Jacksonville has many different neighborhoods, each with their own unique personality and a diverse range of bars and restaurants. We've included a list of some of our favorite places to eat by neighborhood below!
A Pub Sub from Publix - If you've never been to a Publix before, now is your chance! Go into any Publix and order a Pub Sub but beware...they're addicting.
Liz's order: Chicken tender sub on white, half, lettuce, mayo, provolone cheese, salt/pepper, submarine dressing, Publix lemonade to drink
Joel's order: Ultimate on wheat, full, add garlic pickles, olives, lettuce, honey mustard, submarine dressing, oregano sprinkle
You're welcome.
All places in San Marco are within 5 miles of venue
Southern Grounds & Maple Street Biscuit Co. - Two casual breakfast spots to get your day started. Maple Street Biscuit Co. has some killer biscuit sandwiches but it gets busy, so go early!
Bitty & Beau's Coffee - A nationwide coffee shop, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop, where people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It’s a place where diversity isn’t just appreciated, it’s celebrated. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee proudly employs 400+ individuals with disabilities nationwide. Grab your latte and support a great cause!
Metro Diner - A favorite of every local (and even Guy Fieri!). Metro Diner was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and carries all of your favorite diner staples! We recommend going for breakfast.
The Loop Pizza Grill - Casual lunch or dinner spot with great pizza, burgers, salads, and shakes. Fun Fact: Liz's first job was at her local Loop! Her go-to order: Grilled Chicken Sandwich with a side of honey dijon and fries.
V Pizza & Side Car - Grab your pizza and head over to Sidecar, where you can enjoy a unique house cocktail or microbrew in their urban beer garden!
Taverna - A little more of an upscale restaurant that makes for a cute date night. They've got a great menu with refreshing cocktails and fresh pasta and seafood dishes.
The Bearded Pig- Calling all BBQ lovers (we're looking at you, Memphis people! ). One of Jax's best BBQ spots with all the barbecue staples & endless sauce options!
bb's restaurant & bar - Great for lunch or dinner, bb's is known for their irresistible dessert case of cake slices! Oh, and their food is pretty great, too.
Dreamette Ice Cream - Satisfy your sweet tooth with soft serve ice cream from Dreamette! A true Jax staple with sundaes galore.
Avondale and Riverside are two miles apart and 11 miles from the venue
AVONDALE
Southern Grounds - The Avondale location, just as good as the San Marco one (but with a cuter exterior!).
Fox - We haven't been but Liz's sister, Amy, said her and her family are regulars for breakfast!
(no website!)
Mellow Mushroom - A groovy, casual spot for pizza and beer. This location features a psychedelic fire truck inside the restaurant! Fun fact: this is where Joel met Liz's parents for the first time!
Brick Restaurant - A Jacksonville staple that's been around for years. The Brick has something for everyone with the option to dine al fresco on their sidewalk patio.
(no website!)
Mojo No. 4 - Jacksonville loves its BBQ! Another tasty joint with a great whiskey selection.
Orsay - Amy's favorite restaurant! An upscale spot with something for everyone. Vegan and vegetarian options also available. Tip from Amy: go for Happy Hour and try their delicious cocktails!
Casbah Cafe - One of Jacksonville's best Middle Eastern restaurants and hookah lounge. Lively atmosphere with a big front patio for outside dining and hookah-ing.
Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar - We haven't eaten here, but figured we should throw in an option for our seafood lovers!
RIVERSIDE
Bold Bean Coffee Roasters - Great local spot for coffee and pastries.
Hawkers Asian Street Food - A vibrant Asian fusion restaurant offering gourmet street-inspired dishes. Great for groups who want to share plates in a casual & fun atmosphere!
River & Post Restaurant and Rooftop Lounge - A seafood and steak restaurant with a great covered rooftop bar that overlooks downtown Jacksonville. Great spot for sunset rooftop drinks, regardless!
13gypsies - A tiny (and we mean tiny) bistro serving traditional Spanish cuisine. If this is up your alley, make a reservation! The restaurant has 13 tables and 20 seats so availability is limited (but worth it!).
Taqueria Cinco - Mexican street food with a wide variety of tacos and refreshing cocktails. We haven't been here, so let us know how it is!
Blue Orchid Thai - We haven't been here either, but we've heard it's great! Looks like they have a big outdoor patio, too!
Jax Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach are one right after the other and located about 20 miles from the venue
JAX BEACH
Salt Life Food Shack - A great, casual seafood spot in the heart of Jax Beach. Don't worry, there's plenty of non-fish options, too!
Taco Lu - Taco's and tequila! One of our favorite Mexican food spots, but set a little further away from the ocean. Taco Lu is a Jax Beach staple with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for larger groups.
Mellow Mushroom - Mellow's other location, located in Jax Beach. Grab a slice and a beer and hang out on their back patio!
Dockside Seafood - Another seafood spot, right on the intracoastal. Order the fresh catch of the day and enjoy the views from their back patio! docksideseafoodrestaurant.com
Cruiser's Grill - A nice spot for lunch with a wide variety of burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
ATLANTIC & NEPTUNE BEACH
Al's Pizza - Your typical pizzeria with pies, salads, and sandwiches. Dine in or take it to go and have yourself a little beach picnic.
Hawkers - The Atlantic Beach location brings the same casual vibes as the Avondale spot, but in a bright and airy locale with a sea breeze.
North Beach Fish Camp - More seafood at the beach!
Azurea at One Ocean Resort & Spa - A beautiful, fine dining restaurant inside One Ocean resort. Enjoy delicious cuisine with ocean views.
AB Kitchen - Fresh curated cuisine matched with a modern-coastal dining experience in a cute and cozy environment. Fun fact: Joel's parents treated us to a big family dinner here the weekend of our engagement!
St. Augustine is located 36 miles from the venue. It's far, but definitely worth a visit! We haven't explored much of the cuisine in St. Augustine but we've included two of our favorites below.
Columbia Restaurant - Liz's favorite restaurant in St. Augustine! Located in the heart of the historic district, this Spanish-inspired restaurant has not only a beautiful interior but delicious dishes and cocktails.
columbiarestaurant.com/historic-district-st-augustine
Prohibition Kitchen - Spacious, retro-chic watering hole offering cocktails, gourmet pub grub & live entertainment.