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The ocean, St. Johns River, and numerous lakes and smaller rivers teem with fish, and so, naturally, seafood dominates local menus. Northeast Florida also has fine-dining restaurants, and its ethnic eateries include some excellent Middle Eastern places. And then there are the barbecue joints—more of them than you can shake a hickory chip at.
The local artwork on the redbrick walls is a mild distraction from the crowds jockeying for tables here at brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu's wide-ranging, locally sourced dishes include such unexpected delights as the popular ancho chili–rubbed pork chop. There are always gluten-free options, and the lengthy dessert menu features cakes and pies.
Although many flock to this artsy and inspired eatery for its veggie-centric menu, there's plenty to tantalize omnivores as well. Delicious Southern food with flair ranges from braised pork belly biscuits to toast du jour, a rotating bruschetta inspired by the freshest produce from local farms. Many dishes, such as the cornbread panzanella, offer a choice of meat, seafood, tofu, or tempeh. Some gluten-free dishes are also available. Attire is casual, and the oceanic hues and funky decor put you at ease. Kids' needs are handled with flexible good nature. It's a deservedly popular spot, especially on weekends, when you should make a reservation.
A stone's throw from Persimmon Hollow brewery in Artisan Alley, Bake Chop specializes in pub fare and does so exceptionally well, using locally sourced ingredients. Brewery patrons often saunter over after a few pints for bratwursts, burgers, meatball sandwiches, and other inventive and flavorful hand-helds like the Billy Madison, consisting of sloppy Joe meat, spicy collared greens, and Manchego cheese on a homemade croissant. The menu offers gluten-free and vegan items as well, and the Daily Dally salad is an always-tempting blend of seasonal greens and veggies. Saving room for dessert is a challenge, but worth it. All baking is done in-house, where rotating offerings include chocolate chip cookie cheesecake and an assortment of cupcakes. There's also an espresso bar and strong selection of local craft beers. The dining area is small, so a wait is possible, especially at lunchtime.
Sleek yet cozy, this hip bistro is popular with all types. The concrete floors and a stainless-steel wine bar provide an interesting backdrop for comfort-food-inspired entrées, but they also create a dining room that is uncommonly loud, especially on weekends. The daily specials are your only real main-course options, but the pizzas, sandwiches, and salads—especially the warm goat-cheese salad—are favorites. Don't miss the display of diet-destroying desserts. Reservations are accepted.
This lunch-only, family-owned restaurant (one of three branches) has devoted local patrons. The chicken salad pita with potato salad is legendary.
Relaxed, affordable Ellen's, an area institution for more than 50 years, serves breakfast and lunch daily to families and other beachgoers. Come hungry, and be sure to try the Hippie featuring two poached eggs served on an English muffin with toppings.
Locals and visitors congregate at this popular, Southwest-inspired Riverside eatery, where dinner entrées range from fish tacos and crab-cake salad to green-chili soup and ancho honey-glazed salmon. The dimly lit upstairs lounge has a coffeehouse vibe—with a handful of cozy booths and leather couches—and a tequila bar.
A New Orleans theme prevails at this lively venue, a longtime favorite with locals and visitors alike. The crowd ranges in age from twentysomething to midlife-crisis, and everyone comes to sample the craft beer and eat the seafood-based fare, including Ragtime shrimp po'boy sandwiches, grilled fish, and shrimp and grits.
This family-favorite spot is one of the few restaurant–bars accessible to the beach itself. It's known for its hearty breakfasts, flavorful burgers, and a beer menu with 20 draft selections. With 30 TVs, it's also popular with sports fans; there's also live music on the weekends.
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