So what is Jax's BEST Restaurant?

David · April 28, 2009, 02:44:49 PM

Caps on the intercoastal for its scenery alone.

The Compound · April 28, 2009, 03:10:37 PM

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

pwhitford · April 28, 2009, 03:17:42 PM

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

stephElf · April 28, 2009, 03:37:02 PM

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.

stephElf · April 28, 2009, 03:39:31 PM

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!

stephElf · April 28, 2009, 03:44:06 PM

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.

KenFSU · April 28, 2009, 04:42:20 PM

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.

Doctor_K · April 28, 2009, 04:49:11 PM

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.

Tripoli1711 · April 28, 2009, 04:52:27 PM

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.

Doctor_K · 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.

stephElf · 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.

TPC · April 28, 2009, 05:01:54 PM

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.

Doctor_K · April 28, 2009, 05:41:24 PM

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.

Bewler · 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.

Tripoli1711 · April 29, 2009, 09:34:42 AM

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.