Jacksonville, FL

Eating out in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville's proximity to the ocean puts fresh seafood at the top of every menu, but there is also a regional and international cuisine selection from southern-fried chicken to sushi in more than 1,000 restaurants for every taste and budget.

Gourmet

The Beech Street Grill offers a progressive menu and a award-winning wine list. Locals gave it the Amelia Online! "Dining Destination of Choice" award for quality, service, ambiance, and elegance. The daily specials feature the daily catch dressed with fresh herbs and homemade chutneys. 8th Street and Beech Street.

Highly Recommended

The Marina Seafood Restaurant specializes in fresh local seafood and delicious chicken, pork, and beef dishes, as well. A favorite among the locals for many years, the friendly staff instantly makes you feel welcome. The owners have retained the building's authentic early 20th-century ambiance with period nautical décor. 101 Centre Street.

Local Flair

Jackie's Seafood is located on the Trout River with an option to eat on the outside patio dining, as well as, at the outside bar with dinning on the water on the deck. Jackie's makes some of the finest shrimp, scallops, oysters, clams, crab, lobsters, catfish fillets and grilled grouper cooked to perfection. The seemingly endless variety of fresh seafood is in addition to their voluptuous grilled Prime Rib, sensuous Sirloin, and chicken that melts in your mouth. They serve "Traditional Favorites" and "Jackie's Favorites" that include seafood platters for two, with a bounty of seafood you can eat with your fingers, or feed your sweetie under the moonlit sky. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality. 8132 Trout River Drive.

Romantic

Le Clos welcomes you into an intimate 1906 cottage setting. Serving delicious Provencal fare by candelight, this is one of the most romantic dining spots in town. The owner-chef is accredited by a prestigious French culinary school as a master of pastries and gourmet cuisine. The extensive wine list is first-rate. 20 South Street.

Going party in Jacksonville, FL

Broadway shows, microbreweries, beach bars, raves, and a world-class symphony are just some of Jacksonville's nighttime activities. This old city has a young party crowd, and a well-heeled high society, the entertainment scene has evolved to suit the spectrum of their tastes.

Florida Theater

Located in a 1927 vaudeville house, this theater is recognized as one of Jacksonville's most treasured architectural and cultural landmarks. Restored to its original splendor, this historic playhouse hosts 200 different events each year, including ballet, drama and classical music, to retro films, rock, pop, country, and comedy.

The Palace Saloon

Located on Amelia Island, this circa 1878 saloon is a colorful watering hole with hand-painted murals, a pressed tin ceiling, and a hand-carved 40-foot mahogany bar. Former patrons include the Carnegies and Rockefellers, who came for the still-popular Pirate's Punch.

The Ritz

Live reggae with the Dubmasters is featured every Monday. On Wednesdays, DJ Catharsis spins an ecelectic mix of swing, jazz, and acid jazz. If you're a child of the 80s, don't miss DJ Marco spinning the 80s sound on Thursday!.

Club H20

A DJ spinning liquid for the tragically hip, Ladies' Night Fridays and Insane Saturdayz keep a young crowd jammin' all night.

Sunsets

The famous, weekly Battle of the Bands aims to get you out on the dance floor, but if you're not ready, you can watch the hot action from the observation decks above. The Sunday deck party and Saturday Latin Night are very popular too.

Common events in Jacksonville, FL

Blues Festival

Get in the groove with old-time Delta Blues played by nationally-known blues artists. Concerts are free at the oceanfront pavilion on Jacksonville Beach, and include a BBQ and a 5K Beach Run. April.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

Fernandina Beach, birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, hosts this event attracting hundreds of artists, artisans, and craftsmen from across the country. Events include the Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant, Blessing of the Fleet, Best Decorated Boat contest, and musical entertainment. May.

Jazz Festival

Two weeks of free jazz concerts by locals and headliners. November.