I've gone my entire teenaged and adult life ordering maybe 3 burgers over a couple of decades, now…read moreI wake up thinking about the texture, taste, thickness, seasoning and freshness of the beef at Pinegrove Market and Deli! My go-to is the Hoss burger, because I love the onion rings and special sauce, but their steaks (ribeye and tenderloin) are also perfectly aged and fresh off the butcher block. This is a small deli with seating tucked away on a neighborhood street where you're guaranteed to be greeted with a friendly smile by someone willing to answer any questions you may have. It's an older building but they're serving up bistro quality food. The menu is written on the wall to the right of the register, but they also have a printout. If you're prone to decision overwhelm and don't want to order 14 things, you can also look at the menu on their website! If I lived in walking distance, I'd come here twice a week. They also sell beer, wine, salads, sandwiches, and chicken tenders and fried fish! Can you tell I'm obsessed with this place?!

First off, if you're looking for something locally owned this is your spot. Everything feels like…read moreit's family and regulars only. Which, don't let that intimidate. That just means the service, and atmosphere is welcoming to every one. I felt very welcomed and approached by multiple people to ensure my visit was going well. Which feels nice when you're deciding to eat local at a place that is 100% mom and pop vibe. You can choose to eat in, or take to go. I decided to order the 16oz ribeye and sit out on the patio. The patio is not accessible from the inside ordering area. So be aware of that for drink refills and such. But they manage to still bring you your food and check on you occasionally. And for a more of a self serve place, that was more than I was expecting. The steak was cooked to perfection. Not overly seasoned, and I'd say just the right amount. Veggies weren't undercooked or over cooked. I planned on not eating half and saving a little for later. Well it was too good to do that haha. All in all a good meal and can't wait to be back.

We had dinner at ClarkeBros over in Riverside this evening. They're at 2545 Riverside Avenue, right…read moreacross from St Vincent with parking available at the side of their entrance. This is one of those places that we love but haven't been to in far too long. We both tried things that were new to each of us tonight as well, which was cool. I ordered The Ole Smokie, with everything on it and choose cheddar cheese. My first thought when it was brought to the table was "oh, I'll probably have to go at this with a fork & knife" but I decided to give it a shot as intended. I'm glad I did because the bread held up surprisingly well! As far as ingredients go, the brisket was good and smokey. There was a good mix of everything else and more than enough cheddar. My wife ordered the Chicken Cheesesteak. She also had a choice of cheese and she picked whizz. The thing that separates this from what people might expect is that it's chunks of chicken, not shredded chicken. She said that's not a bad thing at all, just a change from what some might exoect. She thought it was a welcome change. She liked their cheese whizz a lot and liked the roll as always, so she was glad she tried it. It's worth noting that both sandwiches were big enough that we both took half of each home. I didn't get the name of the two people that were working there this evening, but I'd still like to give then a shout out. They were both incredibly patient with the customers ahead of us and they didn't make us feel rushed even though we were there fairly close to the time they close on Friday evenings. Another good visit to Clarke Bros. Here's hoping it doesn't take us so long to get back here again for the next visit!

Rode up here this afternoon after the lunch rush. Not many folks inside, open seating, easy to take…read morea look at the menu and the specials without feeling rushed. Ordered at the front counter and was greeted by a friendly young lady... good start. I went in planning to get the muffaleta off the specials board. They checked on it, but no luck... they were out of the cuts needed. I was pointed toward the Italian, but my buddy already grabbed that and I felt like being different. Noticed another special on the wall, a smoked brisket sandwich. Can't remember the exact name, but that's what I went with. Instead of chips or their homemade tots, I grabbed the balsamic roasted brussel sprouts as an appetizer. Tables weren't the cleanest and were a little wobbly, but nothing deal-breaking... we made it work. Food came out pretty quick and looked solid. Flavor-wise... a little mixed. The brussel sprouts were very flaky and leafy, almost crumbled apart. You really had to work your fork to get a bite. I was picturing larger roasted halves. Sauce was fine, nothing bad, nothing special. I'd give those a 3 out of 5. The brisket sandwich was interesting. The meat was very fatty and kind of tough to chew through. Not sure if that's just the cut or the prep. I ate about three-quarters of it. It wasn't bad, just didn't hit the way I hoped. Probably still thinking about that muffaleta. Another 3 out of 5. I'd come back, no doubt... but next time I'm sticking with what they're known for. Those cheesesteaks always look great, and that's probably the move. Today was about trying something different, and I'm glad I did... even if it didn't knock my socks off.

Love the order at counter vibes, friendly staff. Busy place on a Saturday but the line and food…read morecomes out hot and promptly. First stop: cheesy yuka bites. Light, fluffy, cheesy, garlicky sauce with the right amount of zest spice. Melts in your mouth. How can I bring this sauce home?!?! Second up: main course. Chicken, pickled onions, and avocado w lime over crispy plantains. Do I need to move to Equador or just come here again? I will always give a high five to restaurants with gender neutral bathrooms!

There's a very "social" vibe here. Chancho King has a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere with a…read morerelaxed outdoor seating area tucked behind the building. The inside is nothing fancy (which is fine). The chef‑owners who are James Beard finalists, which naturally raises expectations. However, after multiple visits, the overall experience has not matched the level of hype surrounding the restaurant. Portion sizes relative to pricing remain the primary concern, making the value feel uneven despite the appealing setting. I work in the area and have gone with several office mates. We've tried several dishes and sandwiches but still can't understand the extreme hype. I was told the Chorizo was spicy and it was so bland I felt like I was eating Hilshire Farms kielbasa. Pros: * Outdoor Dining - Pleasant outdoor dining area that provides a comfortable place to relax * Service - Consistently friendly service and a casual neighborhood feel * Variety - Menu crafted by highly regarded chef‑owners with strong culinary credentials * Location - Murray Hill location for a laid‑back meal or meet‑up * The best dish on the menu has been the pork sandwich - which is half a sub roll and plantain chips Cons: * Pricing - Pricing feels high for the portion sizes (e.g., three chicken legs at $23) * Expectations - Overall experience does not fully align with the restaurant's reputation * Some dishes feel more modest than expected given the cost Chancho King is a great place to unwind in the neighborhood, but the pricing-to-portion balance left me wanting more.

Newly introduced to this delicious lunch spot. Steak in a sac and the chicken salad are absolutely…read moredelicious. Owners truly care for their customers. You can feel the friendly energy as soon as you walk in the door! Highly recommend stopping in if you haven't already!

Please ask to see the portion of meat and brand they are providing before you pay. My camel rider…read morehad 3 thin slices of Land oh frost lunch meat

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.

The coziest wine bar! My family and I visited Cork Thyme for a yap session and really enjoyed our…read moretime. The wine was delicious, the charcuterie board was good, but the best part of all was the service! The staff there were so kind, told us all about their history and all the cool events they had going on, checked on us frequently, and even let my sister charge her phone using their charger. I will 100% be back!

Cozy atmosphere, great staff, and amazing vibes all around. A really solid wine bar experience.read more

I'm gonna miss my burger from Carolina Jax...but when I ask to have it cut in half and im given…read moreattitude and pointed to plastic knives and told "do it yourself". The Loop has as good or better burger and theyll gladly cut my burger in half for me. Goodbye CJ, it was fun.

This is a small fast casual spot that I believe will soon be expanding! It's a "we're gonna need a…read morebigger boat" situation, in a very good way. Very friendly service! We arrived at the height of lunch and the line was constantly to the door or out of it but service was super fast with big smiles. We ordered the Charleston, Hurricane, fries, Mac n chz fry sauces of sweet datil and Cajun ranch, side of fresh jalepenos. The line to order is long but moves quickly. Seating is cramped but most people eat and leave, although I did notice a couple lingered for 30 minutes, plus. This is not a cozy, lingering cafe. Kinda eat your stuff and get out LOL. I mean customers standing in every available space waiting for a seat, staring at tables isn't ideal. It took 5minutes for a table to open up and less than about 30 minutes for them to call our name. Everything was as ordered, but they forgot the Cajun ranch - that was easily rectified, and I was able to get a glass for ice water at the same time. I'm not a fan of Diet Pepsi but if I could have tried a cheer wine or orange crush or milk shake, I would've! To me, the meat was unseasoned and unremarkable, I'm not a fan of juice smashed out of my beef but that's me, however, it was quality burger meat. What WILL blow you away is the real star-the toppings and unique combos, fries and fry sauces/toppings. I think I could have ordered a side of seasoning for burgers, or ordered it that way? This place is certainly worth further investigation. Looking to try the OBX, with added fresh jalapeños of course. The hot dogs look yummy too.

Great spot on the strip along St John's while in Jacksonville. In town with my wife & her friends…read morefor the Ironman triathlon this weekend & they wanted to carb load the night before the race. In all candor it's a great spot along a busy restaurant corridor along one of the beautiful streets in America. If you dig driving along Spanish oaks over the road with Spanish moss lined with beautiful older homes & mansions - this is a superb date night spot if here or visiting. Five in our party. One person ordered gluten free pasta but was the one who insisted on pasta. One had the lasagna pinwheels with fennel sausage. I was jealous! It looks & smelled fantastic & she said it was! One had children's spaghetti with chicken because she gets skeezed out with veal in the meatballs. But her dish was excellent. The sourdough focaccia bread was excellent & fresh! I love a traditional Chicken Piccata & knew that's what I wanted on the way in! But wait... even though it's on the Chefs specials card - it's not chicken piccata at all. It's a breaded fried hammered out cutlet a think chicken parm. But mine was a tad overcooked. And they've created a stone ground Dijon & artichoke spread to put over the top with arugula & fresh graded parm. It was okay... but man.. just make a damn good true to form traditional piccata please. Name this chef special something else. Piccata it's not. House Cab was good! Joe, our server was exceptionally skilled, on point & a super guy! One in our party ordered something she didn't like. He immediately swooped in. Asked what she would like to replace it & was above & beyond to replace it - was a lil overcooked generous on removing her charge. But he's that kinda guy. Solid dude. Loved the spot. Wouldn't hesitate to go back. I realize you're trying to stand out from a busy & competitive area & same ol same ol. Very reasonably priced & value. Also thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside & having our puppy with us. I ventured inside & they have a large bar that looked awesome with a generous number of seats. The bartenders were talented with the shakers, upbeat & professional without killing the ambiance of the room. Bathrooms were not labeled men/women & had 4-5 with a family one. Loved the old original doors, wood work & history of the building. Enjoyed our groups visit!

Truthfully, the food was pretty good, and the ambiance is absolutely gorgeous -- that part really…read morestands out. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience didn't match. My espresso martini was not good, and the service overall wasn't great. The biggest issue, though, was the seating. We were the first ones sat in the room and were placed directly under an AC vent set to 60 degrees -- with two babies. We politely asked to be moved, but our request was ignored. We were all freezing the entire time, and it honestly took away from what could have been a much better first experience.

We visit European Street Cafe often. It's my daughter's favorite place and quite frankly, it's a…read moregreat to pick up a quick dessert. I've reviewed European Street before but, I wish I could do three reviews for this place. I feel it is the nearly the best at some things, and good at others. The service is always excellent. Whether you're dining in or carrying out, everyone is always pleasant, service is quick, and the crew always seems to provide great reheating advice. The interior is quaint and casual with a beautiful bar, and a really unique store that sells candy and beer from all over the world. Sometimes I go just for that. It's a really cool experience. The outside eating area here is probably the best around. Nicely decorated area, tables and umbrellas and just a great place to eat on a nice day. Dogs are welcome, which is a plus for us. The beer selection and Happy Hour specials are the best around. If you like beer, this is the best place you could go in the Riverside/Avondale area. It's also a very underrated location for dessert. You could stop in to grab something from their cake, pie or cookie selection. The cookies are INCREDIBLE. I've also had the carrot cake (very nice), the peanut butter chocolate pie (solid) and their pecan pie (very good). The menu for food is vast, there are a ton of choices, it centers around sandwiches (there are salads as well) and there's something for everyone. I've always liked the fiery turkey sub and the mufaletta. They're really solid. Very good breakfast sandwiches as well. When you get a side of chips though, it is literally chips out of a bag. I feel like they could probably do something better there, but that's my only constructive criticism. We stopped by last night for a cookie. It's a dessert, it's massive. If you carry out, 15-20 seconds in the microwave and dig in. The flavors range from standards (chocolate chip, peanut butter, white macadamia) to really unique creations (German chocolate, carrot cake). We'll be back, more pics next time, but I wanted to give some love to what is perhaps the best Happy Hour location around. Give them a try.

I have been to the Park Street location many, many times and today will be my last. The waiter was…read morerude. The manager was rude. My sandwich had yellow mustard dripping from it. We sat outside as I had my service dog with me and I had previously been told that she was NOT allowed inside, doesn't matter that as a service dog she should be allowed anywhere I go. The waiter gave me a lot of guff because I put her on my lap when I was finished eating so that she would stop whining for food (which was sub par). The waiter told me to read the rules that stated that dogs are not allowed on laps (there is no such rule). The waiter then proceeded to tell me that he knows others who live in my building who have told him that we have been thrown out of other places (gossipy cashier who pretends to be a friend). Anyway, the food is nothing to write home about. The tables are never wiped down between customers. This particular waiter and his manager are downright rude and irritating. There are so many other places to go, including the European Street Cafe in San Marco where they are much friendlier. My companion told me that her late husband had trouble with this waiter, too. Skip it. There are just too many good places to go to bother with these folks who apparently get up on the wrong side of their beds all too frequently. And they are the only place in town with patio rules!!! Next, they will ban children.

Southern grounds is always a good idea for me. The food is…read morealways fresh, healthy and such great quality. I come here for breakfast or in between meetings for a little pick me up. It is a great spot to study and/or work. Ambiance is top tier and service is 100/10. Coffee is also really good! There is something for everyone and i can not wait to be back!

A great place to calm down and relax. The service is great , the menu offers a variety, breakfast…read moremenu is available all day. Of all the Southern Grounds restaurants this is my favorite.