When visiting Jacksonville for work, I was on the lookout for great restaurants around St Johns…read moreTown Center as my hotel and the work office was in the vicinity. Reservations can be made via OpenTable, and I saw this suggested on Yelp so I decided to try one evening. Upon arriving, I marveled at the beauty of the interior design of the bottom floor that also serves as a gallery. I ascended the staircase as the restaurant is on the third floor. I dined alone as this trip I didn't have a coworker with me, but I still was seated in a cozy corner to take it all in. Isaac, my waiter, was incredibly friendly, and ensured I had everything I needed. What I Ordered: - Caesar Salad: This salad is as pretty good, but at a price point of $19, I would likely skip if dining here again. Though, it did have the perfect hint of lemon for acidity and the croutons tasted house-made. Perhaps if you added a protein, this could become your main dish and elevate it. - Lobster Roll: $36 for a lobster roll?! I was intrigued as this was noted as a signature dish and a standout for what this location is known for... and boy was I IMPRESSED! The roll was perfectly toasted, and the lobster to roll ratio was absolute perfection. The flavor of the lobster was juicy and tasted fresh. This roll was so good that even the neighboring table as they left asked how I enjoyed it. They were recognized by staff, so I believe they are regulars. We all discussed how delicious it was and I shared my thoughts on the execution of lobster to bread ratio. I dined here a couple weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about where in Arizona I'll ever find a roll as decadent. - Cappuccino: a mark of a truly well-crafted cappuccino is the sugar test. Will the foam withstand the weight of sugar or will it sink to the bottom (poorly frothed)? I had ordered and didn't realize they would put a design on top! Visually stunning, and happy to report they make a beautiful cappuccino with delightful foam. Added pictures to showcase the design they added, and the sugar test. The rooftop has stunning views, and the food is a work of art as well. Though I had a lighter dinner with a salad + lobster roll, I was impressed with the meal and would return to try more of the menu if I visit for business or personal reasons in the future. This area has lots of restaurants, but this one definitely leaves an impression and draws this foodie back in to return. Check it out if you are in the area!

This is a great option for a (spendy) girls' night out…read more I came here with a bunch of work colleagues for dinner. The setting is lovely, especially if you are here during the sunset. Service was attentive and gracious. I started with a rose spritz, the avocado carpaccio, and the half roast chicken. The spritz was a delight. Not too sweet, very refreshing. The carpaccio was amazing with the smoked salt, and the briny caviar. My friend ordered the chips and dip, and heaven on earth is combining the two appetizers (a chip topped with avocado and then a dollop of creme fraiche/caviar). The chicken was okay. I should have gone with something else, but I panic-ordered. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't remarkable. I should have gone with a fancy salad or the lobster roll. My second drink, a glass of rose, was okay but wasn't served ice cold, a disappointment. I shared a chocolate chip cookie at the end of the meal, and it was absolutely delicious. I'd happily return with that crew of ladies, and I'd happily recommend this place for a date night.

Dinner with my besty last night at Seasons 52…read more We ordered espresso martinis and green tea shots. Our main entres were shrimp and grits and salmon with potatoes and green beans! Both our dishes were delicious and very filling!

Great service and food was very good. We were seated in a side area dining room which was out of…read morethe way and quieter than the main dining area which we enjoyed. The cedar plank salmon was a perfect portion along with the baby gold potatoes and haricot verts. The mustard based sauce complemented the cedar salmon nicely. I really like the mini desserts they have since there are many flavors to choose from and they are the perfect size and reasonably priced. Everyone at the table had a different flavor and really enjoyed them.

We love Firebirds and come here alot. Had reservations for Mother's day only to arrive too a very…read morebusy and overbooked restaurant with wait times at least an hour and a half. We left very disappointed even though we made a reservation for 1pm. Later that evening, I called the restaurant to speak with a manager whom to my surprise came to the phone very calm, soft spoken and very apologetic. Brittany is her name and she went out of her way to make my husband and I very happy. She took my name and told me to ask for her when we came back. We went last night and was not disappointed she took really good care of us and made sure we were happy. Thanks Brittany you are the best manager for Firebirds and dealing with these situations. We will definitely be back again.

Came by Firebirds Wood Fired Grill around 5:30 to catch their happy hour, and it ended up being…read moreexactly the kind of relaxing Tuesday evening I needed. From the moment I sat at the bar, Mat and Gracie made the experience top-tier. They were attentive without being overbearing, kept everything flowing smoothly, and genuinely provided great customer service.....it's always a plus when bartenders help set the tone for the entire visit. The atmosphere was just right. Dim lighting, easy conversation, and an overall calm vibe made it feel cozy but still social. There was even a group of women there for what looked like a social gathering, which added a nice, lively touch without taking away from the relaxed ambiance. As for the food....excellent. Everything came out just right and paired perfectly with the laid-back mood of the evening. Between the inviting atmosphere, solid happy hour energy, and standout service from Mat and Gracie, this spot delivered. Definitely a great go-to for unwinding after a long day.

My Experience at Aromas Cigar, Wine & Martini Bar -- StogieFest 2026…read moreI attended StogieFest 2026 at Aromas Cigar, Wine & Martini Bar in Jacksonville for the very first time, looking forward to enjoying a relaxing evening with great cigars, drinks, and conversation. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a pleasant event turned into a truly frightening experience. While sitting at a table with three ladies, an unidentified man -- who I later learned is believed to be one of the owners or managers -- suddenly and aggressively flipped the open chair next to me, shoving the table hard enough to almost tip it over. Our drinks and handbags nearly went flying. Everyone at our table was visibly startled and shaken. Instinctively, I stood and asked, "Hey, why did you do that? Who is this guy?" Instead of responding, he became even more aggressive and began moving toward me as if he intended to attack. It took three security personnel to physically restrain him, and even they struggled to hold him back. Once he was finally removed from the area, two managers and a waitress approached our table, genuinely apologetic. They offered to pay for our drinks, urged us to stay, and assured me the situation would be handled. Several nearby patrons also expressed their concern and asked if we were okay -- everyone appeared disturbed by what they had just witnessed. I stepped outside to calm down before returning to my table, hoping to salvage what was left of the night. But before long, the same man returned, once again appearing angry and hostile, seemingly looking for me. Security had to step in a second time to remove him. Moments later, security personnel told me I needed to leave -- despite the fact that one of the managers (Torrence) had specifically asked me to stay and reassured me I had nothing to worry about. That manager was suddenly nowhere to be found, and security insisted I go. Another man named Max came over, spoke politely, and apologized, asking me to take his hand and leave for my safety. At that point, I was terrified and deeply shaken. To be absolutely clear: * I have never met or spoken to the aggressive man (whose name, I was told, is Abe) prior to this incident. * I overheard patrons mentioning that he had been drinking all day. * I am not a regular at Aromas -- this was my first visit, simply to attend StogieFest and enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, it turned into a traumatic encounter that left me feeling unsafe, humiliated, and confused. No guest should ever have to experience something like this -- especially at a professional, public event.

If you are coming for a grown and sexy cigar smoke, cocktail and meal, this is not the place for…read morethat. We stopped by on a Saturday night and were met with a full on club vibe; pat down and all. Decided to give it a try anyway. Don't knock it til you try it right??!! Well, we ordered two pours of 1738, Remy Martin Cognac. It was served in plastic cups and for $25 per pour, you can see for yourself the highway robbery. My husband went inside and ordered a stick as part of the deal to avoid us all having to pay the $20 cover charge. He comes out to smoke it and there was not one ashtray in sight. We finished our drinks, took a few puffs, tipped the nice server and left. Clearly, we won't ever return.

The atmosphere was cozy and celebratory at the same time. Low music, conversational, low light,…read morecourteous waitstaff, and good food. I ordered the Italian Chopped Salad, Linguine di Mare, and butter cake. The salad was just that...it confirmed that I'm not a huge fan of Kalamata olives (too salty). The house made dressing was nice, not overpowering at all but nicely balanced. The Linguine di Mare was a LOT larger than what I expected! It was under seasoned and the sauce was a little less viscous than I prefer. It was chock full of clams, mussels, shrimp and some crab claw meat. Finally, the warm Butter cake with fresh whipped cream topped with a spearmint leaf, and sliced strawberries. It was amazing! I tried to really get into it, but was really full after finishing my Pinot Grigio. All in all, good food and good conversation! The social group is a great way to meet people with things in common and share a meal, too!

It has been years since I was at Maggiano's but finally made it back with friends for an early…read moreSunday Dinner. We had a reservation so once we arrived we were quickly seated. We started off with drinks and I got the Smoked Old Fashioned which was tasty and had great presentation went dropped off at the table. I will say half the drinks very came though and they did have to reorder them. Maggiano's still has the the dinner for 2 option that comes with 2 pasta entrees (+7 for chicken) and appetizer and a desert. For our appetizer we went with the Calamari Fritté which was pretty good. I was a very large serving and the Calamari was cooked well. Nice and tender. I will say it for sure needed the Marinara for dipping because they we pretty plain on their owe. For my entree I went with the Chicken Parmesan. It normally comes with Spaghetti but I was able to sub it for Fettuccine Alfredo. Our entrees came out pretty quickly but mine ended up coming with the Spaghetti and I had to let the waiter know I had order the Fettuccine Alfredo instead and he was able to correct it even though it took longer then I would have thought. The Chicken Parmesan was good. 2 large cutlets. I will say I was a little disappointed by the Fettuccine Alfredo though. It was just pretty plain and needed Parmesan for sure. For desert we got the Creme Brulé which was good and even though we were pretty full we were able to finish it off. I'm not sure I will be coming back to Maggiano's soon. The food is fine and large servings for sure but it just doesn't hold up to local Italian restaurants around JAX.

This was my second visit to Palms Pantry and it was just as wonderful as my first time…read more We joined the staff and locals for the Death To Dementia walk on the last Sunday of the month, and were so welcomed. Great cause and great people. Afterwards, we sat inside for a glass of wine (pinot grigio was perfect after a warm and sunny walk over the intercostal bridge). Great space, amazing aesthetic, retail area with tons of variety and local love, and customers who welcome you with open arms. It's a bit of a drive for us but we would love to make more trips there, even if it's just supporting dementia and alzheimer's awareness.

I had no idea what to expect when I first came to this place. It almost feels like if your favorite…read moreneighbor with a separate garage turned it into a bar.... but cooler. It also has the neighborhood vibe. Mostly seems like a bunch of regulars who are also super welcoming to new friends. The service is always fantastic. They have a few mixed drink options and a pretty broad beer and wine selection, all very decently priced (even some non-alcoholic beer!). They don't have a food menu, but do have some good snacks available for purchase. We spent many of the recent Mondays here for name that tune, and they have so many more fun events that I will need to make time to attend. Don't skip this place! And PS... yes the parking lot is small but there is potential to park at the shopping center just across the road if needed!

A really beautiful space, inside and out, catering to private parties and wealthier clientele. If…read moreservice on drinks and food and been faster I'd have given two more stars, but the place was very calm and we still waited a while to drink and eat. Had to assume there was a private party secluded somewhere eating up literally everyone's time. Drinks average $15 each, very short menu of food, appetizers, and desserts, but what they cook, they cook Well! Delicious! However, we arrived around 6pm without reservations on a night when literally every table had a Reserved sign on it, and 90% of the tables were empty and remained so while we were there for an hour. 1-2 bartenders, and a virtually empty main restaurant, and our first drinks after being seated took over 10 minutes. Shocking and disappointing. The food took about 20 minutes to come out but was worth the wait, very good food. They offer hookahs also but at a premium price, much more than Casbah and other competitors. They have private dining and private rooms with chandeliers and I saw one with a billiard table. Catering to elitist clientele with money to spend and all the time in the world, I guess. I would have loved to enjoy a no rush hookah on their very loved outdoor patio, but I also hate waiting for drinks outside when they're already high priced. If you do come for a drink, I highly recommend the Love Potion! Our server was polite and professional, she promptly greeted us and checked on us occasionally.

Beautiful lounge! The place is very attractive at first glance from the outside and wows you when…read moreyou get inside. This checks off all the boxes! Ambiance, food, drinks, service, the vibes, and immaculate service. Whether you're with a massive group or in an intimate setting, this place has the proper seating for your party or date. As a first timer, I was impressed with the space. Nightlife can be tricky and some spaces just don't have the proper size for your desired night out. There's a bar for mingling but if you're there for dinner , there's that too. If you want more room and tend to have more volume in the conversations you carry, the outdoor space is ideal (especially since my friends and I like to laugh and goof off). That being said , we found ourselves seated in the patio and we loved it. Very comfortable, especially as the weather was cool that evening. Food was surprisingly delicious. Knowing that the restaurant appeal was competing with the nightlife vibe I was getting, I didn't expect there to be quality Mediterranean food. However, I was pleased with the calamari, salmon bites, hummus and brussel sprouts. My friend got steak and enjoyed his food as well. Drinks were great! One stood out the most which was the Smoke Show. Absolute perfection. Kinda snuck up on me though so be careful! Dress code. For men. Don't bring a hat. Don't even hold it in your hand. They're pretty strict about it. No flip flops. Put the Crocs away. No jerseys. My husband had jeans and Tshirt on but I saw others a bit more dressy casual. For the ladies. I felt like I all the females dressed to impress. From dressy casual to club attire , loose and flowy dresses, cute top and jeans with heels, cute romper, etc. I loved the diversity here. Will definitely be back! This seems like a great place to be for a fun night out. Make a reservation as I heard they get pretty busy!

The food was exceptional. I enjoyed grilled vegetables with the Parrillada de Mariscos, and…read moreeverything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. My husband had the Parihuela and the Seco de Res, and he loved every bite as well. What made our experience truly special was the attention and care from the chef and manager. She came to our table personally and listened to my desire to enjoy something a little different while still respecting my special diet. Her kindness, professionalism, and willingness to accommodate me meant so much. She is truly one of the best chefs -- someone who genuinely cares about pleasing her customers and making them feel welcome. Thank you for such a wonderful dining experience.

We decided to check it out. Service was a little slow, had to wait a while to get a refill on…read morewater. Otherwise, the food was good, the flavor was there. The calamari was nice and soft not over cooked.