Metro Jacksonville

I know this is broad - but overall, if you could recommend only one dining experience to an out-of towner, regardless of price or area, what would be Jacksonville's BEST thing going right now?  I'm inclined to lead off with Orsay.

I really think that depends on the person.  Orsay is amazing.. and while it might feel comfortable to me, some people are going to feel uptight and uncomfortable there. 

I think you really need to have at least a few categories.

I've yet to experience Orsay.  For me, it's still Biscottis.

I'm with you on that. Whether its brunch or a nice dinner, I would go with Biscottis.

Because I love this place so much,  SUMO SUSHI!  I'm sure it is out-classed by many of the restaurants the various foodies that frequent this website will suggest, but for great service and a great product at a reasonable price, Sumo Sushi is the spot for me.

Foodies.  Are those like hippies? :D

Because I'm admittedly not as well-versed in the locally-owned dining establishments as 'the foodies,' (thanks Ziss...love it!) I also like The Brick and Bistro Aix.  They're definitely in the Top 5.

Orsay, Aix, Biscottis, And I have a new fine dining fave... 11 South in Jax beach.  Very good! :)

I've been wanting to check out a 11 south for months... one of these days.

Are we strictly talking about fine dining?

I love Beachside Seafood out in Jax Beach... it's definitely not fine dining but the out-a-towner’s that I've taken there rave about the food and always want to go again when they come back.

Chew is one of my favorite upscale places, Pom's in San Marco and the Thai Room at the beach are really good too.

Goal Post Sandwich Shop in Avondale.

QuoteAre we strictly talking about fine dining?

Nope - not necessarily; just best all around I suppose.  BTW, isn't it great that there's yet to be a chain mentioned.  I led with Orsay, but Mossfire is such a great casual choice as well.

I would have to chime in with 13 Gypsies-great food, intimate setting, great for sharing (tapas) & reasonable prices.  Also, although well outside my bubble, the Thai Room is always a very nice choice when we're at the beach.

Quote from: blizz01 on April 27, 2009, 04:25:34 PM
I know this is broad - but overall, if you could recommend only one dining experience to an out-of towner, regardless of price or area, what would be Jacksonville's BEST thing going right now? 

Clarks Fish Camp would give out of-towner the Jax experience

My favorite restaurant in Jax is Pastiche in Avondale, but for an overall dining experience, I might recommend dinner overlooking the ocean at the Ponte Vedra Inn.

I don't know if St Augustine counts but Gypsy Cab Company is also a great restaurant.

I love several of the restaurants already listed, but I think Seven Bridges food is pretty damn good, whether it's just chicken nachos at the bar or seared tuna on the outside patio.  It doesn't hurt that the beer brewed on site isn't half bad either.  Reasonable prices, quality food, friendly staff and a cool environment...now if only it were close to downtown instead of at Tinseltown.

Quote from: AndyR on April 28, 2009, 08:29:47 AM
Clarks Fish Camp would give out of-towner the Jax experience

Agreed.

Outback Crab Shack

http://www.outbackcrabshack.com/

I love Clarks but don't go much because my wife is freaked out by the stuffed dead animals.

Quote from: thelakelander on April 28, 2009, 12:11:49 PM
I love Clarks but don't go much because my wife is freaked out by the stuffed dead animals.

...and that sponge monster in the front door is just deluxe-creepy!  But I love their food too.

Fine dining, I'd have to say Chew, or Tento in Jax Beach.

QuoteGypsy Cab Company is also a great restaurant

S'ok. Zhanra's is better.

Clarks Fish Camp is a bit unusual....Like a poor man's rainforest cafe.  I vote for Orsay

#1 - Bistro Aix
#2 - Clark's Fish Camp

Quote from: TheProfessor on April 28, 2009, 01:12:38 PM
Clarks Fish Camp is a bit unusual....Like a poor man's rainforest cafe.  I vote for Orsay

as a side bar - i want to jump into your avatar and steal your dogs. so cute!

If I were asked this two â€" three years ago I would have said with total confidence The Copper Cellar at the Landing, before it was changed to the now defunct Cellar Grill.

It offered:

- An upscale yet also somehow relaxed environment. (Swanky enough for a romantic date or  - special evening but also laid back enough to that you could feel comfortable wearing jeans or shorts)
- Beautiful view of the river
- Menu with universal appeal
- Burgers and Steaks that easily rivaled the best Ruth Chris or Outback could offer
- Moderate prices
- Full bar with both regular AND micro brewed beer, made on site

The only thing bad I could say about it is that it was that it was in the landing. Oh and I guess the fact that it's no longer there.


One place that does deserve mention and actually still exists is JJ Bistro off of Gate Park. Amazing French cuisine with a small wine, cheese and cake shop inside. And it has a giant model of the Eiffel Tower.

What, no love for Matthew's in San Marco?

Biscottis

Quote from: pwhitford on April 28, 2009, 02:29:32 PM
What, no love for Matthew's in San Marco?

No, just no $$$ for it.

Is there that much difference between the pricesa at Matthew's and Bistro AIX or b.b.'s?

Oh yeah, and since there are no restrictions on your question, I have to vote for Metro Diner.  I could live there from breakfast through lunch.  I love a real diner!

Caps on the intercoastal for its scenery alone.

Quote from: pwhitford on April 28, 2009, 02:38:56 PM
Is there that much difference between the pricesa at Matthew's and Bistro AIX or b.b.'s?

Yeah I believe I just saw in San Marco magazine, Mathews entrees are about $25 and up, Aix and BBs are about $12 and up

Yep, you're right; double is quite a difference in price.  Shows you how often I get to these restaurants.   

I can't name just one.

Biscotti's, Bistro AIX, Mossfire, JJ's Bistro, Barbara Jeans At Wards Landing (awesome, awesome view and you will eat way too much tasty southern cooking) Fontana's Italian on Beach Blvd.

BBs is good but I wish it was a little more spacious inside. The Brick is good too, but consistently get cruddy service.

Oh and Metro Diner for best breakfast / brunch ever.  They have a dish there that I think is called huevos rancheros ( I am probably butchering that).  SO GOOD.

I still have a bug up my butt to get over to Chew. Maybe Thur or over the weekend!

Quote from: TREE4309 on April 28, 2009, 11:45:22 AM
I love several of the restaurants already listed, but I think Seven Bridges food is pretty damn good, whether it's just chicken nachos at the bar or seared tuna on the outside patio.  It doesn't hurt that the beer brewed on site isn't half bad either.  Reasonable prices, quality food, friendly staff and a cool environment...now if only it were close to downtown instead of at Tinseltown.

I'll second that. 7b overall is one of my favorite places in town hands-down for all the reasons mentioned above.  We have Thursday gatherings there, but I usually get there 1 or 2 a month in addition to that because I like it so much.

I guess it all depends on what kind of experience they are looking for. If they are looking to try something different, Espeto in Ortega is fantastic. If they are looking for a great local restaurant, you can't beat AIX or BB's. The Brick and Biscotti's are always good, and I would have also suggested Cafe Carmon a month ago. If they want sweeping views of downtown, River City or Ruth's Chris are the obvious choices. And, for better or worse, if they want a taste of present day Jacksonville as it currently exists, send them to the Town Center. The Capital Grille has a kona-rubbed filet with parmesan truffle fries that's to die for.

I most definitely miss that place that used to be on Beach on the Intracoastal.  Or maybe it was on Atlantic?  Shoot.  I don't remember anymore.  Lighthouse Grill or something?  It was a chain-restaurant of California Dreaming.  Sat right on the Intracostal and the windows offered a phenomenal view of such.  Great food, even if it was a chain.

Yes.  It was Lighthouse Grille.  It did have a fantastic view, and a fantastic deck.  I forget what it was called but they had one of the better salads I have ever had, and fantastic bread with your meals.  It was a good place.

Lighthouse Grille Salad.  A.k.a. The California Dreaming Salad.  Their version of a Cobb.  So0o0o good.  Honey rolls were slurp-tastic.

Quote from: Doctor_K on April 28, 2009, 04:54:03 PM
Lighthouse Grille Salad.  A.k.a. The California Dreaming Salad.  Their version of a Cobb.  So0o0o good.  Honey rolls were slurp-tastic.

I didn't know they had the California Dreaming salad there! I would have actually went there! I've only been to one once in S. Carolina and I am still missing that salad.

I just had a friend from Tampa come visit and I usually make it a point to take out-of-towners to the Burrito Gallery.

Good menu with many vegetarian/vegan options, a bar, outdoor options, and live entertainment on certain nights.

Quote from: stephElf on April 28, 2009, 04:58:08 PM

Quote from: Doctor_K on April 28, 2009, 04:54:03 PM
Lighthouse Grille Salad.  A.k.a. The California Dreaming Salad.  Their version of a Cobb.  So0o0o good.  Honey rolls were slurp-tastic.

I didn't know they had the California Dreaming salad there! I would have actually went there! I've only been to one once in S. Carolina and I am still missing that salad.

Yepper!  I'd been to the California Dreaming locations in both Charleston and Greenville (I think? Spartanburg maybe?) and had loved it.  When I realized that Lighthouse Grille was essentially the same restaurant, it became my instant favorite.

I remember the Lighthouse. Mainly from Friday happy hours, $3 pitchers of LONG ISLANDS! Then the place eventually turned into a full blown club at nights.

Quote from: Bewler on April 28, 2009, 06:29:48 PM
I remember the Lighthouse. Mainly from Friday happy hours, $3 pitchers of LONG ISLANDS! Then the place eventually turned into a full blown club at nights.

Yes.  The $3 pitcher of Long Island... it really created one of those moment when I felt perhaps I should take a long look in the mirror as I had 3 straws in my mouth slurping down the last drops of the entire pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea I just consumed. 

This part of the thread has made me very sad I cannot have the aforementioned salad for lunch today.

That salad had a small cluster of potato sticks on top!  (not chips but sticks)

I want!   :o

Since it was such a popular news piece during the Super Bowl here...Our best restaurant is Waffle House!  (Although many seem to be closing)

Not really...but places like Mossfire, Bistro Aix are my fav

2nd on Metro Diner (and Matthews for the $$$ option)

Also:
seafood (fried) -- Singleton's in Mayport.  Best fried seafood in Florida
BBQ -- Jerome Brown's or Cottons or (if da norfside scares you) Bono's
burgers -- there's a place at the beach with outside seating and milkshakes (name?) or you can drive to Fernandina and have T-Rays (best burgers EVAH).
Taste of Thai on University
Hala or Wafaa & Mikes (specially that falafel)
Mungos at the Landing

and if Stephen would get off his bum we could add Boomtown.  Oh well :)

Cleo's on Eastport Rd (Northside) has the best taco salad ever!  good burgers, sweet tea, and home made pudding too.

Cap's & Metro Diner are definitely some of the best in the area. Cap's reminds me of the Conch House which I like for both dining and fun in the sun.

I know this is a chain but only in the SE - Sonny's. Great bbq and people I've taken (visiting Jax) seemed to really enjoy it.

I'll second singleton's for broiled sea scallops, collard greens and the best freakin hush puppies!

LEMONGRASS IS THE BEST THAI IN JAX!

I'll still need to get over to Cilantro's and check out their Indian. It is 2 seconds from my house.

QuoteLEMONGRASS IS THE BEST THAI IN JAX!

GALANGAL near Palencia is probably a better setting/experience, however, I think it's the same owners so that's a wash I suppose.

QuoteMungos at the Landing

Mongo's is now Gold's Gym, although they do serve some tasty protein shakes there.

QuoteMongo's is now Gold's Gym

They're still around, but they closed shop @ the Landing & reopened in Fleming Island / Eagle Harbor (closer to home).  BTW, they're going strong & doing a great job.  They bring in a keg on the weekends & for $5 they give you a solo cup & it's all you care to consume........Weekend brunch is crazy - fill your bowl & they'll make you an omelet the size of a football!

Aw.  Fleming Island is far away :(

@shwaz -- please, please stop taking people to Sonny's.  If you must go to a larger sit down barbecue place (instead of the aforementioned Cotton's or Jerome Brown) take your people to Bono's. 

stephElf -- haven't made it to lemongrass.  How do they compare to Taste of Thai?

I tried to go to taste of thai but they only do takeouts at night on like mondays and tuesdays or something

there is another thai place in OP in a plaza near a block buster/ red losbster i believe that is equally as good in terms of taste and comparable price but the environment is like a library

lemongrass has a trendy interior, but you feel like you can hang out there and chat it up for a while... light years better than aura thai in taste and environment if you were ever there....

Quote@shwaz -- please, please stop taking people to Sonny's.  If you must go to a larger sit down barbecue place (instead of the aforementioned Cotton's or Jerome Brown) take your people to Bono's. 

No

Like I said - Sonny's is regional to the SE, has great bbq and sauces. Their prices are great too. I like Monroe's (great sauces) too but it's a dump inside. I once took a client from Alaska to Sonny's on an inprompto lunch and he almost finished off the "feast for 4" by himself. Just because they have more than one store doesn't mean the're poor quality.

this is going to turn into a BBQ war.

bonos is best... mojos is ok... not a fan of sonny's or woody's.
this local shack on phillips by shad road is awesome for lunch

When we have guests in town, we always take them to Cap's and possibly the Casa Marina brunch. Cilantro was our favorite until it got shut down, but there is other great Indian food on Baymeadows.

Taco Lu is our new favorite: the only good Mexican in all Jax. We quickly tired of hearing Mexican restaurant recommendations and checking them out, only to be served tortillas stuffed with greasy ground beef. Horrors! But Taco Lu is a real ray of light.

Taco Lu is fantastic.

Going tonight actually.

How's the dinner at Casa Marina?

Quote from: kirakira on April 29, 2009, 01:55:21 PM
When we have guests in town, we always take them to Cap's and possibly the Casa Marina brunch. Cilantro was our favorite until it got shut down, but there is other great Indian food on Baymeadows.

Taco Lu is our new favorite: the only good Mexican in all Jax. We quickly tired of hearing Mexican restaurant recommendations and checking them out, only to be served tortillas stuffed with greasy ground beef. Horrors! But Taco Lu is a real ray of light.

cilantro is definitely closed?

'fraid so: :'(


He employed illegal immigrants at Cilantro, a popular Jacksonville restaurant.

By Paul Pinkham Story updated at 7:35 AM on Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2009

The co-owner of a popular Jacksonville restaurant received a three-month sentence Monday for harboring illegal aliens and faces certain deportation to his native India.

Sanjit Kumar Rajak, who was head chef and manager of Cilantro Indian Cuisine in Mandarin, will complete his prison sentence in about a week because he has been behind bars since his January arrest. He agreed to a $5,000 fine.

His lawyer, Shawn Arnold, said he expects deportation proceedings to begin immediately, a bitter end for a successful businessman who lived a rags-to-riches story. Arnold said Rajak won't be allowed to re-enter the United States for five to 10 years.

Rajak admitted hiring four illegal workers and leasing their Sunbeam Road apartment. He has no other criminal record.

"We don't see very many employers, as opposed to employees, prosecuted under the immigration laws," U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan said.

During the investigation, immigration authorities learned Rajak had entered the United States in 2002 with fraudulent documentation that he was a religious worker, Assistant U.S. Attorney Dale Campion said. That documentation allowed Rajak to remain in the country longer than the three days allowed by his foreign crew visa and made it easier to become a permanent resident, Campion said.

But Campion also noted Rajak has been "quite helpful" with investigations in at least two other jurisdictions, meriting a shorter sentence.

As his American fiancee wept in the back of the courtroom, Rajak told Corrigan about growing up in poverty and about finding cooking jobs in Bombay and then a cruise ship to support his family in India.

"A generation or two ago, he would have been celebrated, not in shackles," Arnold said.

Rajak testified that his father couldn't work after donating a kidney to Rajak's brother, who had cancer. So when his ship docked in Port Canaveral, he left and found higher-paying work at a Melbourne restaurant. He said he falsified the documents after a lawyer advised him his immigration chances would improve if he declared himself a religious worker.

"At that moment, I was thinking ... I had no other option," he told Corrigan. "My only intention was to work hard and support my family."

Within a year he was head chef, and when a colleague suggested opening a restaurant in Jacksonville, he went along. Cilantro opened to rave reviews in 2006, and a sister restaurant followed in Tampa. Arnold said Rajak earned about $72,000 last year and paid his taxes since opening the restaurant.

Rajak told Corrigan he hired aliens after poor response to advertisements for American workers. He said he leased the apartment because he didn't want them living on the streets. But Campion said Rajak gained an unfair advantage over competitors by hiring illegal workers.

paul.pinkham@jacksonville.com,

Best Breakfast in town: Metro diner

Best Lunch in Town: The French Pantry

Best Dinner in Town: Matthew's, Orsay, Morton's, Pastiche, Giovanni's, Dwight's.

I know I listed a few more than needed, but each provide something the others don't.  Jacksonville has a ton of great food, and I think it stacks up to many bigger cities.

Did Metro Diner used to be on University just north of the Expressway, then moved somewhere else?  Am I thinking of the right place?

Shwaz -- can you really say that Sonny's is a better option than Bono's?  Have you ever been to Bono's?  Or have you been to Cotton's or Jerome Brown?

'Cause right now you sound like someone whose only experience with hamburgers has been McDonald's

Quote'Cause right now you sound like someone whose only experience with hamburgers has been McDonald's

Food Fight!

:: would throw a rack of Jerome Brown ribs but realizes they are delicious -- instead throws Crapplebees "riblets"::

:: goes to subway in san marco to gather food fight ammo ::

Rancid meat and bread so hard and stale you could crush diamonds with it = victory!

Quote from: KenFSU on April 29, 2009, 01:58:44 PM
Taco Lu is fantastic.

How's the dinner at Casa Marina?

I don't know about dinner. The Sunday brunch is pretty good; lots of seafood for my Mr. and big fluffy/crispy waffles for our son. I like the fried green tomato eggs Benedict thing and the other Southern-breakfasty treats.

Their bar is cool too.

About Mexican -- what's wrong with La Nopalera?  Uber-authentic mexican + some texicano for those afraid of messy messy food & $15 pitchers of margaritas!

La Nop FTW!

Quote from: gmpalmer on April 29, 2009, 05:15:10 PM
Shwaz -- can you really say that Sonny's is a better option than Bono's?  Have you ever been to Bono's?  Or have you been to Cotton's or Jerome Brown?

'Cause right now you sound like someone whose only experience with hamburgers has been McDonald's

I prefer Sonny's to Bono's any day of the week. 

I like them equally.  Sonny's baby backs are better, but Bono's turkey and chicken is supreme.

Cotten's beats all, though ;)

QuoteShwaz -- can you really say that Sonny's is a better option than Bono's?  Have you ever been to Bono's?  Or have you been to Cotton's or Jerome Brown?

'Cause right now you sound like someone whose only experience with hamburgers has been McDonald's

I've eaten at all of those in town... eaten ribs in Kansas City and at the Webber Grill in Chicago.

I've even listed why I prefer Sonny's and you're just saying you like Bonos more (but not why) - you sound like some comparing Burger King to Mc Donalds and BK wins 'just because'.

Quote
I prefer Sonny's to Bono's any day of the week. 

Tree, I thought I knew you man. You can't deny Bono's hawg sandwich, doubled stacked with pulled pork.

Hah just as predicted earlier, this is turning into the "what's the best bbq  in town" thread. I haven't had cottons in forever. I tried Jenkins 2-3 times and I’m not feeling the ribs everyone raves about.

Oh I just tried Sala Thai on Beach blvd for the first time today, that's a pretty tasty joint! Plus, my lunch was under 10 bucks which is hard to find at some of the thai places around here. *coughbasilcough*

Quote from: kirakira on April 29, 2009, 01:55:21 PM
When we have guests in town, we always take them to Cap's and possibly the Casa Marina brunch. Cilantro was our favorite until it got shut down, but there is other great Indian food on Baymeadows.

Taco Lu is our new favorite: the only good Mexican in all Jax. We quickly tired of hearing Mexican restaurant recommendations and checking them out, only to be served tortillas stuffed with greasy ground beef. Horrors! But Taco Lu is a real ray of light.

Have you eaten mexican food in mexico (e.g., not at your hotel, but at a street vendor or a restaurant)?

A tortilla stuffed with greasy meat is as authentic as it gets. LaNop, while greasy if you're not in the particular mood for that, is fantastic and uber-authentic.

Ha Ha - It's always nice to start a food thread every few weeks! ;)

Quote from: duvalbill on April 29, 2009, 03:12:25 PM
Best Lunch in Town: The French Pantry

I was waiting for someone to mention this!  French Pantry's deliciousness defies words!  CAN'T be beat!

Quote from: CMG22 on April 30, 2009, 04:24:36 PM

Quote from: duvalbill on April 29, 2009, 03:12:25 PM
Best Lunch in Town: The French Pantry

I was waiting for someone to mention this!  French Pantry's deliciousness defies words!  CAN'T be beat!

+1

Sonny's beef and pork are dry enough to use as replacement for silicon packs.
Their ribs are tough.  Their sauce is uninspiring.

Bono's meat is tender & full of flavor.  The sauces are wide-ranging and awesome.

Singleton's in Mayport is expensive and the portions are too small. O'Steen's in St.Augustine is better.

Still...overall...Goal Post baby...

If they are into sports, I'd recommend Sneakers at the beach as well.

Singleton's portions are too small?  What are you, a behemoth?
The platter for two feeds a family of four with leftovers!

Quote from: cayohueso on April 30, 2009, 11:25:02 PM
Singleton's in Mayport is expensive and the portions are too small. O'Steen's in St.Augustine is better.

Still...overall...Goal Post baby...

Huh? I can't think of one time I've ever been able to make it all the way through what I've ordered at Singleton's. Are you sure we're talking about the same place?

If you're going to say something bad about Singleton's, it would be how they need to change the grease in their deep fryers more than once every 3 months so everything doesn't taste the same. But I'm astounded that anybody could say the portions are too small...

They're gigantic. The average platter there must be 5lbs of food. You have leftovers for a week.

This thread has gone from Orsay to Sneakers!?

mmmm...Goal Post.  Steak In A Sack please!

I'll just go ahead and throw out some other great restaurants in town.  I wish the Corner Brasserie was still around, it was far and away better than Bistro Aix.

Other restaurants worth trying out: Picasso's Pizza (best pizza in town), Barbara jean's (best crabcakes), The Medditeranea, Cafe Nola (great lunch).

Quote from: gmpalmer on April 29, 2009, 11:54:43 PM
About Mexican -- what's wrong with La Nopalera? 

Absolutely nothing.

32 oz beers? Check
Free nachos and salsa? Check (a lot of Mexican places aren’t doing this anymore I’ve noticed)
Cheap? Check
Tasty food and sauces? Check check
Massive portions? OH BUH-leeve dat be a check. I almost always leave with enough leftovers to host a buffet.

So that said, it looks like we have a winner!

Thread closed.

Anyone who didn't say La Nop... account banned.

Quote from: duvalbill on May 01, 2009, 10:52:23 AM
Cafe Nola (great lunch).

Probably my single favorite restaurant in Jacksonville...

Fantastic, creative, and high-quality food, along with a good wine list, a full bar, great ambiance, and fair prices.

This place honestly has everything. I just wish they did dinner more than 2 nights a week.

La Nopolera really isn't that good.  I have no idea what the obsession with that restaurant is, but I certainly don't see it.  Cha-Cha's is much better, and the restaurant is clean.

Quote from: duvalbill on May 01, 2009, 11:03:10 AM
La Nopolera really isn't that good.  I have no idea what the obsession with that restaurant is, but I certainly don't see it.  Cha-Cha's is much better, and the restaurant is clean.

oh no you didn't!

Someone has to take a stand.  If you ever make it out to California, you'll realize how bad the Mexican food is here. 

Fair point.  And if you've ever had honest-to-goodness barbeque from North Carolina, you'll say the same about the BBQ joints around here too.  And if you've been to Ireland, or whatever... and on, and on.

Speaking of Irish-themed establishments, I wish there was a Fado's around here.

No one beats my BB-Q, but Mojo does a pretty good job.  I just thought Jax could do better with Mexican, it's sad when the best joint in town IMO is a chain (the place in the town center).  Have you ever eaten at Fionn McCool's?  I was surprised by the tastiness of their food, definitely worth a try if you like Irish food.

Quote from: duvalbill on May 01, 2009, 11:15:21 AM
No one beats my BB-Q, but Mojo does a pretty good job.  I just thought Jax could do better with Mexican, it's sad when the best joint in town IMO is a chain (the place in the town center).  Have you ever eaten at Fionn McCool's?  I was surprised by the tastiness of their food, definitely worth a try if you like Irish food.

Yeah Cantina Laredo is pretty good.

Oh lord.  California mexican is all cleaned up and pretty.  I like my Mexican food good'n'dirty.

And North Carolina BB-Q?  Please.  Florida BBQ is where it's at.  You people who don't like it please move out of my state.  There's too many people here as it is.

I've never been to Cha Cha's, looks like I have a mission now.

And as for as Cali mexican, that's not what this discussion is about.

Quote from: kirakira on April 29, 2009, 01:55:21 PM
Taco Lu is our new favorite: the only good Mexican in all Jax. We quickly tired of hearing Mexican restaurant recommendations and checking them out, only to be served tortillas stuffed with greasy ground beef. Horrors! But Taco Lu is a real ray of light.

Ate at TacoLu at lunch today...awesome and fresh.  The bangin' shrimp taco was delicious.

Cha Cha's tastes just like La Nopalera...stop acting like there's any difference in the food, the only difference is in the presentation of the dining room.

Oh and for the record, I ate lunch at Los Toros on Baymeadows...it tastes the same as the two above mentioned joints as well, but they also own a broom and know how to use it.

Ok, time to Chime In.  F
irst off, I'm pretty positive Bono's started in Jax.  I'm not going to side with either group, but to me Bono's and Sonny's dishes are very different styles of barbecue.  I go to Sonny's and load up on sweet sauce, but I cant touch the stuff at bono's, it's all about the mustard bbq.  Being a resident of Gainesville (UF student), Sonny's is king down here by far.

The thread has almost completely ignored sushi restaurants.  I know they may not compete with Aix or Orsay, but they for sure beat a lot of stuff on here.

To the guy who keeps mentioning Goal Post, get off it.  Russ Doe's by the Hart Bridge is way better and the crowd is far more interesting. 

La Nop beats all other Mexican as far as I'm concerned.  Shame on whoever mentioned Cantina Laredo, that place is horrible and a chain.  That place is like saying pf changs is authentic chinese (it's delicious, but lettuce wraps aren't from China).  If you're complaining that La Nop is dirty, that's because you're a noob.  Anyone who has been going to La Nop for a while (at least '03 or earlier) knows the drastic improvement the interior has undergone.  The place has tripled in size, spruced things up, expanded the menu, and just barely raised the prices.  I'm in love.

Where is Taco Lu?? I will retract all previous comments if Taco Lu meets expectation.

My mouth is watering but I don't know where many of these delicious restaurants are. Can we include address or at least part of town for future submissions??   

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/44/1426327/restaurant/Jacksonville/TacoLu-Jacksonville-Beach

Review of Safe Harbor Seafood in Mayport

http://reviewjax.blogspot.com/2009/05/safe-harbor-seafood-market-cafe.html (http://reviewjax.blogspot.com/2009/05/safe-harbor-seafood-market-cafe.html)

On topic...

Chart House
Bistro Aix (strawberry mojitos + duck, yum!)
Epping Forest Yacht Club (mansion or cafe, both are quite amazing)

And if you feel like driving, A1A Ale House in St. Augustine.

And I haven't been a fan of Cafe Carmon since the late 90's... somehow everything started tasting odd there after that. I'm kind of glad it's been changed to something else.

And the Wine Cellar, how could I forgot...

BTW, French Pantry = amazing lunch ^.^ I concur

HOLY CRAP BATMAN! I went to Yukon, (yeah the old ghost town) and tried the little seafood restaurant. The place looks like crap from the outside, all of Yukon is now the land that time forgot. The seafood in that place was some of the best I have EVER HAD. From the Coleslaw, breading, BIG drinks, service, well above average. Really rather nice inside, and very friendly. Seafood and Shell Fish lovers, if you haven't tried this place, GO!

OCKLAWAHA

Love Trents.We go there about once per month. It is a hidden treasure.

Trent's is definitely one of my favorites.

Trent's rules...go there quite often.

The Blue Crab Restaurant off of 3057 Julington Creek Rd. For Blue Crabs and other Seafood dinners its hard to beat. I've been going for years and have become a regular I always call ahead and ask about size and Cost of the Blue crabs and see if they have any Jumbo's. And the Staff and Owners are Good People.

I like River City Brewing Company.  I like the combo of salty air and starched white tablecloths.

Is that a serious response?

Good microbrew at RCBC!

the beer is fine, the restaurant is mediocre at best.

I really want to do Trent's for a Steph Says... maybe in a few weeks. This weekend I won't be around. I really dig that place, definitely a hidden gem.

Quote from: stephElf on October 08, 2009, 11:01:53 AM
I really want to do Trent's for a Steph Says... maybe in a few weeks. This weekend I won't be around. I really dig that place, definitely a hidden gem.

I'm going with you to Trent's! You can't say no.

Quote from: mandy6488 on October 08, 2009, 01:33:15 PM

Quote from: stephElf on October 08, 2009, 11:01:53 AM
I really want to do Trent's for a Steph Says... maybe in a few weeks. This weekend I won't be around. I really dig that place, definitely a hidden gem.

I'm going with you to Trent's! You can't say no.

It's on! Just better hide your hush puppies.  ;)

We ought to do a whole MJ dinner bash at TRENTS. What other group of progressive, pro preservation, new urbanists would have a meal in a Ghost Town? The food just can't be any better!

OCKLAWAHA  

I have not experienced all of these places that you individuals have mentioned, except for Clark's.
Also not sure if Copeland's is mentioned, because I didn't go through every page.
But Copeland's is delicious.
Ever their ribs and wings. Mmmmm.
Their barbeque sauce has apple in it.