All the postings about Carmines on another thread inspired me to open a Carmines thread. I apologize if one has already been created.
I have been eating at Carmines since it opened. My girlfriend and I instantly became regulars. We eat there at least once every weekend and occasionally during the week. The owner is an incredibly nice guy, the wait staff is friendly, and the food is fantastic. Their Rooster Wings are awesome, the deep dish is as good as the ones I have had in Chicago and the calzones and sandwiches are the best. I have never had anything at carmines that I didn't like. Great beer selection too.
I invite all MetroJacksonville regulars to try this place and post their experiences here. Really, if you don't try Carmines you are missing out.
+1
My favorite restaurant since it opened. There 2-3 times a week.
Great place indeed. I ended up taking a detour from the pub crawl last night to swipe a few slices of pizza.
I wish I was eating it right now.
All right, I'm convinced. Location?
Quote from: NotNow on July 30, 2011, 01:25:59 PM
All right, I'm convinced. Location?
Corner of King St and Forbes.
I'll try it, thanks.
We have been twice and the food and service were great on both occasions.
Here are some older Carmine's opinions from when it first opened. Hands-down my favorite place to get a pie and wings in the 'hood.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,11221.60.html
I love Carmines Pie House and highly recommend it to others. I had the Kick Ass BLT pizza per ChrisUFGator's advice. I agree with the previous posts that the service is very friendly and the food is unforgettable.
It is great. I would love to see the outside seating area defined a bit more with the occasional guitar player/ singer performing.
Carmines is freakin fantastic!! I get the thin crust pizza and wings every time. Their wings have got to be the best in town.
On a side note to this thread...how is Jackson's Grill doing? Went a couple times a few months back and the food was tasty....had a bit of an odd vibe...but it was kind of fun...always fun to play ping pong while waiting for your order...but they never appear to have a crowd....least when I was there
Carmines is a winner. First time I went the food was very tasty but the service SLOW. It has improved since that first visit. Nice selection of beer. GO HUNGRY, portions are Large. Rumor has it they are looking for another location...................... in Springfield.
Do you think it would be a hit there as well? Please post your thoughts on that.
Quote from: MusicMan on July 30, 2011, 11:37:33 PM
Carmines is a winner. First time I went the food was very tasty but the service SLOW. It has improved since that first visit. Nice selection of beer. GO HUNGRY, portions are Large. Rumor has it they are looking for another location...................... in Springfield.
Do you think it would be a hit there as well? Please post your thoughts on that.
Springfielders have been begging for a good pizza place for years, and with a good selection of beer it would absolutely be a hit.
Quote from: Miss Fixit on July 31, 2011, 09:44:14 AM
Quote from: MusicMan on July 30, 2011, 11:37:33 PM
Carmines is a winner. First time I went the food was very tasty but the service SLOW. It has improved since that first visit. Nice selection of beer. GO HUNGRY, portions are Large. Rumor has it they are looking for another location...................... in Springfield.
Do you think it would be a hit there as well? Please post your thoughts on that.
Springfielders have been begging for a good pizza place for years, and with a good selection of beer it would absolutely be a hit.
I'm thinking a pizza place in Springfield that is as good as Carmines would be a gold mine. What's a good location for this? Main Street?
9th & Main would be a great ready to move in location.
OK. I'll see if I can get that done for you.
And now to the most important question.... do they deliver??
Quote from: downtownjag on August 01, 2011, 09:48:01 PM
And now to the most important question.... do they deliver??
Delivery has been "coming soon" since they opened. But it shouldn't dissuade you. The staff there are so nice that I don't mind getting in my car to go pick up my pizza.
If you order a deep dish, be prepared to wait a bit. It takes a while to make, but is worth every minute.
Love Carmines! As a rule, I loathe pineapple pizza. However, I freaking crave the naughty version of their Pineapple Express!!! Capicolla ham, cherry peppers, pineapple and a dusting of coconut? Yes please!
So far I have had The Humble Hummus Pizza, The naughty and nice versions of the Pineapple Express, The White Pizza, The wings, and more Down 'n Dirty fries than I can count. All of them were excellent.
I agree about the portions. I usually split an order of wings and fries with someone and we rarely finish.
I don't know if I'd say it's th best restaurant in Riverside, but it is definitely one of my favorites.
1. Carmine's pizza is fantastic.
2. I actually prefer eating there. It's nice to be able to go OUT for a pizza. The ambiance is great, as are the people.
Carmines is such a great neighborhood pizza place and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't been there. I can see it from my house so I walk over there and eat quite often. Plus they have a pretty good beer selection.
On a side note, I know there will be a pizza place at the corner of King and Park, but has anyone else heard about a Mello Mushroom opening on King also?
Carmines was good but it didn't blow me away or anything. Maybe I need to try it again.
Mello Mushroom bailed out because of the enviornmental issues at the old Taylor-Harris Antiques, right next door to Carmine's Pie House.
(Rediculous comment deleted)
After first visit came back two more times within a week.
or flour (they will provide gluten free crust if you ask), they'll give you the dropped salt if you ask, processed is kind of a hip word these days - I guess if pushed they could offer free-range chickens, grass fed beef and non-processed pepperoni (total sic), I've never seen them hit one leaf of spinach nor have my mushrooms cried abuse - so that statement I take with a grain of sand (or elevated salt, your choice).
And what is your definition of long term, in your typical cryptic fashion? 5 months, 2 years, 2 years and 5 months, until the day before they close that store.....
Yes. Carmines is truly different. And even in a good way. But they don't need (knead) you to go there, just keep the papa John's open, because we know they're not different at all. Full Consistency! (Vic readers will know that, the rest of you need to ask Vic.)
poppa johns is the average typical.How far from typical is Carmines?? I would hope Carmines is distanced from typical.
not fair for me to talk of Pizza since I am at about one big pie per year,spaced out,but as a student of the area,prone only to troll here I would say that twenty plus years observation of the hood qualifies as almost sufficient.
I had heard talk of a soon to appear "real" wood oven fired pizza place.Sprung from Orsay employee or interest I recall.
Is Carmines the result?
Wood oven fired is apparently rare.
As a student of the area, we would expect you to have learned from ordinary pizza to exceptional pizza even with your 1 pie/year spread over 20 years.
It's not so much the woody flavor that the oven imparts to the pizza as it is the heat - +900 degrees is not uncommon, and actually is benefitted by using fresh dough and non-frozen ingredients. Maybe you just don't know what you're looking for, much like U2 in the early 90's, but I'll tell you what you seek....
It's a flavorful crust. One that is thin. One that is crunchy on the bottom, tender in the middle and forms a crease when you fold it. The toppings are irrelevant, so long as their fresh or choice. The cheese is extremely important, as it should be thouroughly melted through the toppings and have a few crispy, browned bubbles on the exterior. Wood, charcoal, wood-charcoal: they all impart a slighty smokey flavor with a hint of carbonization while a gas oven only provides inadequate heat and moisture. That's the difference you're looking for.
Maybe you should PM me with some contact info and I'll treat you to a Carmines pizza and we'll order a papa johan's (or your choice of commercial pie) this weekend and we can sit down, critique and enjoy over a few pints of delicious, jax-brewed beers. Ask Mrs. N. Miami and N. Miami-mini-me's because it is a family adventure.
The free pizza offer is only open to NM, but if anyone here wants to share a pie and some brew this weekend, post it here and let's make an MJ day of it. I promise, that while I can't recreate the crawl, I can give you a good insight to what goes on. ;D
Tony
QuoteI had heard talk of a soon to appear "real" wood oven fired pizza place.Sprung from Orsay employee or interest I recall.
Is Carmines the result?
I think you're referring to Pele's which is slated to open eventually on King. Different place. Doesn't really sound like you're a pizza fan though.
I think once Kickback's expands and can expedite their service time, they will regain top honors on King Street. Carmines is a great addition, but in my opinion Kickbacks is King of King Street.
Oh man...it's only 9:40 AM and I'm craving a Carmines deep dish and a Jersey Shore Fried Calzone!
I will try Carmines for Lunch today.
Wow, you are the (pizza) man!
Mrs. NotNow and myself (as well as a portion of the NotNow clan) are going to try Carmines this weekend. (Allthough pizza is DEFINITELY not on the diet).
I heard this one time someone went there and there was a long line but they let some of their employee's go first and then didn't apologize very well so ...... wait I am thinking of the wrong place.
Carmines is wonderful.
P.S. I like that other place too.
NN, the wings are probably also not on the diet. But if you like wings at all, try the Gold Rush flavor. Depending on the size of your brood, an order of 11 makes a tasty appetizer before the pizza. And you'll have more pizza to bring home for leftovers.
Thanks Jimmy, we'll throw in the appetizer!
So I heard that Pele's pulled out of the pharmacy space? The landlord had to actually get a lawyer to get Peles to put the glass back in from where the windows were pulled out....anyone know?
:D
There is no pizza or Italian food in Riverside, Murray Hill, or Avondale that can compare with Carmine's. I have gone there at least once a week since it opened. One of the owners came to our table yesterday and just chatted about ideas for the beer menu. The staff is down to earth and friendly, and has caused this Moon River fan to leave Moon River behind. Try the strombolis, calzones, pizzas, and pasta dishes---- you won't go wrong!!! Even better, the strombolis and calzones are affordable, as is their slices of pizza!!!! I paid $6.49 for my stromboli and still have half of it left for another meal. You definitely get what you pay for at Carmine's!!! Enjoy and good eats!!
Randy L
Quote from: acme54321 on August 02, 2011, 01:20:35 PM
Carmines was good but it didn't blow me away or anything. Maybe I need to try it again.
I'm curious, What did you have?
Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 03, 2011, 09:15:36 AM
I think once Kickback's expands and can expedite their service time, they will regain top honors on King Street. Carmines is a great addition, but in my opinion Kickbacks is King of King Street.
I like me some Kickbacks but it's hard for me to compare the two restaurants.
Also, Kickbacks is going to need to do more than just expand to fix their services issues. That entire wait staff needs an overhaul. It's not only the entrees that are slow. Drink orders move at a turtle's pace as well. My friends and I regularly skip Kickbacks simply because we don't want to deal with the service. Which is a total shame because the food and beer selection is excellent.
Quote from UnderGroundGourmet:
"So I heard that Pele's pulled out of the pharmacy space? The landlord had to actually get a lawyer to get Peles to put the glass back in from where the windows were pulled out....anyone know?"
Just spoke with The Goddess of Fire and your source should jump into a Volcano. Those windows are "low-E" energy efficient new windows installed by 'Pele' himself.
A buildout like this takes time because they are doing it one way: the right way. Rest assured Park and King will be the world epicenter (at least NorthEastFlorida) of wood-fired pizza (plus other delights).
I enjoyed the waitstaff, and the environment, but the food was not memorable. I had the two slice special (Beef and Sausage), a drink and the cheesy bread.
They tasted about the same as Vino's in San Marco that I tried for a first time too, they were just kind of bland.
Picasso's' is still my favorite in the city for Pizza. It is Picasso's and then their is everything else.
I like Kickbacks but pretty much stopped going because it often takes 8 minutes to get a beer, after you have ordered it. If you go someplace several times and have the same "problem" there each time then you stop going. Kickback's may have cured this problem, I don't know. I do know that I get my beer much quicker at Carmine's.
I also stoppped going to Al's because their staff is bizarre. I go in, sit at the bar, order food, and then have to ask for fork knife and napkin when the food arrives because they never brought me one. Isn't that the most basic thing at a restaurant?? Also, the staff there is concerned with one thing: getting the hell out of the place. They close early, etc etc etc.................. They don't give a 'rat's behind' about the business, just their pay check and going out afterward.
"So I heard that Pele's pulled out of the pharmacy space? The landlord had to actually get a lawyer to get Peles to put the glass back in from where the windows were pulled out....anyone know?"
Just spoke with The Goddess of Fire and your source should jump into a Volcano. Those windows are "low-E" energy efficient new windows installed by 'Pele' himself.
A buildout like this takes time because they are doing it one way: the right way. Rest assured Park and King will be the world epicenter (at least NorthEastFlorida) of wood-fired pizza (plus other delights).
yipee! I love Peles pizza!
BTW it was heard from the local hens in the nearby shops. Glad to put THAT fire out!
Quote from: A-Finnius on August 03, 2011, 01:05:19 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on August 02, 2011, 01:20:35 PM
Carmines was good but it didn't blow me away or anything. Maybe I need to try it again.
I'm curious, What did you have?
Calazone maybe?
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
Carmine's should open a restaurant in Springfield. That would be awesome.
Quote from: Live_Oak on August 05, 2011, 09:38:41 AM
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
13G has the best sandwich in Riverside. I would give you that.
Quote from: Live_Oak on August 05, 2011, 09:38:41 AM
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
You bring up a good point. We're probably going with Carmine's just because its more an everyday thing, whereas I consider Gypsies more a special once or twice a month kinda deal. It is awesome though.
Quote from: acme54321 on August 02, 2011, 01:20:35 PM
Carmines was good but it didn't blow me away or anything. Maybe I need to try it again.
Ditto!
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 05, 2011, 09:56:23 AM
Quote from: Live_Oak on August 05, 2011, 09:38:41 AM
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
13G has the best sandwich in Riverside. I would give you that.
Gotta love that DoCo!
Call me crazy, but not only is 13 Gypsies one of the best restaurants in Riverside, I'd say it's the best restaurant in Jacksonville, and, on par with countless tapas restaurants I've eaten at in Barcelona. Quality, creativity, and consistency. Pinnacles of a good restaurant.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 05, 2011, 09:56:23 AM
Quote from: Live_Oak on August 05, 2011, 09:38:41 AM
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
13G has the best sandwich in Riverside. I would give you that.
What's the sandwich?
Quote from: thelakelander on August 05, 2011, 08:59:17 PM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 05, 2011, 09:56:23 AM
Quote from: Live_Oak on August 05, 2011, 09:38:41 AM
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
13G has the best sandwich in Riverside. I would give you that.
What's the sandwich?
I know you weren't talking to me, but their Roast Beef is f'ing outstanding. So is their chorizo burger. Mmmmm...
Quote from: thelakelander on August 05, 2011, 08:59:17 PM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 05, 2011, 09:56:23 AM
Quote from: Live_Oak on August 05, 2011, 09:38:41 AM
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
13G has the best sandwich in Riverside. I would give you that.
What's the sandwich?
The Double Cow. It's roast beef with seasoning and cheese. Not sure exactly what they put in it, but out of this world.
Quote from: ben says on August 06, 2011, 10:10:06 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on August 05, 2011, 08:59:17 PM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 05, 2011, 09:56:23 AM
Quote from: Live_Oak on August 05, 2011, 09:38:41 AM
Carmines is great and all, but if I had to pick what I thought was the best restaurant in Riverside, it would have to be 13 Gypsies. Am I the only one?
13G has the best sandwich in Riverside. I would give you that.
What's the sandwich?
I know you weren't talking to me, but their Roast Beef is f'ing outstanding. So is their chorizo burger. Mmmmm...
Yeah that Roast Beef is the one I was talking about, it's called the Double Cow on their menu. I totally agree, it's awesome.
No one has mentioned the Lobster Mac & Cheese???? Divine! I can only eat MAYBE a third of the portion served.
I love Carmines! We live just down the street and consider them an asset to the neighborhood.
Something else new they are running is a contest for local artists to contribute to the decor:
QuoteCALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS!!! If you or anyone you know would like to become a part of Carmine's walls/floor/doors message us, or stop in! We are offering individual spaces for local artists to express themselves. The artwork will remain up for one year, and a judging will be done. The artist of the winning piece will win Carmines Cash!!!!
They will be posting more details on their facebook page.
Quote from: acme54321 on August 02, 2011, 01:20:35 PM
Carmines was good but it didn't blow me away or anything. Maybe I need to try it again.
I think it's all about the perspective you have when visiting Carmines for the first time. If you view it as a local establishment, comparing it to other places in the neighborhood it pretty much blows you away, but when I brought my co-workers who are used to the options on the Southside, Beaches & Town-Center, they weren't as impressed. Of course they only tried the thin crust slices, not any of the specialty subs or thick crust.
I enjoy most every thing they have, but i'm still hearing complaints about the freshness of some of the vegetable toppings. A few people have mentioned being disappointed with the canned mushrooms, etc.
I really like Carmines' food but their service has been slow two of the four times I have been in there. It may just be there Saturday afternoon shift, but I was in there with my soon to be father in law on two different Saturday afternoons and it took nearly 30 minutes to get our food. This was with maybe 4-5 other tables being occupied at that time. The people are always friendly so I don't have any complaints there, but somewhere there is a hold up of getting things done.
That said I think their food is awesome, the beer selection is good, and I will still be going back.
I have had there pizza it is very good.
I've heard a few complaints about veggie options too. Kind of a screw you attitude if we accidentally put chicken on your veggie pizza. But people go back because the pizza is good.
I have noticed lately that they have toned down the amount of coconut on the Pineapple express. That was one of the thing I liked the most about it.
Quote from: David on August 16, 2011, 04:15:46 PM
I think it's all about the perspective you have when visiting Carmines for the first time. If you view it as a local establishment, comparing it to other places in the neighborhood it pretty much blows you away
Dunno, for me if I'm getting pizza I go to Moon River and get the white.
Quote from: David on August 16, 2011, 04:15:46 PM
but when I brought my co-workers who are used to the options on the Southside, Beaches & Town-Center, they weren't as impressed.
Have you considered the possibility that your chain-restaurant eating co-workers might have bad taste?
Quote from: jaxlore on August 17, 2011, 11:52:18 AM
I've heard a few complaints about veggie options too. Kind of a screw you attitude if we accidentally put chicken on your veggie pizza. But people go back because the pizza is good.
I think their veg options are pretty awesome. And I've never had one inter-mingled.
Quote from: acme54321 on August 17, 2011, 12:19:04 PM
Dunno, for me if I'm getting pizza I go to Moon River and get the white.
Have you tried Carmine's?
Quote from: PeeJayEss on August 18, 2011, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: David on August 16, 2011, 04:15:46 PM
but when I brought my co-workers who are used to the options on the Southside, Beaches & Town-Center, they weren't as impressed.
Have you considered the possibility that your chain-restaurant eating co-workers might have bad taste?
+1
LMAO, you read my mind when I saw his post.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on August 18, 2011, 01:30:30 PM
Quote from: PeeJayEss on August 18, 2011, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: David on August 16, 2011, 04:15:46 PM
but when I brought my co-workers who are used to the options on the Southside, Beaches & Town-Center, they weren't as impressed.
Have you considered the possibility that your chain-restaurant eating co-workers might have bad taste?
+2
Man when I read this, this really made me laugh. God knows I needed a laugh after dealing with my ex today.
LMAO, you read my mind when I saw his post.
the picnic tables are a nice touch. my dinner last night with friend and dog was very tasty