130 Readers' Choice Restaurants and Bars by Neighborhood
Several months ago, before we knew we would be spending a lot of time in our homes and neighborhoods, we launched a survey to find out our readers’ favorite local food and drink establishments throughout Northeast Florida. We defined 26 different regions, from Fernandina to Flagler Beach, and created a list of restaurants and watering holes in each of those neighborhoods. More than 750 businesses made it onto the survey. Readers voted on local food and beverage businesses that offer seating and a welcoming environment, source some ingredients locally, demonstrate a spirit of collaboration within the community, contribute to the character of a neighborhood and community, provide outstanding customer service and make guests feel like locals.
Edible Northeast Florida is pleased to announce the winning picks in each of the 26 neighborhoods, as selected by our readers. Based on the tremendous number of responses we received, while much has changed as a result of COVID-19, there is also much to celebrate and enjoy. In the list below you’ll find the top five picks for each neighborhood - all 130 of them. Whether these businesses are new to you or longtime favorites, we encourage you to support local food and drink establishments throughout our community.
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AMELIA ISLAND & FERNANDINA BEACH (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Moon River Pizza 925 South 14th Street
Whether you want a whole pie or just a slice, Moon River’s pizza is sure to satisfy. The T-Rex is for the meat lover in the group. Not a fan of tomato sauce? No problem! Order the White Pizza for the perfect blend of mozzarella, feta and Parmesan cheese, along with a dash of oregano and fresh garlic.
Salt at The Ritz-Carlton 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy.
Guests and locals alike enjoy the fine dining and hospitality at The Ritz-Carlton. Salt Restaurant uses over 40 different types of this mineral to add depth of flavor to its coastal-inspired cuisine, including the “Steak & Eggs” Beef Tenderloin served on a 250 Million Year Old Himalayan Salt Block. For a personalized experience, plan on an Adventure Tasting Menu or an interactive seat-in-the-kitchen at the Chef’s Kitchen Table.
Wicked Bao 232 North 2nd Street
Asian street food is on the menu at this fast casual concept, including Pot Stickers, Dumplings and the specialty of the house, Bao. These handheld steamed buns are wrapped around fillings such as Braised Pork Belly, Bulgogi Beef and Crispy Tofu. To round out your meal, try Green Tea, Red Bean or Mango Mochi.
Timoti’s Seafood Shak 21 North 3rd Street
When Theresa and Tim Poynter, owners of Cafe Karibo, realized Fernandina Beach needed a casual spot serving fresh seafood, they opened Timoti’s. Baskets, tacos, po’boys, bowls, salads – just add shrimp, crab, fish, oysters (even chicken or tofu for the landlubbers) for a satisfying meal in the heart of the historic district. Can’t decide what to get? Try the Seafood Stew and a side of hush puppies.
Cafe Karibo 27 North 3rd Street
An eclectic menu offers dishes for every taste, with plenty of options for vegan and vegetarian diners. Enjoy fresh salads, pub grub, seafood specials, cocktails from the bar and homemade desserts under the oak-tree shaded courtyard of this family-run restaurant.
ORANGE PARK & FLEMING ISLAND
Readers' Choice Winners
Urban Bean Coffee 2023 Park Avenue
Specialty coffeehouse and cafe serving fine coffee, local brews and Australian grass-fed Angus hamburgers.
4 Rivers Smokehouse 220 Park Avenue
Traditional American-style BBQ in a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.
Grumpy’s Restaurant 834 Kingsley Avenue
A full-service Southern style diner providing excellent home-style cooking and serving a hungry person's portion at a working-class price.
Pinglehead Brewing 12 Blanding Blvd.
Brewpub and commercial craft brewery serving flavorful local beers.
Whitey’s Fish Camp 2032 County Rd 220
Waterfront seafood restaurant with live music and an RV park.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS & MIDDLEBURG
Readers' Choice Winners
Spring Park Coffee 328 Ferris Street
North Florida's premiere hometown coffeehouse with a cozy chic flair.
Thai Basil 1075 Oakleaf Plantation Pkwy.
Eatery offering traditional stir-fries and curries.
Boondocks Grill & Bar 2808 Henley Rd.
Classic American bar located in a barn-style restaurant.
Sweet Sensations 25 North Orange Ave.
Traditional American restaurant serving comfort foods and small plates.
Cedar River Seafood 2475 Blanding Blvd.
Family-friendly seafood restaurant serving classic fried fare and Southern desserts.
NORTHSIDE, JACKSONVILLE (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Congaree and Penn Farm 11830 Old Kings Road
Scott and Lindsay Meyer started the farm in 2014 with 4 rice paddies. Since then the operation has expanded to include a mayhaw orchard, you-pick blackberries, a cider press, Farmers Table dinners with guest chefs and outstanding culinary offerings for onsite dining and to-go picnics.
Joseph’s Pizza 7316 N Main Street
This family-run restaurant has been serving up pizza and Italian comfort food for over 60 years. The Antipasto Salad is big enough to share while you wait for your hand-tossed pizza. If you have room after noshing on Joseph’s Special (pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef, ham, mushrooms, black olives, onions, green peppers, and anchovies) try the homemade cannolis or zeppoles.
Blue Boy Sandwiches 6514 Norwood Avenue
Huge sandwiches on homemade bread and reasonable prices make this a great stop for a complete picnic on your way to the Zoo or the beach. Stacked meat, cheese, fresh veggies – you’ll quickly find out why 1 sandwich makes a meal.
Celestia’s Coastal Cuisine 6765 Dunn Avenue
Chef-owner Celestia has built a reputation as a doyenne of soul food in Jacksonville. You’ll find plenty of that on the menu here (Oxtail Wontons are a must-try), along with specials such as Seafood Boil, Jumbo Snow Crab Legs and Seafood Mac ‘n Cheese. Be sure to get there early before the crowds.
Soul Food Express 1227 East 21st Street
Only open Thursday through Sunday, so if you want a plateful of traditional soul food, you need to plan accordingly. Start with your choice of rice, select a type of meat (including classics such as Smothered Pork Chops, Turkey Necks and Pigs’ Feet), then pick 3 sides (field peas are a seasonal favorite). And if the Pineapple Pound Cake is on the counter, be sure to snag a piece.
DOWNTOWN JAX
Readers' Choice Winners
Bellwether 100 North Laura Street Ste 100
American cuisine, featuring creative soft-serve ice cream flavors and craft cocktails.
Intuition Ale Works 929 East Bay Street
Brewery and taproom located in Downtown Jacksonville’s Sports District, showcasing bands and local barbeque.
Manifest Distilling 960 East Forsyth Street
Downtown Jacksonville's only full-scale organic distillery reflecting classic American craftsmanship.
Cowford Chophouse 101 East Bay Street
Modern, high-end steakhouse with a stylish rooftop bar in a historic 1902 bank building.
The Volstead 115 West Adams Street
Speakeasy style bar with handcrafted, classic cocktails.
SPRINGFIELD (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Crispy’s Gallery 1735 North Main Street
Housed in the former Akra Brothers Department store, Crispy’s opened after a lengthy restoration project designed to showcase the historical architectural features. Look for the pizza special of the day, with pairings such as Ham and Cheese, BLT and Buffalo Chicken pizza. A full bar and plenty of local and craft beers to complement your meal make Crispy’s a great spot to hang out with friends.
1748 Bakehouse 1748 North Main Street
From its origins at Riverside Arts Market to this brick-and-mortar café, Baker Allison and Chef Kurt have remained true to their vision of serving fresh, seasonally inspired food using local ingredients. The pastry case displays a wide selection of sweet and savory galettes, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods. Try the breakfast sandwich on house-made English muffins.
Strings Sports Brewery 1850 North Main Street
Located in a former service station built in 1938, the brewery is focused on sports, family and beer. Want a fresh fish dinner special and a seasonal brew on tap draft with a side of shooting the hoops? Strings is the place for you.
Uptown Kitchen & Bar 1303 N. Main Street
A Southern-style diner serving an extensive menu, with breakfast and lunch offerings all day long. Try the Uptown Breakfast Bowl with creamy Gouda grits or the Curried Tofu-Tempeh Scramble.
Main & Six Brewing 1636 North Main Street
This craft brewery, opened in 2017, cranks out seasonal beers along with its regular options such as Staycation Blonde Ale, Big Jim California Common (named after the steam whistle located off 1st street in Springfield) and Ongoing Investigation IPA (We give them an A+ for the beer names!)
FIVE POINTS
Readers' Choice Winners
Black Sheep Restaurant 1534 Oak Street
A modern American restaurant using fresh, local ingredients to create handcrafted food and cocktails.
The Bread & Board 1030 Oak Street
A fast casual restaurant specializing as equal parts a fun-loving sandwich shop and a fine dining kitchen.
Hawkers 1001 Park Street
Fast paced Asian street fare restaurant inspired by Southeast Asian culture.
Taqueria Cinco 809 Lomax Street
Casual and upbeat Mexican taqueria created by a collaboration of local restaurateurs.
Brew Five Points 1024 Park Street
A multi-roaster cafe serving coffee, breakfast tacos, fresh baked pastries and beer.
AVONDALE (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Brick Restaurant 3585 St. Johns Avenue
Try this modern take on American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy live music, a full bar and brunch on the weekends (with 7 variations on eggs benedict).
Restaurant Orsay 3630 Park Street
If you are hungry for a taste of France, with a Southern twist, head to Orsay and order the Bouillabaise or Cassoulet. Have a hankering for oysters? Try some from the raw bar, with a selection of oysters from Florida, Louisiana and the Eastern Seaboard. And by all means, save room for one of Chef Rebecca’s seasonal desserts.
Biscottis 3556 St. Johns Avenue
A staple of the Avondale neighborhood for over 25 years, this bistro specializes in American cuisine. Make sure to ogle the dessert case on the way to your seat, because you will definitely want to order one of the best desserts in Jacksonville. Biscottis takes bread pudding to a new level of deliciousness.
Pinegrove Market & Deli 1511 Pinegrove Avenue
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted burgers and sandwiches or fresh cut meats and dry-aged steaks, this neighborhood institution is at the ready. We hear you can’t go wrong ordering the Meatball Sub, with Mama B's homemade hand-rolled meatballs, marinara, mozzarella and Parmesan, on a French Pantry baguette.
Whit’s Frozen Custard 3545 St. Johns Avenue
Fans wait with tingling taste buds to see the monthly calendar of frozen delights. In addition to the standard vanilla and chocolate, Whit’s creates a daily special flavors, with combinations like Caramel Peanut Butter Cup, New York Chocolate Chip Cheesecake and Cool Kats and Kittens (you’ll have to stop by and find out that one for yourself!).
RIVERSIDE
Readers' Choice Winners
Bold Bean 869 Stockton Street
Coffee roasters specializing in sustainably sourced coffee.
Southern Roots Filling Station 1275 King Street
Counter-service coffee shop serving vegan foods and bulk organic foods.
13 Gypsies 887 Stockton Street
A traditional Spanish restaurant serving true Mediterranean flavors.
Sweet Theory Baking Co. 1243 King Street
Bake shop crafting vegan pastries, cakes and treats with all-natural and other organic products.
European Street Café 2753 Park Street
Family-owned restaurant serving sandwiches, salads and beer fare for over 35 years.
MURRAY HILL (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Community Loaves 1116 Edgewood Ave South
What started in 2011 as a bike-delivered organic bread subscription has grown into a brick-and-mortar bakery serving sourdough bread, cookies, pies and other fresh-from-the-oven goodies. This women-owned business is an area favorite for breakfast, lunch and brunch.
Vagabond Coffee 934 Edgewood Ave South
Will and Samantha Morgan launched their specialty coffee business in a vintage camper and, after several years, found a perfect parking spot in Murray Hill. It’s now a popular community gathering spot for coffee, house made pastries and Chancho King Pork Sandwich.
Moon River Pizza 1176 Edgewood Ave South
A hip atmosphere known for large portions, serving pizzas, calzones, salads, beer and wine. Try the T-Rex Pizza for serious meat eaters or the Maui Wow-ee, adorned with ham, pineapple and Cheddar cheese.
El Jefe 947 Edgewood Ave. South
Chef Scotty Schwartz and Chef Jose Solome share a commitment to serving the true flavors of the area bordering Texas and Mexico. The result? Some of the finest Tex-Mex fare in Jax, including classics and new spins on enchiladas, fajitas, puffy tacos and margaritas.
Dreamette 3646 Post Street
Families and friends have been flocking to this frozen treat institution since 1948. A favorite spot to chill down, serving ice cream, milk shakes (try the peach) and banana splits, plus the crowd-pleasing drip cone – vanilla, chocolate or strawberry soft-serve encased in chocolate, the perfect end to any meal.
SAN MARCO JAX
Readers' Choice Winners
Taverna 1986 San Marco Blvd.
Modern kitchen with classic, Italian recipes and an award-winning wine list.
The Bearded Pig 1224 Kings Avenue
Traditional Southern barbecue restaurant and beer garden.
Town Hall 2012 San Marco Blvd.
Chef Tom Gray’s intimate restaurant inspired by fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.
The French Pantry 6301 Powers Avenue
Iconic bakehouse and cafe offering artisanal sandwiches and desserts.
Rue St. Marc 2103 San Marco Blvd.
Chef Scott’s modern take on French cuisine, with unique cocktails created by mixologist Gabby.
MANDARIN
Readers' Choice Winners
Julington Creek Fish Camp 12760 San Jose Blvd.
Relaxed yet glamorous eatery serving fresh Florida seafood prepared with Southern soul and style.
Wicked Barley Brewing 4100 Baymeadows Road
Award winning waterfront craft brewery featuring a beer garden, kayak launch and boat dock.
1928 Cuban Bistro 3928 Baymeadows Rd.
Authentic Cuban restaurant serving traditional fare including fresh made cafecito.
V Pizza & Tap Garden 12601 San Jose Blvd.
Award-winning pizza parlor and tap garden serving authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Picasso’s 10503 San Jose Blvd.
Modern restaurant serving St. Louis style pizza and popular American fare.
ARLINGTON (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
The Juicy Crab 1115 South Mary Susan Drive
This seafood restaurant specializes in Southern Low Country Boil, featuring a house blend “Juicy Special” spices. Be prepared to get your hands dirty as you tear into a platter of snow crab legs, crawfish and seasonal Blue crabs.
Trap House Chicken 5907 Merrill Road
In the mood for chicken? Then head to this spot, where the names of the dishes are as creative as the flavor combinations. Need a chicken sandwich with a kick? Try the Juanita Maria Lopez, spicy in all the right ways. For a unique take on ribs, order the Duuuval Fried Ribs Samurai style.
Mr. Potato Spread 9501 Arlington Expressway
Started as a food truck and delivery model, this all-things potato eatery can now be found in the Regency Square Mall Food Court. Using a baked potato as the base, menu options include The Crab Pot (shrimp, crab meat, sausage, corn and eggs), Hog Heaven (slow roasted pulled pork) and Sweet Potato Veggie.
The Soul Food Bistro 9400 Atlantic Blvd.
This is the second location of the popular Jacksonville soul food restaurant opened by The Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Based on the lines of people at lunch and dinner, its mission to provide outstanding Southern food the whole family can enjoy has been a success. Order one of the traditional favorites, and don’t forget to add a piece of Slap Yo Mamma Cornbread.
Tabouleh Café 7645 Merrill Road
Get a taste of the Mediterranean at this Greek-Lebanese café. Their motto is “Keep calm and eat tabouleh,” and we can’t argue with that advice. Some other favorites include the Shawarma (chicken, beef or lamb), Baba Ghanoush and Kibbeh.
INTRACOASTAL WEST JAX
Readers' Choice Winners
Marker 32 14549 Beach Blvd.
Award-winning restaurant boasting of local seafood and waterway views.
Catullo’s Italian 1650-2 San Pablo Rd South
Italian restaurant serving seasonal dishes and new takes on traditional favorites.
Blue Orchid Thai 13475 Atlantic Blvd.
Serving authentic Thai cuisine with family recipes and hospitality that is always on the menu.
Mambo’s Cuban 13770 Beach Blvd.
Family owned and operated Cuban cafe serving traditional fare and custom baked goods.
Bagels R Us 14185 Beach Blvd.
Traditional New-York style shop specializing in scratch-made bagels using fresh ingredients daily.
SOUTHSIDE JAX
Readers' Choice Winners
Prati Italia 4972 Big Island Drive
Chef Tom Gray’s take on Italian cuisine, offering a neighborhood restaurant experience with a contemporary menu.
Timwah Dim Sum 8358 Point Meadows Dr #11
Traditional dim sum restaurant served in carts circling the restaurant.
Blue Bamboo 3820 Southside Blvd.
Modern Asian restaurant serving hip comfort food in a polished and welcoming atmosphere.
M Shack 10281 Mid Town Pkwy.
Redefined old-fashioned burger joint with all natural gourmet burgers and handspun milkshakes.
Jax Bread Co. 8380 Baymeadows Rd.
Bakery specializing in pastries, bagels, sandwiches and artisan bread.
NEPTUNE BEACH (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar – Tacos, tortas and tequila, oh my! Offering Mexican and Latin American cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere, a good place to start is the Guacamole prepared tableside. And for dessert, try the Tres Leches Bread Pudding, with pecan praline, meringue and pomegranate syrup. 207 Atlantic Blvd.
Hawkers – Asian street fare inspired by the food halls in Southeast Asia. Try a variety of small plates, perfect for sharing, like Dimsum Crunchy Balls, Roast Duck Steamed Baos or Sichuan Wontons. And don’t forget a platter (or two) of Roti. You might not want to share this Malaysian flat bread with curry sauce. 241 Atlantic Blvd.
North Beach Fish Camp – One of the Fish Camp restaurants opened by Ben and Liza Groshell, this location sports a contemporary, casual feel, with fresh seafood the star of any meal. Check the specials for the seasonal catch of the day. Hop on up to the second floor for a bird’s eye view of Neptune Beach while enjoying a craft cocktail. 100 1st St.
Southern Grounds – Stop in for a latte or cold brew coffee, stay for the chef-inspired cuisine. Omelets, bagels, ancient grains bowls, quesadillas, tacos, daily specials and much more – you’ll find a satisfying selection from morning to night. And did we mention delectable desserts? Consider yourself warned. 200 1st St.
Mezza Luna – This women-led kitchen cranks out traditional Italian dishes and nightly specials featuring seasonal seafood and produce. Executive Chef Carrie draws on her years of experience in both the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest to add regional sensibilities to the plate while Sous Chef Nadine brings the flavors of soul food she grew up eating. 110 1st St.
ATLANTIC BEACH AND MAYPORT
Readers' Choice Winners
Safe Harbor Seafood – Traditional seafood market and restaurant serving fresh catches daily. 4378 Ocean St.
Poe’s Tavern – American gastropub offering 50+ craft beers and gourmet hamburgers. 363 Atlantic Blvd.
Coop 303 – Contemporary restaurant with classic dishes and modern cocktails. 303 Atlantic Blvd.
Southern Roots – Counter-service coffee shop serving vegan foods and organic prepared foods. 32 Seminole Rd.
Royal Palm Wine and Tapas – Farm-to-table tapas restaurant with retail space offering a wide selection of fine wines, rotating drafts and craft beers. 296 Royal Palms Dr.
JAX BEACH
Readers' Choice Winners
TacoLu – Festive Mexican restaurant specializing in unique tacos, tequila and mezcal. 1712 Beach Blvd.
Bold Bean Coffee – Coffee roasters specializing in sustainably sourced coffee. 2400 3rd St S.
Cinotti’s Bakery – Family run bakery and sandwich shop specializing in custom cookies, cakes and doughnuts. 1523 Penman Rd.
Mini Bar Doughnuts – Doughnut shop specializing in fresh, made-to-order doughnuts with unique flavors. 1300 Beach Blvd.
Southern Swells – A craft brewery and taproom focused on New-England IPAs, Heavily Fruited Sours, Imperial Stouts and Mixed-Fermentation. 1312 Beach Blvd.
PONTE VEDRA & PALM VALLEY (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Restaurant Medure – A staple of Ponte Vedra Beach since 2001, Executive Chef David and his team excel at fine dining in an intimate setting. Try the house made pasta dishes like Shrimp Taglierini with Roasted Fennel or Ricotta Gnocchi topping with Wild Mushroom Cream. Be sure to order a Purple Rain, one of the signature craft cocktails, featuring Manifest Gin. 818 A1A North.
Palm Valley Fish Camp – Want to take a break but can’t leave town? Head over to this spot on the Intracoastal for a relaxing meal with a refreshing view of the water. Fresh, seasonal seafood and Southern hospitality are always on the menu, with something everyone in the family can enjoy. Check the specials board for the catch of the day. 299 N Roscoe Blvd.
Valley Smoke Restaurant – If you’re in the mood for slow smoked BBQ with a modern flair, pull up a seat alongside the Intracoastal for some ribs, chicken, pulled pork and house made hot links. Catch up on your reading – of whiskey labels, that is, in the Bourbon Library, with an extensive selection for sipping and cocktails. 11 S Roscoe Blvd.
Barbara Jean’s – Enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the water with Southern coastal cuisine on the table. Shrimp and Grits are always a hit, or change it up and order some blackened catfish with those grits. Plant lovers will find plenty to eat, with over 15 different veggie side dishes. 15 S Roscoe Blvd.
Nona Blue Modern Tavern – This spot in Sawgrass Village has become a favorite post-golf destination. It’s easy to see why, with craft beers on tap, American cuisine cooked on a wood fired grill and plenty of shareable plates for all tastes. 325 Front St.
NORTH CITY & VILANO BEACH, ST. AUGUSTINE
Readers' Choice Winners
Cap’s on the Water – Waterfront restaurant with sunset view, oyster bar and local seafood choices. 4325 Myrtle St.
Juniper Market – Cafe serving locally-sourced and scratch-made bites with unique, organic coffee drinks. 48 San Marco Ave.
Crème de la Cocoa – Nationally recognized confectionery specializing in cakes, desserts and chocolate edible art. 299 San Marco Ave.
DOS Coffee & Wine – Homey, wood-paneled coffee shop with hand crafted coffee drinks and house made baked goods. 300 San Marco Ave.
Cantina Louie – Mexican street food offered in an ambiance fit for all occasions. 1900 US-1.
DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINE
Readers' Choice Winners
The Floridian – Innovative Southern fare for omnivores, herbivores and locavores. 72 Spanish St.
The Ice Plant – Inspired by the 1920s, this farm-to-table eatery offers locally sourced dishes and unique cocktails. 110 Riberia St.
Preserved Restaurant – An upscale, authentic Southern cuisine restaurant with regionally-sourced ingredients. 102 Bridge St.
Mayday – This ice cream shop crafts homemade ice cream, cones and sprinkles. 100 St George St.
The Columbia – Florida’s oldest restaurant serving traditional Spanish cuisine. 98 St George St.
ANASTASIA BLVD. (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
Llama Restaurant – Chef-owner Marcel Vizcarra hails from Peru, and his menu offers authentic flavors found throughout the country, with many ingredients imported from his homeland. For an Amazonian rainforest experience, sample the Arapaima (a fish known as river monster), wrapped in plantain leaves, with yucca, plantains, charred hearts of palm and passion fruit. 415 Anastasia Blvd.
Blackfly the Restaurant – Colorful murals and prints of fly fishing scenes by Vaughn Cochran adorn the interior of this casual restaurant-bar. Not surprisingly the menu, crafted by Chef Matt Brown, features fresh seafood and tropical flavors. Start your meal with a kick and order Bahamian Conch Fritters accompanied by a Datil Pepper Remoulade. 108 Anastasia Blvd.
Gypsy Cab Co. – Ned Pollack introduced Urban Cuisine to St. Augustine in the early 1980’s and ever since locals and visitors have enjoyed the daily Cab Fare for lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. No meal is complete without a cup of Black Bean Soup with a side of garlic bread. 828 Anastasia Blvd.
Osprey Tacos – Nestled in one-half of a former service station, this taqueria is a laid-back destination to fuel up on your way to or from the beach. Chef-owner John grew up in California making fresh tamales and salsas with his mom and grandmother. His take on traditional Mexican street tacos combined with local seafood, produce and seasonings results in fresh on-the-fly dining. 300 Anastasia Blvd.
O’Steen’s Restaurant – One of the oldest restaurants in the Oldest City, this family-friendly spot typically boasts lines of eager fans in the parking lot, waiting to enjoy platters of fried seafood, traditional Southern side dishes, hush puppies and sweet tea (no alcohol is served). Some regulars tailgate while waiting for their table, and locals in the know avoid the line and call ahead for takeout. 205 Anastasia Blvd.
WEST AND SOUTH ST. AUGUSTINE
Readers' Choice Winners
The Kookaburra – An Aussie-American espresso bar and pie shop serving ethically-sourced products.1835 US-1 S.
The Hyppo Coffee Bar – Coffee, pastries and hypo popsicles in a relaxing environment. 5718, 1765 Tree Blvd #5.
Present Moment – A holistic cafe providing only gourmet raw and vegan food in an environmentally aligned, calming, down-to-earth-atmosphere. 224 W King St.
Back 40 – Eclectic restaurant serving Tex-Mex, vegetarian and Caribbean fare. 40 S Dixie Hwy.
BOG Brewery – Brewery with a draft list featuring seasonally influenced Belgian, German and American-Farmhouse style ales. 218 W King St.
ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH
Readers' Choice Winners
The Kookaburra – An Aussie-American espresso bar and pie shop serving ethically-sourced products. 647 A1A Beach Blvd.
Terra & Acqua – Owned by Chef Simone Parisi, a native of Florence, Italy, this restaurant features authentic modern Italian cuisine. 134 Sea Grove Main St.
Salt Life – A casual yet trendy open-air restaurant with an eclectic menu that caters to all. 321 A1A Beach Blvd.
Café Eleven – A full-scale modern restaurant and world-class music venue specializing in innovative vegetarian meals, Southern comfort dishes and an adventurous selection of craft beers on tap. 501 A1A Beach Blvd.
The Taco Shop – Counter-service restaurant that specializes in Baja Mexican flavors with all natural and fresh ingredients made in-house daily. 671 A1A Beach Blvd.
FLAGLER BEACH (pictured above)
Readers' Choice Winners
A1A Burrito Works – If you’ve spotted Mexican UFOs in Flagler Beach, you must have eaten at this Baja Mexican joint. Crunchy, cheesy, packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, the UFO is deemed out of this world by A1A’s loyal patrons. From humble origins in a shack just off the ocean to 4 locations in NE Florida, A1A Burrito Works consistently serves up crowd-pleasing tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. 400 S Oceanshore Blvd.
Swillerbees Doughnuts – Since opening in 2016, craft donuts and a coffee bar have proven to be a successful combination at Swillerbee’s. Creative flavors include Candied Jalapeno-Sweet Cream, Bourbon Brown Sugar, Matcha Tea and Cotton Candy. You can easily enjoy a new variety of doughnut each day for weeks. (And we’ll never tell.) 101 N Central Ave.
Flagler Fish Company – Fresh seafood is on the menu, whether you dine in or pick up a couple of fish fillets to cook at home. Cobia, red, vermillion snapper – you name it, whatever’s fresh and local can be found in the case. Don’t forget the gourmet side dishes and Caylee's Jumbo Peanut Butter Brownies, for a satisfying meal from start to finish. 180 S Daytona Ave.
Golden Lion Café – Fresh fish and seafood have been the stars of the menu for over 25 years at this beachside restaurant, serving up Flagler Beach’s only raw bar, along with plenty of options for landlubbers. Curious about the family history behind the name Golden Lion? Their famous Fish ‘n Chips may be a clue. 501 N. Oceanshore Blvd.
Funky Pelican – This popular restaurant-bar at Flagler Beach Pier serves up breakfast through dinner with an oceanside view. Offering a diverse menu, from Gator Bites to Jamaican chicken, Seafood Jambalaya to Minorcan Clam Chowder, the Funky Pelican is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. 215 S Oceanshore Blvd.
PALM COAST
Readers' Choice Winners
Captain’s BBQ – True Southern barbeque joint with specialty meats and side dishes, slow cooked in their special wood burning smoker. 5862 N Ocean Shore Blvd.
JT’s Seafood Shack – Tin roofed Southern style restaurant specializing in freshly caught seafood and live music. 5224 N Ocean Shore Blvd.
Mamalings – Asian street food restaurant featuring sharable small plates. 1280 Palm Coast Pkwy SW.
The Brown Dog – A craft beer bar and restaurant with a focus on locally brewed beer and 16 taps. 215 St Joe Plaza Dr.
A1A Burrito Works – Counterservice restaurant that specializes in Baja Mexican flavors with all natural and fresh ingredients made in-house daily. 1490 Palm Coast