Visiting Jacksonville, FL...what are some good restaurants and clubs?

Question

Not looking for the "tourist" traps...Where do the locals go..you know those places that have really great food and entertainment, that the residents think are great places. Also looking for club where we can catch some great jazz, or just a fun local spot. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Hi Renee:

Jax. isn't as bad as one answer would lead you to believe. Like any city there are regions to stay out of. Stay out of the North and Northeast sides of town and Jax. is just another place.

When visiting, think of Jax as a region instead of thinking with in the city limits. Jax. is a spread out driving area that traveling 30 miles is nothing. What kinds of food do you like and what environment to you require? I will give a couple of my favorites in the Jax, Florida area:

Seafood

Cap's Seafood. it's between Jax. and St Augustine off A1A. Good food. Go early if you want to avoid waiting. Popular spot on the water. Have drinks on the deck while you are waiting for a table. Time your visit around sunset and the drinks on the deck will be very enjoyable. $$ & 1/2

Whitey's Fish Camp, County Road 220 Orange Park, FL (Next to Jax. More casual with in door out door seating with a bar and sporadic entertainment. Fun in a redneck sort of way. I don't go there often but I enjoy the food and the night fun when I am there. $$

Bone Fish Grill, 3rd St, Jax. Beach.. Good Food and a little popular right now. Call for a reservation. $$$

Steaks

Ruth's Chris Steak House, One downtown near the river (River Place Blvd.) and one on A1A near the beach in Ponte Vedra. $$$$

Morton's Steak House Near the river (River Place Blvd.) $$$$

Both of the above are chains, both have outstanding steaks.

Italian

Sorrento Italian Restaurant, St. Augustine Road, Jax., Nice quite place with good food. Nice place to good when atmosphere counts. $$$

Sorbello's Debarry Road (off Wells Road) Orange Park. Great food, owner(Nick) still cooks. Wonderful authentic food, so-so atmosphere and service, but when it comes to great Italian food there is none better. $$1/2

Misc.

Raintree Restaurant
[phone] San Marco Ave, Saint Augustine, FL if you haven’t had beef Wellington for a while. The experience is actually better then the food. For a "jacket on" dinner out it's nice though.

A1a Ale Works
[phone] King St on the bay also in St Augustine, FL is a nice place for hanging out drinking and eating in the afternoon and evening. Beer brewed there and the food is pretty good.

Wings and Things

Wings, oysters and a cold beer? Try

Gator Dockside 103rd Street Jax. Blue jeans, seldom entertainment. Sort of a sport theme kind of place. $$

European Street Beach Blvd. Jax. nice sandwich, dessert and a trendy kind of bottled beer. Good spot to stop.

Nightlife...

Even though tourists by the fist full around, Jax, and Atlantic Beach still worth going to. Lots of fun for tourists and locals alike.

Bourbon Street Station on St. Johns Bluff should be a don't miss as well. Complex of different theme clubs inside one building, dance, country, piano bar, and hip hop all in one.

St Augustine will be worth the drive for you as well.

Stogies Jazz Club & Listening
[phone], Charlotte St, Dark place with lingering cigar smoke and Jazz. If you can stand the smoke you won't be let down.

57 Heaven Wells Road Orange Park. Twenties to middle aged crowd all shaking it to D.J. (Play That Funky Music White Boy) dance music and trying to get laid. It's really fun once you get past the idea that many of the people are sort of slime. Knowing that in the back of your head and drinking a few drinks will give you a smirking kind of fun that will make you glad you went and danced the night away.

The Jacksonville Landing There are no GREAT clubs or restaurants there, but passable. The great view and free band on weekends make it worth the evening. Things get slow early there. If that's your only stop plan on being home before midnight. There's a good bar called the Twisted Martini that would be a good base to start with.

Again, much depends on your age and what you like and where you are staying while you are here. You are reading a 43 year old guys view of the world. If you are a 21 yro head banger I think you will find my choices less then attractive. Have a wonderful time while you are here.

Regards,
Tom

Answer 2

Oh God, the last time I was in Jacksonville, I thought I was going to be the victim of a gang drive by... I got off of 95 for gas and ended up almost getting robbed... I'd stay away from Jacksonville... try Orlando instead !

Answer 3

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Answer 4

just drop by the chamber of commerce upon your arrival and they'll direct you to the best places

after all, the chamber of commerce is made up of locals

p.s. if you need to use a motel, make sure there's no mold in the bathroom before you check in. i got a room there once and the bathroom mold was terrible. it must have been the humidity

Answer 5

I'd stay away from Jacksonville,,it is bad,,almost got robed,,try another city,,like maybe orlando..it is safer,,be careful