What is Jacksonville's signature dish?

[fsujax]

yum...you cant go wrong with the Cherry Limeade. The Shiek has really good limeades. I believe that is a Jacksonville original.

[rjp2008]

"Mustard, mayonaise and sour cream..."

Yuck. At least it seems better than Rochesters "garbage plate"

Ok then, how bout an alternative choice? Phily cheesteak, Miami cuban, Chicago deepdish,

I noticed an article about Worman's today btw. Maybe someday if the courthouse area is developed (as a mixed use) Worman's could garner more widespread attention.

[Joe]

I'm glad that everyone seems to be in agreement about Lubi's as Jax's signature dish.

Lubi's (the food) are obviously unhealthy, but I think they taste pretty good. Unfortunately, Lubi's (the restaurants) are awful. They are always very dirty and poorly run. I don't think they are ever going to expand very much beyond their current state with their lack of management - but perhaps that's the way the owners prefer it.

[David]

Chicken wings!

Not really, but aside from sushi joints, i've never seen so many chicken wing places in one town before. We should develop our own flavor or brand of wings.

I have to agree on the lubi, but only because i've heard about it my whole life. I've actually only ate there once and i'm a native of almost 30 years. As mentioned above, the restaurants are a bit dirty and I have trouble eating at establishments that can't even keep their lobbys clean....but i'll give it one more shot to jog my memory. I haven't had one in ten years!

[duvalbill]

I know I'm late to the discussion, but I'm going to disagree with Lubi's because they are also pretty big in Texas.  If I have a vote, I'd vote for Mayport shrimp and grits.

On a side note, I've done a lot of traveling and I would argue that Jacksonville has great food and is comparable to any other city with good food.

[blizz01]

Unfortunately, Lubi's (the restaurants) are awful. They are always very dirty and poorly run.

I would tend to disagree.  While simple/plain/boring, I've always understood them to be quite up to par with regard to cleanliness - in fact, a friend of mine (state health inspector) indicated that they always made the grade.  That was a few years ago, however.  

BTW, I doubt cheesesteaks are much healthier....................Stick a Lubi stand at one of the ballparks & watch what happens....

[BridgeTroll]

I really hate to say it... but the Lubi is the best we have ??  I have trouble seeing it on a Chamber of Commerce ad.  "Jacksonville... Home of the world famous Lubi".  It will have a hard time standing up next to a Philly Cheesesteak...

[Charleston native]

I know I'm late to the discussion, but I'm going to disagree with Lubi's because they are also pretty big in Texas.  If I have a vote, I'd vote for Mayport shrimp and grits...

Actually, shrimp and grits is more of a delicacy from my hometown, unless the Mayport version is distinctly different from its Lowcountry predecessor.

[Joe]

Unfortunately, Lubi's (the restaurants) are awful. They are always very dirty and poorly run.

I would tend to disagree.  While simple/plain/boring, I've always understood them to be quite up to par with regard to cleanliness - in fact, a friend of mine (state health inspector) indicated that they always made the grade.  That was a few years ago, however.  

That's good to hear that the kitchens are clean and up to standards. Basically, I was only talking about the counter and seating areas, which haven't been great when I've gone to Lubis.

[David]

I really hate to say it... but the Lubi is the best we have ??  I have trouble seeing it on a Chamber of Commerce ad.  "Jacksonville... Home of the world famous Lubi".  It will have a hard time standing up next to a Philly Cheesesteak...

Actually Mr. Troll that doesn't sound too bad. Brilliant! But it's seriously hard to get that level of recognition for one city's dish...how many cities are truly known for their food? Let's see, Chicago, San Fran, Memphis, Philly, New York....um does a Denver omelet count? Everything else seems to be labeled by a region. Low country boil, southern food, New England, NW etc....

[jacksonvilleconfidential]

I'm glad that everyone seems to be in agreement about Lubi's as Jax's signature dish.

Lubi's (the food) are obviously unhealthy, but I think they taste pretty good. Unfortunately, Lubi's (the restaurants) are awful. They are always very dirty and poorly run. I don't think they are ever going to expand very much beyond their current state with their lack of management - but perhaps that's the way the owners prefer it.

I concur unequivocally.

[David]

After all this talk I had to try it out again. I just now had lunch at the Lubi's on beach by 9a and went with the original famous. Wow, very delicious. I haven't had one in forever and don't remember it tasting that good. That location was actually very clean. I'll have to try the stroganoff next time.

[jacksonvilleconfidential]

The location on Sunbeam Rd (if its still there) used to be "fairly clean" as well. Its been way too long for me too. I might have to make a special trip to a Lubis over the 3-day weekend.

[BridgeTroll]

I really hate to say it... but the Lubi is the best we have ??  I have trouble seeing it on a Chamber of Commerce ad.  "Jacksonville... Home of the world famous Lubi".  It will have a hard time standing up next to a Philly Cheesesteak...

Actually Mr. Troll that doesn't sound too bad. Brilliant! But it's seriously hard to get that level of recognition for one city's dish...how many cities are truly known for their food? Let's see, Chicago, San Fran, Memphis, Philly, New York....um does a Denver omelet count? Everything else seems to be labeled by a region. Low country boil, southern food, New England, NW etc....

Glad I could help...

[David]

I agree, the Lubi is an appropriate signature dish. I did Lubi's semi-regularly back in high school. I'm sure it's not healthy, but that's probably not a problem for Jax.

Tell the Food Network to send over that Diners, Dives, and Drive-Thrus guy...

Done.

Here's a link to their site http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_dv

I just sent an email to them with info on the Lubi and a link to our discussion so that if there are any other unique foods  in the NE Florida area, they can be mentioned here.

Also, you can write them @ DDDinfo@mac.com .

As Charleston Native said, they do it alot in other places so i don't know if it's truly unique but hey, i figured it's worth a shot.