Had the pljeskavica with extra kaymak and ajmar-- were so delicous. They are grilled to perfection Next I gotta try then cevapi. Great and quick service and the food is made to order read more

This was the first time I had been there. The staff took their time to explain all their dishes and made recommendations. Everything is made to order so it takes a little bit of time. The sausages were very delicious and the quantity was enough for another whole meal. read more

Balkan Cafe - Mixed sausages with homemade sauce - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Wow. What a great place for Balkan cuisine. I've been searching for an authentic experience and this place is it! We ordered a small Cevapi and Pljeskavica "the burger" and a Sopska salad. The stars are definitely the meat. So juicy and flavorful and especially when you eat it with the raw onions. The owner (I think) was very warm and friendly. The restaurant was small and quaint and clean enough. This will be our go-to for delicious Balkan meat! Can't wait to go back. Also, they closed the doors to customers while we were eating (around 2:30pm) because they used up their ingredients for the day! So make sure you get there before they sell out of food! You could tell lots of locals and Balkan folks came regularly. Definitely a sign of great authentic food. What a find! read more

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Checked out Balkan Cafe on Beach Blvd. You take one bite and quickly see why this place ended up on the list! So let's get right to it! Food - 10/10 First off a fair warning. Don't think of getting the Balkan Mix alone and finishing it. If you're ordering that, you better have backup. I went with my best friend and we both ordered a dish and got far more than we could have ever anticipated. And considering the heavy focus on meat, you really get a bang for your buck. Pljeskavica (burger) was huge. It comes in the most amazing bread which is a soft, pillowy marvel that is made locally apparently. They call it a ciabatta but it's somewhere between that and a pita and I could eat it forever and be happy. The meat is amazing and comes with this fantastic cheese spread that we both raved over. You also get a peppery veggie spread that I didn't get to try because of the peppers but my companion said was as great as the cheese spread. While I ate half of my meal, my companion didn't come close to half. His Balkan Mix could have easily fed 3-4 people. A couple of ladies also dining next to us also ordered the same thing and were laughing with us about how little of a dent they too put in their meal. The dish consists of the Cevapi and sudzuka sausages as well as beef strips in onions and peppers. Everything was delightful. We were nudged into trying the dessert which while I was incredibly full, I managed to take two bites and absolutely loved the layered cake with its mixed flavors and textures. I missed the name of that particular cake and my companion dove in so fast I almost missed the picture too. But it's a delightful bite to be sure!! They also carry a fun mix of European beverages and beers. The herbal drink was unusual but tasty and the Czech Pilsner was a great complement to the meal. Atmosphere - 10/10 Nestled in a strip mall that looks recently renovated, parking is ample and accessible. The interior is bright and open and offers tables and a stool at the counter if you want to watch the cooking. While clearly not a sports bar, the TVs are tuned to sports and with the big mix plate and beers available, I'd happily grab a comfy table and settle in to watch a soccer match here with a couple friends. Even on a cold day it's a comfortable place to sit and meander through your meal. Service - 10/10 While clearly a small restaurant and several other table sat, you never felt rushed to finish and depart. Actually who I assum was the proprietor greeted us warmly, happily explained the dishes to us and checked on us often. He was a genuinely joyful and caring person who clearly loves to share his culture and amazing food in our community. This is definitely a hidden gem in Jax. read more

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Been wanting to check this place out for awhile. Now I know why it' has 5 stars. Food was delicious, trust me you're taking some home. Food came out fast and hot. Owner was really nice as well. I'll definitely be back right after this food coma. read more

Balkan Cafe - Balkan mix - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

If we went by portion size alone, this place would get ten stars. I had the Balkan mix lunch plate, which had multiple types of meats, a pita, a lot of raw onions, and two sauces. It was a huge amount of food for one person, way more than I could eat. The food itself was good, but not outstanding, though. The best thing on the plate was the sudzuka sausages, which were skinny but packed with flavor. The beef strips with grilled onions on mushrooms tasted fine, but were definitely on the tough side. The cevapi (think kebab) were definitely underseasoned. The service was very friendly, though could perhaps be a little more intuitive -- the man at the counter asked if I'd been there before as I studied the menu, and when I said no and looked at him expectantly (inviting some guidance), he just walked away. (It was not busy.) Prices are perhaps a little high for a lunch in the area, but again, the portions are huge. I'd go back sometime. read more

Balkan Cafe - Balkan mix lunch plate. Wayyy too much food for one person - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Awesome . First time trying the cuisine. Fresh grilled and and served hot. Owner was very nice showing me some of the traditional ways.

First time trying cevapi and "the burger" with the grilled veggies and tomato salad - all were amazing! Food came out fast and delicious! Am just sad I haven't had Bosnian food before! It took my out of town cousin who visited the country before who found this place and excited to try it! We loved everything!! read more

Balkan Cafe - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Never had Balkan cuisine before but I will definitely be coming back here the food was delicious and the owner does a great job of making you feel welcome. Will be coming back again! read more

When I visited a gym that I don't frequent, I saw this cafe in the same complex. I waited a few minutes for them to open and went in to see what they had. I met the owner, who was very welcoming, and made a recommendation to me as a first timer. I ended up trying the cevapi and the cake of the day. The cevapi reminded me a lot of kofta. The small beef sausages were very well seasoned and the pita bread encasing them was soft, light, and beautifully grilled. The only thing that made it better was dipping the sausage into the cheese and vegetable sauces. The cake was light and tasty with an amaretto cream layer and layers of whipped cream. The food was so good that I went back two days later to try something else. This time I got the Greek salad with chicken. Unlike many salads, the chicken was actually seasoned! The portion was huge, and to my delight, it came with their grilled cheese pita bread! I love the fact that this is a small, family owned business that cooks food to order and that serves high quality flavorful food at a good value. I will definitely be back! read more

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This cafe is a must visit. The Balkan Mix with tasty meats and incredible pita bread was truly delicious and enough for two. The owners are talented cooks and fun to talk to. Highly recommend. read more

Balkan Cafe - The Balkan Mix was amazing and enough for two to share. The meats were expertly cooked, the bread is delicious and owners fun to talk to. - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Went to Florida on vacation & ate at this place with my friends. It was amazing. Beautiful atmosphere. The staff was friendly. The food was very authentic & came out hot & fresh with the most awesome smell. The best Bosnian food I have ever eaten! A must try if you visit Jacksonville, Florida!!! read more

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Delicious food and the owner is very welcoming. Small space but my husband and I like to eat here on the weekends

Loved it!!! Had a great time there food was delicious!! Customer service was on point.

One of a kind! Everything is fresh. I asked the guy for a salad and he said I don't have tomatoes, couldn't find fresh ones. To think he goes out every day to get fresh ingredients is exactly why I've been back countless of times. The setting is just right. Simple, sit and eat, that's what you're there for! read more

The great reviews have it right. This is a little gem in Jacksonville. The food is excellent and the owners and staff are friendly and very engaged to make sure you enjoy your visit. The beer selection is exactly what you would hope for...a wide selection of Eastern European and German beers. I had the Warsteiner. We also ordered wine. For lunch we shared the Balkan mix. A plate of mixed meats and grilled veggies with pita bread. The meats were outstanding. The cevapi, sudzuka, and the sliced beef were seasoned and cooled to perfection. The dipping sauces were delicious and a perfect compliment. The desserts looked delicious but the meal, even shared, didn't allow. read more

Balkan Cafe - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Great Eastern European little joint here. Ordered take out and was delicious. Not a large menu of options but what we had was so good! We wanted to try more items but arrived later in the afternoon and ordered what they had remaining. Once they sell out for the day you are out of luck. I suggest you call in the morning to reserve your order...it's worth it! Owner is so friendly. Let him explain the proper way to enjoy the food (tear a little bread, eat with the meat and onion... and peppers if you like spicy). I love spicy so will request extra peppers next time. Get the sides of both sauces. They cost 50 cents each I believe, but worth it. Excited to try more next time! read more

Balkan Cafe - Cevapi Traditional balkan recipe grilled rolls of minced beef served with chopped fresh onions and pita bread "lepina" - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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this is the most authentic food in jacksonville. You can tell the guys care about their craft. If you haven't been, GO. read more

Easy 5 star for Balkan Cafe! One of the best places I've had since moving to Jax! Hubby and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon. We were unsure of what to order so the kind gentleman behind the counter explained the menu and gave us much needed recommendations. Hubby ordered the Balkan Mix which came with ćevapi (minced beef rolls), sudzuka (grilled beef link sausage) and beef strip with grilled mushrooms and grilled onions). I ordered just the ćevapi. Both meals came with grilled pita, chopped fresh onions and 2 spreads (an eggplant based vegetable spread and a feta based melted spread). As the gentleman had explained to us, pieces of pita are used that as a vehicle for meat, fresh onions and spread. These meals are meant to be eaten with your hands! Everything was served "off the grill" and was absolutely delicious! The ćevapi was my favorite item - meaty, grilled and juicy. The sudzuka was awesome, too. I really enjoyed the vegetable spread and of course, the feta spread was fabulous. All the flavors just worked so well together. If you are looking for something different, check out Balkan Cafe! read more

Balkan Cafe - Capavi - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Full portion of cevapi with onion, kajmak and ajvar. The food was not only amazing but quickly delivered! The bread was soft and extremely edible. The meat was soft and succulent. Would recommend 10/10 read more

Balkan Cafe - Full portion of cevapi wiyh onion, kajmak and ajvar - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Balkan Café has my heart! A coworker first told me about this restaurant over a year ago and each time I tried to go on the weekend, they were already closed. So to solve this problem, we started ordering lunch and going to pick it up! The first time I tried it, I was in love. Balkan Café is a wonderful, small, family owned restaurant that puts a lot of love into their food. You can taste the time they take to make the wonderful goodness that comes out of here. I absolutely love the Balkan mix. I tell myself I will try something new but when it comes time to order, I always get the Balkan Mix because it is just so simply tasty. It has a wonderful soft bread topped with chopped meat with grilled onions and mushrooms (also comes with peppers but I get it without) it is then topped with chevapi which are little meaty goodnesses and a sausage which is absolutely wonderful! I am so glad I get it to go because it takes me a good hour to two hours to eat it all and I rarely want dinner that night. I have also had the dessert cakes which are wonderful but the meat dishes are truly one of a kind and are worth the drive from any part of town. The staff is wonderful. Whether I order for 3 or for 10, they always have our order ready to go and they have been great with paying in one lump sum or if I am splitting out payments which I know is a pain. I would definitely suggest you give Balkan Café a try. You will be hooked. Once you have tried it you will keep going back and you will dream of the meaty goodness within. Try the white sauce and roasted veggie spread with your meal. It costs a little extra but adds so much flavor to the meal. I have no idea what the sauces are called but they will know what you are talking about! Please try it, you will not be disappointed! read more

Balkan Cafe - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I was out running errands today and remembered seeing this cafe from the street. It's not every day one sees Balkan cuisine, so I decided to check it out. It's small, four tables and a counter, half of which were filled with folks presumably from the Balkans. (I also take it as a good sign if a restaurant is frequented by people familiar with the cuisine.) I told the gentleman at the counter (who wore a mask: the other customers did not) that I was ready to try something new and after a brief discussion he recommended ćevapi. This is a simple dish of beef links in soft pita bread crisped (presumably) on the grill. The small sized plate I ordered had six plump and juicy links, the pita, lots of diced onions on the side, and a butterlike spread and vegetable-based dip. The ćevapi was very tasty and filling, the perfect amount for me (a notorious light eater). I'll come back to try some other dishes, too! read more

Balkan Cafe - Menu. - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Located in the strip mall next to IGA off Beach, you'll find this cute little place. The guy is friendly and helpful, describing each item they offer. The Balkan is plenty for 2 people- no need to order more food! But we did order a small Cevapi. And a Greek salad. The bread was light and fluffy, grilled perfection. The meats were described as ground beef wrapped in lamb casing and also ground beef in beef casing, with minimal seasoning. These were accompanied with 2 sauces. A roasted red pepper sauce and a creamy feta cheese sauce. The salad was hands down the best fresh salad I've had in a long time. With spring greens, cucumbers, peppers onions tomatoes and kalamata olives, sprinkled with feta and drizzled with balsamic. It was amazing! All this plus a coke and water $33 after tip for 3. Yep- go here! read more

Balkan Cafe - BESIDE IGA STRIP MALL - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

The place was clean and pleasant. We had cevapi the first time, and second time it was mix of cevapi and sudzukice. The meat was very flavorful and bouncy, you could smell and taste the fire. The bread was soft and perfect. Cream was the real kajmak and you can get the Ajvar dip. All in all it was an excellent experience, closest thing to cevapi in Bosnia. The service was quick and very friendly. Highly recommend!!! read more

Balkan Cafe - Cevapi - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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A friend has been talking about this place for a while so I decided to give it a try. Now I am terribly sad I did not go sooner. The Balkan mix was absolutely delicious and the portion was huge. I ordered the grill cheese for my kids and we shared the Balkan mix. My kiddos enjoyed everything. The sauces that come with it are especially yummy. I was a little disappointed that we didn't show up early enough to get the desserts but hey that just means we have to keep on going until we do. Again huge portion and will definitely be back. Everyone was super friendly and when my kids wanted to sit outside they even brought the food out to us. This will be a regular place for my family. Thank you Miles for recommending this place. read more

Balkan Cafe - Balkan mix- absolutely delicious - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Bosnian cuisine (no pork) Sarajevo style food (ćevapi) Run out off food frequently Closing earlier than posted read more

Great new find! My first time here. Will definitely return. Small, humble and delicious read more

Balkan Cafe - Delicious Beef sausage sized in a pita bun. Highly recommended - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

A cozy lil mom n pop cafe vibe! the owner she was the sweetest and coolest! mentioned it was our first time, went on a friday afternoon she said she was out of most desserts and sides (duh!) but still recommended us some items! everything was super yummy read more

Great food, great service, great ambiance, great people! We had the cevepe and they were fantastic! If you're thinking of going, just go. A+ read more

This restaurant offers great food varieties, friendly service and wonderful ambient.

So good! And the staff is very friendly and helpful. I got the cevapi. Will go back to try more stuff!

Stopped in for the first time today- owner was friendly and provided suggestions and explained the meals (and how to eat them). Meats are made from scratch, and they are open until the run out. My friend says get there by 12pm for lunch before they sell out- which he was correct as they sold out on Saturday by 2pm. The meal hit the spot and we will be back. read more

Not gonna lie but I live for meat. I have never eaten any Bosnian food before but I saw the photos of the meat here and decided to try out Balkan Cafe. I went there with my family and we were not familiar with anything on the menu. Everyone else there seemed to speak another language. We asked the server to explain the menu a little bit since we didn't know how to say any of the dishes names. They were very patient and nice. I got the mixed plate and it honestly was enough meat for two people. They also recommended an interesting soda called Cockta which was a bit like a Dr. Pepper or root beer. I really enjoyed the food! The cafe is pretty small but orders were filled quickly. read more

Back in the area and back at Balkan Cafe. Brought family members to enjoy the food. Great place! Delicious food and friendly service. read more

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Randomly came in this place for a quick snack and coffee and found a great spot. Felt like I was in Greece, fresh made to order food, absolutely delicious. Little cafe vibe. Service was good. read more

Love this place! We've been more times that I can count and the food is always flavorful and filling! There isn't a single bad thing on the menu but my favorite is always the cevapi! The place is small but clean and inviting. The service is always quick and friendly. If you haven't been absolutely check it out! read more

One of the best places in the U.S for Balkan food i travel for work and i have traveled all lower 48states and tried our food everywhere and i can honestly say with full confidence that my 2nd best/favorite place to eat balkan food would be a small place in Huntington Beach,Ca and Balkan Cafe my 1st and favorite choice starting with the service to food always great fresh & delicious a-lot of people will cook and sell under best balkan food but a-lot of places should also come and try the food and take a lesson Keep up the good work and taste guys :) read more

Balkan Cafe - Pljeskavica Sallad Cevapi - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This place is damn good FOOD: limited options but that's not a bad thing. They know what they're good and execute it well. The ceviapi is great and their cakes are different from what you'd usually get in Jax. LOCATION: plenty of parking but it is a small space. It's best to call ahead and place your order. SERVICE: No complaints. Our server explained the cuisine and the traditional way to eat it. He seemed happy to share his culture. PRICE: Very fair price read more

Balkan Cafe - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Bring out the BEEF! This is the Balkan Mix from Balkan Cafe. It's a sampler plate of Cevapi, Sudzuka, and beef strips mixed with grilled mushrooms, onions, and red and green peppers and served with a fluffy style pita bread. Cevapi (the short stout ones) are uncased ground beef sausages. Sudzuka (the thinner longers ones) are beef sausages cased in lamb. Delicious and a huge portion size. Definitely shareable. read more

Balkan Cafe - Balkan Mix - Modern European Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Yummilicious food great serving! Coffee excellent! It brought me back to memories of having balkans food in Macedonia and Bosni as an officer of the ARMY. read more