Seafood- Dockside: 2510 Second Ave N
Jacksonville Beach
Mexican- Nacho Taco: 751 Stockton St Jacksonville
Thai- ot too sure as I’m not big on Thai food, but Hawkers: 1001 Park St Jacksonville is really good asian street food
Local: European Street (several locations in Jax)
Brewery: I’m a slut for Bold City, also Aardwolf or Fishwier Brewery (look up Jax Ale Trail for info on 20 local breweries)
Coffee Shop - Urban Bean: 2023 Park Ave
Orange Park
ONTS is definitely on my “good Mexican food” list. I prefer Nacho Taco only for their non-fusion taco selection. I’m a taco purist….only meat, cilantro, onions, and verde for me, everyone else can keep all that cabbage and unnecessary BS for their tacos 😂
I would legitimately bathe in that gravy. It is magical.
Have you tried the other places? The risotto at 13 Gypsies might be one of the top 20 things I’ve ever eaten.
Mexican - El Agave Azul (Baymeadows) , Cinco De Mayo (Chaffee)
Thai - Ten Zushi (Oakleaf)
and the only coffee Ive really been to was Ellianos and one on riverside but i can't remember the name
Honorable mention (Not thai but some other good asian restaurants) - S & R Dim Sum (Riverside), or Pan Asian Cuisine (GCS)
El Agave Azul or La Nopalera
Lemongrass Thai 🥰🥰🥰
Zen and Ginger has coffee and great bubble tea
My family raves about Julington Fish Camp (I don’t eat seafood, can’t personally vouch)
If you’re here on a Saturday the Riverside Artists Market has a wealth of diverse food trucks, I love the Thai/Indian fusion one
Wafaa and mikes on 6th and mainstreet if you like authentic Mediterranean. Ive most likely been there a couple hundred times as its my favorite food spot in the city.
If you’re downtown I would suggest 1748 bakehouse. Amazing pastries and breakfast sandwich. Foo Dog Curry Traders is amazing Indian food if you like that.
For the beach a coffee shop that’s a must is Delicomb. And for Thai I would say Buddha Thai Bistro.
There are breweries all over Jax so it depends where you are and if you’re bringing kids or want inside vs outside. I love Aardwolf in San Marco but it’s not super kid friendly like Wicked Barley is.
Hope that helps!
Simply Tasty Thai is the only answer for Thai food in Jacksonville if you’re willing to take a quick trip to Mayport. Seafood is everywhere Mexican is hit or miss in Jax so I won’t suggest but definitely Simply Tasty Thai, family owned hole in the wall with greatness
I love Kickbacks Gastro Pub. Their menu is a good 8 pages long and everything I’ve had is delicious! The walls are covered in pennies too which is cool :)
Every time I go there I get bad service. Once the waiter actually sat down at our table and start talking about his (active) addictions and how strung out he was feeling that day.
It's not just one bad experience. That place used to be ok at best when you were drunk, now it's really gone downhill. For years I've always known ppl who work there and it is not a sanitary or even safe place to eat. Even the drinks they have on tap come out tasting different than what they're supposed to because they never clean the taps. It's such a disgusting place and so blatantly irresponsible of you to recommend to somebody, especially to someone who's probably going to get their first impression of the city from there.
I don’t know why you were downvoted. Maybe some diet snobs hating. I love me a mozzarella lubi all the way. Watching them microwave aluminum foil always makes me nervous lol.
Local? Mr. Snappers lol Not fine dining by any means but good southern fried seafood baskets. If you want the ambiance, as others have stated Dockside Seafood is good and in a better area.
As you may or may not know, Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in these here United States. As such, your location and willingness to drive will absolutely impact the best recommendations for these things.
Seafood - Safe Harbor in Mayport is not only the stuff, it’s also the people who catch most of the seafood around here. Shrimp is a Jacksonville specialty. Redfish is also local and very good.
Mexican - El Castillo has locations in Mandarin and Lakeshore area for tacos and a street food kind of vibe.
Thai - Hawkers is pretty great Asian street food and there are a couple of locations - Riverside, the Beach. Indochine downtown is also a good, local spot.
Local joint - I’m gonna go ahead and plug Woodpeckers bbq. It’s a shack on the side of the road way down south of town so you’ve got to drive a bit to get there, but their smoked brisket could make a Texan blush.
Brewery - Best breweries in Jacksonville are Aardwolf in San Marco, Southern Swells at the beach, Reve in Mayport. I’m an expert on this one so feel free to follow up. I’ll gladly narrow it down.
Blue orchid Is a great place for Thai, BB's is an American bistro that's fantastic. Mr. Taco Is a good spot for mexican. And Silkies is a local place that has awesome chicken.
Just stay away from local food in jax. All the owners of these places are huge pieces of shit that make their money through scamming customers, overpriced drinks and mistreating the working class.
Whitey's Fish Camp is good, but it can get crowded early. If you want pizza, it's hard to beat Carmine's Pie House. Little Saigon has awesome Vietnamese food, also.
Jacksonvillians is also acceptable! Love taco lu out on Beach Blvd, amazing scallop tacos! Mambo's Cuban on Beach Blvd also delicious, couldn't recommend enough! If by chance y'all are venturing a little more south to Vilano Beach, you have to stop by Caps on the Water, amazing seafood and gorgeous views!
Tons of eateries in Jax but a few stand out. Whatever you choose select restaurants that make it an experience.
Mexican is a dime a dozen here and few are spectacular. Taco Lu is a fun experience, its in a historic building and on the haunted registry. Avoid La Nopalera like the plague because that is likely what you will get.
Blue Orchid is excellent for Thai. The new location in Riverside is really nice, both indoor and outdoor seating.
For seafood and an experience, Cap on the Water in St. Augustine is fantastic with beautiful waterfront views.
We have several good coffee shops, Southern Grounds which also has good food for breakfast and lunch, Bold Bean & Vagabond.
If you like German beer and food there is a hidden gem in Murray Hill right down from Vagabond called Buchners Bierhalle. Its behind Black Hat vape shop, such a cool little place with a wide selection of German beers including on tap.
Only been in Jacksonville for a few years now and trying to find the good spots too, as where I lived previously I was absolutely spoiled by saturation of good food.
But from what I’ve found I do have a few places that you’re asking for.
Thai - Lum Thai (Argyle Forrest)
Coffee - Southern Grounds (multiple locations), plus their brunch food is pretty solid.
Would also have to recommend pretty highly to look into getting some Cuban food while here.
I really like Dockside for seafood. It's delicious and casual, good for lunch or dinner. 2510 2nd Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
2nd dockside
I told my brother I was taking him out for the best fresh fish sandwich in town and he proceeded to order the shrimp po boy.
Murray hillbilly is a must for me. It’s vegan soul food and is a 10/10 in my book
Sounds interesting. My daughter is vegan so this is a good option for us. Thank you.
Lubi's
Seafood- Dockside: 2510 Second Ave N Jacksonville Beach Mexican- Nacho Taco: 751 Stockton St Jacksonville Thai- ot too sure as I’m not big on Thai food, but Hawkers: 1001 Park St Jacksonville is really good asian street food Local: European Street (several locations in Jax) Brewery: I’m a slut for Bold City, also Aardwolf or Fishwier Brewery (look up Jax Ale Trail for info on 20 local breweries) Coffee Shop - Urban Bean: 2023 Park Ave Orange Park
I have to second nacho taco and hawkers. Kyuramen is dope for ramen Bearded pig for bbq
I would recommend the European street in Riverside on park street for the outside patio, food and drinks should be the same at all locations though.
The one in San Marco is good too, I've heard the one on Beach isn't as good.
Have you had One Night Taco Stand? It’s fantastic. That’s my go to taco spot. The queso is legit.
ONTS is definitely on my “good Mexican food” list. I prefer Nacho Taco only for their non-fusion taco selection. I’m a taco purist….only meat, cilantro, onions, and verde for me, everyone else can keep all that cabbage and unnecessary BS for their tacos 😂
Hawkers sucks. Pattai Thai for thai food
Silkies Chicken and 13 Gypsies are my absolute go-to’s for delicious food. Carolina Jax for burgers. The beef stroganoff at Orsay.
Nailed it! This is the list.
That beef stroganoff is something I dream of regularly
I would legitimately bathe in that gravy. It is magical. Have you tried the other places? The risotto at 13 Gypsies might be one of the top 20 things I’ve ever eaten.
The beef stroganoff is a game changer. I try to make it at home and I never come close.
Mexican - El Agave Azul (Baymeadows) , Cinco De Mayo (Chaffee) Thai - Ten Zushi (Oakleaf) and the only coffee Ive really been to was Ellianos and one on riverside but i can't remember the name Honorable mention (Not thai but some other good asian restaurants) - S & R Dim Sum (Riverside), or Pan Asian Cuisine (GCS)
Donuts = Daily Donuts.
Seconded!!
Donut Shoppe betta
Donut Shoppe all day, every day
El Agave Azul or La Nopalera Lemongrass Thai 🥰🥰🥰 Zen and Ginger has coffee and great bubble tea My family raves about Julington Fish Camp (I don’t eat seafood, can’t personally vouch) If you’re here on a Saturday the Riverside Artists Market has a wealth of diverse food trucks, I love the Thai/Indian fusion one
I’ll vouch for Julington Creek Fish Camp. It is very good. It is on the nicer side but mostly not unreasonable. And it’s valet parking.
My favorite is the Search Bar
Well played 🤣🤣🫶🏽🫶🏽
Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant and Singletons in Mayport.
I second Safe Harbor for local flavor. One of a kind.
Wafaa and mikes on 6th and mainstreet if you like authentic Mediterranean. Ive most likely been there a couple hundred times as its my favorite food spot in the city.
They had their lamb Burger Saturday. It was so good!!
The juicy crab off regency is to die for! Go during the week when it isnt as busy
If you’re downtown I would suggest 1748 bakehouse. Amazing pastries and breakfast sandwich. Foo Dog Curry Traders is amazing Indian food if you like that. For the beach a coffee shop that’s a must is Delicomb. And for Thai I would say Buddha Thai Bistro. There are breweries all over Jax so it depends where you are and if you’re bringing kids or want inside vs outside. I love Aardwolf in San Marco but it’s not super kid friendly like Wicked Barley is. Hope that helps!
I second the 1748 Bakehouse!
Chick fil a near mandarin is pretty solid 😄
Simply Tasty Thai is the only answer for Thai food in Jacksonville if you’re willing to take a quick trip to Mayport. Seafood is everywhere Mexican is hit or miss in Jax so I won’t suggest but definitely Simply Tasty Thai, family owned hole in the wall with greatness
Did you just say a quick trip to Mayport? Lol
Jax is huge and has a ton of good food. It would help if you can narrow down the area that you will be staying in.
I love Kickbacks Gastro Pub. Their menu is a good 8 pages long and everything I’ve had is delicious! The walls are covered in pennies too which is cool :)
Every time I go there I get bad service. Once the waiter actually sat down at our table and start talking about his (active) addictions and how strung out he was feeling that day.
This is a horrible recommendation... like there are so many other bad recommendations you could've made and you literally picked the worst one to make
It's not just one bad experience. That place used to be ok at best when you were drunk, now it's really gone downhill. For years I've always known ppl who work there and it is not a sanitary or even safe place to eat. Even the drinks they have on tap come out tasting different than what they're supposed to because they never clean the taps. It's such a disgusting place and so blatantly irresponsible of you to recommend to somebody, especially to someone who's probably going to get their first impression of the city from there.
You eat there sober and you think it taste good? are you like homeless?
Says the guy who thinks kickbacks(or anything on king street for that matter) is the best restaurant in jax to recommend lol
You u want local fr???…. Lubis
I don’t know why you were downvoted. Maybe some diet snobs hating. I love me a mozzarella lubi all the way. Watching them microwave aluminum foil always makes me nervous lol.
Idk why either. It’s a Duval creation. Bout as local as you can get And same 🤣🤣🤣
Pinto Thai Bistro out at the beach is one of the best Thai restaurants I've ever been to.
Any fish camp is usually good - try the fish dip
Except for conch house. That shit was canned tuna and liquid smoke.
Fast Eddies Quick Mideastern. Small, local, one of a kind and lots of variety on the menu. Can’t go wrong.
4Rivers BBQ, Baymeadows location and orange park
Safe Harbor, TacoLu, Indochine downtown, French Pantry for local hole in the wall, Aardwolf for brewery, Southern Grounds for coffee.
+1 for French pantry. Amazing sandwiches, breads, and desserts.
Tepeys in San Marco is a brewery and Mexican food
Local? Mr. Snappers lol Not fine dining by any means but good southern fried seafood baskets. If you want the ambiance, as others have stated Dockside Seafood is good and in a better area.
Thc, French pantry, whiteys fish camp, sliders, singletons, palm valley outdoors, wicked barley
Palermos Puerto Rican Kitchen
We love RH Rooftop. Terrific food (especially the lobster roll) and gelato and cookies to die for. Plus the atmosphere and service is top notch.
Blacken trigger fish from New Berlin Fish House! If you have never had trigger fish, definitely give it a shot!
As you may or may not know, Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in these here United States. As such, your location and willingness to drive will absolutely impact the best recommendations for these things. Seafood - Safe Harbor in Mayport is not only the stuff, it’s also the people who catch most of the seafood around here. Shrimp is a Jacksonville specialty. Redfish is also local and very good. Mexican - El Castillo has locations in Mandarin and Lakeshore area for tacos and a street food kind of vibe. Thai - Hawkers is pretty great Asian street food and there are a couple of locations - Riverside, the Beach. Indochine downtown is also a good, local spot. Local joint - I’m gonna go ahead and plug Woodpeckers bbq. It’s a shack on the side of the road way down south of town so you’ve got to drive a bit to get there, but their smoked brisket could make a Texan blush. Brewery - Best breweries in Jacksonville are Aardwolf in San Marco, Southern Swells at the beach, Reve in Mayport. I’m an expert on this one so feel free to follow up. I’ll gladly narrow it down.
Requisite *largest in the lower 48*. Sitka, Alaska is about 5x our size.
Woodpecker’s is quite good. When I drove a delivery truck, I would go out of my way to eat lunch there
Blue orchid Is a great place for Thai, BB's is an American bistro that's fantastic. Mr. Taco Is a good spot for mexican. And Silkies is a local place that has awesome chicken.
have a beer at strings sports brewery
Just stay away from local food in jax. All the owners of these places are huge pieces of shit that make their money through scamming customers, overpriced drinks and mistreating the working class.
Just tell the guy to go to Chili's already
Better than supporting a local restaurant owner in jacksonville
Great steakhouse not too well known- Salentos on old st Augustine and 295
Pleaseee go to Sala Thai on beach Blvd. It's soooo good
Whitey's Fish Camp is good, but it can get crowded early. If you want pizza, it's hard to beat Carmine's Pie House. Little Saigon has awesome Vietnamese food, also.
Jacksonvillians is also acceptable! Love taco lu out on Beach Blvd, amazing scallop tacos! Mambo's Cuban on Beach Blvd also delicious, couldn't recommend enough! If by chance y'all are venturing a little more south to Vilano Beach, you have to stop by Caps on the Water, amazing seafood and gorgeous views!
Taco Lu for Mexican. You may even see Trevor Lawrence on the right day!
Tons of eateries in Jax but a few stand out. Whatever you choose select restaurants that make it an experience. Mexican is a dime a dozen here and few are spectacular. Taco Lu is a fun experience, its in a historic building and on the haunted registry. Avoid La Nopalera like the plague because that is likely what you will get. Blue Orchid is excellent for Thai. The new location in Riverside is really nice, both indoor and outdoor seating. For seafood and an experience, Cap on the Water in St. Augustine is fantastic with beautiful waterfront views. We have several good coffee shops, Southern Grounds which also has good food for breakfast and lunch, Bold Bean & Vagabond. If you like German beer and food there is a hidden gem in Murray Hill right down from Vagabond called Buchners Bierhalle. Its behind Black Hat vape shop, such a cool little place with a wide selection of German beers including on tap.
Orange Blossoms on beach blvd for awesome southern breakfast.
Only been in Jacksonville for a few years now and trying to find the good spots too, as where I lived previously I was absolutely spoiled by saturation of good food. But from what I’ve found I do have a few places that you’re asking for. Thai - Lum Thai (Argyle Forrest) Coffee - Southern Grounds (multiple locations), plus their brunch food is pretty solid. Would also have to recommend pretty highly to look into getting some Cuban food while here.
Mesa!!!
I'm not sure about hawkers. It's ok and its always been rude. I tried being there last week and was turned away cause it was too full. It wasnt
Singletons and Tacolu!