Jessica & James
Jessica & James
Things to Poo
What goes in, must come out.
Our favorite places to eat and imbibe in and around Jacksonville.
Jacksonville offers a surprising depth of places to dine and debauch in mostly un-fussy settings that require little more etiquette or attire than Florida can easily muster. Don't wear flip-flops and a hat, but don't worry about button down shirts or suits either (with one or two exceptions).
Usually easy going and unpretentious, due to a recent influx of new residents Jacksonville restaurants lately may need reservations in advance to secure a seat (as noted below). These are just a limited few of our absolute favorite spots... so many more places beyond these deserve a visit as well.
Restaurants
Restaurant Orsay
Our long-time favorite and a local's mainstay in Jacksonville. Enjoy French/Southern fusion with the best offering of both land and sea and a brilliant selection of cocktails, bourbon, and wine. [Reservations recommended. Bar seating, especially at happy hour, and walk-ins are usually accommodated.]
Norikase
As former guests of The Rising Sun, we attest that this is, hands-down, the finest sushi and Japanese cuisine you'll find anywhere in the Southeast! Be prepared to layout some coin, but you do get what you pay for.
If you want the full ride with all the whistles and bells, reserve well in advance for the 'omikase' (chef's course) experience where you are at the mercy of the chef for seventeen servings of sushi flown in direct from Tokyo that day along with samples of sake and cocktails and convivial company.
Norikase recently expanded to now include a regular ala carte menu at accessible prices for conventional dining. Whether you are a Japanese otaku food-fiend or new to the cuisine, this joint is going to wreck your standards for sushi. [Reservations HIGHLY recommended for 'omikase'. Regular dining can be had on a walk-in basis with wait.]
Cowford Chophouse
Eponymously named for Jacksonville's original moniker, Cowford will be your most decadent and conveniently located restaurant to the venue and hotel. Ironic that at the very site of the old cow ford for which we were named you can now feast upon sumptuous hunks of the same beast ye olde Florida Crackers once herded across the St. Johns River. On the higher end of the "Do I gotta put on my fancy pants?" scale, Cowford offers cuts of spinalis and wagyu, as well as wood-fired crab and oysters, cocktails, wine, and generously appointed and spacious architecture situated in the heart of downtown.
While reservations are advised, if you are spontaneously inspired to beef, don't fret! A little-known local secret is that you can readily grab a spot at one of the three bars right at opening. In good weather the rooftop bar and dining area is an optimal place to enjoy exquisite food and views.
Gators BBQ
Every southern city claims to have the best BBQ, but we'll spare you the bluster and let the meat speak for itself. If you want to monkey around with Amateur-Hour BBQ, pick any other place in town... you'll have to drive to get to this one, but it is the proper thing to do. If you want to gorge on local smoked meats and not cry yourself to sleep afterwards because you chose some second-rate hack job, head to Gators. Check hours and get there early.
Gemma Fish & Oysters
Across the river in San Marco awaits Jacksonville's newest and, arguably, best seafood in town. Fish and oysters. It's in the name. If it is seafood you want, you won't regret this one... reservations recommended, but walk-ins usually accommodated.
13 Gypsies Peasant Kitchen
Truly a hidden gem that only locals know, 13 Gypsies serves up Andalusian ambrosia in small portions tapas-style so that you can practically try the entire menu in one sitting! Bread, cheese, and cured meats are all made on site by world class culinary masters. Spanish comfort food judiciously served in small portions... you will be hastily and unceremoniously unfriended if you leave without sampling the best tres leches you've ever experienced! [Reservations mandatory due to extremely limited seating. Walk-ins usually cannot be accommodated.]
Bar Molino
Get some beautiful Spanish tapas for light snacks or a full meal complete with a full bar and an amazing wine selection. Cured meats and sausages are hand made from local pork raised here in North Florida.
[Reservations are not usually necessary, especially early and for happy hour.]
Bar and Brew
Ruby Beach Brewing Company
Kick back in this cozy historic brick building one block from the Hyatt Regency for a cold local brew. Ruby represents all that is right in Jacksonville microbrews. Both indoor and outdoor seating, food truck, and a small selection of liquor are available.
The Volstead
Our go-to bar downtown for luxurious cocktails and whiskey flights in a seductive speakeasy setting. Don't be confused by the unadorned, signless entrance. Look for the big "V" on the ground in front of the door.
Manifest Distilling
Just a few blocks east of the Hyatt Regency is Jacksonville's best local distillery where one can sample local gin, vodka, and surprisingly good whiskey (among other spirits). A small tasting room and onsite bar offers The Goods neat or mixed, along with bottles and other merchandise to take as souvenirs. Tours available during select hours.
Intuition Ale Works
Directly adjacent to Manifest Distilling is another outstanding Jacksonville brewery complete with indoor and outdoor seating and a wide-variety of beers on tap. Check out the schedule at their Bier Hall, where small and mid-size bands frequently show off their shit.
Aardwolf Brewing
We often say Aardwolf has the best beers in town AND some of the most... adventurous beers in town. Their Belgian Pale Ale and the Styrofoam Pony Stout are best in class for Jacksonville. If you like to go off-script, they can certainly satisfy your tastes for the unconventional as well, with a rotating supply of wild yeasted experimental brews and sours to explore for hours. Conveniently located a short walk from Bar Malino (tapas) and V Pizza, if you want a bite followed by a brew for desert. Food trucks are usually on-site as well.
Underbelly
They got booze. They got music. They got BBQ.
While not our FIRST choice for BBQ (see Gators above), this will be your closest place for clogged arteries and glorious carcinogenic, slow-smoked delights. This is primarily a staple downtown music venue and unpretentious watering hole. Check their schedule for live music.
Still Under Construction - More to Come
Worthy of Consideration
If adventuring for other places to eat and drink not mentioned here, check out San Marco, Riverside, Springfield, and Downtown for establishments near the hotel.
Restaurant Honorable Mentions:
Matthew's - Put on your fancy pants.
Rodrigo's Pizza - Hands down the best pie in town.
City Grille & Raw Bar - Name says it all.
O-Ku - Sushi
Kravegan - Vegan food you won't know is vegan.
Bar Honorable Mentions:
Sidecar - Great drinks and adjacent to JAX's SECOND best pizza, V Pizza.
Bold City Brewing - Jacksonville's OG microbrewery with a location right in the heart of the city.
River & Post - Best rooftop bar in town.
Estrella Cocina - Upscale rooftop bar.
"The Elbow" - Bar district downtown with a number of places to eat and drink.