Jacksonville Magazine: 50 Best Restaurants

January 8, 2016

Downtown Shout-outs, Marketing & Promotions

Jacksonville Magazine released their list of 50 Best Restaurants, and while the list spans all along the First Coast, we’re especially proud and lucky to have 12 of those amazing restaurants in #DTJax. From Jacksonville Magazine:

“2015 saw an abundance of restaurant openings in Jacksonville, giving locals a wide array of new options. Of course, many of the eateries listed among Jax Mag’s annual list of the top places to dine aren’t new. In fact, some have been around for decades. But that’s the thing about food – fads come and go (are kale chips still a thing?), but it’s hard to beat the tried-and-tasted. From Southern staples to hot bowls brimming with spicy pho, this might be the River City’s most delicious year yet. EAT UP.”

Put these restaurants at the top of your to do list while you’re Downtown – you won’t regret it! Whether you need a quick lunch, casual dinner, or an upscale dining experience, #DTJax has got you covered!

bb’s : 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco. At the intersection of casual and upscale sits bb’s, an inviting bistro where the noise level is often high, especially during lunch as the dining room packs with business types. The core menu of sandwiches, salads and pizzas is top-notch, but don’t miss specials here either.
Café Nola : 333 N. Laura St., Downtown. Chef Kathy Collins’ dishes are often as incentive as the art hanging in MOCA galleries (Nola is the museum’s in-house restaurant). The menu changes seasonally, but expect dishes with a wide range of influences, from vegan paella with smoked almonds to blackened rainbow trout with Mexican crema and crispy collards.
Candy Apple Cafe & Cocktails : 400 N. Hogan St., Downtown. A major renovation of the historic Seminole Club in 2014 has allowed the building housing Sweet Pete’s and Candy Apple Cafe to become a mini empire of all things delicious in #DTJax. It’s now a space that would make Willy Wonka proud, with striped walls, oversized furniture, multi-colored chandeliers and candy in nearly every corner. Mother-daughter duo Liz and Jennifer Earnest, owners of Chef’s Garden Catering & Events, opened Candy Apple with an emphasis on grown-up versions of classic kids favorites.
Chart House : 1501 Riverplace Blvd., San Marco. This upscale seafood spot is known for selecting scenic locations upon which to build its restaurants, and the Jacksonville location is no different with its panoramic view of the St. Johns River and the Downtown skyline.
Chomp Chomp : 106 E. Adams St., Downtown. With only a handful of tables, three bar stools and limited outdoor seating, Chomp Chomp tends to fill up fast. Here, the chefs put a spin on street fare and classic sandwiches with menu items including Korean chicken kebabs with brown rice and kimchi. Credit: Bruce Lipsky/The Times-Union
Fionn MacCools : 2 Independent Dr., Jacksonville Landing. Don’t wait till St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy this Irish Pub. MacCool’s black and blue surf and turf (blackened sirloin steak, crab and bleu cheese bread pudding and sauteed kale with a spicy remoulade sauce) paired with one of the pub’s more than 40 import, craft, domestic or local brews on tap. Every Wednesday a different whiskey is featured if top shelf spirits are more your thing.
Indochine : 21 E. Adams St., Downtown. Whether it’s curry fried rice, peanut curry or short ribs in Massaman curry, the polished plates of Thai-fusion dishes at both Indochine locations are enough to knock anyone out of a dining rut. Part of the fun of dining here is customizing your order with Indochine’s spice rack, adding more heat and thrills to the typical dining experience. Via: Jaxfoodcritic.com
Olio : 301 E. Bay St., Downtown. This is a popular standout for the Downtown lunch crowd. The shrimp po’ boy (with shrimp, andouille sausage and curry coleslaw) is an inspired take on a Southern classic and breakfast items (sriracha scrambled eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese in a tortilla) elevate the idea of breakfast burritos to a whole new level.
River City Brewing Co. : 835 Museum Cir., San Marco. Jacksonville residents are proud of the waterfront and nothing is better than dinner with a view. Fortunately, River City Brewing Co. offers some of the best river views in town. Add in half-pound burgers, pasta Alfredo and fresh Florida lobster tail and you’ve got a dining staple that pleases out-of-towners and traditionalists alike.
Ruth’s Chris : 1201 Riverplace Blvd., San Marco. If you’re craving a classic American dinner – perhaps a sizzling steak topped with butter and flanked by a baked potato then this is the luxurious choice. The upscale setting, err-on-the-side-of-fancy dress code and high-quality cuts of meat will make you forget you’re dining in one of the largest steak chains in the world.
Super Food and Brew : 11 E Forsyth St., Downtown. In May 2015, Super Food food truck parked for good in a former Starbucks in #DTJax. Fresh is the focus here with items like ahi poke bowl, sushi burrito and pork belly stir fry are all made in-house without the use of freezers.
Village Bread Café : 2 Independent Dr., Jacksonville Landing. Those looking for a local spot to grab a quick bite on the way to work have an option in Village Bread Cafe, which has locations on Philips Highway, the Landing and Mandarin. With fresh-baked bread, options like Kenny’s kicker – an egg, ham, cheese, and veggie panini – and curbside service, who needs a fast-food drive-through?