I've visited The Local several times, but brunch here is a total standout. If you go, you HAVE to…read moretry The Blue Goat. It's essentially a decadent dessert disguised as breakfast! The whipped goat cheese paired with fresh basil is a home run--it adds an unexpected brightness that perfectly balances the rich bread pudding. The Neptune Beach location is my personal favorite. I love the walkable proximity to the beach, and the patio is the place to be when the weather is nice. Plus, they are dog-friendly, which is a huge win--I love being able to bring my pup along for a post-beach brunch!

Came here for the first time and had a mixed experience…read more The location itself is nice. It's tucked next to a bakery with a pleasant outdoor setup. We came in through the back since we wanted to sit outside. It was a little hot, but the outdoor area was still enjoyable with a big shade tree in the middle. Definitely a good vibe on the patio. We ordered our food and, for how slow it was inside, the wait felt longer than it should have been. The restaurant wasn't very busy at all, with more people sitting outside than inside. Unfortunately, most of the food came out lukewarm. My roast beef sandwich and potatoes were barely warm, like they'd been sitting for a while, and the bottom bread was completely soaked. Our daughter's grilled cheese came out with the cheese not even melted, so we sent that back along with my sandwich. The salmon and quinoa also arrived lukewarm. The fried fish was cooked too long in the fryer and wasn't great. The bright spot was the short rib tacos my wife ordered. She said those were really good and probably the best thing we had. I do want to give credit where it's due. Our server was incredibly kind, attentive, and professional. He genuinely saved the experience for us and handled everything with a great attitude. Bathrooms were also clean, which I always appreciate. Overall, the experience was average. Not a top pick for me, but I'd be open to giving it another try in the future to see if things improve. Just wanted to leave an honest review of our visit.

I stopped by Southern Grounds and tried their Cherry Vanilla Matcha Latte, and honestly... this…read moremight've turned me into a matcha girl. This was my first time really giving matcha a fair shot, and I was surprised by how much I liked it. The flavor was earthy and nutty, really smooth and comforting. I personally didn't taste much cherry or vanilla, but the matcha itself was good enough that I didn't mind at all. Service was pretty standard--quick, friendly, and easy, which is exactly what you want when you're grabbing a drink and settling in. What I loved most was the atmosphere. It's such a good mix of people--some working, some chatting, some just enjoying their coffee. There are plenty of outlets, lots of space, and it's definitely one of those spots where you can bring your laptop and actually get things done without feeling awkward or rushed. They also have food if you plan on staying awhile, which is always a plus. Overall, Southern Grounds feels like one of those dependable coffee shops you keep in your rotation--good drinks, comfortable vibes, and a great place to park yourself for a few hours. I'd definitely come back... and yes, I'd order matcha again.

Stopped in this afternoon for an afternoon pick me up (dark roast coffee with cream)…read more While this location has sparse parking even with the addition of their overflow lot to the east an Atlantic Blvd past the railroad tracks, I lucked out and found a spot in the main spot. Regardless of where you park, you better be good at 3 point turns and parking bc you will be doing one to get into or out of your parking spot. Upon entering the business, I was greeted and was surprised to learn they serve dark roast coffee this late in the day. The seating area is divided into two sides separated by the counter and kitchen. I opted for a dark roast with cream in a mug. Took my number and looked for a two top table among the mix of high school study groups, after school snacks and business meetings. Coffee came quickly and was hot and bold. No real complaints other than parking.

Some restaurants surprise you with one great dish. Others deliver a memorable experience from start…read moreto finish. Our visit to Biscottis in Jacksonville's Avondale neighborhood managed to do both. We were greeted warmly when we arrived and seated immediately, and the atmosphere had a welcoming energy that made the restaurant feel like a true neighborhood gathering place. Susan ordered the Quiche Lorraine, and after the first bite we both knew it was something special. The crust was delicate and buttery while the filling was rich and perfectly balanced. It was so impressive that we awarded it our Culinary Duo Best of the Best dish recognition, which is something we reserve for truly standout dishes. Peter went in a different direction and ordered the Sweet Potato Pancakes with house made white cheddar hash browns. The pancakes were flavorful and comforting, and the hash browns were crispy with bold cheddar flavor that made them impossible to stop eating. Another thing we appreciated was learning that Biscottis carries the Slow Food First Coast Snail of Approval, recognizing restaurants that support sustainable agriculture and local food traditions. The service throughout the visit was cheerful and attentive, and the staff seemed genuinely happy to be there. If you enjoy restaurants that combine great brunch dishes, incredible desserts, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere, Biscottis is definitely worth visiting.

Pretentious and overrated…read more I wanted to like this place - it has such a hype. But the food is terrible. The burger is greasy/wet, it is drenched in a bland cheese sauce, the meat is underseasoned, and the patty has no sear. Definitely not worth anything near the $21 cost. The salmon BLT is served on bread that is cut so thick you're mostly just eating old/stale bread, and the sandwich is also greasy. Their french fries come drenched in a disgusting garlic oil and cheap grated parmesan. It's bad cooking dressed up to look fancy without any understanding of the basics. The restaurant fits as well. Its ugly artwork is accompanied by furniture that looks like it was ripped out of a Le Pain Quotidien. The cakes look amazing, and the bar is nicely designed and well stocked, but neither saves the drab surrealist-cafeteria vibe of this pretentious establishment.

This self service place comes in clutch for the morning coffee while I was visiting…read more I didn't try any of the food but the menu is pretty big and there's a lot of good looking food coming off of the line. It was pretty slammed when I was there so the employees were in the weeds for sure. But I was happy with my espresso. The location is right in the 5 points area so the walk factor is legit. The seating outside is probably my favorite part. Who doesn't like sitting on picnic tables in the end right.

My wife and I were looking for a healthy option for lunch as we were traveling ... and found this…read moreplace. Organic products throughout the menu, as well as some gluten free options ... which was exactly what we were looking for! When we arrived, we found this pleasant environment with ample seating outside. As we began to review the menu, the manager of the shop was very friendly and helpful in navigating their menu. Ultimately, I decided to sample the bacon, egg, and cheese wrap. It was quite good. I believe they used a cheddar that was a bit strong for my taste and would have preferred some milder cheese options (like provolone). Regardless, it was tasty. My only complaint (and this may be specific to me) is that they did not have a cola flavored diet drink to offer. Yes, I admit, I need my Diet Coke with my meal. So, I had to walk around the corner and find a place to sell me a soda. Other than that, a great option for a meal.

My husband and I went on a much needed date night tonight. I've always wanted to give BB's a try…read moreand finally convinced him! We ordered the Brussel sprouts as an appetizer, they were phenomenal! Then we both decided on steak for dinner. I got the filet, and ordered it medium rare and it was perfect. My husband ordered the ribeye and his was medium, his was also spot on. Then of course, we had to get dessert. I got the German chocolate cake (this apparently isn't their normal one) and my husband got the dulce cheesecake. The waitress we had was great, and she recommended lots of tips and favorites to try. The only negative thing that I would say is that it's a bit cramped, so it was very loud and hard to hear each other at points. This was an amazing dinner. We will be back

Had a fantastic double date tonight celebrating my girlfriend's birthday! We were greeted warmly…read moreand given a nice table in the dining room. Our waiter, Evan, was very proactive & offered suggestions with menu items. We started with some cocktails, the gentlemen with the cider beer & an old fashioned. I chose a glass of bubbly & the birthday girl had the fizz cocktail. It was incredible with a fresh blackberry puree. We started with the fried green tomatoes & the calamari, both were delicious! Calamari was prepared well and not too chewy. We shockingly each chose a salad: the bistro steak, the chop chop Asian, the goat cheese, and the salmon. Each one was incredible. Mine was the chop chop and I absolutely loved it! It was HUGE and you can bet I ate every single bite. Loved it!' We finished with the brownie topped with ice cream for the birthday girl, it was extremely tasty! Thanks again to Evan for making our night! He was a fantastic waiter! Would absolutely request him in the future.

Made reservations about a week in advance because it was Mother's Day weekend, prom season, and…read moregrad season. Free parking in the parking lot (though it gets fairly full). I enjoyed the food; however, I think some details were missing or off for the price point. For example, the rib eye was requested for medium temp; however, it was medium rare and very chewy. The broiled ocean platter was kind of skimpy for the price point, and the shrimp & lobster diavolo were pretty good (though lobster wasn't very tender and slightly rubbery). I also wasn't given a pasta spoon- so had slight difficulty eating it. It took quite a while for us to get our food, approx 45 minutes? Our waitress was very kind and checked in- but forgot the lemons I had asked for- for the waters. We had inputted in our reservation request to not be in the center- and we were sat in the middle; though, 80% of the tables were empty. So, all in all, it was good but for the price point, I had higher expectations.

River & Post is a solid spot in Jacksonville, especially if you enjoy rooftop dining and a more…read moreupscale casual atmosphere. The rooftop bar is definitely the highlight, offering great views of the river and downtown skyline, especially around sunset. It creates a relaxing vibe that works well for date nights, drinks with friends, or special occasions. The food overall was good, with a menu that offers a nice mix of seafood, steaks, and Southern-inspired dishes. Some items were excellent and well-prepared, while others felt a little pricey for the portion size. The cocktails were creative and well-made, though drinks can add up quickly. Service was friendly and professional, but during busy hours things moved a bit slower than expected. Parking can also be limited depending on the time of day, so arriving early helps. Overall, River & Post delivers more on atmosphere and experience than just the food alone. While it may not be the cheapest dining option in Jacksonville, the rooftop views and overall ambiance make it worth checking out at least once.

Best fettuccine Alfredo in town! Their pasta is made from scratch daily along with their sauces and…read moreyou can truly taste the difference! When you order their fettuccine Alfredo there is two different types of sauces- one is the creamy Tomatoe and another is the traditional Alfredo. I usually always add either blackened or grilled chicken to my fettuccini Alfredo! Shrimp is also another great option! I always pair it with their famous espresso martinis! I don't get to take a picture because my friends and I wobbled it up! They have a seasonal pistachio espresso martini that is fantastic! Highly recommend!

Food: for apps we shared the marinated olives (great) and patatas bravas (great). for mains, we…read moreshared the night's special which was a redfish (standout dish of the night, incredible), filet mignon (my groups least favorite, slightly overcooked and overall forgettable), fettuccine (delightful). for dessert we split a tiramisu cheesecake (disappointing, would not describe as tiramisu flavored) and the house made strawberry gelato (incredible, and it came with one of their almond house made cookies which we then promptly ordered a cookie plate in addition). Cocktails were ok, my salt & vinegar martini was not salty or vinegary enough for my liking. Service: friendly waiter. I think it was a busy Saturday night because there were long wait times for apps and then again for our entrees; our dirty plates took a while to clear off the table. Ambiance: sat outside on the sidewalk which was perfect for the weather and less noisy than inside

Popped in on a Monday night, no reservation, but we were a party of 3 (two adults and baby) right…read morewhen they opened. Able to accommodate us before the dinner rush and reservations. Staff was so kind, our server Alex was phenomenal. Incredibly patient (again, we had a baby) and well versed in the menu. Food was delicious, we had carrot hummus, sugo pasta, and flounder. Ambiance is elevated with great service but still comfortable and not stuffy. So glad we stopped in!

I am first timer here at Town Hall Jax. My friend who lives…read morein the area introduced me to this down town location. The server was on point and courteous and friendly. The food is delicious and seasoned to taste, you have to try dish of brussels sprouts, it had a sweet and light salty flavor. The restaurant was a small but elegant place but romantic for couples to enjoy and relax with dim lighting which met our expectations.

Great breakfast place on this side of town. They have a front and back breakfast menu. Their…read moremimosas are wonderful. They do have small section for lunch options. If you prefer that when you visit. Everywhere looks clean and good condition. They seat you when you enter. Service is quick and friendly.

Out of respect, I am not going to mention our server's name however I will say that the level of…read moredisappointment is very strong. The lack of service today on a scale of 1 to 10 would be an 11. First, we never got our drinks until literally halfway through breakfast despite asking twice. Moreover, we were very specific how we wanted our eggs, which would be very light watery runny and they came out brown and overcooked. She brought the meal in pieces not as one breakfast and then with the eggs being overcooked they redid them, but they came out the exact same way. When asking for tea refills we literally waited over 10 minutes despite having reminding her. Today's visit was beyond disappointing not only was the breakfast cooked incorrectly twice and we had to wait an extensive amount of time just to even get silverware (never did get the extra napkins we asked for) the Service was very weak today. It was very disappointing and I'm not sure that this location will be one that I will return to after today. I will say this, when zora was here it was never like this.

I have lived here for 50 years and never known this place has been here half of that time or more…read more Took a friend from Oklahoma there I had the vegetable platter. She had the ribs, outstanding okra, tomatoes, green beans, hummus, and her sweet potato with cinnamon and butter looked awesome. The food came out fast. The place reminds me of a bar and Grill by the time we left at 12:15 it was crowded. Very crowded. Parking is a little bit of a nuisance, but we did not mind walking a block. Definitely definitely will go again and recommend highly.

In my eyes the southern grille can do no wrong. Be it breakfast, lunch, or happy hour. I've had…read morebreakfast sandwiches, burgers, fish, quesadillas, sides and desserts and nothing has let me down. Sometimes I even pop in just for a smoked sweet potato. The staff are some of the friendliest around. I love they know my name when I walk in - which is impressive bc they see hundreds of people a day. Also carrying desserts by a third party - love the local supporting local mindset.