional menu of tempura
and teriyaki dishes, and a children’s
menu. Chizu has often been voted
Best Japanese Restaurant in Folio
Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll. A
full bar is served. Open nightly.
COFFEE BISTRO
525 N. Third St., Ste. 105, 853-6500
This bistro offers fresh, locally roast-
ed coffee, loose-leaf teas, baked
goods, sandwiches, smoothies, beer
and wine. Open for breakfast and
lunch daily.
COL. MUSTARD’S
27 Seminole Road, Atlantic
Beach, 247-5747
The Colonel serves up some of the
region’s best hamburgers, but be
prepared to get the treatment: The
Col. is famous for insulting and chid-
ing his patrons. Breakfast is also
served, featuring five-egg omelets
and French toast. A kids’ menu is
available. Open daily.
THE CRAB CAKE FACTORY
SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE
1396 Beach Blvd., Beach Plaza,
249-4776
This restaurant offers Continental-
fusion cuisine, specializing in fresh
seafood and Angus steaks. A chil-
dren’s menu is available. A full bar
is served, with a daily happy hour.
Live music is featured Wed.-Fri.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
CRAZY FISH
2510 Second Ave. N., 334-8408
This new seafood place is tucked
away behind Beach Marine off
Beach Boulevard. Ultra-casual
waterfront dining on the
Intracoastal features shrimp, Maine
lobster and mahi mahi, as well as
burgers, dogs and sandwiches.
Charter fishing and kayaking are
also offered. Open for lunch and
dinner daily. Boater friendly.
 CRUISERS GRILL
319 23rd Ave. S., Pablo Plaza,
270-0356
Locally owned and operated for more
than 13 years, this Tex-Mex/Amer-
ican restaurant serves half-pound
burgers, fish sandwiches, big salads
and award-winning cheddar fries.
There’s booth dining indoors or seat-
ing available on the deck. Cruisers is
a frequent winner in the Best of Jax
burger category. Beer, wine and san-
gria are served. Open daily.
CULHANE’S IRISH PUBLIC
HOUSE
967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach,
249-9595
An upscale Irish pub and restaurant
owned and managed by four sisters
from County Limerick, Ireland,
Culhane’s menu includes favorites
like fish pie, shepherd’s pie and
corned beef, but their new gastro
pub menu takes customers to new
culinary heights, with specials that
change daily. Open Tue.-Sun.; brunch
is served Sat. and Sun.
DAVINCI’S PIZZA
469 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach,
241-2001
DaVinci’s customers are loyal to
this family-owned-and-operated
pizzeria, which uses fresh, quality
ingredients for its pies. Open Tue.-
Sun. for dinner.
DICK’S WINGS
2434 Mayport Road, Atlantic
Beach, 372-0298
See Arlington.
DWIGHT’S
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE
BISTRO
1527 Penman Road, 241-4496
This small, cozy bistro next to
Cinotti’s Bakery specializes in
hand-rolled pasta and grilled veg-
etables. Owner and Chef Dwight
DeLude prepares meals in his exhi-
bition kitchen and all dishes, includ-
ing sea scallops and the popular
crab cakes, come with pasta and
veggies. Beer and wine are served.
With limited seating, reservations
ERIK TANNER
With locations in Riverside and Orange Park, Gibbs N.Y. Style Subs & Salads serves an array of
hot and cold subs — including the inimitable pizza sub — on always-freshly baked breads.
are suggested. Open for dinner
Tue.-Sat.
ELEVEN SOUTH
216 11th Ave. S., 241-1112
An elegant addition to the Jax Beach
dining scene, Eleven South serves
New American eclectic cuisine with
influences from around the world. In
addition to a mesquite grill and
courtyard dining, Eleven South
serves a full bar and a selection of
fine wines. Open for lunch Tue.-Fri.,
for dinner nightly.
ELIZABETH’S TEA ROOM
568 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach,
270-1980
Elizabeth’s Tea Room is simply that: a
tea room offering lunches and teas.
Children’s tea parties and private
teas are featured. Take-out is avail-
able. Open for lunch Tue.-Sat.
ELLEN’S KITCHEN
1824 S. Third St., Pablo Plaza,
246-1572
Serving the Beaches since 1962, this
busy kitchen offers a full breakfast
all day, one famous for its home-
made sausage gravy and hash
browns. For lunch, there’s a sand-
wiches, BLTs and patty melts. There’s
usually a line for breakfast on week-
ends. Take-out is available. Open
daily for breakfast and lunch.
EL POTRO
1553 Third St. N., 241-6910
See Southside.
EUROPEAN STREET
RESTAURANT
922 Beach Blvd., 249-3001
See San Marco.
FIONN MACCOOL’S IRISH
PUB & RESTAURANT
333 First St. N., 242-9499
This pub offers casual dining with an
uptown Irish atmosphere, serving
fish and chips, Guinness beef stew
and black-and-tan brownies. Live
music is featured daily. A full bar is
served. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open daily.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
1234 Beach Blvd., 339-0312
233 Third St. N., Neptune Beach,
249-6013
See Mandarin.
THE FISH COMPANY
RESTAURANT &
SEAFOOD MARKET
725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 12,
Atlantic Beach, 246-0123
This restaurant, oyster bar and
seafood market in North Beach
Center serves fresh local seafood
— including Mayport shrimp —and
oysters, crab and lobster. It’s also
hosting Folio Weekly’s fourth free
tasting event for Bite Club mem-
bers (biteclublog.com). The full bar
features a daily happy hour, and
patio seating is available. Open
daily, with a seafood brunch on
Sat. and Sun.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
311 N. Third St., 694-0374
See St. Johns Town Center.
FLY’S TIE IRISH PUB
177 Sailfish Drive E., Atlantic
Beach, 246-4293
If Rachael Allen and Johnny Cash
had a baby and he grew up to
be a chef, this would be his menu:
variations on corned beef hash,
black and white puddings, bangers
and mash. A full bar is served and
take-out is available. The kitchen is
open Mon.-Sat. for dinner, Sun.
for brunch.
GIOVANNI’S
1161 Beach Blvd., 249-7787
A Beaches tradition for more than
30 years, Giovanni’s features a
menu of Continental cuisine with
modern Italian flair. Favorite entrées
include veal, seafood and a variety
of pasta dishes. A full bar is served,
and a piano bar is featured upstairs
Fri.-Sat. Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
HALA SANDWICH SHOP
& BAKERY
1451 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune
Beach, 249-2212

With locations around Northeast Florida, El Potro serves classic Mexican cuisine and big
margaritas in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Hala specializes in authentic
Middle Eastern favorites, including
gyros, falafel, grape leaves and
Hala’s own pita bread, made daily
onsite. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-
Sat. Best of Jax 2009 winner for
Best Middle Eastern Cuisine.
HAPPY CUP
FROZEN YOGURT
299 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 2, Atlantic
Beach, 372-4059
It’s self-serve frozen yogurt at Happy
Cup. Made with organic ingredients
and flavored with real fruit, the
yogurts may be mixed and matched
and crowned with favorites from the
toppings bar.
HEALTHYWAY CAFÉ
2400 S. Third St., 241-5150
See St. Johns Town Center.
HERO’S 19TH HOLE
605 S. Penman Road, 249-0761
Tucked inside the clubhouse at the
Jax Beach Golf Course, this casual
eatery offers basic breakfast fare as
well as lunch and drink specials.
Burgers, hot dogs, club sandwiches
and $1 drafts are featured and trivia
is played every Wed. Open daily.
THE HOMESTEAD
1712 Beach Blvd., 247-6820
With its warm pine floors and mas-
sive lime rock fireplace, this renovat-
ed log cabin has been serving home-
cookin’ under shady live oaks since
the late 1940s. Owners Abbas and
Judy Bagheri carry on the Southern
cuisine tradition of fried chicken,
fried green tomatoes and Cajun
shrimp-and-grits, as well as whole
Maine lobster and rack of lamb. A full
bar is served in The Copper Top.
Open for dinner daily and for brunch
on Sunday.
HOT DOG HUT
1439 Third St. S., 247-8886
The Hot Dog Hut boasts a vast selec-
tion of dogs and sausages, served
with a variety of toppings, as well as
hamburgers, beer-battered onion
Bite By Bite
rings and seasoned French fries.
Beer is served, and take-out is avail-
able. Open Mon.-Sat., on Sun. in
summer. Best of Jax 2009 winner for
Best Hot Dog.
ICHIBAN
675 N. Third St., 247-4688
Ichiban provides three distinct dining
areas: the teppan or hibachi tables,
where you can watch the chef pre-
pare your food; the sushi bar; and
Western-style seating with a menu of
tempura and teriyaki dishes. Ichiban
also has a full-service bar with
selected fine wines, including
Japanese plum wine. Open for dinner
daily, early-bird specials nightly.
JASON’S DELI
2230 Third St. S., 246-7585
Jason’s Deli serves fresh, thick deli
sandwiches along with soups, salads
and super spuds. The signature
sandwich is a New Orleans-style
muffalattas sandwich. There’s also a
salad bar with more than 33 choices
and free ice cream. Open for break-
fast, lunch and dinner daily.
JOSEPH’S PIZZA &
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
30 Ocean Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Atlantic Beach, 270-1122
For 53 years, Joseph’s has been
family-owned-and-operated serving
hot pasta dishes, gourmet pizzas and
veal entrées. An extensive beer and
wine selection is served. Open Tue.-
Sun. for lunch and dinner, open Mon.
from Memorial Day to Labor Day at
the beach.
LA PIZZARIA
2158 Mayport Road, Ste. 5,
Atlantic Beach, 246-9926
Brick-oven pizzas, handmade with
fresh ingredients, along with cal-
zones, pasta dishes and seafood
are offered at La Pizzaria. Delivery
is available, and there’s a discount
for members of the military. Beer
and wine are served, and a kids’
menu is available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
WALTER COKER
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
701 Mayport Crossing, Ste. 26,
Atlantic Beach, 246-1613
657 N. Third St., 247-9620
See St. Johns Town Center.
LOS TOROS MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
1222 Third St. S., 246-0081
See Baymeadows.
LYNCH’S IRISH PUB
514 N. First St., 249-5181
Folio Weekly readers have repeat-
edly named Lynch’s Jacksonville’s
Best Pub in the annual Best of Jax
readers poll. Lynch’s fresh “green”
menu includes corned beef and
cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and fish
and chips. There’s also a full bar,
and 50 imported and domestic
draft beers on tap. Live entertain-
ment is featured every evening.
Open daily.
MARIO’S AT THE BEACH
1830 S. Third St., 246-0005
This casual, family-friendly restau-
rant serves New York-style pizzas,
stromboli and hot pasta dishes as
well as homemade sauces, veal,
shrimp and vegetarian dishes. Dine
indoors or out on the patio. Open
Mon.-Sat.
MATSU JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
1515 N. Third St., 249-4290
Matsu Japanese Steakhouse has a
large sushi and sashimi bar, teppa-
nyaki tables and a traditional menu
of seafood, steaks, tempura,
sukiyaki, yakitori and teriyaki dish-
es. For special occasions, the staff
sings Japanese songs. A full bar is
served. Open for dinner daily, Sun.
for lunch.
MAYPORT DINER
1487 Mayport Road, Ste. 1,
Atlantic Beach, 247-1723
This cozy neighborhood diner offers
homestyle comfort food at a reason-
able price. Daily specials are featured
and large groups are welcome. Open
for breakfast and lunch daily.
MELLOW MUSHROOM
PIZZA BAKERS
1018 Third St. N., 241-5600
Live music is featured. See Fleming
Island.
MEZZA LUNA PIZZERIA
RISTORANTE
110 N. First St., Neptune Beach,
249-5573
This near-the-ocean eatery (in
Beaches Town Center) has been
around more than 20 years, serving
casual bistro fare ranging from
gourmet wood-fired pizza to nightly
specials like herb-crusted mahi
mahi. Dine indoors or out on the
patio. A kids’ menu is available.
Musical happy hour is held Tue. and
Thur. Open for dinner nightly.
MILANO’S
3259 Ninth Ave. N., 339-0909
See Intracoastal West.
MR. YOGATO
1232 Beach Blvd., 247-7424
The new frozen yogurt shop offers
18 nonfat frozen yogurts and more
than 50 toppings — sweet, spicy,
nutty, fruit or tangy — to dress up
the stuff. Balsamic vinaigrette is
among those listed. Yikes. Trivia
games, sing-along and a question of
the day are featured. A kids’ menu
is available. Open daily.
MOJO KITCHEN BBQ PIT
& BLUES BAR
1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636
See San Jose for menu. This
Beaches location features live
national and local blues acts and
has a full bar.
MONKEY’S UNCLE
TAVERN
1850 S. Third St., 246-1070
For 25 years, Monkey’s Uncle has
served pub grub, including burgers,
sandwiches, seafood and wings.
Dine inside or out on the patio. A full
bar is served and take-out is avail-
able. Open for lunch and dinner
daily. Best of Jax 2009 winner for
Best Karaoke, which is held every
Tue., Wed., Sat. and Sun.
NORTH BEACH BISTRO
725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6, Atlantic
Beach, 372-4105
This casual neighborhood eatery
serves Old World favorites with a
modern twist. Popular items include
crispy mozzarella risotto croquets,
diver scallops with prosciutto sauce
and the loaded kobe burger. A full
bar and an extensive wine list are
available, and a children’s menu is
offered. Open for dinner Tue.-Sun.,
for brunch on Sun.
OCEAN 60 RESTAURANT,
WINE BAR &
MARTINI ROOM
60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach,
247-0060
Ocean 60 offers Continental cuisine,
featuring fresh seafood, nightly din-
ner specials and a seasonal menu in
the formal dining room or the more
casual Martini Room. Local artists
are featured, along with live Latin
and blues. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
OHANA HAWAIIAN
SHAVED ICE
469 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 12, Atlantic
Beach, 249-0555
The delicately shaved ice is available
in 52 flavors, all made without corn
syrup, some without sugar. There’s
also crab cakes sandwiches and sal-
ads with mango salsa. Take-out is
available. Open Tue.-Sun.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
1720 Third St. N., Holiday Plaza,
246-0204
See Arlington.
PACO’S MEXICAN GRILL
333 First St. N., 208-5097
Baja-style Mexican cuisine is
served at casual Paco’s, featuring
burritos, fish tacos and shrimp bur-
ritos. Surfing videos and reggae
music complete the laid-back feel.
Local rock bands perform every
weekend. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available, and a full bar is
served. Open daily. A late-night bar
menu is offered.
PARSONS SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
904 Sixth Ave. S., 249-0608
The Parsons folks are known for
their seafood restaurants, which
originated in Mayport. Shrimp sand-
wiches are popular lunch items,
and the combo seafood platter is
the choice for dinner. A children’s
menu is available, and the full bar
offers daily happy hour specials.
Open daily.
PHILLY’S FINEST
CHEESESTEAKS & PIZZA
1527 N. Third St., 241-7188
This casual restaurant serves
authentic Philly cheesesteaks made
with Amoroso’s bread and steaks
flown in direct from Philadelphia. The
Ice Bar features 55 different kinds of
beer, as well as wine and a full bar.
Open daily.
PJ’S BAR & GRILLE
240 Third St., Neptune Beach,
424-5201
A fresh fusion of Colombian and
American cuisines, PJ’s offers daily
food and beverage specials. A full bar
is served. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Dine indoors or out on
the patio with a salty air breeze. Live
entertainment is featured every
weekend. Open for lunch and dinner
daily; for breakfast on Sat. and Sun.
PURE AROMA CAFÉ
1722 N. Third St., 372-4571
This new, hip café offers homemade
crepes, healthy wraps, Colombian
coffees and smoothies, served in a
casual laid-back atmosphere featur-
ing cushy couches and WiFi. Beer
and wine are served. Open for break-
fast and lunch daily.
RAGTIME TAVERN &
SEAFOOD GRILL
207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Atlantic Beach, 241-7877
In business for more than 25 years,
this seafood restaurant has received
numerous awards in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll, including
Best Brew Pub. Menu items include
blackened snapper, sesame tuna and
the Ragtime shrimp. There is a full-
service bar with a daily happy hour
and live entertainment Wed.-Sun.
Open daily.
RITESPOT
1534 N. Third St., 247-0699
For more than 50 years, Ritespot,
located on A1A in the North Beach
Plaza, has served home-style cook-
ing, including fresh seafood, liver and
onions and pot roast. Among the
dozens of side dishes are mashed
potatoes or collard greens, and corn
muffins come with every meal. A full
bar is served. Open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner daily. The Spot Bar,
open nightly, offers happy hours and
a late-night menu.
WALTER COKER
The Happy Tomato
Courtyard Café &
BBQ in Fernandina
Beach serves fresh
deli sandwiches
and barbecue in a
lively, laid-back
atmosphere.

ROCBAR CAFE
1266 Beach Blvd., 241-6453
This newly renovated restaurant
offers creative cuisine with interna-
tional influences, like Twisted
wings, chorizo sofrito dip and
grilled Italian pork tenderloin. The
salads include Talking Heads,
Santana and The Beatles, while
burgers feature reggae, rockabilly
and You Got the Blues. A full bar is
served. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open for lunch and
dinner Tue.-Sat.
ROY’S HAWAIIAN FUSION
CUISINE
2400 S. Third St., Ste. 101, 241-7697
High-end dining with friendly
“aloha” service, Roy’s serves
Hawaiian fusion with Asian aromat-
ics using fresh local ingredients,
European sauces and bold Asian
spices. The full bar is open at 5
p.m. daily and a children’s menu is
offered. Open nightly.
SAFE HARBOR SEAFOOD
MARKET & RESTAURANT
4378 Ocean St., Mayport Village,
246-4911
There’s no doubt the seafood’s fresh
— you can see the boats unloading
right at the dock. Whatever Safe
Harbor sells in the market —
shrimp, oysters, clams and scallops
— they’ll cook to order. There are
tables inside and out on the dock
overlooking the confluence of the St.
Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Open Mon.-Sat.
SALA PHAD THAI
1716 Third St. N., 246-7490
This new casual Thai restaurant is
family-owned-and-operated and fea-
tures extensive lunch and dinner
menus, including spring rolls, fried
squid, beef with oyster sauce and a
variety of curried dishes. It’s vegan-
friendly, too, offering bean curd
delight, and Thai noodles and veggies.
Beer and wine are served. Open daily.
SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK
1018 Third St. N., 372-4456
Salt Life is new to the Beaches area,
offering a wide array of specialty
menu items, including the signature
tuna poke bowl, fresh rolled sushi,
Ensenada tacos and local fried
shrimp, served in a casual, trendy
open-air space. A full bar is offered.
Bite By Bite
Take-out and a kids’ menu are avail-
able. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
SEAFOOD KITCHEN
31 Royal Palm Drive (off Atlantic
Boulevard), Atlantic Beach,
241-8470
Serving seafood in Atlantic Beach for
more than 20 years, Seafood Kitchen
offers reasonable meals in a no-frills
atmosphere. The emphasis is on
fresh local seafood prepared to order,
with a wide variety of dishes avail-
able. Open daily.
SHELBY’S COFFEE SHOPPE
200 First St., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 249-2922
A Beaches landmark, Shelby’s car-
ries coffee from around the world.
The breakfast menu includes eggs,
bagels and fresh fruit. The lunch
menu includes daily specials, soups
and sandwiches. And Shelby’s
scoops up some great ice cream
cones, too. Dine indoors or out, with
patio and courtyard seating. Live
entertainment is featured. Open daily
at 7 a.m.
SINGLETON’S SEAFOOD
SHACK
4728 Ocean St., Mayport, 246-4442
Just steps from the Mayport ferry,
this family-style restaurant has been
serving seafood since the ’60s. Other
customer favorites include the fried
shrimp dinner and the blackened or
grilled fish. Dine inside or on the
enclosed porch right on the St. Johns
River. A full bar is served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SLIDERS SEAFOOD GRILL
218 First St., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 246-0881
Sliders offers a beach-casual atmos-
phere for lovers of fresh fish.
Customer favorites include fish tacos
and gumbo. The dessert menu fea-
tures Key lime pie and ice cream
sandwiches. Beer and wine are
served. Open nightly.
SMOOTHIE KING
363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach,
242-2993
1230 3rd. St. S., 246-6336
Smoothie King offers nutritional, tasty
meal replacements and snacking
alternatives — in other words, a
variety of smoothies as well as sup-
plements, vitamins and fat-free
WALTER COKER
Four generations
of cooks offer
traditional
breakfast and
lunch favorites at
Honey B’s Café
on U.S. 17 in
Fleming Island.
goods. Best of Jax 2009 winner for
Best Smoothie. Open daily.
SNAPPERS SEAFOOD
& SPIRITS
314 First St. N., 242-2430
This new casual seafood place
serves fresh seafood, including
sesame-seared tuna and pan-
seared mahi, as well as burgers, rib
eyes and po’boys. A kids’ menu is
available. A full bar is served. Dine
indoors or out on the deck shrimp,
oysters, clams and scallops the peo-
ple-watching is great this time of
year. Open daily.
SNEAKERS SPORTS
GRILLE
111 Beach Blvd., 482-1000
Sneaker’s offers a full bar (with more
than 20 beers on tap), TV screens
covering entire walls and “cheerlead-
ers” serving the food. Happy hour is
held Mon.-Fri. Open for lunch and
dinner daily. Best of Jax 2009 winner
for Best Sportsbar.
STICKY FINGERS
363 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Atlantic Beach,
241-RIBS (7427)
A true Memphis-style rib house,
Sticky Fingers’ ribs, chicken and bar-
becue are slow-smoked over aged
hickory wood. The menu also
includes chicken wings and rotis-
serie-smoked chicken. Dine indoors
or out on the screened patio. Happy
hour is featured weekdays. Open
daily. Live music on weekends.
STONEWOOD TAVERN
& GRILL
950 Marsh Landing Parkway,
285-2311
See Baymeadows.
SUN DOG STEAK AND
SEAFOOD
207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 241-8221
This art-deco, family-owned restau-
rant has been around for 21 years
and has now gone green, with
biodegradable takeout containers
and an onsite garden. The Dog fea-
tures booth dining and a ’50s-diner-
style counter and everything’s
homemade, including shrimp din-
ners and seven styles of hamburger.
Sunday brunch is served, live music
and dinner specials are featured
WALTER COKER
The ceiling at Pepe’s Hacienda in Lakewood is festooned with piñatas, and taco selections
include tripe and tongue.
HOME AWAY
FROM HOME
Northeast Florida’s immigrant upstarts offer a taste of their homelands
ulinarily speaking, Jacksonville typically
C finds itself stereotyped as white-bread Old
South. In reality, the city’s restaurant scene is
incredibly diverse. Tucked into strip malls and
revived stand-alones along old thoroughfares
like University and Atlantic boulevards or 103rd
Street is a thriving food culture catering to
those who hail from — or simply love the food
of — Central American, the Caribbean and
Southeast Asia.
Pepe’s Hacienda, a large Latin grocery
store and restaurant at 3615 Dupont Ave., is
festooned with piñatas. The taco selection
ranges from the expected — chicken and
steak — to beef tongue and tripe (cow
stomach). I order tongue ($2 and chewy, served
in a corn tortilla, with a side of green hot sauce
and a squeeze of lime.)
Manual Rodriguez fills the hot table of his
restaurant, El Mofongo (6011 103rd St., Ste. 2)
with Dominican and Cuban entrées. The menu
lists 14 kinds of Cuban sandwiches and fresh
fruit shakes — mango, soursop, papaya.
(Explaining “monfogo,” a Puerto Rican
delicacy, is difficult to do in English, so the
owner of the Latin Lounge & Restaurant, 5584
Timucuana Road, grabs a mortar and pestle,
and makes a mashing motion to demonstrate:
Green plantains and garlic form the base, and
are mashed together with a choice of meats.
Pork mofongo consists of green plantains and
garlic mashed with fried pork and crackling.)
A couple of doors down, at the tiny grocery
Raza II, they dish up tacos of seasoned pork
and pineapple, chorizo sausage, beef tongue
and tripe. At Beignet’s Caribbean Café — a
Haitian and Jamaican joint at 4770 Barnes
Road, Ste. 1, near Bowden Road — everything
is $5.99 a plate, including Haitian fried pork,
curry goat and jerk chicken.
Moo goo gai pan, moo shu pork, lemon
chicken and other Americanized Chinese
dishes are still on the menu of the Silver Star
Chinese Restaurant, located at 5016 Blanding
Blvd. But on Saturdays and Sundays, from
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Cantonese-owned
restaurant brings out cart after cart of dim sum,
a delicacy that originated in the Canton region
of China. It’s part theater and part sampling, as
little plates are offered at each table —
spareribs with black bean sauce, dumplings of
pan-fried leeks and sticky rice in lotus leaf
($2.95 for each item).
You’ll pass a few BBQ restaurants when
driving to these spots, of course, but clearly
Jacksonville’s food horizon is expanding. o
— Susan Cooper Eastman
sceastman@folioweekly.com

nightly, trivia’s on Tues. and a late-
night menu’s available till 1 a.m.
Open daily.
TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA
1183 Beach Blvd., 249-TACO (8226)
Fresh, Baja-style Mexican fare with
a focus on fish tacos and … tequila.
Other menu items include Bangin’
Shrimp, and brisket and verde
chicken tacos. And the fried cheese
isn’t fried. Open for lunch and din-
ner Tue.-Fri.; at 10 a.m. Sat. and
Sun. for happy hour brunch.
TAMA’S SUSHI
RESTAURANT
106 First St., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 241-0099
This casual beach restaurant fea-
tures a full sushi bar, and tempura,
teriyaki and katsu dishes. Beer, wine
and sake are served. Sushi and take-
out available. Open for dinner nightly.
TENTO CHURRASCARIA
528 First St. N., 246-1580
Located across from the Jacksonville
Beach Pier, this Brazilian steakhouse
features more than 14 cuts of meat
carved tableside, as well as an
ample salad bar and an extensive
wine list, including the traditional
Caipirinha. A full bar is served. Open
for dinner Tue.-Sun.; closed Mon.
THAI ROOM
1286 S. Third St., 249-8444
Popular with the locals, Thai Room
serves traditional Thai food. Chef
Venith Yatajao prepares crispy duck,
snapper ladna and drunken noodles
with shrimp. The wine list features
more than 30 wines by the glass,
and beer is served. Dine in, take out.
Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for dinner
Mon.-Sat. Best of Jax 2009 winner
for Best Thai Cuisine.
TIJUANA FLATS
725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 1, Atlantic
Beach, 242-0234
The Tex-Mex menu features a hot
bar with rotating sauces to supply
any degree of heat. There’s not a
microwave or freezer in sight —
everything is prepared from fresh
ingredients. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
TURTLE ISLAND NATURAL
FOODS MARKET
363 Atlantic Blvd., Stes. 7 & 8,
Atlantic Beach, 247-6400
Bite By Bite
Turtle Island offers healthful, organic
dishes and deli items, made in-
house for take-away, for vegetarian
and non-vegetarian diets. The full-
service market offers organic pro-
duce and features a bakery with
gluten-free and vegan options. Beer
and wine are available. Outdoor
seating is available. Open daily.
THE VILLAGE INN
RESTAURANT
200 Third St., Neptune Beach,
241-7626
This location is open 24 hours a day.
See St. Augustine for menu.
WHERE YA BEAN?
235 S. Eighth Ave., 247-6869
This cozy, locally owned coffee shop
and bakery offers a wide variety of
fresh baked goods, and coffees and
espresso drinks. It also houses local
art in its gallery, featuring different
local artists in rotation. Open daily.
THE WINE BAR
320 N. First St., 372-0211
New to Jax Beach night-life, this
casual neighborhood wine bar fea-
tures a wide variety of wine, beer,
appetizers and cigars. Live music is
presented Wed.-Sat. and board
games are offered. Open nightly.
WIPEOUTS GRILL
1585 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune
Beach, 247-4508
This new, casual beachy-themed
sports restaurant serves up burgers,
wings, fish tacos and plenty of cold
beer — wine, too — in a relaxing
atmosphere. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
YOGABERRY
311 N. Third St., Ste. 104, 280-9652
544 Marsh Landing Parkway,
Ste. 1, 280-9652
See St. Johns Town Center.
DOWNTOWN
JACKSONVILLE
(The Jacksonville Landing is located
at 2 Independent Drive)
ADAMS STREET DELI
& GRILL
126 W. Adams St., 475-1400
This lunch spot serves wraps, includ-
ing grilled chicken, along with a
WALTER COKER
Joe’s 2nd Street
Bistro in
Fernandina Beach
focuses on upscale
fine dining that
melds French,
Creole and Asian
influences.
variety of salads, including Greek
salad. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.
THE AMERICAN CAFÉ
The Jacksonville Landing, Ste.
201, 353-4503
The café’s specialties include ribs and
fresh fish, but the chicken potpie is a
customer favorite, and French bread
comes with every entrée. The full
bar serves an 18-ounce margarita
served all day, every day. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
THE ATRIUM CAFÉ
1 Independent Drive, Ste. 100,
634-1811
Located in the Modis Building,
Atrium Café offers hot entrées and
traditional sandwiches, including a
buffalo chicken sandwich. Dine out-
side, inside or take it to go. Open
Mon.-Fri. for breakfast and lunch.
BENNY’S SANDWICH
SHOP
121 W. Forsyth St. (Atlantic Place
building), 634-1525
For 25 years, Benny’s — located in
an old bank vault — has been part
of the downtown breakfast and
lunch scene. Everything is made
from scratch. Customer favorites
include the taco salad and the
creamy potato soup. Open for
breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri.
BENNY’S STEAK &
SEAFOOD
The Jacksonville Landing, Ste.
175, 301-1014
This steak-and-seafood house serves
Continental cuisine with such signa-
ture dishes as the Filet Christian.
Open daily. A full bar is served and a
children’s menu is available.
BIG PETE’S OLD STYLE
PIZZERIA
118 N. Julia St., 356-2680
Big Pete’s makes everything from
scratch, including pizza, calzones,
baked ziti and wraps. Big Pete’s
also serves barbecue and wings.
Delivery is available. Open for lunch
and dinner Mon.-Fri.
BURRITO GALLERY & BAR
21 E. Adams St., 598-2922
The popular Burrito Gallery serves
Southwestern cuisine with an
emphasis on innovative burritos —
including ginger teriyaki tofu and
the incomparable blackened mahi.

Local art is always on display, and
live music or DJs are featured on
the back deck during Art Walk and
other special events. A full bar is
offered. Open for lunch Mon., for
lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Best of
Jax 2009 winner for Best Burrito.
CAFÉ NOLA AT
MOCA JAX
333 N. Laura St.,
366-6911
Located on the first floor of the
Museum of Contemporary Art
Jacksonville, Nola serves shrimp and
grits, gourmet sandwiches, fresh fish
tacos and homemade desserts. A full
bar is served. Open for lunch Mon.-
Fri., for dinner Thur.
CAFÉ 331
331 W. Forsyth St., 354-1999
American and Mediterranean char-
grilled dishes are served at Café 331,
where everything’s prepared to order.
There’s no minimum order for deliv-
ery, and the service is fast (business-
people, take note). A full bar is
served, with a happy hour held daily.
Carry-out is available. Bands and/or
DJs perform most nights. Open
Mon.-Sat.
CASA DORA
108 E. Forsyth St., 356-8282
Owner/chef Sam Hamidi has been
serving genuine Italian fare to
Jacksonville for 35 years — he’s
been downtown for 10 — with
dishes like veal, seafood and pizza.
The homemade salad dressing is a
specialty. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
CHEW RESTAURANT
117 W. Adams St.,
355-3793
Chew has become a destination for
the downtown lunch crowd, with
an atmosphere that conveys high-
class contempo but a menu that
says affordable. The lunch menu is
served during the First Wednesday
Art Walk. Beer and wine are
served. Open Mon.-Fri. for lunch
and a 4 p.m. happy hour, for dinner
Thur. and Fri.
WALTER COKER
Teppanyaki cooks have mastered the onion volcano — and other visual feasts — at Mikado
Japanese Steakhouse near the Avenues Mall.
Bite By Bite
CHICAGO PIZZA SPORTS
BAR & GRILL
The Jacksonville Landing,
354-7747
See Southside.
CITY HALL PUB
234 Philip Randolph Blvd.,
356-6750
Located in the heart of the Sports
Complex, across from the Baseball
Grounds’ third base gate, this new
restaurant’s casual menu features
sandwiches, burgers, hot wings,
shrimp and tilapia made to order. If
lunchtime is crunch time, call in your
order ahead of time and it’ll be ready
when you arrive. A full bar is served,
and there’s live jazz every Fri. at
noon. Music featured weekdays, DJs
spin every weekend, and big-screen
TVs are all over the place. Covered
patio seating available. Open daily.
DE REAL TING CAFÉ
128 W. Adams St., 633-9738
See Arlington.
DICK’S WINGS
731 Duval Station Road, 619-2569
See Arlington.
FUJI SUSHI & GRILL
731 Duval Station Road, Ste. 9,
696-8599
See Avondale.
HOOTERS
The Jacksonville Landing, Ste.
103, 356-5400
This chain of casual restaurants are
popular for their waitresses and fea-
ture wings, steamed shrimp and
clams, oysters, burgers, seafood and
sandwiches. A full bar is served. The
Landing location features Military
Mondays, offering a 20 percent dis-
count to those with military IDs.
THE ITALIANO
GREEK CAFÉ
119 W. Adams St., 355-8181
The Italiano specializes in Greek
dishes, including grape leaves and
moussaka. The Greek pizza, cov-
ered in olives, artichoke hearts and
feta cheese, is a customer favorite.
Dine-in or take-out. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri.
JAX CITY CAFÉ
100 E. Forsyth St., 633-9028
This downtown mainstay offers an
ample selection of subs, sandwiches
and coffees. Beer is served, and
take-out and free local delivery are
available. Open for breakfast and
lunch Mon.-Fri.
JENKINS QUALITY
BARBECUE
830 N. Pearl St., 353-6388
See Springfield.
JOSEPH’S PIZZA &
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
7316 N. Main St., 765-0335
See Beaches. This location is
closed Mon.
JULIETTE’S BISTRO AND
THE J-BAR
245 W. Water St., 355-6664
Located in the lobby of the Omni
Hotel, Juliette’s serves dinner prior to
(or dessert after) a downtown show.
In the morning, there’s a breakfast
buffet. The full-service bar carries
beers of the world, and the J-Bar
serves small plates of bistro-inspired
cuisine. Open daily.
KOJA SUSHI
The Jacksonville Landing,
350-9911
Owners John and Tony — in the
sushi game for more than 10 years
— offer sushi, sashimi, and
Japanese, Asian and Korean cuisine.
Hard-to-find items like jellyfish salad
and baby octopus salad are avail-
able. Indoor and outdoor dining, and
a full bar is available. Open daily.
THE LONDON BRIDGE
ENGLISH PUB & EATERY
100 E. Adams St., 359-0001
This downtown mainstay is popular
with urban core denizens, and serves
traditional British pub cuisine, includ-
ing fish and chips, as well as big
hamburgers. A large selection of
draft and bottle beer, ales, ciders and
wines are available. Live music is

WALTER COKER
Recently opened by Gypsy Cab Co. founder Ned Pollock, Ned’s Southside Kitchen in St.
Augustine features tacos, barbecue brisket and vegetarian options in an intimate café setting.
featured. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.,
for dinner Mon.-Sat.
THE MAGNIFICAT CAFÉ
231 N. Laura St., 353-3588
Located in the heart of downtown on
Hemming Plaza, this French-style
café serves French onion soup,
quiche Lorraine and fresh fruit salad.
Dine indoors or out on the covered
patio. Take-out and delivery are
available. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.
NORTHSTAR SUBSTATION
119 E. Bay St., 860-5451
This addition to downtown features
brick-oven-baked pizzas, grinders,
wings, Philly cheesesteaks, custom
sandwiches and fries served in a
laid-back setting. Beer — includ-
ing 34 on draft — and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat., open late Fri. and Sat.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
The Jacksonville Landing, Ste.
212, 598-0006
See Arlington.
POPPY LOVE SMOKE
CIGAR BAR
112 E. Adams St., 354-1988
A cigar humidor and a wide selec-
tion of wines draw a chill down-
town crowd to this new hangout,
just a few doors from London
Bridge. Open Wed.-Sun.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
224 N. Hogan St., 798-8889
101 W. State St., FSCJ, 355-1008
See St. Johns Town Center.
RUSS-DOE’S
SANDWICH SHOP
1745 E. Church St., 353-9065
This Talleyrand sandwich shop
offers breakfast items to go or eat-
in, as well as classic American
lunch fare, including PB&J, egg
salad, and pimento cheese sand-
wiches. Dine outside at picnic tables
on the decks. Open for breakfast
and lunch Mon.-Fri.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
10840 Harts Road, 751-4225
See Riverside.
Bite By Bite
TRELLISES RESTAURANT
225 E. Coastline Drive, Northbank,
634-4540
Located in Hyatt Regency
Jacksonville Riverfront, this fine-din-
ing restaurant offers casual à la carte
dining featuring original fresh
seafood creations and regional spe-
cialties, along with a daily buffet
breakfast. Open daily.
THE TWISTED MARTINI
The Jacksonville Landing,
353-TINI (8464)
A 2009 winner for Best Martini, this
drinking, dancing and dining venue
features a tapas-style menu includ-
ing grilled chicken nachos, coconut
shrimp and marinated steak skew-
ers. A full bar — where martinis are
the specialty — is served, and
happy hour is held Wed.-Sun. Open
Wed.-Sun. A Best of Jax winner in
several categories.
VITO’S ITALIAN CAFÉ
The Jacksonville Landing, Ste.
174, 355-3002
The menu at Vito’s Italian Café
includes pasta dishes, steak and
seafood entrées. Desserts, including
the tiramisu and cannoli, are home-
made. This café also features a
full-service bar in the lounge, serv-
ing a two-for-one daily happy hour.
Open daily.
ZODIAC GRILL
120 W. Adams St., 354-8283
Located on Adams between Laura
and Hogan streets, Zodiac serves
Mediterranean cuisine and American
favorites in a casual atmosphere.
Zodiac Grill also makes panini and
vegetarian dishes. Beer and wine are
available, as are espressos and
hookahs. Open for breakfast and
lunch Mon.-Fri.
FLEMING ISLAND
BLU GROTTO
1811 Town Center Blvd., 278-7250
This Italian/Mediterranean fusion
restaurant uses organic local and
imported ingredients in gourmet
pizzas, paninis and daily specials.
Vegetarian dishes are available. A
full bar is served, and take-out and
an extensive kids’ menu are also
offered. Open daily for lunch, for
lunch and dinner Sat. and Sun.
BOX SEATS VILLAGE
SQUARE
1605 C.R. 220, Ste. 145, 637-0152
This family-owned-and-operated,
kid-friendly sports bar and grill
serves daily lunch specials. A full
bar with 14 beers on tap is
offered. Take-out is available.
There’s a game room, too. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
GRASSROOTS NATURAL
MARKET
1915 East-West Parkway,
541-0009
See Riverside.
HONEY B’S CAFÉ
3535 U.S. 17, Ste. 8, 264-7325
Three generations of cooks offer
breakfast items, including omelets,
pancakes and French toast, and
lunch standards like entrée salads,
sandwiches, quiches and build-
your-own burgers or chicken salad
sandwiches. The peanut butter pie
is a customer favorite. Honey B’s
specializes in elegant four-course
formal tea parties each Saturday.
Open daily.
HURRICANE GRILL
& WINGS
1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 1,
644-7315
This island-themed restaurant
offers more than 35 flavors of
wings, garlic and parmesan fries,
Firecracker shrimp, burgers, salads
and chicken. A full bar is served.
The beverage cups are made from
corn and biodegradable. Open daily
for lunch and dinner.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
1571 C.R. 220, Ste. 100, 215-2223
See San Marco.
McALISTER’S DELI
1615 C.R. 220, Ste. 80, 278-6055
See St. Johns Town Center.
 MELLOW MUSHROOM
PIZZA BAKERS
1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999
This upbeat restaurant serves
gourmet pizzas, hoagies and sal-
ads. The décor is psychedelic-chic,
with pizzas to match. Pies range
from the Mighty Meaty to vegetari-
an pizzas like the Kosmic Karma.
Mellow Mushroom offers 35 beers
on tap and a full bar. Happy hour’s
held all day, every day and food is
served till 2 a.m. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
MERCURY MOON GRILLE
& BAR
2015 C.R. 220, 215-8999
Mercury Moon serves a variety of
wings and signature sandwiches,
including Philly cheesesteak, fried
fish sandwich and the half-pound
Moon burger. Live music is fea-
tured Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat., and
a full bar is available. Open daily.
MOJO SMOKEHOUSE
1810 Town Center Blvd.,
264-0636
See San Jose.
MONGO’S FLAT HOT
GRILL
1560 Business Center Drive,
269-7877
Mongo’s allows patrons to pick
their ingredients, then have it all
prepared by Mongo’s grillers on a
72-inch flat hot grill. A beach
atmosphere on Fleming Island,
Mongo’s offers Saturday Night
Beach Party and is open Tue.-Sun.
WHITEY’S FISH CAMP
2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198
This authentic fish camp serves
gator tail, frog legs and fresh
water river catfish, as well as tra-
ditional meals and daily specials
on the banks of Swimming Pen
Creek. A repeat winner for Best
Catfish in Folio Weekly’s Best of
Jax readers poll, Whitey’s features
a full-service bar, an outdoor Tiki
bar and live music. Open for lunch
Tue.-Sun., dinner daily.
ERIK TANNER
Ocean 60 Restaurant, Wine Bar & Martini Room in Atlantic Beach offers Continental cuisine,
dynamite martinis and live Latin and blues.
INTRACOASTAL
WEST
AL’S PIZZA
14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31 (at San
Pablo Road), 223-0991
See Beaches.
BIG T’S GRILL & TAVERN
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 46,
223-1744
Big T’s offers hand-cut USDA certi-
fied Angus steaks, burgers, ribs,
seafood — including Mayport shrimp
— and appetizers, served in high-
backed booths. Fresh-cut steaks are
available to go. Cigars, WiFi and a
kids’ menu are available, along with
outside seating, and the surround-
sound TVs feature sports. Open daily.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
3303 San Pablo Road S., 223-1391
See Arlington.
BRUCCI’S PIZZA, PASTA,
PANINIS
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 36,
223-6913
See Ponte Vedra.
CHINA KING’S
SUPER BUFFET
14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 41, 223-8889
Popular dishes include Cantonese
roasted hog, Peking duck, snow
crab, blue crab and oysters.
Customers may order from the
menu, the sushi bar, the hibachi or
the 150-plus items on the buffet. A
children’s menu is available. Beer
and wine are served. Open daily.
DICK’S WINGS
14286 Beach Blvd. (at San Pablo),
223-0115 See Arlington.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
13245 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 9,
220-7140
See Mandarin.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
3267 Hodges Blvd., Ste. 6,
992-4680
See St. Johns Town Center.
HEALTHYWAY CAFÉ
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 39,
253-3360
See St. Johns Town Center.
JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE
13170 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 22,
220-6766
This family sports grill’s menu
includes hand-cut steaks, wings and
hamburgers. A full breakfast is
served Sat. and Sun., featuring bot-
tomless mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Texas Hold ’Em is featured every
Mon., trivia every Tue., and there’s
music outside for Bike Night on Thur.
Kids get their own menu and game
room. Open daily.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
14333 Beach Blvd., 992-1666
See San Marco.
LINQE GOLF
GROTTO GRILLE
14185 Beach Blvd., 223-0335
This golf-centric café offers fresh
paninis, flatbreads and specialty sal-
ads in a casual, sleek atmosphere. A
broad beer selection is offered as
well as cocktails, wine and cigars.
MAMA MIA’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
12220 Atlantic Blvd., 221-1122
At lunchtime, Mama Mia’s is a regu-
lar pizzeria, and in the evening the
restaurant turns to casual dining. The
menu includes veal, seafood dishes,
and New York-style and big-crust
Sicilian-style pizzas. Delivery is avail-
able, and beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun.
MARKER 32
14549 Beach Blvd., 223-1534
Located right on the Intracoastal
Waterway, Marker 32 serves regional
New American cuisine with an
emphasis on local seafood. Chef Ben
Groshell’s entrées include pan-
seared, wild-caught salmon, beef
tenderloin with scallops and roast
grouper. Pastas and desserts are
made on-premises, and the full bar
features an extensive wine list.

Located in the Tournament Players Club, Sawgrass’ new clubhouse, Nineteen at TPC
Sawgrass, serves American and Continental cuisine, and more than 230 varieties of wines,
inside or on the verandah.
Reservations recommended. Open
for dinner Mon.-Sat.
MILANO’S
12620 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4,
646-9119
These casual, family-owned restau-
rants and pizzerias serve fresh,
homestyle Italian fare, including thin-
crust New York-style pizzas, veal and
baked dishes. Kids’ portions are
available. Beer and wine are served.
Daily delivery service is available.
Open daily.
MVP’S SPORTS GRILLE
12777 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 5,
221-1090
MVP’s offers wings, burgers and
salads in a sporty atmosphere. A
kids’ menu is available, and a full
bar is served. Free pool is featured
on Mon., Texas Hold ’Em is on Sun.
and Tue., Karaoke is held every
Thur. and live music is featured Fri.
and Sat. Sports are shown on 22
TVs. Open daily.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 3,
223-5300
See Arlington.
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL
& CANTINA
13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 1,
221-2300
See Amelia Island.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
4765 Hodges Blvd., Ste. 2,
Windsor Commons, 223-1989
See St. Johns Town Center.
ST. JOHNS SEAFOOD
& STEAKS
14444 Beach Blvd., Ste. 2,
992-4543
See Arlington.
SLYCERS
12220 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 120,
220-6900
The motto here is “Good Food for
Hungry Folks.” Breakfast offers plat-
ters, and biscuits and gravy.
Sandwiches (called “Slycers”), made
with fresh meats and cheeses,
include the country club, Cuban and
patty melt. Open for breakfast and
lunch daily.
Bite By Bite
SMOOTHIE KING
13457 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 1,
221-1299
13770 Beach Blvd., 821-1688
See Beaches. Best of Jax 2009 win-
ner for Best Smoothie.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
12719 Atlantic Blvd., 220-9499
See Riverside.
TIJUANA FLATS
13529 Beach Blvd., 223-0041
See Beaches.
TIME OUT SPORTS GRILL
13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5,
223-6999
This locally-owned-and-operated
grill serves hand-tossed pizzas,
wings and specialty wraps in a
clean, sporty atmosphere. A full bar
is available, with daily drink spe-
cials. A late-night menu is offered.
Open for lunch and dinner Tue.-
Sun., dinner only Mon.
TIMES GRILL
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 25,
992-7288
See Baymeadows.
TOKYO JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE &
SUSHI BAR
12740 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 103,
Queen’s Harbor, 220-7665
Expect the full steakhouse experi-
ence here. Chefs prepare your meal
at the teppanyaki grill, and the sushi
bar offers 25 traditional seafood
items and 35 sushi rolls. Appetizers
include edamame or beef tataki and
the dinner menu includes teriyaki
steak and a Tokyo combination
entrée with shrimp, scallops and
salmon. A children’s menu is avail-
able, and beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
ZAITOON
MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 40,
Harbour Village, 221-7066
Zaitoon combines traditional
Mediterranean recipes with con-
temporary culinary innovation,
offering dishes inspired by
Spanish, French, Italian and Middle
Eastern cuisines. A full bar and an
ERIK TANNER
extensive wine list are served.
Happy hour is held Tue.-Sat. Patio
seating and WiFi are available.
Open Tue.-Sun.
JULINGTON
CREEK &
NW SAINT JOHNS
BEEF O’BRADY’S FAMILY
SPORTS PUB
450 S.R. 13 N., Ste. 113, 230-1935
Along with daily specials, Beef
O’Brady’s features signature wings,
burgers and sandwiches. Beer and
wine are served. Happy hour features
wings and draft specials Mon.-Fri.
Watch sporting events — March
Madness and Major League Baseball
— from the many TVs. Trivia is
played every Thur. Open for lunch and
dinner daily. Take-out is available.
BLACKSTONE GRILLE
112 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 102,
287-0766
Blackstone Grille offers dishes that
blend the best flavors from a variety
of cultures and influences to create
modern American fusion cuisine,
served in a trendy bistro-style set-
ting. A full bar is served. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri., dinner
only on Sat. and brunch on Sun.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
100 Bartram Oaks Walk, Fruit
Cove, 287-7710
See Arlington.
BRUCCI’S PIZZA, PASTA,
PANINIS
540 S.R. 13, Ste. 10, Fruit Cove,
287-8317
See Ponte Vedra.
CAMILLE’S SIDEWALK
CAFÉ
2750 Race Track Road, Saint
Johns, 230-7771
Fast, casual dining in Saint Johns,
Camille’s serves an array of pani-
nis, wraps, salads and smoothies.
Beer and wine are served, and a
kids menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily.

CHICAGO PIZZA BAKERY
107 Nature Walk Parkway, Ste.
101, 230-9700
Chicago Pizza Bakery transforms
from a family restaurant early in the
evening to a rockin’ pub serving beer
and wine while cranking out appetiz-
ers and Chicago-style deep-dish
pizza. Open for lunch and dinner.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
2245 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 11,
823-9914
465 S.R. 13, Ste. 5, 287-3495
200 CBL Drive, Ste. 106,
Saint Johns, 819-1808
See Mandarin.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
200 CBL Drive, Ste. 102, Saint
Johns, 342-4194
See St. Johns Town Center.
GALANGAL THAI CUISINE
145 Hilden Road, Ste. 110,
Nocatee, 827-1150
Located along U.S. 1 in growing
northern St. Johns County, Galangal
offers upscale, modern Thai cuisine
infused with Hawaiian flavors amid
sophisticated decor. Specialties
include lemongrass-rubbed filet
mignon with lump blue crab and
fried rice. A full bar is served. Open
for dinner Mon.-Sat.
HAPPY OURS
SPORTS GRILLE
116 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101,
683-1964
The family-friendly sports grille
features wings, big salads, burgers
and wraps. Pool tables, darts and
sports events on HDTVs are fea-
tured, along with video games for
kids (who have their own menu). A
full bar is served and there’s live
music every weekend. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
HOOTERS
8938 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 2,
636-9800
See Downtown.
HURRICANE GRILL
& WINGS
12795 San Jose Blvd., Julington
Creek, 260-8338
3055 C.R. 210, Ste. 101, Saint
Johns, 230-6445
See Fleming Island.
JENK’S PIZZERIA &
ITALIAN CUISINE
2245 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 112, 826-1555
Family-owned-and-operated Jenk’s
offers subs, New York-style pizzas,
calzones and a variety of Italian dish-
es. Take-out and delivery are avail-
able. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
MIZU SUSHI & GRILL
14965 Old St. Augustine Road,
Bayard, 880-0889
Located where Philips Highway
(U.S. 1) and Old St. Augustine Road
meet, Mizu offers fresh sushi and
entrées made to order and present-
ed as culinary art. Beer and wine
are served, and take-out is avail-
able. Open daily.
THE NEW ORLEANS CAFÉ
12760 San Jose Blvd., 880-5155
This Creole-style restaurant features
Bite By Bite
family recipes — French bread
po’boys, muffalattas and the like —
served overlooking Mandarin Marina
and Julington Creek. Live music is
presented Fri. and Sat., a full bar is
served, and take-out and a kids’
menu are available. Open for lunch
and dinner Tue.-Sun.
PIZZA PALACE
116 Bartram Oaks Walk, 230-2171
See Riverside. Open daily.
RUSSO’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
2750 Race Track Road, Ste. 106,
287-4111
Featuring a menu of traditional Italian
cuisine with a refined flair, Russo’s
offers veal marsala, lasagna, egg-
plant rollatini and cavatelli alla
umbria. A kids’ menu is available.
Beer and wine are served. Closed
Mon.; open Tue.-Sun.
ST. JOHNS PIZZA GRILL
445 S.R. 13, Ste. 11 (at Race Track
Road), Saint Johns, 287-9900
In addition to brick-oven baked piz-
zas, St. Johns serves up deli sand-
wiches, hot Italian entrées, wings
and specialty subs. Everything is
homemade, from the soups to the
pizza dough. A kids’ menu is avail-
able, and a full bar is served. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
SHANNON’S IRISH PUB
111 Bartram Oaks Walk, Julington
Creek, 230-9670
Tried-and-true dishes from the
Emerald Isle — bangers and mash,
corned beef and cabbage – are
served alongside pork and beef
entrees. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. A full bar is served,
with a happy hour Mon.-Sat. Live
music is presented Wed.-Sat. and
trivia’s on Wed. Open for lunch Wed.-
Sun., for dinner nightly.
SUNRISE ASIAN CUISINE
3055 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 109, Saint
Johns, 287-8898
Asian fare is served in a relaxed,
contemporary atmosphere, featuring
Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai-influ-
enced dishes. Take-out is available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
TAP’S BAR & GRILL
2220 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 314, Saint
Johns, 819-1554
This local pub offers more than 24
domestic and imported beers on tap
along with a full bar, bar food —
including fish-n-chips, Philly
cheesesteaks and the Comeback
burger — as well as lots of TVs for
sports and a children’s menu. Dine
indoors or out on the patio. Live
music is presented every weekend.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
MANDARIN
AL’S PIZZA
11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115
See Beaches.
ANCIENT CITY SUBS
10950 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 13,
446-9988
Locally owned-and-operated by Andy
and Rhonna Rockwell, this St.
Augustine-themed sandwich shop
serves gourmet subs — toasted,
pressed or cold — and salads.
Ancient City offers a kids’ menu and
takeout. Open daily.
BEACH DINER
11362 San Jose Blvd., 683-0079
See Beaches.
THE BLUE CRAB
CRABHOUSE
3057 Julington Creek Road, 260-2722
Fresh Maryland-style steamed blue
crabs are a big deal at this seafood
restaurant, as are crab legs, crawfish
and steamed or fried oysters. Dining
is available on the covered deck,
along with a kids’ menu, an early
bird menu and daily specials. A full
bar is served. Open for dinner Tue.-
Sat., lunch and dinner Sun.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
9820 San Jose Blvd., 268-2666
12620 Bartram Park Blvd., 652-2989
See Arlington.
BROOKLYN PIZZA
11406 San Jose Blvd. (next to
Publix), 288-9211
13820 St. Augustine Road,
Bartram Park, 880-0020
The owners are from Brooklyn, N.Y.,
so it makes sense that the Brooklyn
Special is a customer favorite. The
menu features calzones, white pizza
and home-style lasagna. The restau-
rant is smoke- and alcohol-free.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
CAFÉ DU MARCHÉ
11700 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 18,
886-6999
Café Du Marché offers a sophisticat-
ed menu of original recipes, including
homemade breads and desserts. A
kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open for breakfast and lunch
daily; for dinner on Fri. and Sat., with
a separate menu.
CHEERS SPORTS BAR
& GRILL
11475 San Jose Blvd., 262-4337
This sports bar serves sandwiches,
grilled chicken wings, steaks and siz-
zle platters. The full bar features a
daily happy hour. In addition to pool
tables and video games, Cheers has
plenty of TVs for viewing games and
playing NTNTrivia. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
CHOW DOWN ALLEY
14775 Old St. Augustine Road, Ste.
3, 880-7900
Family-operated Chow Down serves
breakfast sandwiches, burgers, sal-
ads and specialty sandwiches. Open
for breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri.
CLARK’S FISH CAMP
12903 Hood Landing Road, 268-3474
Best known for its wild menu and
even wilder array of taxidermy of
creatures (rumored to be the
largest anywhere), Clark’s is a fre-
quent winner of the Best Fish Camp
category in Folio Weekly’s Best of
Jax readers poll. In addition to the
gator and turtle, Clark’s menu fea-
tures steak, ribs and daily all-you-
can-eat catfish dinners. Dine
indoors, outdoors, or in a glass-
enclosed room with a view of beau-
tiful Julington Creek. A full bar is
served. Open for dinner Mon.-Fri.,
for lunch and dinner Sat. and Sun.

FARM FRESH
The quest to find fresh sustainable seafood gets a little easier
ocal restaurateur Kim Winter is proud of her
L restaurant’s various “green” initiatives. Sun
Dog Steak & Seafood in Neptune Beach has
installed water-efficient appliances, uses
biodegradable to-go containers and buys only
organic cleaning products. Winter has also
adopted a fiercely local focus: buying local pro-
duce and planting a garden to cultivate herbs
onsite. But when it comes to finding sustain-
able local seafood, as she acknowledged at
Folio Weekly’s recent Bite Club event, “It’s
never as easy as it sounds.”
Northeast Florida is a coastal community
surrounded by fish-filled waters and home to a
sizable shrimping industry, but it’s surprisingly
hard to find so-called “clean” fish — those
caught in a sustainable, eco-friendly fashion,
and free of harmful pollutants. Many restau-
rants and grocery stores have traditionally
served frozen, imported fish — including
shrimp from as far away as Vietnam — simply
because it’s cheaper.
Unfortunately, the ill effects of cheap,
imported seafood have wreaked havoc on the
nation’s oceans — and its fish stocks. Some
fish have been over-harvested to the point of
extinction. Some fisheries have essentially
become water-based factories, complete with
polluting byproducts and fish-borne disease.
And some fishing practices are themselves a
disaster, destroying thousands of tons of other
fish (“bycatch”) in pursuit of a specific species.
As health and environmental concerns
about fish have grown, however, the market for
sustainable “clean” fish is expanding. Native
Sun owner Aaron Gottlieb requires that all fish
sold at the Baymeadows store’s fish market be
both sustainable and safe (free of harmful mer-
cury and PCB levels). He will not buy fish that
have been fed grain- or soy-based feeds
(which fish were never intended to eat) nor will
he buy fish dosed with antibiotics, as many
farmed fish are. For a long time, those stan-
dards meant Native Sun sold only wild-caught
fish that posed low health risks. But recently,
Gottlieb shifted toward environmentally friendly
farmed fish from the Clean Fish Alliance, a
global network that sells from fisheries promot-
ing clean harvests and supports local fisher-
WALTER COKER
men. Native Sun does buy some local seafood,
including Mayport shrimp, during the clean-
water months; sometimes the store’s fish case
has as much as 70 percent local fare. But
Gottlieb says he sees less support for local fish
than for other, safe-harvested varieties.
In St. Augustine, Johnny Barnes — former
Hastings restaurateur and new manager of
Genung’s Fish Camp in Crescent Beach — has
started up what he calls a seafood CSA (com-
munity-supported agriculture), with a focus on
local first. Barnes has committed to distributing
only sustainably harvested fish, with an eye
toward helping local fishermen. But he puts a
premium on freshness — or, as he puts it, “the
short time the seafood spends between the
water and you.” It’s not cheap — $300 for six
months — but the deliveries come with recipes
and the knowledge that the money is remaining
in the community.
Swimming Yesterday Seafood also focuses
on fresh local fish, and distributes out of its
market storefront at the corner of Lenox and
Edgewood in Murray Hill. The company sells its
fresh Mayport shrimp and other local catch at
the Beaches Green Market, which is held
every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. at Jarboe Park in
Neptune Beach. And there’s always plenty of
local Mayport shrimp at Safe Harbor Seafood
Market, 4378 Ocean St., No. 3, Atlantic Beach.
To some extent, these bottom-up retailers
are helping shape policy of larger distributors.
Walmart has promised to buy and sell only
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified
seafood. Target recently pledged to stop selling
farm-raised salmon. And Whole Foods, includ-
ing the Mandarin location on San Jose
Boulevard, has long used the MSC ratings to
choose what fish to buy and sell.
Aaron Gottlieb, a witness to big business
co-opting health and environmental claims of
smaller retailers, remains skeptical that corpo-
rations will be faithful to the original meaning
of clean and sustainable fish. But he’s heart-
ened that at least the conversation has
become mainstream. “I’m always glad to hear
them talking about these things.” o
— Anne Schindler
themail@folioweekly.com
COFFEE ROASTERS
9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 48,
260-0810
This independently owned coffee
shop roasts the beans on site.
Coffee drinks, frozen lattes, baked
goods and bagged coffees are also
available. Open daily.
DICK’S WINGS
10391 Old St. Augustine Road,
880-7087
See Arlington.
DON JUAN’S
RESTAURANT
12373 San Jose Blvd., 268-8722
Don Juan’s offers authentic Mexican
dishes in a casual atmosphere. With
a focus on friendly, family-oriented
service, Don Juan’s has added a
nice touch of Old Mexico: patio din-
ing. A full bar — with tequila selec-
tions — is served, and happy hour
is held Mon.-Fri. A children’s menu
and take-out are available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
10131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 8,
886-2179
4268 Oldfield Crossing Drive,
338-0142
This Jacksonville-based sub chain,
founded by firefighters, has been
voted Best Subs in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll several
times. Firehouse serves large por-
tions of premium meats and
cheeses, steamed hot and placed
atop a toasted sub roll. Kids’ meals
come with a free fire hat. Delivery is
available. Open daily.
GIGI’S RESTAURANT
3130 Hartley Road (in the Ramada
Inn), 268-8080
GiGi’s serves a prime rib and crab leg
buffet on Fri. and Sat., blue-jean brunch
on Sun. and a daily lunch buffet. The
Ramada Inn is home to The Comedy
Zone, featuring national comedians
Tue.-Sat. GiGi’s features a full breakfast
buffet every morning. Open daily.
GREAT WALL CHINESE
RESTAURANT
12200 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 4,
262-9107
Family owned and operated, Great
Wall’s menu features Szechwan,
Hunan and Cantonese dishes.
Choose from more than 150 menu
items, including steamed dishes
made without oil, cornstarch or salt
for the health-conscious. Dine-in or
take-out is available. Open daily.
HALA CAFÉ & BAKERY
9735 Old St. Augustine Road,
288-8890
See Southside.
ISTANBUL GRILLE &
HOOKAH LOUNGE
10140 Philips Highway, 821-6767
This new Turkish-American restau-
rant features kabobs, doner (gyro),
falafel and breakfast items. All food
is prepared fresh, in-house and
made to order. A kids’ menu is
available and more than 30 hookah
flavors are offered for smoking on
the patio. On the weekends, live
music and belly dancing are
offered. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner daily.
KAN-KI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI
BAR
11148 San Jose Blvd., 292-2400
See St. Johns Town Center.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
11700 San Jose Blvd., 288-0175
See San Marco.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
11018 Old St. Augustine Road,
Ste. 123, 262-7879
11362 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3,
674-2945
See St. Johns Town Center.
LET’S NOSH
9850 San Jose Blvd., 683-8346
This authentic Jewish deli offers a
full breakfast, lunch and brunch as
well as a full-service deli counter
featuring Vienna Beef meats. Real
New York water bagels, bread
baked on site and desserts are fea-
tured. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open daily.
MAMA FU’S ASIAN HOUSE
11105 San Jose Blvd., 260-1727
MSG-free pan-Asian cuisine is pre-
pared to order in woks using fresh
ingredients. Authentic Chinese,
Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and
Thai dishes are served. A kids’ menu
is available. Beer and wine are
served. Open daily for lunch and din-
ner. Take-out’s available up to 15
minutes before closing.
MASALA INDIAN CUISINE
9825 San Jose Blvd., 268-6499
This fine-dining restaurant features
authentic Indian cuisine created
with fresh ingredients, served in a
relaxing atmosphere.
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE
& RAW BAR
11112 San Jose Blvd., 292-0003
The Ale Houses — voted Best Bar
Food in Folio Weekly’s 2009 Best of
Jax poll — specialize in generous
portions and friendly service in a
nautical atmosphere. Customer
favorites include fresh fish, special-
ty pastas, and fresh oysters and
clams. There are 32 draft beer vari-
eties, along with TVs, pool tables
and video games. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
MICHELANGELO’S
10950 San Jose Blvd., Fresh
Market Plaza, 880-3757
This family-owned restaurant fea-
tures a relaxed atmosphere and a
menu of traditional Italian dishes
like veal piccata and shrimp
scampi. The garlic bread is baked
fresh daily. Beer and more than 70
wines are served. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
MIZU SUSHI & GRILL
14965 Old St. Augustine Road, Ste.
124, 880-0889
Master chefs prepare fresh sushi,
seafood, steak and vegetables.
Indoor or outdoor dining. Open for
lunch and dinner daily. Located south
of Avenues Mall at Durbin Crossing.
NATIVE SUN NATURAL
FOODS MARKET
10000 San Jose Blvd., 260-6950
There’s a build-your-own organic
chopped salad bar where you pay by
the pound (recession tip: It’s cheaper
on Wednesdays), with plenty of
organic and all-natural items. Open
Mon.-Sat. Best of Jax 2009 winner
for Best Organic Cuisine.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
10991 San Jose Blvd., 260-8630
See Arlington.
PICASSO’S PIZZERIA
10503 San Jose Blvd., 880-0811
Picasso’s specializes in hand-tossed
gourmet pizza along with calzones,
homemade New York-style cheese-
cake and handmade pasta. Fresh
local seafood and steaks, too. Beer
and wine are served. A kids’ menu
and take-out are available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
PIZZA BELLA
9210 San Jose Blvd., 731-4373
This family-owned-and-operated
restaurant serves New York-style
pizza, homemade Italian dinners
including lasagna, and sandwiches,
calzones, stromboli and desserts.
Open Mon.-Sat.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
14965 Old St. Augustine Road,
288-0225
See St. Johns Town Center.
RACK ’EM UP BILLIARDS
4268 Oldfield Crossing Drive, Ste.
205, 262-4030
This cigar and hookah lounge
offers 10 billiards tables in
Mandarin, 16 in Arlington (plus a
full kitchen), as well as shuffle-
board and a variety of subs for the
late-night crowd. More than 200
imported and domestic beers are
featured. Open for dinner nightly.
THE RED ELEPHANT
PIZZA GRILL
110131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12,
683-3773
Red Elephant has pizzas, as well as
some unexpected items, including a
bucket of boiled peanuts, hummus
dip, and a variety of salads. Pizzas
include margherita chicken, meat
lovers and barbecue chicken. A full
bar is served. Open daily for lunch
and dinner.
RENNA’S PIZZA
11111 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12,
292-2300
See Baymeadows.
ROMA’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
14965 Old St. Augustine Road, Ste.
101, 880-2000
Roma’s menu has more than 100
items, each made with fresh ingredi-
ents and authentic Italian spices and
herbs. Specialty dishes include baked
dinners, veal and seafood, and gour-
met pizzas. The Griliata chicken —
barbecue sauce and chicken strips
— sounds more like Rome, Georgia,
though. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Beer and wine are
served. Lunch buffet is offered Mon.-
Fri.; lunch and dinner, daily.
ST. JOHNS SEAFOOD
& STEAKS
9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1,
338-9349
See Arlington.

Philly’s Finest Cheesesteaks & Pizza in Jacksonville Beach uses only Amoroso’s bread and
steaks flown in from Philadelphia for their cheesesteaks. Oh yeah, they serve 55 different
kinds of beer to wash it all down.
SANTIONI’S CUCINA
ITALIANA RESTAURANT
11531 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 8,
262-5190
Bruno and Silvana Santioni have
been in the business of Italian dining
since 1987. Their menu features rack
of lamb and veal saltim bocca with
homemade bread. Beer and wine are
available. Open for dinner nightly.
SIMPLE FAIRE
3020 Hartley Road, Ste. 110,
683-2542
Simple Faire offers breakfast and
lunch favorites, featuring Boar’s
Head meats and cheeses served on
fresh bread. Daily specials are avail-
able. Open Mon.-Fri. for breakfast
and lunch.
SMOOTHIE KING
10400 San Jose Blvd., 886-1991
See Beaches. Best of Jax 2009 win-
ner for Best Smoothie.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
12485 San Jose Blvd., 288-7928
See Riverside.
SORRENTO ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
6943 St. Augustine Road, 636-9196
Luciano Russo and his family opened
Sorrento more than 20 years ago.
The extensive menu includes fish
Françese and lamb Torinese, and
entrées are served with salad, bread
and a side of spaghetti. Beer and
wine are served. Open Tue.-Sun.
THAI PALACE
9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 35,
880-5363
This family-owned restaurant is a
favorite for business meals and
dates alike, featuring specialties like
shrimp himapan and many curry
dishes. A customer favorite is sweet
Thai tea. Beer and wine are served.
Dine-in or take-out. Open Mon.-Fri.
for lunch, daily for dinner.
3 SISTERS’ CHOCOLATE
BAR & BAKERY
9965 San Jose Blvd., 262-9122
Bite By Bite
A destination for chocolate lovers, 3
Sisters features handmade chocolate
confections. The family-owned shop
offers original creations including 5-
inch high cupcakes and chocolate
drinks. Open Mon.-Sat.
TIJUANA FLATS
5635 San Jose Blvd., 737-9938
See Beaches.
THE VILLAGE INN
RESTAURANT
10140 San Jose Blvd., 262-1718
This location is open 6 a.m.-mid.
weekdays and 24 hours Fri. and Sat.
See St. Augustine for menu.
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 22,
288-1100
Whole Foods offers an expansive
prepared-food department with more
than 100 items at a full-service and
self-service hot bar, salad bar, soup
bar and dessert bar. Open daily.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 46,
262-3955
14985 Old St. Augustine Road,
Ste. 108, 880-7427
Woody’s Bar-B-Q features barbecue
plates, barbecue salads and the
popular pulled pork sandwiches. Along
with lunch and dinner specials, there
are several all-you-can-eat specials. A
kids’ menu is available, and a seniors’
discount is offered at some locations.
Beer and wine are served. Open daily.
YOGABERRY
9901 San Jose Blvd., 268-6280
See St. Johns Town Center.
ORANGE PARK
& MIDDLEBURG
(All venues are in Orange Park unless
otherwise noted.)
ARON’S PIZZA
650 Park Ave., 269-1007
The menu at this family-owned restau-
rant includes eggplant dishes and
ERIK TANNER
manicotti as well as New York-style
pizza. A kids’ menu and take-out are
available. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
BREWER’S PIZZA
14B Blanding Blvd., 276-5159
Craft beer and pizza — what more is
there? Located in the hub at Wells
Road and Blanding Boulevard, this
new establishment features the
Florida Smacker, a Southern-style
pizza, and the Bigg’n calzone, among
other dishes, made to order with
fresh ingredients. Open daily, with
weekday lunch specials.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
1765 Town Center Blvd., Eagle
Harbor, 269-8870
See Arlington.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
GRILL & BAR
311 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 10,
213-0293
See Baymeadows.
CHEERS SPORTS BAR
& GRILL
1580 Wells Road, Ste. 1, 269-4855
See Mandarin.
THE COVE CAFE
25 N. Orange Ave., Green Cove
Springs, 529-2656
The Cove offers casual fine dining
featuring seafood, steaks and chick-
en and specializing in ahi tuna and
Maryland-style crab cakes. Chef
Robert’s just moved here from the
Florida Keys. Dine inside or on the
pet-friendly patio. Beer and wine are
served and a kids’ menu is avail-
able. Bikers are welcome, too. Open
for lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun.
DICK’S WINGS
1540 Wells Road, 269-2122
3540 U.S. 17 S., Green Cove
Springs, 284-7772
5110 C.R. 218, Middleburg,
291-5780 See Arlington.
EL POTRO
195 Blanding Blvd., 213-9416
See Southside.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
1581 C.R. 220, Ste. 115, Eagle
Harbor, 215-7302
2285-B Kingsley Ave., 276-1537
1540 Wells Road, 278-6727
2640 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 210,
Middleburg, 291-4411
See Mandarin.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
1910 Wells Rd., Ste. C02D-5,
637-0414
9630 Apple Cross Road, Ste. 106,
573-0900
See St. Johns Town Center.
GATORS DOCKSIDE
9680 Argyle Forest Blvd., 425-6466
For more than 17 years, this sports-
themed family restaurant has been
serving a varied menu of grilled
wings, ribs, sandwiches and salads.
A full bar and take-out are available.
Sports are aired on multiple TVs, and
Tuesday is Kids Night. Open daily.
GIBBS N.Y. STYLE SUBS
& SALADS
562 Kingsley Ave., 278-2776
See Riverside.
HJ’S BAR & GRILL
8540 Argyle Forest Blvd., Ste. 1,
317-2783
This new grill serves traditional
American fare: burgers, sandwiches
and platters of ribs, shrimp and fish.
A full bar is served and a kids’
menu is available. Open for lunch
and dinner Sat. and Sun.; for dinner
Mon.-Fri.
THE HILLTOP
2030 Wells Road, 272-5959
Nestled in the woods, The Hilltop
serves in formal, Southern-inflect-
ed dining spaces. Specialties are
New Orleans shrimp, certified
Black Angus prime rib and she-
crab soup. Homemade desserts are
featured, along with a piano lounge
(Wed.-Sat.), a large collection of
antiques and a garden setting. The
Hilltop is a frequent staging ground
for weddings. A full bar is available.
Open for dinner Tue.-Sat.
HOOTERS
1749 Wells Road, 215-5858
See Downtown.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
2024 Kingsley Ave., 276-2776
See San Marco.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
700 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 15,
272-3553
1545 C.R. 220, 278-2827
1330 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 165
276-7370
1401 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove
Springs, 284-7789
See St. Johns Town Center.
LOLITA’S PUPUSERIA
11701 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 28,
288-6004
Lolita’s offers authentic Latin cuisine
featuring pupusas, a hand-made
stuffed corn tortilla with a variety of
fillings. Other dishes include churras-
co, black beans, chicken tamales,
beef empanadas and several kinds of
chorizos and sausages. A kids’ menu
is available. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sun.
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE
& RAW BAR
1756 Wells Road, Ste. A, 278-4600
See Mandarin.
MONIQUE’S CAFÉ
1540 Wells Road, Ste. 13, 215-0199
Soul food is prepared the old-fash-
ioned Southern way at Monique’s.
Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
1910 Wells Road, Orange Park
Mall, Ste. H-06, 269-1164
9508 Crosshill Blvd., Ste. 102,
Argyle, 772-7800
See Arlington.
POMPEII COAL-FIRED PIZZA
2134 Park Ave., 264-6116
Family-owned-and-operated
Pompeii is one of the few pizza
places offering pizzas made in coal-
fired ovens. The distinctive, flavorful
pies are served alongside coal-fired
wings. A breakfast sampler pie is
also available. Beer, wine, espresso
and cappuccino are served. Take-
out is available. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
RENNA’S PIZZA
6001 Argyle Forest Blvd., Ste. 16,
771-7677
See Baymeadows.
RISTORANTE SARNELLI
2023 Park Ave., 269-1331
An Orange Park landmark for more
than 27 years, Sarnelli serves
upscale Old World cuisine from
Northern and Southern Italy. Twice
a Silver Spoon winner, Ristorante
Sarnelli offers an extensive wine
list and beer. Open for dinner
Mon.-Sat.
THE ROADHOUSE
231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611
The Roadhouse has been serving deli
sandwiches, wings, burgers and que-
sadillas for 33 years. Along with six
pool tables, dartboards and TVs (two
are big screens), there’s live enter-
tainment Thur.-Sat. nights. A full-
service bar is served with more than
75 imported beers. Live music is fea-
tured on the weekends. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SANTIONI’S LA CUCINA
3535 U.S. 17, Ste. 15, Eagle Harbor,
264-1331
Owner George Trefrey is a former
chef, and it shows in his innovative
approach to cuisine, desserts and his
extensive wine list. Live entertain-
ment Fri. and Sat. Wine tastings are
held twice a month. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
THE SHEIK SANDWICH
DELI
1994 Kingsley Ave., 276-2677
See Arlington.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
1976 Kingsley Ave., 272-4606
See Riverside.
SWEET TOMATOES
1625 Wells Road, 269-6116
See Arlington.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
550 Blanding Blvd., 213-1000
Texas Roadhouse specializes in
steaks and ribs, seafood and
chops. The atmosphere’s casual
and family-friendly. Daily specials
are featured, and the full-service
bar offers a daily happy hour, ice-
cold beer and legendary margari-
tas. Open for dinner Mon.-Wed., for
lunch and dinner Thur.-Sun.
THAI GARDEN
10 Blanding Blvd., Ste. B, 272-8434
Thai Garden offers traditional Thai
menu items, including pad kraw
powh with roasted duck and kaeng
kari (yellow curry with potatoes and
a choice of meat). Fine wines, and
imported and domestic beers are
available. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.;
for dinner nightly.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
950 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 1,
272-1419
See Mandarin.
PONTE VEDRA
BEACH, NE ST.
JOHNS COUNTY
AL’S PIZZA
635 A1A N., 543-1494
See Beaches.
AQUA GRILL
950 Sawgrass Village Drive,
285-3017
Since 1988, this American-eclectic
restaurant has served fresh local
seafood, aged Angus steaks and veg-
etarian entrées. Climate-controlled
lakeside seating is available. A chil-
dren’s menu is available, and a full
bar is served. Reservations accepted.
Open daily.
THE AUGUSTINE GRILLE
1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Sawgrass
Marriott, 285-7777
Chef Brett Smith’s menu of global
cuisine is seasonal, and steaks are
prime. Grill selections include New
York strip, lamb and cowboy steak
— the 22-ounce bone-in rib chop is
popular. A full bar with an extensive
wine list is served. Open for dinner
Mon.-Sat.
BARBARA JEAN’S
15 S. Roscoe Blvd., 280-7522
Barbara Jean’s specializes in easy
Southern dining, including the leg-
endary crab cakes, seafood, meat-
loaf and 15 fresh vegetables.
During the winter, regulars watch
snowbirds pilot their boats on the
Intracoastal Waterway. Children’s
selections are available; outdoor
seating, too. A full bar is served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily,
Sat. and Sun. for breakfast.
BEACH DINER
880 A1A N., 273-6545
See Beaches.
BOGEY GRILLE
150 Valley Circle, 285-5524
This family-friendly sports bar offers
casual fare, including wings, que-
sadillas, chicken and burgers. A full
bar and a kids’ menu are available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Located in an 1879 Victorian home, the Raintree Restaurant in St. Augustine specializes in
fine-dining favorites like roast duck and lobster, but with no jacket required.
THE BRIDGE
WATERFRONT GRILL
377 S. Roscoe Blvd., Palm Valley,
285-1154
Located beside the Palm Valley
Bridge on the Intracoastal Waterway,
The Bridge offers casual fine dining
with an emphasis on local seafood,
including pan-seared grouper New
Orleans with lump crab meat. A full
bar is served. Open for lunch Tue.-
Sun., for dinner nightly.
BRUCCI’S PIZZA,
PASTA, PANINIS
880 A1A, Ste. 8, 280-7677
With three locations in Northea
st Florida, Brucci’s offers authentic
New York-style pizza, Italian pastas
and desserts in a family atmos-
phere. A kids’ menu is available,
and for the adults, there’s beer and
wine. Happy hour is held Mon.-Wed.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
CAFFÉ ANDIAMO
500 Sawgrass Village, 280-2299
The Recupito family’s Caffé Andiamo
offers fresh seafood, veal, steak and
pizza prepared in a copper wood-
burning oven. Customer favorites
include fracosta loco and cappesanti
di mare. Dine on the outdoor patio or
inside. Open daily.
CAFÉ ON THE GREEN
1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Sawgrass
Marriott, 285-7777
Café on the Green is a casual dining
venue serving traditional favorites for
breakfast and lunch daily.
CHINA CORAL
830 A1A N., Ste. 12, 273-8776
Located in the Tournament Plaza,
China Coral serves Shanghai,
Mandarin and Szechwan dishes. In
addition to the menu, daily specials
are offered, including the crispy fish,
crispy duck and stir-fried string
beans. Beer and wine are served.
ELIZABETH’S CAFÉ
1500 Sawgrass Village Drive,
543-7677
Serving a full breakfast menu and
lunch items, Elizabeth’s Café in
Bite By Bite
Sawgrass Village specializes in
scrambled eggs with Nova Scotia
salmon and onions, deli-style sand-
wiches and espresso drinks. Outside
dining is available. Open daily.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
357 Marsh Landing Parkway,
280-9404
See Mandarin.
FOX’S PIZZA DEN
4360 Palm Valley Road, 285-1292
In the heart of Palm Valley, this
family-owned-and-operated restau-
rant serves The Wedgie, a tradition-
al sandwich served on a pizza
crust, and sandwiches, pizzas and
stromboli made to order. Delivery is
available. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
830 A1A N., Ste. 6, 273-3993
See St. Johns Town Center.
LULU’S WATERFRONT
GRILLE
301 N. Roscoe Blvd., Palm Valley,
285-0139
Located on the Intracoastal
Waterway, LuLu’s can be reached
by land or water. The menu offers
fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks,
burgers and specialty salads. A full
bar is served, and seating is avail-
able on the screened waterfront
porch. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open daily for lunch
and dinner.
THE MEDITERRANEAN
242 Solana Road, 285-4900
Owned and operated by Tony and
Paula Saayfan, this restaurant fea-
tures authentic Middle Eastern cui-
sine and hookahs. Beer and wine
are served, and a children’s menu
and take-out are available. Open
Mon.-Sat.
NINETEEN AT TPC
SAWGRASS
110 Championship Way, 273-3235
Located in the Tournament Players
Club, Sawgrass’ new clubhouse,
WALTER COKER
Nineteen features more than 230
varieties of wines. The restaurant
features an array of freshly prepared
American and Continental cuisine,
including local seafood, served in an
inviting interior or al fresco on the
verandah. Open daily.
OLDE BRIDGE ICE CREAM
& DELI CO.
2 Fairfield Blvd., Ste. 2, 273-0111
This home-grown ice cream shop
and deli offers breakfast, an array of
sandwiches and, of course, ice
cream. Breakfast and lunch are
served till 3 p.m. daily. The 16 hand-
crafted ice creams are served all
day. Finish the Guana Monster sun-
dae and get your picture on the Wall
of Fame. Take-out, a kids’ menu and
free WiFi are offered. Open for break-
fast, lunch and dinner daily.
ONE HOT COOKIE!
& CREAMERY
930 Sawgrass Village, 273-2606
One Hot Cookie serves up custom
desserts in a Pop Art gallery. Among
the sweet temptations are soft-
dough cookies, smoothies and ice
cream with mix-ins. Made-to-order
breakfast items are also available.
The Ponte Vedra location features
outdoor seating overlooking the lake.
A kids’ menu is available. Open daily.
The former Neptune Beach location
is moving to Jacksonville Beach.
PEPPE’S PIZZA
3787 Palm Valley Road, Ste. 104,
273-0006
Peppe’s features a variety of tradi-
tional Italian dishes including veal,
pasta and traditional hand-tossed
and specialty pizzas. A kids’ menu,
take-out and delivery are available.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
PLAYER’S CAFÉ
262 Solana Road, 273-5595
Owners Don and Terri Stanton run a
family-friendly restaurant with a golf
theme and a “wall of fame.” (Ask
Don how to get your portrait on the
wall.) The menu includes a fresh
grouper sub, Cuban sandwiches and
Philly cheesesteaks. Open daily for
breakfast (served all day) and lunch.
PUSSER’S BAR & GRILLE
816 A1A N., Ste. 100, 280-7766
Named for the rum, Pusser’s serves
innovative Caribbean cuisine and
regional favorites, like Jamaican
grilled pork ribs and Trinidad smoked
duck. Tropical drinks, including the
Pusser’s Painkiller, are popular house
“remedies.” A children’s menu and
take-out are available. Live entertain-
ment is featured on the Upper Deck.
Open daily.
RESTAURANT MEDURE
818 A1A N., 543-3797
Chef David Medure creates dishes
with a wide range of flavors from
around the world. The newly renovat-
ed lounge offers small plates, cre-
ative drinks and entertainment,
including happy hour twice daily.
Open Mon.-Sat. for dinner.
RUTH’S CHRIS
STEAK HOUSE
814 A1A N., Ste. 103, 285-0014
See San Marco. Open 5-10:30 p.m.
Mon.-Fri., till 11 p.m. Sat., till 9:30
p.m. Sun.
SALTY ROCK CANTINA
43 PGA Tour Blvd., 280-0931
Locally owned and operated, Salty
Rock offers authentic, affordable
Tex Mex cuisine including tradition-
al dishes and menu specials. The
full bar features nine draft beers,
30-plus tequilas and eight big-
screen TVs, along with a daily
happy hour. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
619 OCEAN VIEW
619 Ponte Vedra Blvd., 285-0202
Located at the Cabana Beach Club,
619 Ocean View offers dining with a
Mediterranean touch, featuring fresh
seafood, steaks and nightly specials.
A full bar is served and a children’s
menu is available. Open for dinner
Wed.-Sun.
URBAN FLATS
330 A1A N., 280-5515
Urban Flats offers a casual, bistro-
style menu, featuring Old World flat-
bread paired with seasonal ingredi-
ents in wraps, flatwiches, entrées
and salads. A full bar and a selec-
tion of wines by the glass or the
bottle is served. A children’s menu
and take-out are available. Live
entertainment is featured Wed.-Sat.
evenings. Open daily.
WOK N’ ROLL
3791 Palm Valley Road, Ste. 203,
543-7666
This spot in the valley serves authen-
tic Chinese cuisine made with fresh
ingredients. Take-out and delivery
are available. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
226 Solana Road, Ste. 1, 280-8999
See Mandarin.
ZOËS KITCHEN
240 A1A, Ste. 5, Merchant’s Plaza,
273-1100
Original recipes, with Greek and
Mediterranean influences, include
homemade, made-to-order sand-
wiches, grilled feta sandwiches
and whole dinners, all available to
go. Desserts include homemade
ya-yas (a chocolate sheet cake),
and a kids’ menu and delivery are
available. Open daily for lunch
and dinner.
RIVERSIDE, FIVE
POINTS, WESTSIDE
& MURRAY HILL
AL’S PIZZA
1620 Margaret St., Ste. 201,
Riverside, 388-8384
See Beaches.
BAKERY MODERNE
869 Stockton St., Ste. 6, Riverside,
389-7117
This neighborhood bakery special-
izes in classic pastries, artisanal
breads and seasonal favorites.
Everything’s made form scratch,
including the popular petit fours and
custom cakes. Open for breakfast
and lunch daily.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
5229 Jammes Road, Westside,
772-0050
705 S. Lane Ave., Westside,
783-1404
See Arlington.
BOX SEATS
ON BLANDING
4329 Blanding Blvd., Westside,
908-7328
This sports bar features American
cuisine, including wings, burgers and
a variety of appetizers. There are
sports events on TV, and darts and
Karaoke on Tue. nights. A full bar is
served. Open daily. Live music is
featured Thur. and Fri. nights.
BUFFALO’S
SOUTHWESTERN CAFÉ
6055 Youngerman Circle,
Westside, 778-1101
Southwestern-American cuisine is
Buffalo’s niche, from wings and faji-
tas to sirloin steak and wraps. A full
bar with a daily happy hour is
offered. Dine indoors or out on the
patio, where there’s a smoker-friend-
ly patio bar. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily. Kids eat free on Sun.
COOL MOOSE COFFEE
COMPANY & BISTRO
2708 Park St., Riverside, 381-4242
Located at Park and King streets, this
New England-style café offers an
eclectic breakfast menu, classic
sandwiches, wraps and soups. Beer
is available. Open daily.
COZY TEA
1029 Park St., Five Points,
329-3964
This quaint, cozy tearoom is full of
English charm. Lunch and afternoon
tea feature scones, soups and a vari-
ety of teas. A homestyle dinner is
served on the first Fri. of each
month. Open daily.
CROSS CREEK
850 S. Lane Ave., Westside,
783-9579
See Springfield.
DICK’S WINGS
5972 San Juan Ave., Westside,
693-9258
See Arlington.
EDGEWOOD BAKERY
1012 S. Edgewood Ave., Murray
Hill, 389-8054
For more than 61 years, Edgewood
Bakery has been serving fresh break-
fast pastries, petit fours and pies. The
line is long on Saturday mornings, but
the wait pays off. An espresso and
pastry café serves sandwiches,
crepes, smoothies and soups. Open
for breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat.
EL MOFONGO
DOMINICAN-CUBAN
BAKERY & RESTAURANT
6011 103rd St., Ste. 2, 777-4933
Mofongo is a traditional dish, and this
restaurant focuses on truly authentic
cuisine from Cuba and Dominican
Republic, including breakfast items,
pork and beef entrées and sandwich-
es made with sauces, spices and
ingredients so tasty you’ll check your
passport. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat.
EUROPEAN STREET
2753 Park St., Riverside, 384-9999
See San Marco.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
6331 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 6,
Westside, 854-0057
6352 103rd St., Ste. 5, Westside,
854-0224
1855 Cassat Ave., Westside,
695-1055
6752 Normandy Blvd., Ste. 3,
Westside, 338-9000
1014 Margaret St., Ste. 5,
Riverside, 791-9787
See Mandarin.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
1620 Margaret St., Ste. 105,
Riverside, 425-3380
See St. Johns Town Center.
5 POINTS THEATRE
1028 Park St., Five Points,
359-0047
First-run, indie and art films are
screened at the oldest theater build-
ing in Jacksonville. Beer, wine, pizza,
popcorn, nachos and brownies are
available. Late-night films are shown
every Fri. Open daily.
FU HAO BISTRO
1001 Park St., Five Points,
798-8686
Fu Hao focuses on serving delicate
blends of Thai, Chinese and other
regional influences in an upscale
setting. Beer, wine and sake are
served, with meals or at the large
bar. Take-out is available. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri., for din-
ner Sat. and Sun.
GATORS DOCKSIDE
6677 103rd St., Westside, 777-6135
See Orange Park.
GIBBS N.Y. STYLE SUBS
& SALADS
2545 Riverside Ave., 527-8358
This fresh new restaurant serves a
wide array of subs and sandwiches
in a friendly casual atmosphere,

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina in the new River City Marketplace on Jacksonville’s Northside
prepares fresh cuisine with a Southwest flavor.
using Boar’s Head meats and
cheeses in their homestyle recipes.
GRASSROOTS NATURAL
MARKET
2007 Park St., Riverside, 384-4474
The juice and smoothie bar — locat-
ed in the full Grassroots Market —
uses certified organic fruits and veg-
etables. The store also offers a large
selection of more than three dozen
artisanal cheeses, over 300 craft and
imported beers and 50 organic
wines, and organic produce and
meats, vitamins and herbs. There’s
ready-made sandwiches and salads,
as well as raw, vegan items from
Shakti Life Kitchen and Present
Moment Café. Open daily.
HOVAN MEDITERRANEAN
GOURMET
2005 Park St., Ste. 1, Five Points,
381-9394
Hovan offers traditional
Mediterranean cuisine, including
freshly made hummus, baba ghan-
noush and gyros, served in a setting
that attracts indie rockers and busi-
nesspeople alike. Patio dining offered.
Beer and wine are served and
hookahs are available. Open for lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat. Closed Sun.
HURRICANE GRILL
& WINGS
5907 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 700,
573-8838
See Fleming Island.
JACKSONS GRILL
1522 King St., 384-8984
Nestled between Riverside and
Avondale, this newly opened and
locally owned spot features an orig-
inal menu of fried pickle chips,
Rockin’ Ranch burgers, gumbo, sal-
ads and sandwiches. Beer and wine
are served and take-out is avail-
able. Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily.
JOHNNY’S DELI
474 Riverside Ave., Riverside,
356-8055
Johnny’s experienced staff cooks up
made-to-order lunch fare, including
grilled wraps, gyros and grilled
Bite By Bite
chicken salad — more than 60
menu items are available for take-
out only. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.
KICKBACKS
910 King St., Riverside, 388-9551
This neighborhood hot spot serves
breakfast, lunch and dinner 20
hours a day, with a full bar that has
more than 410 bottled beers and
another 60 on tap. There’s live
music five nights a week, and flat-
screen TVs dot the interior. Happy
hour is held Mon.-Fri. A kids’ menu
is offered and outdoor seating is
available. Open daily.
KITCHEN KETTLE DELI
4251 Lenox Ave., Ste. 7, Westside,
387-8400
Relocated and now sporting
Western-themed décor, Kitchen
Kettle Deli is a small, family-owned
business serving homemade
favorites. Chef Kim Wright serves
daily specials including chicken,
burgers and potato salad. Take-out is
available. Open Mon.-Fri. for break-
fast and lunch.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
5733 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside,
446-9500
8102 Blanding Blvd., Westside,
779-1933
1509 Margaret St., Riverside,
674-2794
See St. Johns Town Center.
LATIN LOUNGE &
RESTAURANT
5584 Timucuana Road, 771-2218
This Puerto Rican restaurant serves
appetizers, salads, sandwiches and
entrées so authentic, you’ll think
you’re in San Juan. But it’s the
Westside – increasingly the best
side when it comes to traditional
Latin recipes. A kids’ menu is avail-
able. Open for lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sat.
LITTLE JOE’S CAFÉ
245 Riverside Ave., Ste. 195,
791-3336
This bright, riverview café inside
the St. Joe Building serves break-
fast and lunch in a casual atmos-
WALTER COKER
phere. Fresh soups, salads and sig-
nature salad dressings round out
the New York-style deli experience.
Open Mon.-Fri.
MOON RIVER PIZZA
1176 Edgewood Avenue S.,
Murray Hill, 389-4442
See Amelia Island.
THE MOSSFIRE GRILL
1537 Margaret St., Riverside,
355-4434
Just a stone’s throw from the Five
Points intersection, Mossfire man-
ages to satisfy indie kids and con-
servative businessfolk alike.
Southwestern dishes like tempeh
burger and pork enchiladas are
popular, and a children’s menu is
available. A full bar is served, and
happy hour runs Mon.-Sat. in the
upstairs lounge. Open for lunch and
dinner daily; Sunday is happy hour
all day.
O’BROTHERS IRISH PUB
1521 Margaret St., Riverside,
854-9300
The restaurant features traditional
Irish fare like shepherd’s pie with
Stilton crust, Murphy’s mac’n’cheese
and, of course, fish-n-chips. A full
bar — with plenty of beers and ales
— are served. Outdoor patio dining,
a kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open for lunch Fri.-Sun., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
PERARD’S PIZZA &
ITALIAN CUISINE
11043 Crystal Springs Road, Ste. 2,
Westside, 378-8131
Family-owned Perard’s specializes
in homemade sauces, dough,
lasagna and desserts. Traditional
Italian fare includes a large selection
of gourmet pizza toppings. A kids’
menu is offered, and beer and wine
are served. Take-out is available.
Open daily.
PERFECT RACK BILLIARDS
1186 Edgewood Ave. S., Murray
Hill, 738-7645
This family-friendly billiards hall
offers burgers, deli sandwiches and
chicken wings. Take-out and a kids’
menu are available. Free pool is
available with lunch 11:30-2 p.m.,
and kids younger than 14 play free
(with parents) on weekends. Eight
O’Hausen billiards tables are fea-
tured. Beer and wine are served.
Happy hour’s held Mon.-Fri. Open
Mon.-Sat.
PIZZA PALACE
1526 King St., Riverside, 384-8722
920 Margaret St., Five Points,
598-1212
This relaxed, family-owned restau-
rant serves only homestyle cuisine.
Local faves include spinach pizza
and chicken-spinach calzones.
Ravioli, lasagna and parmigiana are
also offered. Dine in or take out. Beer
and wine are served, and all loca-
tions offer outside dining. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
POTTER’S HOUSE
SOUL FOOD
5301 Lenox Ave., Westside,
394-0860
Owned by the Potter’s House
Christian Fellowship, this cafeteria
style restaurant serves traditional
Southern food: Fried chicken, greens,
mac’n’cheese, cornbread and other
regional favorites. Open Tue.-Sun.
PRIMI PIATTI
2722 Park St., Riverside,
389-5545
This Northern Italian-style restau-
rant (the name means “first plate”
in Italian) offers a menu made from
fresh ingredients, which includes
daily specials, pastas and she-crab
soup. A broad wine selection and
beer are served. A children’s menu
is available. Open for lunch Mon.-
Fri. and dinner Tue.-Sat.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
2025 Riverside Ave., Ste. 201,
389-1696
11043 Crystal Springs Road,
Jacksonville, 695-7827
See St. Johns Town Center.
THE ROW RESTAURANT
1521 Riverside Ave., Riverside,
354-5080
Located in an elegant turn-of-the-
century B&B, The Row features
blackened ahi tuna with watermelon
chutney and grilled filet mignon with
lump crab, béarnaise and aspara-
gus. A full bar is served. Serving din-
ner 5 p.m. to the last reservation,
Tue.-Sat., as well as afternoon tea
Fri. and Sat.
ST. JOHNS SEAFOOD
& STEAKS
1161 S. Lane Ave., Murray Hill,
378-5050
See Arlington.
SAKE HOUSE
824 Lomax St.,
301-1188
Traditional Japanese cuisine and a
wide variety of fresh sushi, sashi-
mi, kiatsu, teriyaki and hibachi are
served in an authentic Asian
atmosphere. Sake House — in
Riverside on the corner of Lomax
and Margaret streets, and in San
Marco Place condo building —
serves beer, wine and sake. Open
for lunch and dinner. An bona fide
tatami room, with outside seating,
is open.
THE SHEIK
SANDWICH DELI
7361 103rd St., Westside,
778-4805
5172 Normandy Blvd., Westside,
786-7641
See Arlington.
SMOOTHIE KING
1601 Riverside Ave., Riverside,
389-0011
See Beaches. Best of Jax 2009 win-
ner for Best Smoothie.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
1923 S. Lane Ave., 786-0081
4434 Blanding Blvd., 777-0730
For more than 30 years, Sonny’s has
been a Northeast Florida favorite,
often voted as having the Best
Barbecue by Folio Weekly readers.
The beef, pork, chicken and ribs are
cooked in a wood-fired pit, and sides
include Vidalia onion rings, corn
nuggets, potato salad, barbecue
beans and coleslaw. All-you-can-eat
specials daily. Take-out is available.
Beer is served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
SUSHI CAFÉ
2025 Riverside Ave., Riverside,
384-2888
Sushi Café near Five Points features
a variety of sushi, including the pop-
ular Rocky Mountain Roll and the
Jimmy Smith Roll, along with faves
like Rock-n-Roll and Dynamite Roll.
Sushi Café also offers entrées like
king salmon, katsu and teriyaki. Beer
and wine are served. Dine indoors or
on the patio. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily.
13 GYPSIES
887 Stockton St., Riverside,
389-0330
This intimate neighborhood bistro
serves authentic Mediterranean
peasant cuisine, specializing in
tapas, blackened octopus, risotto of
the day and coconut mango curry
chicken. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat.
TIJUANA FLATS
5907 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 100,
Westside, 908-4343
See Beaches.
TIMES GRILL
5149 Normandy Blvd., Ste. 1,
854-7501
See Baymeadows.
TOM & BETTY’S
4409 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside,
387-3311
After 30-plus years in business, Tom
& Betty’s is a Jacksonville institution.
The car-themed menu features big
sandwiches, burgers and home-style
favorites like pot roast. The full bar
offers a daily happy hour featuring
dollar drafts. Live bands perform
every Fri. and Karaoke is held every
Sat. Open for lunch Mon. and for
dinner Tue.-Sat.
WALKERS
2692 Post St., Riverside, 894-7465
Riverside’s newest wine bar, locat-
ed at the corner of Post and King
streets, has an urban lounge feel
and a laid-back vibe. The unique
architectural ambiance echoes the
historic neighborhood environs, and
a light tapas menu is served, along
with an extensive wine list and
beer selections. Open Tue.-Sat.
for dinner.
WASABI BUFFET
1014 Margaret St., Ste. 1, Five
Points, 301-1199
More than 150 fresh items, including
sushi and sashimi, are available
daily on the buffet, and a dessert
buffet is also served. Beer and wine
are served and take-out is available.
Open daily.
WHITEWAY
DELICATESSEN
1237 King St., Riverside, 389-0355
This King Street mainstay has
moved down the street a few
blocks, but it’s retained its exten-
sive sandwich selection, including
some old-timey items (pimento
loaf, anyone?) you’d be hard-
pressed to find anywhere else. Also
a good spot to catch current and
former politicos talking about the
city’s future over tabouli or ham
sandwiches. Open for breakfast
and lunch Mon.-Fri.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
4291 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside,
384-3442
See Mandarin.
ZOËS KITCHEN
1661 Margaret St., Riverside,
355-9637
See Ponte Vedra.
ST. AUGUSTINE
& ST. AUGUSTINE
BEACH
(All listings located in St. Augustine
unless otherwise noted.)
A1A ALE WORKS
1 King St., 829-2977
This two-story brew pub, overlook-
ing the newly restored Bridge of
Lions, makes six varieties of beer
and serves New World cuisine,
indoors or out on the balcony.
There’s a full-service bar and live
entertainment Thur., Fri. and Sat.
evenings. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily.
ACAPULCO MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
12 Avenida Menendez, 808-9933
1835 U.S. 1, Stes. 133-135,
826-0191
This sprawling Mexican restaurant
overlooks Castillo de San Marcos
and serves all of the favorites as
well as weekly specials. Beer,
including Mexican brands, wine and
margaritas are served from the full
bar. Dine in or take out. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
AMICI
1915B A1A S., St. Augustine
Beach, 461-0102
This family-owned-and-operated
Italian restaurant, located at the
busy intersection of S.R. 312 and
A1A, offers a variety of traditional
pasta, veal, steak and seafood dish-
es, served in a bonafide Italian
ambience. Children enjoy their own
dishes. A full bar is served along
with a daily happy hour. Live jazz is

presented on Thur. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
ANN O’MALLEY’S
DELI & PUB
23 Orange St., 825-4040
Located across from the Old City
Gates, Ann O’Malley’s serves a
casual menu of fresh handmade
soups, salads and sandwiches —
favorites include the Reuben and
the chicken salad — with familiar,
friendly service. Dine indoors or out
on the porch. Beer and wine are
served, with Irish beers on tap.
Open mic is held every Tue. and
there’s live music on weekends.
Open daily.
ASIAN THAI PALACE
4010 U.S. 1, 797-1622
Authentic Thai dishes include sizzling
mussels, toam kha gai (chicken and
veggies with coconut milk), mussa-
mum curry duck and several vege-
tarian choices. Take-out and a kids’
menu are available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
ATHENA RESTAURANT
14 Cathedral Place,
823-9076
Located on the city’s historic down-
town Plaza, Athena has an extensive
menu of Greek and American dishes,
including moussaka, lamb kabobs
and spinach pie. Beer and wine are
served. Dine inside at a booth or
table, or order to go. Open daily for
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
AVILÉS RESTAURANT
& LOUNGE
32 Avenida Menendez, 829-9727
Located inside the Hilton Bayfront
Hotel, Avilés offers progressive
global cuisine. Popular dishes
include marinated filet mignon with
whipped crab potato, crispy onions
and baby spinach. A children’s
menu is available, a full bar is
served, and complimentary valet
service is featured. Open daily for
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
BACK 40 URBAN CAFÉ
40 S. Dixie Highway, 824-0227
Owner Jeff Sapp serves lunch and
dinner items — wraps, upside-
down chicken potpie, shrimp Thai
bowl. Beer and wine are served. A
kids’ menu and WiFi are available,
and local art adorns the walls. Open
Mon.-Sat.
BARNACLE BILL’S
BEACHSIDE
451 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 471-2434
BARNACLE BILL’S
DOWNTOWN
14 Castillo Drive, 824-3663
For nearly 30 years, these family
restaurants have been serving up
St. Augustine favorites — seafood,
oysters, steak – and the fried shrimp
is legendary. Owner Chris Way creat-
ed the popular Dat’l Do It hot sauce
products. A children’s menu and
take-out are available, and a full bar
is served. Both locations open daily.
BEACHCOMBER
RESTAURANT
2 A St., St. Augustine Beach,
471-3744
One of the few spots in St. Augustine
where you actually eat on the beach,
this casual restaurant serves a full
breakfast menu (with huge pan-
cakes) inside or out at the picnic
tables. There are fresh local oysters,
seafood and Beachcomber’s award-
winning chowder. Beer and wine are
served. Open daily for lunch and din-
ner, for breakfast every morning
except Tuesday.
BEACH GARDEN
RESTAURANT
860 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 471-2555
Located inside the Holiday Inn, this
tropical restaurant serves fresh
seafood, steaks and sandwiches. A
children’s menu is available. A full
breakfast is served, and a weekend
breakfast buffet is featured. Open
nightly for dinner.
BENITO’S RISTORANTE
ITALIANO
180 Vilano Road, Vilano Beach,
827-1000
155 Hampton Point Drive,
St. Augustine, 230-8292
Benito’s serves authentic Italian cui-
sine, including veal and seafood
entrées, gourmet pasta and specialty
pizzas. Open daily.
BISTRO DE LEON
12 Cathedral Place, 810-2100
Jean-Stephane Poinard is a fifth gen-
eration French chef who creates
dishes with fresh American produce,
herbs and seafood. The bread is
freshly baked on the premises. Beer
and wine are served, and a chil-
dren’s menu is available. Open daily.
BONO’S
2420 U.S. 1 S., 794-9424
See Arlington.
BORRILLO’S PIZZA & SUBS
88 San Marco Ave., 829-1133
John Zappas’ pizzeria was voted
Best Pizza in St. Augustine in Folio
Weekly’s 2009 Best of Jax. This New
York-style restaurant serves an
assortment of hot and cold subs,
pasta dishes, pizzas by the pie or
slice. Take-out is available, and beer
and wine are served. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
THE BRITISH PUB
213 Anastasia Blvd., 810-5111
This traditional British pub offers
darts and serves ale, beer and wine,
as well as traditional meat pies,
Cornish pasties and sausage rolls.
Varieties of authentic British food and
candies are sold at the little shop
within. Open nightly.
THE BUNNERY BAKERY
& CAFÉ
121 St. George St., 829-6166
Located in the heart of St.
Augustine’s historic district, the
Bunnery offers homemade cakes,
cheesecakes and pastries in addition
to serving up full Southern break-
fasts, sandwiches, and espressos.
Take-out is available. Open for
breakfast and lunch daily.
CAFÉ ATLANTICO
647 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 471-7332
This white-tablecloth restaurant
serves traditional and new Italian
dishes in an intimate space.
Entrées include the risotto alla
pescatora, with shrimp, scallops
and seasonal shellfish served in a
parmesan cheese basket. An exten-
sive wine list is offered. Café
Atlantico has been awarded three
diamonds for fine dining by AAA
and is a Florida Trend Top 500
Restaurant. Reservations are sug-
gested. Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
CAFÉ ELEVEN
501 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 460-9311
The hip, renovated convenience store
serves coffee drinks, vegetarian
meals and meaty Southern comfort
dishes during the day. At night, it
draws indie acts from around the
country for live performances. Just a
block from the beach, Café Eleven
serves breakfast (brunch on week-
ends), lunch and dinner daily.
CAP’S ON THE WATER
4325 Myrtle St., Vilano Beach,
824-8794
This Intracoastal restaurant is a
Vilano Beach mainstay, serving cold
beer and tropical-influenced cuisine
from indoors or the large, oak-shad-
ed deck outside. Kids romp along the
water while grownup enjoy a long
meal (tapas platters, cioppino, fresh
local shrimp, raw oyster bar) or a
stunning sunset.
CARMELO’S MARKET-
PLACE & PIZZERIA
146 King St., 494-6658
An extensive renovation has turned
this former gas station into a cosmo-
politan destination, a favorite among
college students. In addition to New
York-style brick-oven-baked pizza,
Carmelo’s offers fresh baked sub
rolls, Boars Head meats and
cheeses, strombolis and WiFi. Beer
and wine are served. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
CASA MAYA
17 Hypolita St., 217-3039
Owner Marco Barrera serves authen-
tic upscale Mayan cuisine which is
mostly organic, including a juice bar
and daily specials. Located in the
heart of the historic district, Casa
Maya offers a hearty selection of
dishes, both vegetarian and meat.
Beer and wine are available. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
CELLAR 6 ART GALLERY
& WINE BAR
6 Aviles St., 827-9055
A new addition to St. Augustine’s
nightspots, Cellar 6 exhibits local art
and an international array of fine
wines, Wolfgang Puck coffees, hand-
made desserts and light bistro-style
fare. Open Mon.-Sat.
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT
98 St. George St., 824-3341
Located in the historic district, this
popular chain restaurant serves
authentic Spanish dishes from origi-
nal recipes brought from Ybor City,
Spain, in 1905. For dinner, the spe-
cialty is paella, but the filet mignon is
a favorite. Full bar, open for lunch
and dinner daily.
CONCH HOUSE
RESTAURANT
57 Comares Ave., 829-8646
This restaurant offers indoor seating as
well as Tiki huts built out over Salt Run.
Signature dishes include the Cracker
combo platter and St. Augustine fried
shrimp. The full-service bar specializes
in tropical drinks. A children’s menu is
available. Live entertainment, including
Reggae Sunday, is featured weekends.
Open daily.
CORTESSÉS BISTRO &
FLAMINGO ROOM
172 San Marco Ave., 825-6775
This bistro serves a large selection
of gourmet salads and signature dish-
es with a Mediterranean influence,
including Minorcan fish stew and
chicken Cortessés. The Flamingo
Room offers martinis and an extensive
wine list, as well as live music Thur.-
Sat. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
COURTYARD CAFÉ
75 King St., 826-1938
Located inside the historic Lightner
Bite By Bite
Museum building, this café features
contemporary cuisine, including a
curry chicken on Thur. A kids’ menu
and take-out are available. Open for
breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat.
CREEKSIDE DINERY
160 Nix Boatyard Road, 829-6113
Tucked behind a commercial stretch
of U.S. 1, Creekside is an old Florida
respite, featuring an outdoor deck
with a fire pit. Overlooking Gonzales
Creek, Creekside serves a variety of
beef, chicken and seafood dishes,
with an emphasis on low-country
cooking. Live entertainment Wed.-
Sun. and a full bar are featured.
Open for dinner nightly.
CRUISERS GRILL
3 St. George St., 824-6993
See Beaches. Best of Jax 2009 win-
ner for Best Burger in St. Augustine.
DECO
980 Santa Maria Blvd., 797-5505
Chef and owner Sandy Krebs serves
a contemporary fine dining menu
that includes grilled pork tenderloin
and seared jumbo sea scallops.
Reservations are accepted, take-out
is available, and beer and wine are
served. Located south of downtown
off U.S. 1, Deco is open for lunch and
dinner Tue.-Sat.; on Sun. for brunch.
DIANE’S NEW DAWN
MARKET
110 Anastasia Blvd., 824-1337
The lunch counter inside this health
food store serves everything made-
to-order using organic ingredients.
Sandwiches include avocado, peanut
butter with honey, falafel, hummus,
tofu salad and a veggie burger. Open
for lunch Mon.-Sat.
DICK’S WINGS
525 S.R. 16, Ste. 101, 825-4540
See Arlington.
DONOVAN’S IRISH PUB
7440 U.S. 1 N., Ste. 108, Palencia,
829-0000
This pub features a mix of classic
Irish entrées and traditional American
WALTER COKER
The surf’s always up
at Sliders Seaside
Grill in Fernandina
Beach, where the
crab cakes are
handmade, the
seafood fresh and
the pickles fried.
dinners, as well as appetizers and
“pub grub.” Irish beers and whiskeys
are served along with a full bar. A
children’s menu is available. Six
HDTVs and Wii are available.
Open daily.
THE DUNES
CRACKER HOUSE
641 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 461-5725
This rustic Florida-style spot is popu-
lar among college students for drinks,
dinner, dancing and daily specials.
The Dunes also offers a children’s
menu. Jazz is featured on Monday
nights, and there’s a DJ Wed. and Fri.-
Sun. Late-night dance music is fea-
tured nightly. Open for dinner nightly.
EL POTRO
226 San Marco Ave., 819-0390
See Southside.
FA CAFÉ
303 A1A Beach Blvd., 471-2006
Short for “First Access” this beachy
café is located north of the County
Pier, directly across from the first
beach access to St. Augustine
Beach. The tiny kitchen cranks out
great daily specials – the jerk fish
and mango wrap is not to be
missed — and the service is
super-friendly.
FLAVORS EATERY
125-C King St., 824-4221
A favorite among college students
and locals, this casual restaurant
serves quesadillas, nachos, wraps,
pizza, smoothies, and beer and wine.
Local musicians play Tue.-Sat. Indoor
and outdoor seating. Open Mon.-Sat.
FLORIDA CRACKER CAFÉ
81 St. George St., 829-0397
Florida Cracker features a contempo-
rary dining room and outdoor garden
dining in the heart of St. Augustine’s
busy St. George Street. Customer
favorites include blackened scallops,
crab cake-stuffed shrimp and Florida
gator tail. Children’s selections are
available, and beer and wine are
served. Open daily.
FLY BY CAFÉ
4900 U.S. 1 N., 824-3494
Located at St. Johns County airport,
Fly By features signature soups,
specialty burgers and chicken sand-
wiches. A kids’ menu, and beer and
wine are available. Open daily.
FRATELLI’S ITALIAN-
AMERICAN CUISINE
415 Anastasia Blvd., Anastasia
Island, 819-1760
Newly reopened Fratelli’s, a neigh-
borhood Italian restaurant with a
cozy atmosphere, offers Italian-
American specialties, including meat
lasagna, chicken or veal parmigiana
and shrimp scampi. House special-
ties are almond-crusted salmon,
steak marsala and chicken Verona.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
dinner nightly.
FUSION POINT
237 San Marco Ave.,
823-1444
The theme is Japanese, but the
menu is fusion — a blend of Far
East favorites, vegetarian, Japanese,
Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and
Thai. The menu in this indie-mod
restaurant includes sushi and is con-
stantly changing. Fusion Point serves
beer and wine. Open daily.
GEORGIE’S DINER
100 Malaga St., 819-9006
Georgie’s Diner serves up homestyle
fare including Greek specialties from
owner George Chryssaidis, who also
owns the nearby Athena Restaurant.
Georgie’s is open daily. Outdoor
seating available.
GYPSY CAB COMPANY
828 Anastasia Blvd., 824-8244
A St. Augustine mainstay for a quar-
ter-century, Gypsy Cab’s menu
changes daily. The signature dish is
the Gypsy chicken, but the varied
offering includes seafood, tofu, duck
and veal dishes. The Sunday brunch
draws everyone from churchgoers to
bikers, and a full bar is offered. A
multiple Best of Jax winner for Best
Restaurant in St. Augustine.
HABANA VILLAGE CAFÉ
1 King St., 827-1700
Homestyle Cuban and American cui-
sine, featuring homemade sangria,
authentic Cuban bread and roast
pork. Habana Village offers St.
Augustine’s only Latin dinner club
with Latin music Thur.-Sun. A chil-
dren’s menu is available.
Reservations are recommended. A
full bar is served. Open daily.
HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR
& GRILLE
46 Avenida Menendez,
824-7765
Located in a historic house with a
large outside patio, this New
Orleans-style eatery features fresh
seafood, steaks and definitive dishes
like jambalaya, etouffée and popular
shrimp. The full-service bar has a
daily happy hour. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
HAZEL’S HOT DOGS
2400 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
824-8484
Named for a Chihuahua belonging
to the owners, Hazel’s offers a vari-
ety of wieners and all the embell-
ishments from its modest digs
west of downtown. Open daily.
HURRICANE GRILL
& WINGS
4255 S. A1A, St. Augustine Beach,
471-7120
See Fleming Island.
HURRICANE PATTY’S AT
OYSTER CREEK
69 Lewis Blvd., 827-1822
Located at Oyster Creek Marina east
of U.S. 1, Hurricane Patty’s has a
large creekfront deck, lunch specials
and all-you-can-eat dinners. A full
bar is featured, and dock space is
available for boaters. Live music is
presented nightly.
JACK’S BBQ
691 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 460-8100
This low-slung building has lured
regulars and locals for more than
six decades. Part of Jack’s appeal
is the old-fashioned pit barbecue,
but the place has been updated
with a Tiki bar, a large wooden
deck, even a small swimming pool.
Lunch and dinner are served daily.
Live entertainment is featured Fri.,
Sat. and Sun.
JOE’S OLD CITY GRILLE
1968 U.S. 1 S., 826-3636
This neighborhood eatery serves
dishes from around the globe,
including a variety of homemade
entrées, fresh seafood, wraps and
sandwiches. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
KINGFISH GRILL
252 Yacht Club Drive, 824-2111
Located at the west end of the
Vilano Bridge, Kingfish Grill offers
casual waterside dining indoors
and out on the deck. The menu
features fresh daily catch, house
specialties and sushi, and a kids’
menu is available. A full bar is
served, and weekly live entertain-
ment is featured. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
KING’S HEAD
BRITISH PUB
6460 U.S. 1 N., 823-9787
Owner Ann Dyke and her staff serve
British draught beers and cider in
20-ounce Imperial pints in an
authentic pub setting. A repeat win-
ner in Best of Jax Best Neighbor-
hood Bar category, King’s Head
serves Cornish pasties, and fish and
chips. Open for lunch and dinner
Wed.-Sun. A kids’ menu is available.
Located north of the St. Augustine
airport on U.S. 1. Look for the red
double-decker bus out front.
LA COCINA
530 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 461-8288
Located in Castillo Real Hotel, La
Cocina serves global cuisine with Latin
flair. Owner Juan Solano brings inflec-
tions of his native Mexico to interna-
tional specialties including Paella
Valenciana and nightly specials. Beer
and wine are served. Open daily.
LA COCINA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
3290 U.S. 1 S., 794-1610
Sister restaurant to the La Cocina
at the beach, this La Cocina
offers gourmet Mexican cuisine in
a fine-dining atmosphere. Beer
and wine are served. Patio dining
available. Open for lunch and din-
ner Mon.-Sat.
LA COLLAGE
60 Hypolita St., 829-0055
Locate in an intimate space on
historic Hypolita Street, Collage
offers high-end dining with a glob-
al menu. Everything is made from
scratch. A specialty dessert, The
Bougainvillea, commemorates the
Brazilian tree. An extensive and
economical wine list is offered, as
is beer. Open for dinner nightly.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
155 Hampton Point Drive,
230-7879
See San Marco.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
3501-A N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
808-0658
See St. Johns Town Center.
LE PAVILLON
45 San Marco Ave., 824-6202
One of the oldest restaurants in
Northeast Florida, Le Pavillon is
family owned and operated. Claude
and Gisele Sinatsch recommend
the rack of lamb and the bouilla-
baisse. Norwegian salmon is a
popular item, as are the duck and
the Dover sole. A full bar is served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
LULI’S CUPCAKES
35 San Marco Ave., Ste. 2,
824-5280
The cupcakes, baked fresh daily,
include Grandma’s Coconut, Fire
Engine Red Velvet, What’s Up Doc
(carrot cake) and Funky Monkey,
banana and chocolate chip cake
with milk chocolate frosting. Mini-
cupcakes are also available. Open
Mon.-Sat.
MADRE’S BAJA TACOS
8 Aviles St., 823-1371
This restaurant, tucked away on
Aviles Street in the historic district,
offers classic Baja-style fish tacos,
as well as burritos and quesadillas.
Desserts include homemade Key
lime and peanut butter. Beer and
wine are served, and a kids’ menu
is available. Live music is present-
ed Thur.-Sat. Open for lunch Mon.-
Wed.; for dinner Thur.-Sat.
MANATEE CAFÉ
525 S.R. 16, Ste. 106, Westgate
Plaza, 826-0210
Manatee Café serves organic, vege-
tarian meals. Owner/chef Cheryl
Crosley prepares veggie omelets,
tofu Reubens, miso and hummus
and tabouli. The Health Food Market
offers the same ingredients used in
the cafe’s dishes. Open daily.
MANGO MANGO’S
BEACHSIDE BAR & GRILL
700 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 461-1077
Just steps from the A Street beach
access, this Caribbean kitchen
offers comfort food with a tropical
twist. Specialties include coconut
shrimp and fried plantains. Beer
and wine are served. Outdoor

seating and a kids’ menu are
available. Open daily.
THE MILL TOP TAVERN &
LISTENING ROOM
19 1/2 St. George St., 829-2329
A St. Augustine institution located in
a historic 1884 building across from
the Castillo de San Marcos
at the north end of St. George Street,
The Mill Top’s St. Auggie Spread is
the signature dish. The menu
includes homemade soups and
sandwiches along with daily spe-
cials. There’s a full-service bar and
Bite By Bite
live entertainment daily. Dine indoors
or under the trees on the two-story
porch. Open for lunch and dinner
daily — 365 days a year.
MURRAY BROS.
CADDYSHACK
455 S. Legacy Trail, Ste. E106,
World Golf Village, 940-3673
Decorated in a “Caddyshack” theme
with actor Bill Murray’s golf and
family memorabilia, this restaurant
offers a water view and an All-
American menu. Choose from fresh
seafood, steaks, barbecue — and
keep an eye out for Bill, who’s been
known to stop by for a cold one. A
full bar’s served, and there’s a
weekday happy hour. Open daily.
NALU’S TROPICAL
TAKE-OUT
1020 Anastasia Blvd. (in the park-
ing lot at the Surf Station), St.
Augustine Beach, 501-9592
Locals love this funky taco stand,
which serves fresh island-style beef,
chicken, fish and vegetarian tacos
and burritos right at the entrance to
Anastasia State Park. Pick up to-go

THE COMFORTS
OF HOME
Blue Bamboo chef
and owner Dennis
Chan serves simple
feel-good dishes.
WALTER COKER

Northeast Florida’s indie eateries traffic in familiar culinary favorites

s Julia Child said, “You don’t have to cook
A fancy or complicated masterpieces — just
good food from fresh ingredients.” She may
never have been to the Rite Spot, that citadel
of comfort food in Jax Beach, but she probably
could channel their liver-’n’-onions. The Spot
first opened in the 1930s, sandwiched between
the two sides of Pete’s Bar in Neptune Beach
— perfect for a morning-after carb soak. The
location has changed — it’s now located in a
strip mall in North Jax Beach (at 1534 N. Third
St.) but their menu of comfort foods remains
unimpeachably home-cooked and tantalizing:
fresh corn muffins, shrimp dinners and black-
eyed peas.
The definition of comfort foods is always
expanding, and has now been claimed by
a local Asian inspired restaurant. Owner
and chef Dennis Chan at Blue Bamboo on
Jacksonville’s Southside concocts what he
calls “Hip Asian Comfort Food,” coincidentally
the title of the cookbook he self-published
last year.
Chan learned how to cook from his grandfa-
ther, at the University of Florida, and finally at
the Culinary Institute of America, but his
recipes are rooted in simple, feel-good dishes
— like the crispy tilapia sandwich, or the mu
shu chicken wraps. Plus, this is one spot that
knows how to serve a perfect glass of iced tea.
A different chilled tea variety is offered each
day, served with a liquefied sugar distillate (to
eliminate those pesky granules) and full of ice
cubes made from the tea itself.
When it comes to true Southern comfort
food, The Homestead Restaurant sets the stan-
dard in Jax, and the owners are doubtless cele-
brating the near-completion of the Beach
Boulevard renovation. The original 1930s log
cabin has been expanded, but the restaurant’s
claims to fame remain the same: Southern-fried
chicken, country-fried steak, catfish and chick-
en and dumplings. (For those who don’t hew to
the traditional Southern staples, new owners
Abbas and Judy Bagheri offer salmon
Florentine as well as Cajun shrimp.)
If blue-plate specials and local gossip is
your preference, then Fernandina Beach’s
T-Ray’s Burger Station is not to be missed —
even though it’s easy to miss. Located (OK, hid-
den) inside an Exxon Gas Station (202 S. Eighth
St.), T-Ray’s serves popular burgers along with
meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and eggs-n-
grits breakfasts.
And of course no survey of comfort eateries
would be complete without Beach Road
Chicken Dinners. Back in the day, if you were
heading to the beach, you had to pass by
Beach Road Chicken on Atlantic Boulevard —
the only route to the ocean. The menu there
still features easy take-out dinners of fried
chicken, livers, gizzards or hearts along with
the usual sides and a delicacy called “cream”
peas — the tiny legumes soaked in real cream.
To paraphrase Joe Dirt, comfort is where you
make it. And it’s all over Northeast Florida. o
— Marlene Dryden
mdryden@folioweekly.com
or dine outside on picnic tables.
Open daily.
95 CORDOVA
95 Cordova St., 810-6810
Located in the restored Casa
Monica Hotel, this restaurant
exudes elegance. Executive Chef
DeJuan Roy blends Moroccan,
Asian, Mediterranean, Caribbean
and European influences. The adja-
cent Cobalt Lounge features a full
bar and a variety of fine wines.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and
dinner; Sun. brunch.
NED’S SOUTHSIDE
KITCHEN
2450 U.S. 1 S., 794-2088
Recently opened by Gypsy Cab Co.
founder Ned Pollock, this new
island-influenced restaurant fea-
tures Mediterranean dishes, four
kinds of tacos, and shrimp and
grits, in addition to a kids’ menu
and vegetarian options. Beer and
wine are served, and there’s a
drive-thru to pick up orders. Open
for lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun.
NEW YORK PIZZA
COMPANY
163 Palencia Village Drive,
825-4545
All of the authentic New York-style
pizzas are hand-tossed, made with
their own dough and specially
spiced tomato sauce, and baked in
a brick oven. Other items include
salads, cheesy calzones, hot hero
sandwiches and desserts.
OASIS RESTAURANT
& DECK
4000 A1A and Ocean Trace
Road, St. Augustine Beach,
471-3424
Just one block from the ocean, The
Oasis is a favorite among bikers
and tourists along this scenic
stretch of A1A. The menu includes
steamed oysters, burgers and daily
specials. A kids’ menu is available.
The full bar has 24 draft beers,
and a happy hour Mon.-Fri. There’s
live music nightly and 43 TVs for
viewing sports. Open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner daily.
O.C. WHITE’S SEAFOOD
& SPIRITS
118 Avenida Menendez,
824-0808
The spirits here aren’t just the bot-
tled kind. O.C. White’s, built in
1791, is reputed to be haunted.
Overlooking the city marina and
located in a historic, two-story
home, O.C. White’s serves fresh
local seafood, steak and sautéed
specialties. Live music is featured
nightly. Outdoor dining is featured
on the patio. Open daily.
OLD CITY HOUSE INN
& RESTAURANT
115 Cordova St., 826-0184
Old City House Inn is St.
Augustine’s only Historic Inn featur-
ing a full-service restaurant and
bar. Mediterranean, Asian, South
African and Southern influences
are evident in everything from the
seafood Toscana to the chicken
Thai curry. Serving breakfast, lunch
and dinner daily, and Sun. brunch.
OPUS 39 RESTAURANT
& FOOD GALLERY
39 Cordova St., 824-0402
Owned by the same folks who run
The Tasting Room, Opus serves
contemporary American fare in an
elegant eclectic setting. The menus
are 5-course, 7-course tasting and
à la carte and change daily. The
back of the restaurant features an
extensive retail wine shop. Open for
lunch Tue.-Sat. and dinner Mon.-
Sat. The new Bakery by Opus 39
has just opened.
O’STEEN’S
205 Anastasia Blvd., 829-6974
Expect a wait — O’Steen’s has been
packing a crowd for more than 44
years. Seafood and steak are on the
menu, but the meal most everyone
orders is the famous fried shrimp. At
O’Steen’s, it’s no alcohol, no smok-
ing, no reservations and no plastic
— cash only. Open Tue.-Sat. for
lunch and dinner.
THE OUTBACK
CRABSHACK
8155 C.R. 13 N., 522-0500
This rustic restaurant, located on
Six Mile Creek, features crabs,
shrimp, gator tail, conch fritters
and steaks served in a casual
atmosphere. Arriving by boat (or
just feel like a nice after dinner
stroll)? Check out the 1,500-foot
floating dock. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
PANAMA HATTIE’S
361 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 471-2192
Located across A1A from the St.
Johns County pier, this restaurant
serves casual beach fare in a Key
West-style atmosphere. Live bands
are featured. Dine inside or out on
the ocean-view deck upstairs.
Open daily and the bar is open till 2
a.m. nightly.
PIZZALLEY’S
117 St. George St., 825-2627
This downtown St. Auggie eatery
offers wings, salads and, of course,
pizza — including free samples to
passersby. There’s the Garbage Can
pizza: a supreme with everything.
Beer and wine are served. Outdoor
patio seating is available. Open daily
for lunch and dinner.
PIZZALLEY’S CHIANTI
ROOM
60 Charlotte St., 825-4100
Sister restaurant to the St. George
Street location, Pizzalley’s Chianti
Room serves homemade Italian ris-
torante fare in a warm Tuscany set-
ting. A full bar is available. Live
music is presented Mon.-Fri. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
PLAYA CHAC-MOOL
105 D St., 471-1131
True Yucatec cuisine, this family-
owned restaurant serves Mayan-
influenced Mexican favorites like
ceviche and quesadillas, along with
beer and wine, from its cozy envi-
rons on D Street. But the best part
is the service, which often includes
strolling guitar-playing by the owner,
and (if you’re lucky) a keyboard-only
version of “The Girl From Ipanema.”
Covered patio seating is available.
THE PRESENT MOMENT
CAFÉ
224 W. King St., 827-4499
The Present Moment Café serves
organic, vegan and vegetarian dish-
es, pizza, pastas, hummus and milk-
shakes — all prepared without meat,
dairy, wheat or an oven. The most
surprising thing is, you hardly notice.
Organic beer and wine are available,
along with take-out. Open for break-
fast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
THE PRINCE OF WALES
54 Cuna St., 810-5725
In the heart of St. Augustine’s historic
district, Prince of Wales serves beer-
battered cod and chips, bangers and
mash — created by Chef Tony. Wine
and more than 39 beers, ales and
ciders are served. Open for lunch
and dinner Thur.-Sun.
PURPLE OLIVE
INTERNATIONAL BISTRO
4255 A1A S., Ste. 6, St. Augustine
Beach, 461-1250
Fun and not too formal, this family-
owned-and-operated restaurant offers
a creative dinner menu, expertly
chosen wines, a selection of nightly
specials and fresh artisan breads.
Homemade soups, sauces, salad
dressings and desserts are made from
scratch. Open for dinner Tues.-Sat.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
1015 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 461-4200
4255 U.S. 1 S., Ste. 20,
794-7800
See St. Johns Town Center.
RAINTREE RESTAURANT
102 San Marco Ave., 824-7211
Celebrating 30 years in St.
Augustine, The Raintree, located in
an 1879 Victorian home, specializes
in fine-dining favorites like roast
duck and lobster, but with no jacket
required. A full-service bar is fea-
tured. Reservations are suggested,
and outdoor patio dining is available.
Open daily for dinner.
THE REEF RESTAURANT
4100 Coastal Highway A1A,
Vilano Beach, 824-8008
At this casual oceanfront restaurant,
there’s an ocean view from every
table as well as outdoor dining. The
menu features fresh local seafood,
steak and daily chef specials. A full
bar is served and there’s a daily
happy hour. Live entertainment is
featured weekends. Open daily for
lunch and dinner, and on Sun. for a
buffet champagne brunch.
RENDEZVOUS
RESTAURANT
106 St. George St., 824-1090
Beer is the specialty at this German-
style beer house, with more than
200 varieties from around the world,
with a rotating draft selection. Pair
one with a hot or cold deli sandwich.
Takeout orders may be phoned
ahead for fast service, and you may
order beer to go. The kitchen’s open
for lunch and late lunch during the
week, till midnight Fri. and Sat.
SALT WATER COWBOYS
299 Dondanville Road, St.
Augustine Beach, 471-2332
Expect a wait at this 46-year-old

Artistic presentation and European flair define the mood at Studio 09, a new locally owned
bistro and lounge in the St. Johns Town Center.
restaurant, which serves tourists and
locals in a turn-of-the-century fish
camp surrounded by saltwater
marshes. Local seafood, ribs and
chicken. Open for dinner nightly.
SANGRIAS TAPAS
& PIANO BAR
35 Hypolita St., 827-1947
The balcony of this hip, historic space
overlooks busy St. George Street,
making it an ideal place to while
away the afternoon while sipping one
of seven signature (and individually
prepared) sangrias. Spanish-style
tapas are also served. Open daily.
SANTA MARIA
135 Avenida Menendez, 829-6578
Seafood combinations and surf-and-
turf are on the menu at this St.
Augustine institution, which has
been serving customers at this built-
over-the-bayfront restaurant since
1950. A full-service bar is offered,
along with an open-air porch, and
fish feeding is encouraged. A chil-
dren’s menu is available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SCARLETT O’HARA’S
70 Hypolita St., 824-6535
Popular among college students
and the city’s many visitors, the
restaurant in a historic 1861 house
features seafood, burgers, wings
and appetizers. A full bar is served.
Live music is featured nightly.
Celebrating 30-plus years in the
biz, Scarlett’s is a Best of Jax 2009
winner for St. Augustine’s Best
Neighborhood Bar.
SCHMAGEL’S BAGELS
69 Hypolita St., 824-4444
Fast and affordable breakfast and
lunch in the heart of St. Augustine,
all meals are prepared with Boar’s
Head meats, local produce, kosher
Norwegian lox and panini. Outdoor
dining available. Open daily.
SEA FAIR
1 Anastasia Blvd., 824-2316
Located across the Bridge of Lions
from the historic district, the Sea
Bite By Bite
Fair is the oldest family-owned-and-
operated restaurant in St. Augustine.
Menu items include seafood, prime
rib and daily specials. Dine indoors
or out. A full bar is served. Open for
dinner daily.
SHENANIGANS SIDELINES
SPORTS GRILL
4010 U.S. 1 S., 217-3051
This new sports grill serves more
than 80 craft, imported and domes-
tic beers, along with homemade-
style sandwiches. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
SMOOTHIE KING
1835 U.S. 1 S., Ste. 113, 825-6770
See Beaches. Best of Jax 2009 win-
ner for Best Smoothie.
SONNY’S REAL
PIT BAR-B-Q
1720 U.S. 1 S., 824-3220
2720 S.R. 16, 824-3315
See Riverside.
SOUTH BEACH GRILL
45 Cubbedge Road, Crescent
Beach, 471-8700
Located off A1A, one block south of
the S.R. 206 bridge, this two-story
beachy destination offers casual
oceanfront dining and fresh local
seafood. Dine indoors or out on the
beachfront deck. A full bar is
served, and there’s a weekday
happy hour. Open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner daily.
SPANISH GALLEON CAFÉ
210 St. George St., Ste. C3,
824-1610
This casual restaurant, located
south of the city’s Plaza de la
Constitucion, serves a full espresso
bar, Nathan’s hot dogs, filet mignon
sandwich, tuna melts, and break-
fast. Open daily.
SUNSET GRILLE
421 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 471-5555
This Key West-style restaurant — a
multiple-time winner of the Great
Chowder debate — serves fresh
ERIK TANNER
local seafood, steaks and sand-
wiches inside or at open-air coun-
ters. Celebrating its 20th anniver-
sary, Sunset Grille offers a full
menu for kids, take-out and a new
deck. Live entertainment is featured
Sun. afternoons. A full bar is
served. Open daily for lunch, dinner
and late-night dining.
THE TASTING ROOM,
WINE AND TAPAS
25 Cuna Street, 810-2400
This upscale contemporary Spanish
restaurant fuses foodie passions
with an extensive wine list. Owned
by Michael Lugo and Michael and
Christine McMillan, The Tasting
Room is open for lunch Wed.-Sun.,
for dinner nightly. Live music is per-
formed nightly.
THEO’S RESTAURANT
169 King Street, 824-5022
Located on the banks of San
Sebastian River, Theo’s is just far
enough away from the heart of
downtown that it’s a popular haunt
for locals and tourists alike.
Favorites include seafood and Greek
dishes, but the hearty breakfast is
also popular. Open for breakfast and
lunch daily.
TWO CAN TERRY’S
80 Vilano Road, Vilano Beach,
819-9101
Family-friendly and within walking
distance of the beach, TwoCan
Terry’s serves steaks, Mexican cui-
sine, fish tacos, wraps and seafood
specialties, including crab cakes and
fried shrimp. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sun.
WILDFLOWER CAFÉ
4320 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach,
471-2691
Located one block from the beach,
this Provençal-style cafe’s signature
dishes include the Wildflower
grouper — sautéed, with blue crab
meat and toasted almonds. Beer and
wine are available, as is a kids’
menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.; brunch Sun.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
135 Jenkins St., Ste. 106, 819-8880
See Mandarin.
ZAHARIAS RESTAURANT
3945 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach,
471-4799
This family-owned restaurant has
been serving Greek and Italian dish-
es for more than 22 years. Zaharias
has a full bar and lounge and
accommodates large parties. A chil-
dren’s menu is available. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
ZHÄNRAS
108 Anastasia Blvd., Anastasia
Island, 823-3367
Artists make art at this tapas-style
restaurant, Zhänras (pronounced
“genres”), which serves more than
60 small-plate, world-cuisine selec-
tions in a welcoming, contemporary
space. A children’s menu and take-
out are available, and a full bar is
served. Open for dinner nightly, with
live music six nights a week and a
brunch on Sun.
ST. JOHNS TOWN
CENTER &
TINSELTOWN
(All listings located in St. Johns Town
Center unless otherwise noted.)
BAHAMA BREEZE
10205 River Coast Drive, 646-1031
Brand new at St. Johns Town Center
— the grand opening is next week
— Bahama Breeze offers Caribbean-
inspired cuisine and tropical drinks
in an island-flavored atmosphere.
Menu items include lobster quesadil-
las, West Indies beef patties, Creole
baked goat cheese and crab claws
St. Thomas. A full bar is served, and
a kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open daily.
CANTINA LAREDO
10282 Bistro Drive, 997-6110
Cantina Laredo serves definitive
Mexican dishes and daily fish spe-
cials, complimented by signature
sauces like chipotle-wine with porto-
bello mushrooms or sautéed arti-
choke hearts and roasted red bell
peppers. Open daily.
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
5197 Big Island Drive, 997-9233
Located in St. Johns Town Center,
The Capital Grille serves dry-aged,
hand-carved steaks and fresh
seafood, with a menu made from
local, seasonal ingredients. The
extensive, award-winning wine list
has 350 Old and New World selec-
tions, and 25 wines by the glass.
Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner nightly.
DAVE & BUSTER’S
7025 Salisbury Road (I-95 and
JTB), 296-1525
This 40,000-square-foot restau-
rant/entertainment complex includes
a dining room for a quiet meal away
from the games. But what fun is
that? D&B’s has the latest electronic
interactive games and simulators as
well as traditional favorites in the
Million Dollar Midway. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
DICK’S WINGS
10750 Atlantic Blvd., 619-0954
See Arlington.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
10261 River Marsh Drive, Ste. 131,
674-0536
See Mandarin.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
4413 Town Center Parkway, Ste.
401, 996-6900
Best of Jax 2009 winner for Best
Burger in Jax, Five Guys offers burg-
ers made with fresh ground beef
and finished from a wide selection of
toppings, including fried onions,
jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms.
The fries are served up Five Guys
style or spicy Cajun. Kosher hot dogs
and soft drinks round out the simple,
basic menu. Open daily.
THE GRAPE BISTRO &
WINE BAR
10281 Midtown Parkway, Ste.
119, 642-7111
The Grape offers more than 145
wines, along with a tapas menu of
gourmet fare to pair with the wine
list. A wide selection of beer is
also served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
HAPPY CUP FROZEN
YOGURT BAR
9734 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 4,
Tinseltown, 379-9382
See Beaches.
HEALTHYWAY CAFÉ
10281 Midtown Parkway, Ste.
185, 642-2951
The name pretty much says it all —
natural, fresh and organic fast food.
Appetizers, soups, wraps and
smoothies are served. A kids’ menu
is available. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
HOOTERS
4521 Southside Blvd., 807-9541
See Downtown.
ISLAND GIRL WINE
& CIGAR BAR
7860 Gate Parkway, Ste. 115,
854-6060
This smoking establishment, with a
walk-in humidor, pairs appetizers
with more than 25 wines and ports
by the glass. A full bar is served.
More than 220 wines by the bottle,
as well as 28 draft beers and bot-
tled beer, and wine flights, are fea-
tured. Open daily.
J ALEXANDER’S
RESTAURANT
10296 Bistro Drive, 996-7147
This upscale contemporary American
restaurant is known for its wood-
fired cuisine. The fresh seafood is
flown in daily. The steaks are hand-
cut, and the produce is fresh. The
full-service bar features a wide
selection of wine by the glass or bot-
tle. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
JASON’S DELI
4375 Southside Blvd., Ste. 15,
620-0707
See Beaches.
JIMMY JOHN’S
GOURMET SANDWICHES
9823 Tapestry Park Circle, Ste.
19, 642-8188
Wildly popular in college towns,
Jimmy John’s has been serving
gourmet subs and sandwiches since
1983, using fresh breads, meats
and cheeses in tandem with lettuce,
tomatoes and dressings to produce
damn good subs. Totally Tuna,
J.J.B.L.T., Billy Club and Club Lulu
are among the choices. Open daily.
JOHNNY ANGELS
3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S.,
Ste. 120, 997-9850
This diner, located near University
of North Florida, serves dishes that
reflect its ’50s-style décor, includ-
ing Blueberry Hill pancakes, Fats
Domino omelet and Elvis special
combo platter. Beer and wine are
served, along with a kids’ menu.
Open daily.
KAN-KI
4483 Southside Blvd.,
Tinseltown, 642-2626
Kan-Ki is a Japanese steakhouse
and sushi bar with teppanyaki
tables, 10 sushi tables, a sushi bar
and a full liquor bar. The menu
includes steaks and seafood. A chil-
dren’s menu is available, as well as
sushi take-out. The Tinseltown
location is open for lunch and din-
ner daily, for dinner only in
Mandarin and Fleming Island.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
4479 Deerwood Lake Parkway,
Tinseltown, 425-4060
With more than 50 locations
throughout Northeast Florida,
Larry’s Giant Subs is known for
piling subs high and serving them
fast for more than 27 years. In
addition to a broad selection of hot
and cold subs, the 2009 Best of
Jax winner for Best Sub features
soups, salads and other items.
Kids eat free on Mon. and Wed.
The Tinseltown location has an
extensive beer selection, with a
daily happy hour. Open daily.
LIME LEAF
9822 Tapestry Park Circle, Stes.
108 & 109, 645-8568
Lime Leaf offers definitive Thai
cuisine, from fresh papaya salad to
pad Thai to seared ahi tuna, as
well as snapper and crispy duck,
all elegantly presented. Desserts
include mango sweet rice. Beer
and wine are served, and limited
delivery is available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
McALISTER’S DELI
9700 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 5,
564-2377
McAlister’s offers fresh food fast,
including sandwiches, spuds,
soups, salads and specially made
sweet tea. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
MELLOW MUSHROOM
PIZZA BAKERS
9734 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 1,
Tinseltown, 997-1955
Live music is featured on the
patio. See Fleming Island.

Taverna San Marco serves tapas, Neopolitan-style wood-fired pizzas and an eclectic wine
list in a rustic yet upscale interior.
THE MELTING POT
7860 Gate Parkway, Ste. 101,
642-4900
Participatory dining is the philosophy
at The Melting Pot, which offers a
variety of fondues — from chocolate
to cheese — and entrees ranging
from filet mignon to ahi tuna. A full
bar is served, and a children’s menu
is available. Open nightly.
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE
& RAW BAR
9711 Deer Lake Court, Tinseltown,
565-2882
See Mandarin. Open daily for lunch,
dinner and late night.
MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET
5205 Big Island Drive, 645-3474
The ever-changing menu (it’s print-
ed twice daily) has more than 180
fresh items, featuring cedar-roasted
Atlantic salmon, kung pao calamari
and seared rare salt-and-pepper
tuna. A full bar is served, and a
children’s menu and take-out are
available. Open daily for lunch
and dinner.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
4347 University Blvd. S., Ste. 2,
730-8118
9823 Tapestry Park Circle,
329-1273 See Arlington.
OTAKI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
7860 Gate Parkway, Stes. 119-122,
854-0485
A sushi bar, hibachi grill tables and
an open kitchen. A full bar is served,
and a kids’ menu and take-out are
also available. Open for lunch Mon.-
Fri., for dinner nightly.
POMPEII COAL-FIRED
PIZZA
7860 Gate Parkway, 253-3314
See Orange Park.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
4413 Town Center Parkway, Ste.
203, 396-7114
Quiznos specializes in oven-baked
Bite By Bite
subs, torpedoes and bullets using
fresh meats, cheeses, sauces and
veggies. Quiznos now offers hearty
soups, salads and flatbread sam-
mies, made with the same ingredi-
ents as the subs. Open daily.
RENNA’S PIZZA
4624 Town Crossing Drive, Ste.
125, 565-1299
See Baymeadows.
SEVEN BRIDGES GRILLE
& BREWERY
9735 Gate Parkway N.,
Tinseltown, 997-1999
This grill and brewery features local
seafood, steaks, pizzas and award-
winning freshly brewed ales and
lagers. Dine indoors or outdoors. A
full bar is served, and use of the
pool tables is free until 4 p.m. Live
entertainment is featured Fri. and
Sat., weather permitting. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SMOOTHIE KING
4624 Town Crossing Drive, Ste.
119, UNF, 996-2889
See Beaches. Best of Jax 2009 win-
ner for Best Smoothie.
SNEAKERS SPORTS
GRILLE
8133 Point Meadows Drive,
519-0509
See Beaches.
STUDIO 09
10274 Buckhead Branch Drive,
309-7850
This new modern European bistro
and lounge is locally owned and
serves gourmet pizzas, appetizers,
sandwiches and salads. Hookahs are
available after 8 p.m. for 21 and
older. Beer and wine are available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
III FORKS
9822 Tapestry Park Circle, Ste.
111, 928-9277
III Forks is a contemporary version of
a classic steakhouse, featuring only
USDA Prime beef, fresh seafood and
WALTER COKER
local favorites. More than 1,500 bot-
tles of wine are available along with
a full bar. Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
WASABI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE &
SUSHI BAR
10206 River Coast Drive, 997-6528
Wasabi serves up authentic
Japanese cuisine and features tep-
panyaki shows. A full sushi menu is
also served. Children have their
own selections. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
WHISKY RIVER
4850 Big Island Drive, 955-5196
Brand spankin’ new to Jax, Whisky
River’s rockin’ Southern hospitality
centers on burgers, hot wings, piz-
zas and pulled pork, along with a full
bar and drink specials. Hell, it’s
owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. The
upscale yet casual party venue is
open daily.
WILD WING CAFÉ
4555 Southside Blvd., Tinseltown,
998-9464
This hoppin’ Tinseltown spot serves
33 flavors of wings, as well as
soups, sandwiches, wraps, ribs and
burgers. A full bar is served. Live
music is also featured. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
YOGABERRY
10275 Buckhead Branch Drive,
641-2883
The popular frozen yogurt shop
offers fat-free frozen yogurt (made
with organic milk) with a choice of
toppings — including seasonal
fruit cut fresh daily — at 25 calo-
ries a serving.
YO SUSHI! JAPANESE
RESTAURANT
4375 Southside Blvd., Ste. 4,
998-3868
Yo Sushi! strikes a balance of fun,
freshness and flavor with sushi,
hibachi, katsu, teriyaki and tempu-
ra cuisine. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
WALTER COKER
Located in the new 1300 Building at the corner of Third and Main in Springfield, Uptown
Market & Deli focuses on fresh food created with the same élan that rules at its sister
restaurant, Burrito Gallery.
YUMMY SUSHI
4372 Southside Blvd., Tinseltown,
998-8806
A Best of Jax 2009 winner for Best
Sushi, Tinseltown’s newest sushi hot
spot, Yummy’s menu has everything
from teriyaki, tempura and hibachi-style
dinners to sushi and sashimi. Specialty
rolls include The Yummy and The
Godzilla. Lunch roll specials run Mon.-
Fri. Beer, wine and sake are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
SAN JOSE &
UNIVERSITY
(LAKEWOOD)
ATHENS CAFÉ
6271 St. Augustine Road, Ste. 7,
733-1199
From the dolmades (stuffed grape
leaves) to the baby shoes (stuffed
eggplant), Athens offers all the
favorites. The café serves beer and
wine, including Greek brands. Open
for lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat.
CRUISERS GRILL
5613 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1,
737-BURG
Best of Jax 2009 winner. See Beaches.
DICK’S WINGS
1610 University Blvd. W., 448-2110
See Arlington.
GENE’S SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
1571 University Blvd. W.,
Lakewood Plaza, 448-9888
See Southside.
HEALTHY BAGEL
1500 University Blvd. W.,
Lakewood, 730-3322
Healthy Bagel serves 20 varieties of
fresh-baked bagels and 13 varieties
of bagel sandwiches, including
cashew chicken, cranberry turkey
and Reubens. Smoothies and
espresso are served. Open daily.
JENKINS QUALITY
BARBECUE
2025 Emerson St., 346-3770
See Springfield.
LEO’S PIZZA ITALIANO
5627 San Jose Blvd., Lakewood,
730-3830
The vibe at Leo’s is both Greek and
Italian: Half of the restaurant fea-
tures Greek décor, the other half
Italian. Beer and a variety of Greek,
Italian and California wines are
served. Dine in or take out. Open
for lunch Mon.-Fri., for dinner
Mon.-Sat.
MOJO BAR-B-QUE
1607 University Blvd. W., 732-7200
This Southern blues kitchen offers
pulled pork and Carolina-style bar-
becue along with chicken-fried
steak and Delta-fried catfish. A
kids’ menu and carry-out are avail-
able, along with a full bottled beer
selection. Open daily. A Best of Jax
2009 winner for Best Barbecue. The
Beaches location features live
music and a full bar.
PEPE’S HACIENDA
3615 DuPont Ave., Ste. 900,
Lakewood, 636-8131
This restaurant includes an ethnic
grocery store. Pepe’s offers authen-
tic burritos, tortillas, seafood, soups
and fresh-baked in-house breads. A
kids’ menu is available. Open daily.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
5097 University Blvd. W., 737-4906
See Riverside.
SAN MARCO &
SOUTHBANK
(All listings located in San Marco
unless otherwise noted.)
BASIL THAI & SUSHI
1004 Hendricks Ave., 674-0190
Basil Thai serves fresh sushi and
definitive Thai cuisine, including gin-
ger-infused salad, classic Pad Thai,
all curry dishes, ebi roll, sashimi and
daily specials. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
b.b.’s
1019 Hendricks Ave., 306-0100
Opened by the same people as
Avondale fave Biscotti’s, b.b.’s has
sophistication to spare, from the
ever-changing selection of fine
cheeses down to the coffee bean
carefully placed in each espresso
martini. A favorite lunch spot for the
downtown set. A full bar is served.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
BISTRO AIX
1440 San Marco Blvd., 398-1949
Executive Chef Tom Gray — voted
Best Chef in Folio Weekly’s 2009
Best of Jax readers poll — serves
French and Mediterranean inspired
fare in an urban-chic atmosphere.
The menu changes seasonally, and
the wine list includes more than 250
choices. Open daily. Happy hour is
held Mon.-Fri. at the Onyx Bar. Best
of Jax 2009 winner for Best
Restaurant In Jax.
BISTRO 41°
3563 Philips Highway, Ste. 104,
446-9738
The owners of downtown’s Zodiac
Grill have brought their casual dining
experience to the South Metro area.
Located at the corner of Philips
Highway and Emerson Street, Bistro
41° offers fresh, homemade break-
fast and lunch dishes in a relaxing
atmosphere. Take-out is available.
Open Mon.-Fri.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
4907 Beach Blvd., 398-4248
See Arlington.
CHART HOUSE
1501 River Place Blvd.,
Southbank, 398-3353
Located on the Southbank of the St.
Johns River since 1982, this restau-
rant serves fresh fish, seafood and
prime rib along with a full bar.
Reservations are suggested. Open
for dinner nightly.
CHECKER BBQ &
SEAFOOD
3566 St. Augustine Road, 398-9206
Chef Art Jennette runs the show
here, serving up all manner of bar-
becue, seafood and down-home
comfort food. Ask for the Trailer
Trash Special, which features a
pulled-pork sandwich, 15 of Art’s

fried white shrimp, hand-cut fries
and fresh fried green tomatoes.
Open Mon.-Sat. for lunch, Mon.-Sat.
for dinner.
CURRENTS RIVERVIEW
BISTRO
841 Prudential Drive, Southbank,
306-9512
Located in the Aetna building,
Currents offers Indian, Thai, Latin
and European inspired dishes, as
well as Southern fried chicken.
Outside dining is featured, a full bar
is available and the river views are
terrific. Open for breakfast and lunch
Mon.-Fri.
EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ
1704 San Marco Blvd., 398-9500
With more than 130 imported beers,
and 20 on tap, European Street won
Best Beer Selection in Folio Weekly’s
2009 Best of Jax. The sandwich
menu includes the classic Reuben
and overstuffed sandwiches. The
Listening Room features local and
national Americana artists. Open
daily. Outside seating is available at
some locations.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
1949 San Marco Blvd., Ste. 1,
396-0001
See Mandarin.
FIRST COAST DELI & GRILL
6082 St. Augustine Road, 733-7477
A wide variety of breakfast and
lunch favorites are served in a
relaxed, casual atmosphere. Take-
out is available. Open for breakfast
and lunch daily.
THE GROTTO
2012 San Marco Blvd., 398-0726
Serving a varied tapas menu, this
upscale wine bar features a list with
more than 75 wines by the glass.
Open Tue.-Sun. Wine tastings every
Thur. Nine-time winner for Best Wine
List, and in 2009, the winner for
Best Tapas.
HAVANA-JAX CAFÉ/
CUBA LIBRE BAR
2578 Atlantic Blvd., St. Nicholas,
399-0609
The Cuban sandwiches served in
this clean, bright café are the real
thing: big, thick and flattened. Other
favorites include seafood enchilada,
and beans and plantains, all pre-
pared without chemical enhance-
ment. A full bar, Spanish wine and
Cuban drink specials, including
Mojitos and Cuba Libres, are served.
Open Mon.-Sat.
HIGHTIDE BURRITO
COMPANY
1538 Hendricks Ave., 683-7396
Locally-owned-and-operated by
Alejandro Juarez, this casual
Mexican place offers traditional and
innovative cuisine made with home-
made salsas, marinades and tor-
tillas. Beef, pork, fish or cactus are
served in burritos, tacos, salads or
tortas. A kids’ menu, and beer and
wine are available. Open for lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat.
HON KOREAN
RESTAURANT
5161 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5, St.
Nicholas, 396-4008
Opened last November, Hon serves
Bite By Bite
homestyle Korean, focusing on
healthy soups, casseroles, entrées
and side dishes, all made with fresh
meats, vegetables and seafood. The
chef has more than 30 years of expe-
rience dishing out authentic Korean
meals, using original methods passed
down through her family. Take-out
and beer and wine are available.
Open for lunch and dinner Fri.-Tue.
LA NOPALERA NO. 2
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1631 Hendricks Ave., 399-1768
Don’t be alarmed to see the server’s
arms filled with dinner plates — five
or more at a time. The balancing act
is something to behold. Tamales,
fajitas and pork tacos are customer
favorites. Beer, wine and margaritas
are served; some locations offer a
full bar. Open for lunch and dinner
daily. A repeat winner for Best of
Jax’s Best Mexican Cuisine and Best
Margarita.
MATTHEW’S
2107 Hendricks Ave., 396-9922
This is Chef Matthew Medure’s flag-
ship restaurant, offering fine dining
in a refined, European-style atmos-
phere. Artfully presented cuisine has
made Matthew’s one of Northeast
Florida’s most awarded and popular
restaurants for more than a decade.
Matthew’s lounge offers small
plates, an extensive martini and
wine list and a happy hour Mon.-Fri.
Reservations are recommended.
Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
METRO DINER
3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701
Located in a historic 1930s-era
building amid San Marco’s residen-
tial district, this upscale diner serves
meatloaf, chicken pot pie and home-
made soups. Open for breakfast and
lunch daily. Metro Diner is a 2009
Best of Jax winner for Best
Breakfast.
MORTON’S, THE
STEAKHOUSE
1510 Riverplace Blvd., 399-3933
Morton’s, The Steakhouse special-
izes in generous portions of USDA
prime aged beef as well as fresh
fish and lobster. The tableside menu
presentation features every item
described by the server. A full bar,
including an extensive wine list, is
served, and take-out is available.
Open for dinner nightly.
THE MUDVILLE GRILLE
3105 Beach Blvd., St. Nicholas
Plaza, 398-4326
The original St. Nicholas location is
a family-oriented sports restaurant
serving steaks, wings, oysters and
crab legs. Trivia is featured every
Tue. and Karaoke every Fri. There
are big-screen TVs and three satel-
lite dishes for sports fans. A full bar
is served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
PIZZA PALACE
1959 San Marco Blvd., 399-8815
See Riverside.
PLAYER’S GRILLE
4456 Hendricks Ave., 448-6670
This sports bar and grill serves burg-
ers and wings, teriyaki stir fry and
homemade soups. A full bar is avail-
able. A kids’ game room is open (TV
monitored, so parents can watch),
and TVs are situated in all the
booths. Open daily and for brunch
Sat. and Sun.
PULP
1962 San Marco Blvd., 396-9222
This new juice bar offers fresh
juices, froyo (frozen yogurt), teas,
and coffees made one cup at a time,
along with 30 kinds of smoothies.
Some smoothies are blended with
flavored soy milks and organic
frozen yogurts and granola. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
QIU SUSHI ROCK CAFÉ
1950 San Marco Blvd., Ste. 1,
399-3305
Located on San Marco Square, Qiu
Sushi Rock Café is under new man-
agement with an all-new sushi
menu. A kids’ menu is available, and
beer and wine are served. A sushi
lunch is special is offered daily.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-
Sat., dinner only on Sun.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
5960 Beach Blvd., Ste. 2, 396-6800
See St. Johns Town Center.
RIVER CITY BREWING
COMPANY
835 Museum Circle, Southbank,
398-2299
Situated on the Southbank
Riverwalk overlooking the St. Johns
River and popular with the down-
town business set, River City offers
fresh seafood, steaks and daily
chef’s creations. Nosh in the
enclosed dining room or out on the
marina dining deck. A full bar is
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat., brunch buffet on Sun.
RUTH’S CHRIS
STEAK HOUSE
1201 Riverplace Blvd., Crowne
Plaza, Southbank, 396-6200
A consistent Best of Jax winner for
Best Steaks, Ruth’s Chris serves
Midwestern custom-aged U.S. prime
beef, cooked in 1,800-degree broil-
ers. Fresh seafood and live Maine
lobster are also on the menu. A full
bar is served with an extensive
selection of wines. Reservations
suggested; open nightly.
SAKE HOUSE
1478 Riverplace Blvd., Ste. 101,
306-2188
See Riverside.
SAN MARCO DELI
1965 San Marco Blvd., 399-1306
A Best of Jax winner for Best Quick
Lunch, San Marco Deli serves grilled
fish, turkey burgers and lunch meats
roasted daily in-house. Vegetarian
options (including tempeh) are avail-
able. Independently owned and oper-
ated, this classic diner has a wide
selection. Call-ahead ordering and
pick-up are available. Open Mon.-Sat.
SAN MARCO THEATRE
1996 San Marco Blvd., 396-4845
This historic movie house offers
pizza, nachos, quesadillas, sand-
wiches, and beer and wine to
adventurous moviegoers. The theater
shows first-run films and offers a
midnight movie series.
 THE SANDWICH
COMPANY
2011 Emerson St., 396-3666
The Sandwich Co. offers sandwiches
as well as a full breakfast menu,
with platters and pitas in this diner-
style restaurant. Lunch features
wing tenders, camel riders, steak
pitas and subs. WiFi is available.
Open Mon.-Sat.
THE SOUTHERN GRILL
800 Flagler Ave., Southbank,
858-9800
Popular with the business crowd,
The Southern Grill offers a large
menu of salads, veggie platters,
sandwiches, melts and wraps. The
breakfast selection includes omelets,
wraps, sandwiches and sit-down
favorites like pancakes and a variety
of egg combinations. Open for
breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri.,
breakfast only on Sat.
SQUARE ONE
1974 San Marco Blvd., 306-9004
This networking hub serves dinner in
the lounge or outside on the patio. A
light lounge menu is featured. Happy
hour is available at the full bar, and
Square One boasts an extensive
wine list. Entertainment is featured
nightly. Open for dinner Mon.-Thur.
5-9:30 p.m., till 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat.
The lounge is open till2 a.m.
STAN’S SANDWICH
& GRILL
1562 Hendricks Ave., 398-6642
Marking more than 30 years in the
same location, Stan’s serves up
breakfast pita sandwiches, omelets
and pancakes, as well as hand-pat-
tied burgers, dogs, subs — and
fresh cherry limeade. Take-out is
available. Open Mon.-Sat.
SUSHI & SUBS
5800 Beach Blvd., St. Nicholas,
858-7032
Sushi & Subs serves, that’s right …
sushi and subs. Take-out is avail-
able. Open Mon.-Sat.
ERIK TANNER
In business for more than 25 years, Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grill in Atlantic Beach serves
blackened snapper, sesame tuna and the ever-popular Ragtime shrimp.
TAKE AWAY GOURMET
2103 San Marco Blvd.,
398-6676
A sibling to the Matthew’s restau-
rant across the street, TAG offers
upscale frozen prepared dishes
(like pot pie and lasagna), along
with an extensive fresh salad bar,
a smart selection of wines and
cheese, and plenty of homemade
grab-and-go lunch items. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. and for
Sunday brunch.
TAVERNA SAN MARCO
1986 San Marco Blvd., 398-3005
Tapas, small-plate items,
Neopolitan-style wood-fired pizzas
and entrées are served in a rustic
yet upscale interior. Beer and wine
are served and take-out is available.
Open for lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat.
TIDBITS RESTAURANT
1076 Hendricks Ave., 396-0528
For more than 25 years, Clara’s
Tidbits has specialized in good food
served in a friendly atmosphere,
including popular lunch items like
chicken salad and unique avocado
sandwiches. Take-out and delivery
are available. Open Mon.-Fri.
WINE CELLAR
1314 Prudential Drive, Southbank,
398-8989
This Jacksonville landmark offers
classic Continental and New World
cuisine in an Old World setting. Dine
outdoors under majestic oaks or
indoors in intimate dining rooms. An
extensive wine selection and a full
bar are available. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri., for dinner Mon.-Sat.
SOUTHSIDE
ABE’S PIZZA GRILL
4372 Southside Blvd., Ste. 201,
645-0460
12192 Beach Blvd., 996-8858
Abe’s offers traditional Italian dishes,
including lasagna, parmigiana and
pizza, as well as hot and cold subs,
pasta and wings. A kids’ menu, and
take-out and delivery are available.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
ALHAMBRA THEATRE
& DINING
12000 Beach Blvd., 641-1212
The nation’s longest continuously
running dinner theater, the Alhambra
is newly renovated and features
food prepared by Executive Chef
Matthew Medure, who coordinates
menus with each stage production.
The classic musical “42nd Street”
runs through April 25, followed by
“The Foreigner.” Reservations are
suggested to guarantee seating. The
dress code is coat-requested. A full
bar is served. Closed Mon.
ALL AMERICAN HOT DOG
10365 Beach Blvd., 641-5808
This casual spot has been around
since 1967, offering all-beef hot
dogs served in toasted buns, topped
off with a variety of homestyle gar-
nishments, as well as steak pitas,
burgers and subs. A kids’ menu is
available. Open Mon.-Sat.
AMSTERDAM LOUNGE
11380 Beach Blvd., Ste. 2,
997-6062
This restaurant and hookah lounge
features American and Mediterranean
cuisine, including the Jax cheesesteak
and shawarma wrap. Beer and wine
are served, and take-out is available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
APNA RESTAURANT
10769 Beach Blvd., Ste. 14,
645-3334
Apna serves Indian cuisine,
specializing in haleem, nihari and
paya. A lunch buffet is featured.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
AROMAS
4372 Southside Blvd., Ste. 101,
928-0515
Aromas, essentially a cigar, wine and
martini bar, also serves an extensive
tapas menu. A full bar is available.
Open Mon.-Sat.

THE BAD ASS COFFEE
COMPANY
11925 Beach Blvd., Ste. 201,
620-0000
This locally-owned Hawaiian-themed
coffee shop offers 100 percent Kona
coffees, but owner Tony Leon makes
sure that all the coffees contain at
least 10 percent of the superlative
Hawaiian beans. Bad Ass also serves
cinnamon rolls, pastries and maika’i
cheese Danish. Open daily.
BEEF O’BRADY’S FAMILY
SPORTS PUB
12630 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4,
565-0050
See Julington Creek.
BEIGNET’S CARIBBEAN
CAFÉ
4770 Barnes Road, Ste. 1,
737-6789
A taste of the Caribbean can be found
all over this restaurant, with items
like jerk chicken, oxtail, goat, mahi
sandwiches, and Caribbean beignets
with coffee from New Orleans’ Café
Du Monde. Open Mon.-Sat.
BENITO’S ITALIAN CAFÉ
& PIZZERIA
9475 Philips Highway, 268-1259
See St. Augustine.
BLUE BAMBOO
3820 Southside Blvd., 646-1478
Located just south of Beach
Boulevard, Blue Bamboo offers hip,
Asian comfort food — owner and
chef Dennis Chan has published a
cookbook titled just that. Favorites
include seared ahi tuna and pad
Thai. A full bar — including saketinis
— and an extensive wine list are
served. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.; for
dinner nightly.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
5711 Bowden Road, 448-5395
10645 Philips Highway,
886-2801
10065 Skinner Lake Drive (JTB &
Gate Parkway), 998-1997
See Arlington.
BUCA DI BEPPO
10334 Southside Blvd., 363-9090
This popular family-style chain
restaurant gets to the heart of fresh
Italian cooking with recipes like
lasagna and garlic mashed potatoes.
Dishes are available in three generous
portion sizes and served in whimsical,
old-Italian setting. A full bar and take-
out are available. Open daily.
CAFÉ EXPRESS
1706 Southside Blvd., 724-3997
This cozy café — home of the fried
bologna sandwich and homemade
potato chips — offers hot and cold
sandwiches as well as breakfast
dishes. Dine in or take out. Open for
breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat.
CASTILLO DE MEXICO
12620 Beach Blvd., Ste. 19,
Kernan Square, 998-7006
Castillo de Mexico offers an extensive
menu and authentic Mexican décor.
There is also a weekday lunch buffet.
A full bar is served. Open daily.
CHICAGO PIZZA &
SPORTS GRILL
8206 Philips Highway, 731-9797
Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas, hot
Bite By Bite
dogs and Italian beef dishes are
offered by the Comastro family
from Chicago, who’ve been serving
up Windy City favorites for 25-plus
years. They “import” ingredients all
the way from exotic, far-away
Illinois — talk about authentic. A
full bar is served, and a kids’ menu
is available. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
COPELAND’S OF
NEW ORLEANS
4310 Southside Blvd., 998-4414
The 80-item New Orleans-themed
menu has a wide variety of defini-
tive Creole, Cajun and New Orleans
cuisine, including seafood, pasta
and steak. Copeland’s has a full bar
and a happy hour every Mon.-Sat.
A children’s menu, take-out and
delivery are available. Open daily.
CRAZY SUSHI
4320 Deerwood Lake Parkway,
Ste. 202, 998-9797
This cozy getaway serves a full
sushi bar as well as hibachi, sashi-
mi, katsu and tempura dishes.
Favorites are the Dynamite roll, cold
roll and spicy Manhattan roll. Beer
and wine are served. Open daily.
EL POTRO
11380 Beach Blvd., 564-9977
5871 University Blvd. W.,
733-0844
Authentic Mexican cuisine is
served by a friendly, knowledge-
able staff. Daily specials and a buf-
fet are featured at most locations.
Family-friendly and casual, El Potro
cooks everything fresh and made-
to-order — fast, hot and simple.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
EUROPEAN STREET
RESTAURANT
5500 Beach Blvd. (between
University and Emerson),
398-1717
See San Marco.
FARAH’S PITA STOP CAFÉ
3980 Southside Blvd., Ste. 201,
928-4322
Farah’s specializes in Middle
Eastern cuisine and caters to the
lunch and dinner crowd in busy
Southside. Fresh sandwiches,
soups, entrées and desserts, as
well as pastries and mazas (appe-
tizers) are served. A selection of
imported beers and wines is avail-
able. Open Mon.-Sat.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
8221 Southside Blvd., Ste. 4,
996-0894
4347 University Blvd. S., Ste. 1,
731-1888
See Mandarin.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
9039 Southside Blvd., 538-9100
See St. Johns Town Center.
FONTANA ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
7605 Beach Blvd., 805-9755
Fontana serves authentic Italian
home cooking from Southern and
Northern Italy. A full bar is served.
Take-out and a kids’ menu are
available. A wine tasting is held
monthly. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Fri., for dinner Sat. and Sun.
GENE’S SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
11702 Beach Blvd. (next to
Strike Zone Fishing), 997-9738
A 2009 Best of Jax winner for Best
Seafood and Best Chowder, Gene’s
menu includes gator tail, calamari,
Cajun shrimp and lobster pasta.
The Arlington location serves beer
and wine, and a full bar is available
at all other Gene’s Seafood loca-
tions. Take-out is available. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
HALA CAFÉ & BAKERY
4323 University Blvd. S.,
733-5141
This Jacksonville institution —
since 1975 — serves homemade
pita bread, kabobs, falafel, tabouli
and a daily lunch buffet. Best of
Jax 2009 winner for Best Middle
Eastern Cuisine. Beer and wine are
available. The adjacent store car-
ries delicacies from all over the
world. Take-out is available. Open
lunch and dinner, Mon.-Sat.
HAPPY STEFANO’S
PIZZERIA
7159 Philips Highway, 296-8373
Newly opened on the Southside,
Happy Stefano’s offers Italian
entrees, including lasagna, ravioli
and spaghetti, as well as salads
and, of course, pizzas — by the
slice, whole, or take-and-bake. Beer
and wine are served. Take-out is
available. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
8206 Philips Highway,
Baymeadows Junction,
732-9433
Located at Baymeadows and
Philips Highway. See San Marco.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
3611 St. Johns Bluff Road S.,
641-6499
See St. Johns Town Center.
MAMMA LUCIA
11380 Beach Blvd.,
645-0081
Located near University of North
Florida and owned by real Italians,
Mamma Lucia serves definitive
Northern Italian cuisine, like risotto,
osso buco and their specialty dessert,
bomba al cioccolato. Beer, wine and
espresso are served and take-out is
available. Open for lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sat., dinner only Sun.
MIKADO JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
10460 Avenues Walk Blvd.,
260-8860
Mikado has been serving traditional
Japanese cuisine for more than 20
years. The big sushi bar seats more
than 25 diners. A lunch buffet is
offered Sun.-Fri. and there are 12
hibachi tables. A full bar is served
and take-out is available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
MIKEY’S PIZZA
& ITALIAN RESTAURANT
7544 Beach Blvd.,
721-7333
Family-owned for 35 years, Mikey’s
serves Old New York-style thin-
crust pizzas, pasta, chicken and
seafood dishes. An Italian lunch
buffet is offered. Take-out and
delivery (within three miles) are
available. Open for lunch and
dinner Mon.-Sat.
NEW MADRID
RESTAURANT
11233 Beach Blvd., 642-3741
New Madrid features urban-
Venezuelan cuisine from Cuba and
South America. The Cuban sand-
wich is a big seller, along with Latin
dishes like ropa vieja, picadillo,
paella and arroz con pollo (chicken
and rice). A kids’ menu is available.
Beer, wine and homemade sangria
are served. Open for lunch and
dinner Mon.-Sat.
PHILIP SUSHI
9475 Philips Highway, Ste. 20,
519-7977
This new full-service sushi restau-
rant serves traditional sushi,
hibachi, sashimi, tempura and
teriyaki dishes. Beer and wine are
served and there’s a daily happy
hour. Lunch specials are featured
and take-out is available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
PISCO’S RESTAURANT
4131 Southside Blvd., Ste. 101,
646-3888
This Peruvian restaurant offers
ceviche, jalea, lomo and pollo salta-
do, arroz con marisco, Inca Cola and
Peruvian wines. A children’s menu is
available, and beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sun.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
1 UNF Drive, Bldg. 58W,
620-3016
11915 Beach Blvd., Ste. 112,
524-8822
7169 Philips Highway, 470-0134
See St. Johns Town Center.
ROCKO’S LITTLE ITALIA
4320 Deerwood Lake Parkway,
Ste. 203, 997-9994
Rocko’s is a brand new pizzeria with
personality, offering traditional pizzas
and pasta dishes. All the sauces and
dressings are made fresh, blended
with authentic ingredients for the
real taste of Little Italy. Beer and
wine are served. A kids’ menu and
take-out are available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
ROMA CAFE
7999 Philips Highway, Ste. 208,
731-0353
This European-style café offers
small-plate creations, as well as
beer, wine, coffee and cappuccinos.
Open daily.
ST. JOHNS SEAFOOD
& STEAKS
7546 Beach Blvd., 721-4888
See Arlington.
SALA THAI
10769 Beach Blvd., Ste. 10,
641-8384
Sit at a booth decorated like a
thatched-roof hut and order from a
varied Thai menu. House specialties
change weekly. Customer favorites
include the pad Thai and the snapper
fillet. For dessert, there’s mango rice
or coconut ice cream. Dine in or take
out. Beer and wine are served. Open
for lunch Mon.-Fri.; for dinner daily.
THE SECRET
GARDEN CAFÉ
10095 Beach Blvd., Ste. 600,
645-0859
This café serves homestyle break-
fast and lunch in a gothic garden
setting. Southern comfort menu
items include eggs Benedict, fried
green tomatoes, Alabama meatloaf
and made-from scratch desserts.
Local art is displayed. Beer and wine
are served. Open for breakfast daily;
for lunch Tue.-Sat.; dinner is served
on the first Sat. night of each month.
SHULA’S 347 GRILL
10605 Deerwood Park Blvd.,
642-0063
Located inside the Sheraton
Jacksonville Hotel, Shula’s 347
serves seafood, gourmet salads and
premium Black Angus beef — the
same cuts popular at Coach Don
Shula’s Steakhouses — in a casual,
energetic atmosphere. A children’s
menu and take-out are available. A
full bar is served, with a nightly
happy hour. Open for breakfast,
lunch (with an express lunch Mon.-
Fri.) and dinner daily.
TASTE OF THAI
4317 S. University Blvd., 737-9009
This unassuming storefront serves up
some of the city’s most authentic Thai
food with quick, affordable lunches
and intimate, satisfying dinners. Open
daily for lunch, Mon.-Sat. for dinner.
TOMBO’S BACKPORCH
BARBECUE
8929 Philips Highway, 363-0990
Tombo’s bright yellow awning
screams “BBQ!” and the menu
doesn’t disappoint. Tombo’s offers
low-fat dishes, like barbecue salad,
and a full breakfast menu, but the
restaurant will also smoke your
hogs, hams, deer and turkeys. Open
for breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat.
TOMMY’S BRICK
OVEN PIZZA
4160 Southside Blvd., Ste. 2,
565-1999
Tommy’s in the Tinseltown area cre-
ates New York-style thin crust, brick-
oven-cooked pizzas — gluten-free
— as well as calzones, baked goods
and sandwiches made fresh to order
on premises, using Thumann’s no-
MSG meats and Grande cheeses.
Beer and wine are served. Curbside
pick-up and take-out are offered.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
WASABI JAPANESE
BUFFET
9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D,
363-9888
Included in the buffet price is all-you-
can-eat sushi and choice of two
items from the teppanyaki grill.
Customer favorites include the
Jaguar, dynamite, lobster and soft-
shell crab rolls. A kids’ menu is avail-
able. The restaurant’s non-smoking,
but you can light up at the full bar.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
8206 Philips Highway, Ste. 25,
265-0066
1638 University Blvd., 721-8836
10771 Beach Blvd., Ste. 301,
642-3774
5930 Powers Ave., 739-7427
See Mandarin.
SPRINGFIELD &
NORTHSIDE
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
5903 Norwood Ave., Northside,
765-1817
1036 Dunn Ave., Ste. 2, Northside,
696-6968
See Arlington.
BOSTON’S RESTAURANT
& SPORTSBAR
13070 City Station Drive,
Northside, 751-7499
Located in River City Marketplace,
Boston’s serves up a full menu of
sportsbar favorites, including piz-
zas, till 2 a.m. There are 28 TVs
and live music every weekend.
Dine inside or out on the patio. A
full bar is served, and take-out is
available. Open daily.
CASA MARIA
12961 N. Main St., Ste. 104,
757-6411
This family-owned-and-operated
restaurant offers authentic Mexican
food, including fajitas and seafood
dishes, as well as a variety of hot
sauces — one’s made in-house.
The specialty is tacos de asada. A
kids’ menu is available and a full
bar is served. Open daily.
CITY KIDZ ICE CREAM
CAFÉ
1303 N. Main St., Springfield,
598-5115
This restaurant is dedicated to fos-
tering financial literacy in inner-city
communities. City Kidz does more
than just ice cream, offering sand-
wiches, crab cakes, fruit smoothies
and a special kids’ menu. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
CROSS CREEK
12123 Lem Turner Road,
765-7420
This steakhouse offers signature
dishes like cheesy Creek chicken,
Ocala sirloin and baby back ribs,
hand-cut steaks and seafood, as
well as a daily country buffet. A
kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able, and a full bar is served. Bike
Night is held every Sat. Open daily.
DICK’S WINGS
7749 Normandy Blvd., 781-1466
See Arlington.
EL POTRO
7200 Normandy Blvd., Ste. 12,
Northside, 378-9822
See Southside.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
1038 Dunn Ave., Ste. 1,
Northside, 338-0098
See Mandarin.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
13249 City Square Drive, River
City Marketplace, 751-9711
See St. Johns Town Center.
GREEN PAPAYA
13141 City Station Drive,
696-8886
Located in River City Marketplace,
this restaurant features a Pan-Asian
menu, specializing in Thai cuisine
served in a contemporary atmos-
phere. Dine in or take out. Beer

and wine are served. Dress is
casual-upscale. Open daily.
JENKINS QUALITY
BARBECUE
5945 New Kings Road, Northside,
765-8515
For more than 52 years, Jenkins
Quality Barbecue has served some
of the best down-home barbecue
around. Slather sauce on a whole
smoky chicken or a basket of crin-
kle-cut French fries. Most locations
open for lunch and dinner daily.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
12001 Lem Turner Road,
Northside,
764-9999
See St. Johns Town Center.
MILLHOUSE STEAKHOUSE
1341 Airport Road, Northside,
741-8722
This locally-owned-and-operated
steakhouse is a favorite among
Northsiders, serving choice steaks
from the signature broiler. The
menu includes seafood, pasta dish-
es and Millhouse gorgonzola, plus
homemade desserts. A full bar and
a children’s menu are available.
Live acoustic music is presented on
Thur. Open for dinner nightly.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
840 Nautica Drive, River City
Marketplace, Ste. 125,
714-0813
See Arlington.
QUIZNOS SUB SHOP
10106 Granite Plaza, Northside,
757-7205
2400 Yankee Clipper Drive,
Ste. 206, 741-0040
See St. Johns Town Center.
RACK ’EM UP
BILLIARDS III
10696 Lem Turner Road,
765-7945
This large sportsbar serves burg-
ers, wings, subs, Philly steak sand-
Bite By Bite
wiches. Beer and wine are served,
a kids’ game room is available.
Rack ’Em Up has 22 pool tables,
14 TVs, two 8-foot HDTVs and a
hookah lounge.
RENNA’S PIZZA
840 Nautica Drive, Ste. 117,
River City Marketplace,
714-9210
See Baymeadows.
ST. JOHNS SEAFOOD
& STEAKS
1403 Dunn Ave., Ste. 21,
Northside, 696-1023
See Arlington.
SALSARITA’S FRESH
CANTINA
840 Nautica Drive, Ste. 131,
Northside,
696-4001
Located in River City Marketplace
on the Northside, Salsarita’s offers
cuisine with a Southwest flavor
made from scratch daily and served
in a family atmosphere. Deliver
available. Beer and wine are
served. A kids’ menu is available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
THE SANDOLLAR
RESTAURANT AND
MARINA
9716 Heckscher Drive,
Ft. George Island,
251-2449
Chef/owner Harry Mangini offers a
seasonal menu and daily specials,
and customers love the snow crab
legs and the fresh fish dishes. Eat
inside or out on the deck. The full-
service bar has a daily happy hour,
and there’s live entertainment
weekends, weather permitting.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
SHARKY’S WINGS & GRILL
12400 Yellow Bluff Road,
Northside, 714-0995
This family-friendly sports grill
features specials during the week:
Mon. night Kids Eat Free, there’s
35-cent wings and $1 draft on Tue.
night, Texas Hold ‘Em on Wed.,
family trivia and Karaoke on Thur.
and a fish fry on Fri. HDTVs and
pool tournaments are also featured.
Open daily.
THE SHEIK
SANDWICH DELI
2708 N. Main St., Northside,
353-8181
See Arlington.
STICKY FINGERS
13150 City Station Drive,
River City Marketplace,
309-RIBS (7427)
See Beaches.
THREE LAYERS
COFFEEHOUSE
1602 Walnut St., Springfield,
355-9791
A 2009 Best of Jax winner for Best
Coffeehouse, this coffeehouse offers
exquisite homemade desserts and
pastries, along with light lunches and
ready-to-go bistro salads in a funky
renovated Springfield space. Beer
(featuring Bold City Brewery beers)
and wine are served. Indoors and
courtyard dining. Local artists’ works
decorate the walls. Free WiFi. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Tue.-
Sun. Live music is presented Wed.-
Sun. and The Cellar is an adjacent
wine bar.
UPTOWN MARKET
1303 Main St. N., Springfield,
355-0734
Located in the new 1300 Building
at the corner of Third and Main
streets, Uptown Market focuses on
fresh food created with the same
élan that rules at Burrito Gallery.
Innovative breakfast and lunch
dishes — including deli selections
— are served daily. Beer and wine
and take-out are available. os
— Compiled by Marlene Dryden
with assistance from
Abigail Wright and Beth Coulter

THE WINE LIST Northeast Florida Wine Tastings

Aromas Cigar & Wine Bar 7-9 p.m., first Thur.
4372 Southside Blvd., 928-0515
Blue Bamboo 5:30-7:30 p.m., first Thur. 3820
Southside Blvd. 646-1478
Casa Marina Hotel 6-8 p.m., first & third Thur.
691 N. First St., Jax Beach. 270-0025
Circle Japan Café Sake tastings 5-8 p.m. every Fri.
12192 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1, Jacksonville. 710-5193
Diallo Gallery 7-11 p.m., second Tue. 1736 N. Main
St., Downtown. 551-4512
The Grape 5-7:30 p.m. every Wed.; 1-4 p.m. every
Sat. 10281 Midtown Parkway, Ste. 119, St. Johns
Town Center. 642-7111
The Grotto 6-8 p.m. every Thur.; 8-10 p.m. on last
Sat. 2012 San Marco Blvd. 398-0726
Linqe Grotto Grille 6-8 p.m., last Fri. 14185 Beach
Blvd., Ste. 1, Intracoastal. 223-0335
Monkey’s Uncle Liquors 5-8 p.m. every Fri. 1850 S.
Third St., Jax Beach. 246-1070
Nineteen at TPC Clubhouse 5-9 p.m. every Mon.
110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra. 273-3235
North Beach Bistro 6-8 p.m. every Tue. 725
Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6, Atlantic Beach. 372-4105
Ocean 60 6-8 p.m every Mon. 60 Ocean Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach. 247-0060
Pussers Caribbean Grill 6 p.m., every second Fri.
816 A1A N., Ste. 100, Ponte Vedra Beach.
280-7766
Riverside Liquors 5-8 p.m. every Fri.
1035 Park St., Five Points. 356-4517
Rivertown Fine Wine & Spirits 4-7
p.m. every Fri. & Sat. 2849 C.R. 210
W., Ste. 107, St. Johns. 230-1577
Sheffield’s 7-10 p.m. every Wed.
117 Centre St., Fernandina Beach.
491-3332
The Tasting Room 6-8 p.m., first
Tue. 25 Cuna St., St. Augustine.
810-2400
Tropical Wines Daily. 363
Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 9, Atlantic
Beach. 246-5080
Total Wine & More Noon-6 p.m. every
Fri. & Sat. 4413 Town Center Pkwy., Ste.
300. 998-1740
Urban Flats 5-8 p.m. every Wed. Wine dinner
every third Fri., beer dinner once a month.
330 A1A N., Ponte Vedra. 280-5515
The Wine Bar 6-9 p.m. every Thur. 320 N. First St.,
Jax Beach. 372-0211
Wine Warehouse 4-7 p.m. every Fri. 665 Atlantic
Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 246-6450 4434 Hendricks
Ave., 448-6782 1188 Edgewood Ave. S., 389-9997
4085 A1A S., St. Augustine, 471-9900
Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill 6-8 p.m., first Wed.
13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste 40, Harbor
Village. 221-7066 o