C

hicago chef and restaurateur Charlie Trotter

once compared cooking to improvisational jazz
— a skill rooted in knowledge, but guided by
inspiration. Indeed, any chef worth his or her salt
considers cooking a creative enterprise.
While many of us are content to let the food do
the talking, most chefs also have plenty to say on the
subject — why we eat what we eat, for instance, or
how our eating habits both reflect and shape our lives.
So, in our annual Bite By Bite by Cuisine, we
decided to let the chefs do the talking. In a series of
interviews with some local culinary expert — some
well-known, some not — we ask about their personal
histories, philosophies on food preparation, and
passion for making and sharing food.
We also present a comprehensive list of Northeast
Florida restaurants by cuisine, making it easy to find
exactly what you want, be it barbecue or vegetarian,
Thai or home cookin’. So grab a copy, flip to your
favorite flavor, and let the improvisation begin.

BitebyBite
by cuisine
photos by
Walter Coker

Barbecue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Brazilian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
British & Irish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Cafés, Delis & Sandwich Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Caribbean & Cuban . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Casual Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chinese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Coffeehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Diners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Eclectic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
German . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Greek & Mediterranean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Home Cookin’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Hot Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Indian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Italian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Mexican & Southwestern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Middle Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
JOSH HOYE

Neighborhood Hangouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Peruvian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Pizzerias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Regional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Specialty Restaurants & Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Sports Bars, Wings & Oysters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Steakhouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Sweet Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Thai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Vegetarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Wine & Martini Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

18 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009


BARBECUE
BLACKJACK’S BBQ
4610 San Juan Ave., Westside,
387-3900
A family-owned-and-operated bar-
becue restaurant that never reheats
anything, Blackjacks serves ribs, sal-
ads and chicken falling off the bone.
Blackjacks also offers four unique
Cole Pepper Blackjack barbecue
sauces. A kids’ menu is available,
and carry out is available.
Open Tue.-Sat.
BONO’S PIT BAR-B-Q
12620 Bartram Park Blvd.,
Mandarin, 652-2989
2420 U.S. 1 S.,
St. Augustine, 794-9424
4907 Beach Blvd.,
San Marco, 398-4248
10065 Skinner Lake Drive,
JTB & Gate Parkway, 998-1997
9820 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 268-2666
3303 San Pablo Road S.,
Intracoastal, 223-1391
8011 Merrill Road, Ste. 23,
Arlington, 743-3727
5229 Jammes Road,
Westside, 772-0050
1036 Dunn Ave., Ste. 2,
Northside, 696-6968
1266 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-8704
5711 Bowden Road,
Southpoint, 448-5395
705 S. Lane Ave.,
Westside, 783-1404
10645 Philips Highway,
Southside, 886-2801
100 Bartram Oaks Walk,
Julington Creek, 287-7710
5903 Norwood Ave.,
Northside, 765-1817
1765 Town Center Blvd.,
Eagle Harbor, 269-8870
For more than 50 years, Bono’s has
offered slow-cooked and tender
meats served with tangy sauces.
There’s also the baby back ribs or
barbecue salad, smoked sausage or
chicken breast sandwich. Folio
Weekly readers have repeatedly
picked Bono’s as their favorite bar-
becue joint in our annual Best of Jax
poll. A kids’ menu is available.
Open daily.
BROWN BROTHERS BBQ
1522 King St., Riverside, 388-9227
Brown Brothers serves authentic
North Florida barbecue, including
ribs, chicken, pork and sausage, with
down-home fixins like okra and fresh
Locally owned
Ancient City
Subs serves subs
toasted, pressed
or cold from its
St. Augustine-
themed location
in Mandarin.
See listing page 23.
20 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
greens. Fresh ingredients are used in
every dish. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
BULL’S BAR B Q
8602 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 739-3874
Bull’s serves pork, ribs, beef, chicken
and baby back ribs, as well as sal-
ads and sides. Open Mon.-Fri.
JACK’S BBQ
691 A1A Beach Blvd., St.
Augustine Beach, 460-8100
This low-slung building has lured
regulars and locals for more than six
decades. Part of Jack’s appeal is the
old-fashioned pit barbecue, but the
place has been updated with a Tiki
bar, a large wooden deck, even a
swimming pool. Lunch and dinner
are served daily. Live entertainment
is featured Fri., Sat. and Sun.
JENKINS QUALITY
BARBECUE
2025 Emerson St.,
Lakewood, 346-3770
830 N. Pearl St.,
Jacksonville, 353-6388
1791 Kings Road,
Northside, 358-9915
5945 New Kings Road,
Northside, 765-8515
For more than 52 years, Jenkins
Quality Barbecue has served some of
the best down-home barbecue
around. Slather sauce on a whole
smoky chicken or a basket of crin-
kle-cut French fries. Most locations
open for lunch and dinner daily.
JOHNSON PIT BAR-B-QUE
4530 Brentwood Ave.,
Northside, 768-4409
This is basic barbecue — chicken,
wings, ribs, pork, beef — and the
sides you’d expect, but with some
unusual items (like fried rice dishes
and fish sandwiches) thrown in. The
casual atmosphere is retro, relaxed
and friendly. Open Mon.-Fri.
MOJO BAR-B-QUE
1607 University Blvd. W.,
Southside, 732-7200
MOJO KITCHEN BBQ PIT
& BLUES BAR
1500 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-6636
MOJO SMOKEHOUSE
1810 Town Center Blvd.,
Fleming Island, 264-0636
This Southern blues kitchen offers
pulled pork and Carolina-style barbe-
cue along with chicken-fried steak
and Delta-fried catfish. A kids’ menu
and carry-out are available, along
with a full bottled beer selection.
Open daily. A Best of Jax 2008 winner
for Best Barbecue. The Beaches loca-
tion features live music and a full bar.
SONNY’S REAL PIT
BAR-B-Q
12485 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 288-7928
4434 Blanding Blvd.,
Westside, 777-0730
1923 S. Lane Ave.,
Westside, 786-0081
2742 S. Eighth St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-6632
1976 Kingsley Ave.,
Orange Park, 272-4606
12719 Atlantic Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 220-9499
10840 Harts Road,
Northside, 751-4225
5097 University Blvd. W.,
Southside, 737-4906
1720 U.S. 1 S.,
St. Augustine, 824-3220
2720 S.R. 16,
St. Augustine, 824-3315
For more than 30 years, Sonny’s has
been a Northeast Florida favorite,
voted the Best Barbecue in Folio
Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll.
The beef, pork, chicken and ribs are
cooked in a wood-fired pit, and sides
include Vidalia onion rings, corn
nuggets, potato salad, barbecue
beans and coleslaw. All-you-can-eat
specials daily. Take-out is available.
Beer is served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
STICKY FINGERS
363 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches
Town Center, Atlantic Beach,
241-RIBS (7427)
8129 Point Meadows Way,
Baymeadows, 493-7427
13150 City Station Drive,
River City Marketplace, 309-RIBS
A true Memphis-style rib house,
Sticky Fingers’ ribs, chicken and bar-
becue are slow-smoked over aged
hickory wood. The menu also
includes chicken wings and rotis-
serie-smoked chicken. Dine indoors
or out on the screened patio. Happy
hour is featured weekdays. Open
daily. Live music on weekends.
TOMBO’S BACKPORCH
BARBECUE
8929 Philips Highway, Southside,
363-0990
Tombo’s bright yellow awning
screams “BBQ!” and the menu

Chef
Profile
THE ART OF
CRACKER COOKING
ART JENNETTE
Owner and chef, Checker BBQ & Seafood
San Marco
Art Jennette never went to cooking school to
learn how to fry a shrimp or flavor a pot of
collard greens. The Jacksonville native says
his training in Southern cooking came from
his Aunt Pennie, his Aunt Agnes, his Aunt
Florabelle and his mother, Bernice. Daughters
of Georgia sharecroppers, the women schooled
Jennette as he grew up in Springfield in
the 1950s.
After his stepfather died in a plane crash
when Jennette was 8 and his mother returned
to work to support her seven children,
Jennette says he appointed himself kitchen
helper. In the afternoon, Jennette’s mother
would talk him through, step-by-step, prepping
food for the family dinner. Though it was his
Aunt Florabelle who showed him how to cut
corn, then scrape it twice to get the juice out
for creamed corn, his mother taught him the
basic methods that he still employs today:
how to make cornbread in a skillet without
leavening, how to flour shrimp when frying,
how to douse fish in cornmeal.
“Oh, yeah, I’m still making a dollar off my
mother’s cooking,” says Jennette, now owner,
chef and bossman of Checker BBQ & Seafood,
which is located on St. Augustine Road in
Jacksonville. As he speaks, a plate of fried
green tomatoes, fried shrimp, pulled pork and
collard greens, known on the menu as, “The
Trailer Trash Special,” leaves the kitchen.
It was natural for Jennette to gravitate to
the restaurant business after high school, but
he really learned his trade while working with
caterers Ruby Dell Williams and Mildred
Gilliam, two African-American women who
catered for prominent Jacksonville families. “I
learned to put a little more seasoning than I
grew up with in the collard greens,” says
Bite By Bite INTRODUCING
THE ITALIAN HOAGIE
The most authentic Italian 7 days a week
Hoagie south of Pittsburgh.
It’s a lot of sandwich, for a lot
7am-2:30pm
Breakfast served
of tastebuds.
all day long!
Four time “Best of Jax” Winner
Jennette. “And to use smoked neck bone for
flavoring rather than bacon grease.” He also
says that Williams taught him elegant presen-
tation. “I was inspired.”
In 1979, Jennette’s mother married Jack
Norton and the couple re-opened Palms Fish
Camp, serving hamburgers and some seafood.
Jennette later joined them and Jack went
back to his tire shop. Jennette and his mother
redesigned the menu around family recipes
and the Southern cooking Jennette learned
from Williams and Gilliam. When the city of
Jacksonville bought the waterfront property
where the fish camp was located, then-Mayor
John Delaney cut a deal with Jennette.
Jennette would operate the restaurant, and
the city would get a portion of the income.
That agreement fell apart under Mayor
John Peyton, but Jennette regrouped and
opened Checker in 2006 — with the help of a
benevolent Palms Fish Camp fan. He resur-
rected his Friday and Saturday night all-you-
can-eat buffets, which begin with the ringing
of a bell. Jennette roams the kitchen with skil-
lets of fried or spicy shrimp, the contents of
which he heaps, still steaming, onto plates.
The chef counts former Mayor John
Delaney, Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver, for-
mer Jacksonville Sheriff Nat Glover, former
Times-Union publisher Carl Cannon and U.S.
Rep. Corrine Brown among his fans. Jennette
calls his food “the art of Cracker cooking” and
believes his recipes define Jacksonville-area
cooking better than any other out there. In
part, he says, that’s because he isn’t just a
mere chef. He calls himself “a North Florida
food icon.”
Who’s going to argue with that? 
Susan Cooper Eastman
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 21
 doesn’t disappoint. Tombo’s offers
low-fat dishes, like barbecue salad,
and a full breakfast menu, but the
restaurant will also smoke your hogs,
hams, deer and turkeys. Open for
breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat.
WOODY’S BAR-B-Q
14985 Old St. Augustine Road,
Mandarin, 880-7427
5930 Powers Ave.,
Lakewood, 739-7427
4291 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Westside, 384-3442
8206 Philips Highway, Ste. 25,
Southside, 265-0066
1638 University Blvd. S.,
Southside, 721-8836
10771 Beach Blvd., Ste. 301,
Southside, 642-3774
9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 46,
Mandarin, 262-3955
1482 S. Sixth St.,
Macclenny, 259-5800
950 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 1,
Orange Park, 272-1419
226 Solana Road, Ste. 1,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-8999
135 Jenkins St., Ste. 106,
St. Augustine, 819-8880
474323 S.R. 200,
Fernandina, 206-4046
Woody’s Bar-B-Q features barbecue
plates, barbecue salads and the pop-
ular pulled pork sandwiches. Along
with lunch and dinner specials, there
are several all-you-can-eat specials. A
kids’ menu is available, and a seniors’
discount is offered at some locations.
Beer and wine are served. Open daily.
BRAZILIAN
ESPETO BRAZILIAN
The Hottest
STEAK HOUSE
4000 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 40,
Avondale, 388-4884
Called a churrascaria (Portuguese for
Restaurant
steakhouse), this Brazilian steakhouse
features gauchos who carve the meat
onto your plate from their serving
tables. A full bar is served. Open for
dinner Tue.-Sat.; closed Mon.
In The Coolest Neighborhood TENTO CHURRASCARIA
528 N. First St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-1580
Located across from the Jacksonville
Beach Pier, this Brazilian steakhouse
HAPPY features more than 14 cuts of meat
carved tableside, as well as an
HOUR
3-7 Every Day
$
325 Mossfire
Margaritas
$ 50 Microdrafts
3
&
355 •4434
1537 Margaret Street • Located in Historic 5 Points Located across from the Old City Gates to St. Augustine, Ann O’Malley’s serves a casual menu
and Irish beers with familiar, friendly service. See listing this page.
www.mossfiregrill.com
22 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
ample salad bar and an extensive
wine list, including the traditional
Caipirinha. A full bar is served. Open
for dinner Tue.-Sun.; closed Mon.
BRITISH
& IRISH
ANN O’MALLEY’S
23 Orange St.,
St. Augustine, 825-4040
Located across from the Old City
Gates, Ann O’Malley’s serves a casu-
al menu of soups, salads and sand-
wiches with familiar, friendly service.
Dine indoors or out on the porch.
Beer and wine are served, with Irish
beers on tap. Open daily.
THE BRITISH PUB
213 Anastasia Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 810-5111
This traditional British pub offers
darts and serves ale, beer and wine,
as well as traditional meat pies,
Cornish pasties and sausage rolls.
Varieties of authentic British food
and candies are sold at the little
shop within. Open nightly.
CULHANE’S IRISH PUB
967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic
Village, Atlantic Beach, 249-9595
An upscale Irish pub and restaurant
owned and managed by four sisters
from County Limerick, Ireland,
Culhane’s menu includes fish and
chips, shepherd’s pie, and corned
beef and cabbage — dishes to be
sampled with the requisite pint of
Guinness. Open daily; an Irish brunch
is served Sat. and Sun.
DONOVAN’S
IRISH PUB
7440 U.S. 1 N., Ste. 108,
Palencia, 829-0000
This pub features a mix of classic
Irish entrées and traditional
American dinners, as well as appe-
tizers and “pub grub.” Irish beers
and whiskeys are served along with
a full bar. A children’s menu is avail-
able. Six HDTVs and Wii are avail-
able. Open daily.
FIONN MACCOOL’S IRISH
PUB & RESTAURANT
333 N. First St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 242-9499
This pub offers casual dining with
an uptown Irish atmosphere, serving
fish and chips, Guinness beef stew,
Rueben egg rolls and black-and-tan
brownies. Live music is presented
daily. A full bar is served. A kids’
menu and take-out are available.
Open daily.
FLY’S TIE IRISH PUB
177 Sailfish Drive E.,
Atlantic Beach,
246-4293
If Rachael Allen and Johnny Cash
had a baby and he grew up to be a
chef, this would be his menu: varia-
tions on corned beef hash, black and
white puddings, bangers and mash.
A full bar is served and take-out is
available. Kitchen is open Mon.-Sat.
for dinner, Sun. for brunch.
KING’S HEAD
BRITISH PUB
6460 U.S. 1 N.,
St. Augustine,
823-9787
Owner Ann Dyke and her staff
serve British draught beers and
cider in 20-ounce Imperial pints in
an authentic pub setting. A repeat
winner of Best Neighborhood Bar
in St. Augustine in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll, King’s
Head serves Cornish pasties, and
fish and chips. Open for lunch and
dinner Wed.-Sun. A kids’ menu is
available. Located north of the
St. Augustine airport on U.S. 1.
Look for the red double-decker
bus out front.
THE LONDON BRIDGE
ENGLISH PUB AND
EATERY
100 E. Adams St.,
Jacksonville, 359-0001
This downtown mainstay is popular
with urban core denizens, and
serves traditional British pub cuisine,
including fish and chips, as well as
big hamburgers. A large selection of
draft and bottle beer, ales, ciders and
wines are available. Live music is
featured. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.,
for dinner Mon.-Sat.
LYNCH’S IRISH PUB
514 N. First St.,
Jacksonville Beach,
249-5181
Folio Weekly readers have repeat-
edly named Lynch’s Jacksonville’s

Atomic Flying Fish Seafood Taco Grill in Neptune Beach, owned by Obake Cataflo, serves
California-style fish, blackened gator tacos, and a Low Country Boil. See listing page 62.
Best Pub in the annual Best of Jax
readers poll. Lynch’s fresh “green”
menu includes corned beef and
cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and fish
and chips. There’s also a full bar,
and 50 imported and domestic
draft beers on tap. Live entertain-
ment is featured every evening.
Open daily.
O’BROTHERS IRISH PUB
1521 Margaret St.,
Riverside, 854-9300
The new restaurant features tradi-
tional Irish fare like shepherd’s pie
with Stilton crust, Murphy’s
mac’n’cheese and, of course, fish-n-
chips. A full bar — and plenty of
beers and ales — are served.
Outdoor patio dining, a kids’ menu
and take-out are available. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
O’KANE’S IRISH PUB
318 Centre St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-1000
A frequent winner of Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax award for Best
Neighborhood Bar, O’Kane’s offers
a large selection of draft and
imported beers. Located in the rear
of a historic 19th century building,
the eatery offers fish and chips and
certified Angus beef. Corned beef
and cabbage is served every Sun.
Open daily.
THE PRINCE OF WALES
54 Cuna St.,
St. Augustine, 810-5725
In the heart of St. Augustine’s historic
district, Prince of Wales serves beer-
battered cod and chips, bangers and
mash — created by Chef Tony. Wine
and more than 39 beers, ales and
ciders are served. Open for lunch
and dinner Thur.-Sun.
SHANNON’S IRISH PUB
111 Bartram Oaks Walk,
Julington Creek, 230-9670
Tried-and-true dishes from the
Emerald Isle — bangers and mash,
corned beef and cabbage — as
well as pork and beef entrees. A
kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. A full bar is served, with a
happy hour Mon.-Sat. Live music is
presented Thur.-Sat. and trivia’s on
Wed. Open for lunch Wed.-Sun., for
dinner nightly.
CAFÉS, DELIS
& SANDWICH
SPOTS
THE AMERICAN CAFÉ
The Jacksonville Landing,
2 Independent Drive, Ste. 201,
353-4503
The café’s specialties include ribs
and fresh fish, but the chicken pot-
pie is a customer favorite. French
bread comes with every entrée. A
full bar is offered — including an
18-ounce margarita served all day,
every day. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily.
ANCIENT CITY SUBS
10950 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 13,
Mandarin, 446-9988
Locally owned-and-operated by
Andy and Rhonna Rockwell, this St.
Augustine-themed sandwich shop
serves gourmet subs — toasted,
pressed or cold — and salads.
Ancient City offers a kids’ menu and
takeout. Open daily.
ARDEN’S KAFÉ
& KATERING
1650 Hamilton St., Ste. 4,
Ortega, 384-4144
From gourmet to Cajun, Chef Arden
deSaussure can create it, using fresh
ingredients, including local seafood,
veggies and meats. Arden’s is open
for lunch Mon.-Fri.
THE ATRIUM CAFÉ
1 Independent Drive, Ste. 100,
Jacksonville, 634-1811
Located in the Modis Building,
Atrium Café offers a variety of items,
featuring hot entrées and traditional
sandwiches, including a buffalo
chicken sandwich. Dine outside,
inside or take it with you. Open
Mon.-Fri. for breakfast and lunch.
BAGEL WORLD
2202 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-9988
Home of the Best Bagel, according to
Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax readers,
this cozy little place offers a break-
fast special (eggs, ham and cheese)
and a variety of coffees and juices.
Bagel sandwiches are made with
fresh ingredients. Open for breakfast
and lunch daily.
Bite By Bite
LINDSAY WADELTON
BEACH BUDS CHICKEN
1289 Penman Road,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-2828
This new, family-owned Beaches
addition serves fried chicken just
about any way you’d want: in box
lunches, family meals, giant tenders,
wings and Mini-Me sandwiches.
More than a dozen sauces at various
levels of hotness, gizzards and livers,
and 15 side dishes are also avail-
able. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily;
takeout available.
BEETHOVEN’S BISTRO
5917 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Ortega, 771-6606
This bistro’s breakfast menu includes
French toast and bagels. Lunch fea-
tures deli fare, wraps, Reubens and
paninis. A children’s menu and take-
out are available. Bring your own
bottle, ‘cause there’s no corking fee.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wed.-Sun., For dinner Wed.-Fri.
BISTRO 41°
3563 Philips Highway, Ste. 104,
San Marco, 446-9738
The owners of downtown’s Zodiac
Grill have brought their casual dining
experience to the South Metro area.
Located at the corner of Philips
Highway and Emerson Street, Bistro
41° offers fresh, homemade break-
fast and lunch dishes in a relaxing
atmosphere. Take-out is available.
Open Mon.-Fri.
BLUE BOY
SANDWICH SHOP
5535 Ft. Caroline Road,
Arlington, 743-3515
421 N. Laura St.,
Downtown, 355-6767
6514 Norwood Ave.,
Northside, 768-9791
Blue Boy has been serving up break-
fast, and hot and cold sandwiches
since 1972. Breads are made on
site, as well as subs, camels, salads
and desserts. Most locations are
open Mon.-Sat. Take-out available.
BONGIORNO’S PHILLY
STEAK SHOP
2294 Mayport Road,
Atlantic Beach, 246-3278
Jeff and Deanna Bongiorno, late of
South Philly, have brought the
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 23
 Northeast to Jax — the Amoroso
rolls are flown in from Philly and the
chipped ribeye comes from South
jersey. Sandwich choices include the
Original Gobbler and Mayport Big
Boy, as well as clubs, wraps, burgers
and dogs. Beer and wine are served,
and a kids’ menu is offered. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
BRIGHT MORNINGS
105 S. Third St., Fernandina
Beach, 491-1771
This small café is hidden behind
Amelia SanJon Gallery. With indoor
and outdoor dining, the café is
open for breakfast and lunch daily;
closed Wed.
BUFFALO’S
SOUTHWESTERN CAFÉ
6055 Youngerman Circle,
Westside, 778-1101
Southwestern-American cuisine is
Buffalo’s niche, from wings and faji-
tas to sirloin steak and wraps. A full
bar with a daily happy hour is
offered. Dine indoors or out on the
patio, where there’s a smoker-friend-
ly patio bar. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily. Kids eat free on Sun.
CAFÉ DU MARCHÉ
11700 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 18,
Mandarin, 886-6999
Café Du Marché offers a sophisticat-
ed menu of original recipes, includ-
ing homemade-style breads and
desserts. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open for breakfast and
lunch daily.
CAFÉ ELEVEN
501 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 460-9311
The renovated convenience store
serves vegetarian meals and meaty
Southern comfort dishes and draws
indie acts from around the country
for live performances. Casual and
hip, just a block from the beach,
Café Eleven serves breakfast (brunch
on weekends), lunch and dinner
daily, later if there’s a show.
CAFÉ KARIBO
27 N. Third St.,
Fernandina Beach, 277-5269
Housed in a charming old building in
historic downtown Fernandina, Café
Karibo serves eclectic cuisine,
Located in a historic Fernandina Beach home, The Beech Street Grill has an extensive wine
list, daily blackboard specials and live piano music Thursday through Saturday evenings. See
listing page 38.
24 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
including sandwiches, big salads and
homemade desserts. Costa Rican
coffee, beer, wine and sake are
available. Dine inside or out on the
garden patio, shaded by oak trees.
Open for lunch Mon., lunch and din-
ner Tue.-Sat. and Sunday brunch.
CAFÉ NOLA AT MOCAJAX
333 N. Laura St.,
Downtown, 366-6911
Located in Museum of Contemporary
Art Jacksonville, Nola serves shrimp
and grits, gourmet sandwiches, fresh
fish tacos and homemade desserts.
A full bar is served. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri., for dinner Thur.
CAFÉ ST. GEORGE
COFFEEHOUSE & BAKERY
114 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 823-1229
This lunch venue serves sandwiches,
ciabatta and a wide selection of
wraps made with fresh ingredients.
Café St. George also features
Martin’s Coffee, bagels, smoothies,
salads and desserts, including
chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a
stick. Open daily.
CAMILLE’S
SIDEWALK CAFÉ
2750 Race Track Road,
St. Johns, 230-7771
Fast, casual dining in St. Johns,
Camille’s serves an array of paninis,
wraps, sandwiches, salads and
smoothies. Beer and wine are
served, and a kids menu, take-out
and delivery are available. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
DIANE’S NEW DAWN
MARKET
110 Anastasia Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 824-1337
DIANE’S NATURAL
FOOD MARKET
240 S.R. 312, St. Augustine
808-9978
The lunch counter inside both of
these health food stores serve every-
thing made-to-order using organic
ingredients. Sandwich choices
include avocado, peanut butter with
honey, falafel, hummus, tofu salad
and a veggie burger. Open for lunch
Mon.-Sat. The Natural Food Market
has a juice bar only.
ELIZABETH’S CAFÉ
1500 Sawgrass Village Drive,
Ponte Vedra, 543-7677
Serving a full breakfast menu and
lunch items, Elizabeth’s Café in
Sawgrass Village specializes in
scrambled eggs with Nova Scotia
salmon and onions, deli-style sand-
wiches and espresso drinks.
Outside dining is available.
Open daily.
ELIZABETH’S TEA ROOM
568 Atlantic Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach, 270-1980
Elizabeth’s Tea Room is simply
that: a tea room offering lunches
and teas. Children’s tea parties
and private teas are featured.
Take-out is available. Open for
lunch Tue.-Sat.
EVERGREEN CAFÉ
3837 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 636-9040
This upscale café serves savory and
sweet crepes made with fresh ingre-
dients, as well as subs, paninis, sal-
ads and European-style cakes. Beer
and wine are served and take-out is
available. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
FERNANDELI
17B S. Eighth St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-0008
New to historic Fernandina Beach,
FernanDeli offers deli classics with a
touch of the South. Popular items
include the 1/3-pound devil dog and
Carolina-style pulled pork.
Sandwiches and wraps are built to
order from fresh cold cuts, tuna, egg
and turkey salads, and a variety of
toppings. Open Mon.-Sat.
FLY BY CAFÉ
4900 U.S. 1 N.,
St. Augustine, 824-3494
Located at St. Johns County airport,
Fly By features signature soups, spe-
cialty burgers and chicken sand-
wiches. A kids’ menu, and beer and
wine are available. Open daily.
HEALTHY BAGEL
1500 University Blvd. W.,
Lakewood, 730-3322
Healthy Bagel serves 20 varieties of
fresh-baked bagels and 13 varieties
of bagel sandwiches including

Located in the new River City Marketplace on Jacksonville’s Northside, Boston’s Restaurant &
Sportsbar melds casual dining with favorites like pizzas, nachos and wings. See listing page 66.
cashew chicken, cranberry turkey and
Reubens. Smoothies, espresso and
cappuccino are served. Open daily.
HEALTHYWAY CAFÉ
10281 Midtown Parkway,
St. Johns Town Center, 642-2951
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 39,
Intracoastal, 253-3360
The name pretty much says it all —
natural, fresh and organic fast food.
Appetizers, soups, wrap and smooth-
ies are served. A kids’ menu is avail-
able. Open daily.
JASON’S DELI
2230 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-7585
4375 Southside Blvd., Ste. 15,
Southside, 620-0707
Jason’s Deli serves fresh, thick deli
sandwiches along with soups, salads
and super spuds. The signature
sandwich is a New Orleans-style
muffulatta sandwich. There’s also a
salad bar with more than 33 choices
and free ice cream. Open for break-
fast, lunch and dinner daily.
KARLENE’S DELI
11701 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 880-86967
13820 Old St. Augustine Road,
Bartram Park, 880-3412
626 Marsh Landing Parkway,
Jacksonville Beach, 285-6595
The Jacksonville Landing, Ste. 175, 2
Independent Drive, 683-0150
Locally owned and operated by the
Ganson brothers, Karlene’s serves
home-cooked-style dishes, including
wraps, quiche and omelets, specialty
soups, salads and sandwiches, burgers
and desserts. A kids’ menu is available.
Open for breakfast and lunch daily.
KITCHEN KETTLE DELI
4251 Lenox Ave., Ste. 7,
Westside, 387-8400
Relocated and now sporting
Western-themed décor, Kitchen
Kettle Deli is a small, family-owned
business serving homemade
favorites. Chef Kim Wright serves
daily specials including chicken,
burgers and potato salad. Take-out is
available. Open Mon.-Fri. for break-
fast and lunch.
LATITUDE CAFÉ
1024 Park St.,
Five Points, 379-6836
Located in Five Points, Latitude
offers a variety of cuisines created
with global influences including
Latin, Thai, French and Cuban fla-
vors. Real fruit smoothies, ice cream
and coffee and tea are served.
Hookahs are also available, as well
as free WiFi. Open Tue.-Sun.
LET’S NOSH
9850 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 683-8346
This authentic Jewish deli offers a
full breakfast, lunch and brunch as
well as a full-service deli counter.
Real New York water bagels, bread
baked on site and desserts are fea-
tured. A kids’ menu and take-out are
available. Open daily.
LITTLE JOE’S CAFÉ
245 Riverside Ave., Ste. 195,
Riverside, 791-3336
This bright riverview café located
inside the St. Joe Building offers
breakfast and lunch in a casual
atmosphere. Fresh soups, salads and
signature salad dressings round out
the New York-style deli experience.
Open Mon.-Fri.
MARCHÉ BURETTE
6800 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island, 491-4834
This old-fashioned gourmet food
market and deli, located at The
Spa & Shops at Amelia Island
Plantation, offers a continental
breakfast and a lunch that fea-
tures wood-oven fired gourmet
pizzas, deli sandwiches and sal-
ads. A children’s menu is avail-
able. Beer and wine are served.
Open daily.
McALISTER’S DELI
1615 C.R. 220, Ste. 180,
Fleming Island, 278-6055
9700 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 5,
Southside, 564-2377
McAlister’s offers fresh food fast,
including sandwiches, spuds, soups,
salads and specially made sweet
tea. A kids’ menu and takeout are
available. Open daily.
Bite By Bite
All locations open at 10 am Mon. - Sat.
Sunday locations
Emerson St. • Pearl St. • New Kings Rd.
Open at 12 noon
ONE HOT COOKIE!
& CREAMERY 2025 Emerson Street, Southside 346-3770
930 Sawgrass Village, 830 N. Pearl Street, Downtown 353-6388
Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-2606 1791 Kings Road, Northside 358-9915
217 N. Third St.,
Neptune Beach, 270-2127 5945 New Kings Road, Northside 765-8515
One Hot Cookie serves up custom
desserts in a Pop Art gallery. Among
the sweet temptations are soft-
dough cookies, smoothies and ice
cream with mix-ins. Made-to-order
breakfast items are also available.
The Ponte Vedra location features
outdoor seating overlooking the lake.
A kids’ menu is available. Open daily.
OVER THE DITCH CAFÉ
13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 3,
Intracoastal, 992-2237
This new casual, locally owned
restaurant prides itself on offering a
“hippie-style” breakfast and lunch.
A kids’ menu and take-out are
available. Open daily.
PANERA BREAD
9810 Baymeadows Road,
Southside, 645-5747
4720 Town Crossing Drive,
Jacksonville, 807-9103
13820 Old St. Augustine Road,
Mandarin, 262-1732
13740 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 821-8211
11111 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 268-3366
9301 Atlantic Blvd.,
Arlington, 722-2725
12959 Atlantic Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 221-1300
2104 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-6688
1615 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 306-9600
4403 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 3,
Jacksonville, 387-1727
8635 Blanding Blvd.,
Westside, 778-4141
13271 City Station Drive,
Northside, 714-6488
Voted Best Bakery and Best Bagels
by Folio Weekly readers, Panera’s
features a variety of fresh-baked
goods. Artisan breads, panini sand-
wiches, espresso drinks and thick
iced coffees are also on the menu.
Lunch and dinner are served seven
days a week.
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 25

A family-owned-and-operated restaurant on North Main Street, in Oceanway, Casa Maria
offers authentic Mexican food, seafood dishes and a variety of hot sauces. See listing page 52.
PAWNEE’S CAFÉ AND
FINE WINES
165 Vilano Road,
Vilano Beach, 824-2455
Pawnee’s offers wines by the bottle
and glass, and the retail shop fea-
tures small-production and hard-to-
get wines. The café’s menu includes
hearty sandwiches. Open for lunch
and dinner Wed.-Sat., for cham-
pagne brunch on Sun.
THE PICKLED PEAR CAFÉ
1143 S. Edgewood Ave.,
Murray Hill, 389-2811
Pickled Pear offers baked goods,
sandwiches, salads and meals to go.
Everything is made by hand on the
premises. Open Mon.-Sat.
PINEGROVE MEAT
MARKET & DELI
1511 Pine Grove Ave.,
Avondale, 389-8655
Pinegrove offers Cuban sandwiches
and homemade chicken salad within
the meat market, which also sells
USDA choice prime aged beef cut to
order. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
are served Mon.-Sat.
THE PITA PIT
1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 5,
Fleming Island, 579-4930
This upbeat concept restaurant
serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
all day. All of the fresh ingredients
are available in a pita or a salad. All-
natural smoothies are also served,
and free delivery is available on
Fleming Island. Open daily.
PLAYER’S CAFÉ
262 Solana Road,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-5595
Owners Don and Terri Stanton run a
family-friendly restaurant with a golf
theme and a “wall of fame.” (Ask
Don how to get your portrait on the
wall.) The menu includes a fresh
grouper sub, Cuban sandwiches and
Philly cheesesteaks. Open daily for
breakfast (served all day) and lunch.
RIVER CITY DELI
315 W. Forsyth St.,
Downtown, 354-7330
This New York-style deli — adorned
with some terrific photos of down-
town Jacksonville — offers creative
sandwiches made with specialty
breads, as well as wraps, paninis
26 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
and salads. Take-out and delivery
are available. Open for breakfast and
lunch Mon.-Fri.
RUSS-DOE’S
SANDWICH SHOP
1745 E. Church St.,
Downtown, 353-9065
This popular Talleyrand sandwich
shop offers breakfast items to go or
eat-in, as well as classic American
lunch fare, including PB&J, egg
salad, and pimento cheese sand-
wiches. Dine outside at picnic tables
on the decks. Open for breakfast and
lunch Mon.-Fri.
THE SANDWICH
COMPANY
2011 Emerson St.,
San Marco, 396-3666
The Sandwich Co. offers sandwiches
as well as a full breakfast menu,
with platters and pitas in this diner-
style restaurant. Lunch features wing
tenders, camel riders, steak pitas
and subs. WiFi is available. Open
Mon.-Sat.
SCHMAGEL’S BAGELS
69 Hypolita St.,
St. Augustine, 824-4444
Fast and affordable breakfast and
lunch in the heart of St. Augustine,
all meals are prepared with Boar’s
Head meats, local produce, kosher
Norwegian lox and panini. Outdoor
dining available. Open daily.
THE SECRET
GARDEN CAFÉ
10095 Beach Blvd., Ste. 600,
Southside, 645-0859
This café serves breakfast and
lunch in a gothic garden setting.
Menu items include eggs Benedict,
fried green tomatoes, Alabama
meatloaf and made-from scratch
desserts. Local art is displayed.
Open Tue.-Sun.
THE SHEIK
SANDWICH DELI
9720 Atlantic Blvd., Regency,
721-2660
2708 N. Main St.,
Jacksonville, 353-8181
7361 103rd St., Westside, 778-4805
5172 Normandy Blvd.,
Westside, 786-7641
2953 Philips Highway,
Southside, 396-7040
Bite By Bite
1994 Kingsley Ave.,
Orange Park, 276-2677
Family owned and operated, The
Sheik has served Jacksonville for
more than 40 years, serving a full
breakfast — from pitas to country
plates — and an extensive lunch
menu, ranging from burgers to pitas
and subs. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat.
SPANISH GALLEON CAFÉ
210 St. George St., Ste. C3,
St. Augustine, 824-1610
This casual restaurant, located
south of the city’s Plaza de la
Constitucion, serves a full espresso
bar, Nathan’s hot dogs, filet mignon
sandwich, tuna melts, and break-
fast. Open daily.
TIDBITS RESTAURANT
1076 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 396-0528
For more than 25 years, Clara’s
Tidbits has specialized in good food
served in a friendly atmosphere,
including popular lunch items like
chicken salad and unique avocado
sandwiches. Take-out and delivery
are available. Open Mon.-Fri.
TORY’S CAFÉ
9842 Old Baymeadows Road,
Deerwood, 641-4890
Customer favorites include chicken
with artichoke hearts, French-onion
chicken and New Orleans crêpes.
Tory’s torte and carrot cake are
popular desserts. Open for lunch
Mon.-Sat.
TREY’S DELI & GRILL
2044 Rogero Road,
Arlington, 744-3690
Trey is a Jacksonville native who’s
been serving Northeast Florida for
two decades. His menu items
include Trey’s Reuben, deli sand-
wiches, pork, seafood and home-
made soups. Prime rib specials are
offered every Fri. evening. Beer and
wine are served, and a children’s
menu is available. Open Mon.-Sat.
WHITEWAY
DELICATESSEN
1237 King St.,
Jacksonville, 389-0355
Now at a new location, Whiteway
features an extensive sandwich
selection and specials, including
 some old-timey items you’d be hard-pressed to find any-
where else. Burgers, sides and breakfast items are also
available. Open for breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri.

CARIBBEAN
& CUBAN
BEIGNET’S CARIBBEAN CAFÉ
4770 Barnes Road, Ste. 1,
Southside, 737-6789
A taste of the Caribbean permeates this restaurant, with
menu items like jerk chicken, curry chicken, oxtail, goat,
mahi sandwiches, and Caribbean beignets with coffee
from New Orleans’ Café Du Monde. Open Mon.-Fri.

CARIBBEE KEY
100 First St., Beaches Town Center,
Neptune Beach, 270-8940
With outdoor seating and a popular upper deck, Caribbee
Key features fresh local seafood, lunch wraps, big salads
and the de rigueur Key lime pie, served in a tropical set-
ting. A full bar is served, and live music keeps things jam-
ming every evening. Open daily till late. Best of Jax 2008
winner for Best Waitress.

CUBAN SANDWICH CAFÉ

91 Blanding Blvd., Ste. E,
Orange Park, 541-1369
This home-style, Cuban-themed restaurant’s popular
dishes include ropa vieja (shredded beef in seasoned
tomato sauce) and lechon asado (shredded roasted pork).
There are also Cuban sandwiches and unique milkshakes
(like the guanabana). Sangria, and imported and domestic
beers are available. Open Mon.-Sat.

DE REAL TING CAFÉ

128 W. Adams St.,
Downtown, 633-9738
6850 Arlington Expressway,
Arlington, 446-9777
This Caribbean restaurant — a Best of Jax winner —
features jerk or curried chicken, conch fritters and curried
goat and oxtail. A full bar is served. Open Tue.-Sun.

GREEN TURTLE TAVERN

14 S. Third St.,
Fernandina Beach, 321-2324
Housed in a historic shotgun shack, this local hangout
offers Chicago-style Vienna beef hot dogs and pub-style
fare, a vast cold beer selection and a chill atmosphere.
The tavern earned the Best Neighborhood Bar on Amelia
Island in Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll. Live
music is featured weekends. Open daily.

HABANA VILLAGE CAFÉ

1 King St.,
St. Augustine, 827-1700
Homestyle Cuban and American cuisine, featuring home-
made sangria, authentic Cuban bread and roast pork.
Habana Village offers St. Augustine’s only Latin dinner
club with Latin music Thur.-Sun. A children’s menu is
available. Reservations are recommended. A full bar is
served. Open daily.

HAVANA-JAX CAFÉ/
CUBA LIBRE BAR
2578 Atlantic Blvd.,
St. Nicholas, 399-0609
The Cuban sandwiches served in this clean, bright café
are the real thing: big, thick and flattened. Other favorites
include seafood enchilada, and beans and plantains, all
prepared without chemical enhancement. A full bar,
Spanish wine and Cuban drink specials, including Mojitos
and Cuba Libres, are served. Open Mon.-Sat.

MANGO MANGO’S BEACHSIDE

BAR & GRILL
700 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 461-1077
Just steps from the A Street beach access, this Caribbean
kitchen offers comfort food with a tropical twist. Specialties
include coconut shrimp and fried plantains. Beer and wine
are served, and a kids’ menu is available. Open daily.

MANGROVE ISLAND GRILLE

3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S., Southside, 997-8565
This casual restaurant serves healthful menu items made
with Key West flair, including sandwiches served on Cuban
rolls, flatbread or wraps. Specialties include Mangrove
grouper Cuban, Gaucho steak flatbread and blue crab
bisque. Open Mon.-Sat.

28 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009


THAI ME UP
LEK AND RUSSELL CLAYTON
Head Chefs, Pattaya Thai Grille
Jacksonville’s Southside
Lek Clayton might be diminutive in stature, but
she’s big on attitude — and know-how. The
56-year-old owner of Jacksonville’s first
(according to Lek) Thai restaurant, Pattaya Thai
Grille, is a matriarch in more ways than one.
She runs the family — and the family business.
Named after her home town of Pattaya,
Thailand, Pattaya Thai Grille has been a
Jacksonville mainstay for 20 years. After
opening a series of Jacksonville-based busi-
nesses — a grocery store, a beauty shop —
Lek and her husband, retired serviceman
Rudy, established Pattaya Thai in 1989 in
Regency. “The first day we opened,” says Lek
in her thick Thai accent, “we had no money in
the bank — like $109.”
The restaurant quickly became a hot ticket,
drawing customers from the farthest reaches
of Northeast Florida. The Claytons even helped
open a quick Thai joint in The Jacksonville
Landing, though Lek distances herself from
that project, stating the quality just wasn’t
there. Lek left the Regency location due to
escalating rent and a desire for something
new, and in 2006, the Claytons found their
current home on Baymeadows Road on
Jacksonville’s Southside.
Rudy, a tall prankster with a deep voice,
often serves as wise-cracking host, and
younger son, Robert, waits tables, but older
brother Russell and Momma Lek run the
kitchen. In fact, the place isn’t open unless one
of them is on duty.
Lek insists on authenticity. It’s one of the
keys to the restaurant’s success, she says.
“This is not Americanized,” says Lek. “What
you order here is 99 percent [prepared] the
same way as in Thailand.” Everything is made
to order, mostly by chefs Russell or Lek,
Bite By Bite
Chef
Profile
according to their exacting standards and only
from memory.
Now 30, Russell has been cooking Thai food
since he was 14. “I was hungry, and [Lek] said,
‘Make it yourself.’” In other words, if he want-
ed to eat, he had to learn how to cook.
Watching Russell work is telling. Chef Soh
(his Thai name) is soft-spoken and deliberate,
and his calm demeanor is in full effect in the
open kitchen behind the bar at Pattaya Thai.
(Sometimes, his performance is broadcast on
the closed-circuit big-screen television above
the bar.) He’s fast and nimble, and never gets
uptight. That’s self-defeating, he says. Tension in
the kitchen gums up the works, creates animosi-
ty among staff and, ultimately, costs customers.
When conjuring new ideas for Pattaya
Thai’s menu, Lek and Russell experiment.
Truth be told, they are partial to meals they
personally enjoy. If they don’t like it, it doesn’t
get served. It’s Lek’s philosophy made mani-
fest. “Never use somebody else’s nose to
breathe,” she says. “If you don’t know how to
do it yourself, do not go into business — any
kind of business.”
This fierce independence has held the
Claytons in good stead. While a discouraging
percentage of startup restaurants shut down
within the first few years, Pattaya Thai is cele-
brating two decades in business. And though
Lek is well aware of how the current recession
is affecting the restaurant industry, she is more
than confident Pattaya Thai will survive. It’s all
about working within their means, serving a
quality product and maintaining a friendly rela-
tionship with customers.
“We made it through the ’90s recession,”
says Lek with a sly grin. “We’ll make it now.” 
John E. Citrone
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 29
 F RESHEST F ISH Sushi
is our passion
IN F ERNANDINA . Food,our obsession.
THE BEECH
STREET GRILL
Buy One Entrée &
Get the Second of Equal
or Lesser Value
FREE Clearly a matter of taste.
STEAK • CHICKEN • SEAFOOD
LINDSAY WADELTON
Celebrating
18 years of
fine dining.
THE BEECH STREET GRILL
801 Beech Street • Amelia Island
Owned by four sisters from County Limerick, Ireland, Culhane’s
277-3662 • www.beechstreetgrill.com JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Reservations Recommended Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach serves favorites like fish and chips,
1147 Amelia Plaza
and shepherd’s pie, along with the requisite pint of Guinness.
Valid 7 nights per week except banquets and group Fernandina Beach
functions. 20% Gratuity will be added before discount. Amelia Plaza between Walmart & Winn-Dixie See listing page 22.
Folio Weekly Coupon Expires 10/1/09 904.277.8782
Dinner Tues.-Sun. Open 5:30
NEW MADRID
RESTAURANT
11233 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4,
Southside, 642-3741
New Madrid features Spanish-
Caribbean cuisine from Cuba and
South America. The Cuban sandwich
is a big seller, along with paella and
arroz con pollo (chicken and rice).
Beer, wine and homemade sangria
are served. Open daily.
PUSSER’S BAR & GRILLE
816 A1A N., Ste. 100,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-7766
This Best of Jax 2008 winner for
Best New Restaurant serves innova-
tive Caribbean cuisine and regional
favorites, like Jamaican grilled pork
ribs and Trinidad smoked duck.
2-7pm HAPPY HOUR Tropical rum drinks, including the
OYSTERS & CLAMS $2 Bud Lite Pusser’s Painkiller, are popular house
“remedies.” A children’s menu and
$5.99 Dozen & Yuengling Drafts take-out are available. Live enter-
tainment is featured on the Upper
2-7pm Throughout $2.50 Well Drinks Deck. Open daily.
Restaraunt $3 Wine by Glass
EVERY DAY! EVERY DAY!
CASUAL SPOTS
CAFÉ 331
331 W. Forsyth St.,
Downtown, 354-1999
American and Mediterranean-style
All day happy hour on Sunday! char-grilled dishes are served at
Café 331, where everything’s pre-
pared to order. There’s no minimum
order for delivery, and the service is
Enjoy Saturday & Sunday Brunch fast (businesspeople, take note). A
full bar is served, with a happy hour
Crabcake Benedict - Grilled Grouper & Eggs held daily. Carry-out is available.
Bands and/or DJs perform most
nights. Open Mon.-Sat.
CHOW DOWN ALLEY
14775 Old St. Augustine Road,
Ste. 3, Mandarin, 880-7900
Family-operated Chow Down serves
breakfast sandwiches, burgers, sal-
ads and specialty sandwiches. Open
for breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri.
30 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
CRUISER’S GRILL
319 S. 23rd Ave. (Pablo Plaza),
Jacksonville Beach, 270-0356
832 A1A N., Ste. 2,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-5446
3 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 824-6993
Locally owned and operated for
more than 13 years, this Tex-
Mex/American restaurant serves
half-pound burgers, fish sandwich-
es, big salads and award-winning
cheddar fries. There’s booth dining
indoors or out on the deck. Cruisers
has been voted Best Burger by Folio
Weekly readers often. Beer, wine
and sangria are served. Open daily.
DAVE & BUSTER’S
7025 Salisbury Road S.
(I-95 and JTB),
Southside, 296-1525
This 40,000-square-foot
restaurant/entertainment complex
includes a dining room for a quiet
meal away from the games. But
what fun is that? D&B’s has the lat-
est electronic interactive games and
simulators as well as traditional
favorites in the Million Dollar
Midway. Open daily.
FA CAFÉ
303 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 471-2006
Short for “First Access,” this beachy
café is located north of the County
Pier and directly across from the
first beach access to St. Augustine
Beach — “Yankee Beach” to locals.
The tiny kitchen cranks out great
daily specials and the service is
super-friendly.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
357 Marsh Landing Parkway,
Ponte Vedra, 280-9404
1855 Cassat Ave.,
Westside, 695-1055
6352 103rd St., Ste. 5,
Westside, 854-0224
6752 Normandy Blvd., Ste. 3,
Northside, 338-9000
200 CBL Drive, Ste. 106,
St. Johns, 819-1808
1978 S. Eighth St.,
Fernandina Beach, 491-8095
6331 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 6,
Westside, 854-0057
1038 Dunn Ave., Ste. 1,
Northside, 338-0098
1014 Margaret St., Ste. 5,
Downtown, 791-9787
8380 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 8,
Baymeadows, 737-3473
1234 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 339-0312
1949 San Marco Blvd., Ste. 1,
San Marco, 396-0001
233 Third St.,
Neptune Beach, 249-6013
13245 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 9,
Regency, 220-7140
10131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 8,
Mandarin, 886-2179
4268 Oldfield Crossing Drive,
Jacksonville, 338-0142
8221 Southside Blvd., Ste. 4,
Southside, 996-0894
10261 River Marsh Drive, Ste. 131,
St. Johns Town Center, 674-0536
9734 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 4,
Southside, 425-4980
4347 University Blvd., Ste. 1,
Arlington, 731-1888
2245 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 11,
St. Johns, 823-9914
465 S.R. 13, Ste. 5,
St. Johns, 287-3495
1581 C.R. 220, Ste. 115, Eagle
Harbor, 215-7302
2285-B Kingsley Ave.,
Orange Park, 276-1537
1540 Wells Road,
Orange Park, 278-6727
2640 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 210,
Middleburg, 291-4411
This Jacksonville-based sub chain
founded by firefighters has been
voted Best Subs in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll seven times.
Firehouse serves large portions of
premium meats and cheeses,
steamed hot and placed atop a
toasted sub roll. Kids’ meals come
with a free fire hat. Delivery is avail-
able. Open daily.
FIVE GUYS FAMOUS
BURGERS & FRIES
4413 Town Center Parkway,
St. Johns Town Center, 996-6900
9039 Southside Blvd.,
Southside, 538-9100
13249 City Square Drive, River
City Marketplace, 751-9711
Five Guys offers burgers made with
fresh ground beef and finished from
a wide selection of toppings, includ-
ing fried onions, jalapeños or
sautéed mushrooms. The fries are
served up Five Guys style or spicy
Cajun. Kosher hot dogs and soft
drinks round out the simple, basic
menu. Open daily.
FLAVORS EATERY
125-C King St.,
St. Augustine, 824-4221
A favorite among college students
and locals, this casual restaurant
serves quesadillas, pizza, smoothies,
and beer and wine. Local musicians
play Thur.-Sat. Indoor and outdoor
seating. Open Mon.-Sat.
GRINDER’S CAFE
10230 Atlantic Blvd.,
Arlington, 725-2712
For more than 20 years, Grinder’s
has been serving home-style meals,
featuring fresh veggies, burgers,
meatloaf, pork chops and seafood. A

kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily.
HARPOON LOUIE’S
4070 Herschel St.,
Riverside, 389-5631
A locally-owned-and-operated
American pub, Harpoon Louie’s has
been a fixture in the Avondale area
for 18 years. The menu includes
half-pound burgers, fish sandwiches
and pasta dishes. Open daily. Happy
hour is held during the week.
HERO’S 19TH HOLE
605 S. Penman Road,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-0761
Tucked inside the clubhouse at the
Jax Beach Golf Course, this casual
eatery offers basic breakfast fare
as well as lunch and drink specials.
Burgers, hot dogs, club sandwiches
and $1 drafts are featured.
Open daily.
ISAAC’S BISTRO
3020 Hartley Road,
Mandarin, 880-3111
Isaac’s Bistro offers breakfast and
lunch favorites, featuring Boar’s
Head meats and cheeses served on
fresh bread. Daily specials are avail-
able. Open Mon.-Fri.
JAX CITY CAFE
100 E. Forsyth St.,
Jacksonville, 633-9028
This downtown mainstay offers an
ample selection of subs, sandwiches
and coffees. Beer is served, and
take-out and free local delivery are
available. Open for breakfast and
lunch Mon.-Fri.
JOHNNY’S DELI
474 Riverside Ave.,
Riverside, 356-8055
Johnny’s experienced staff cooks
up made-to-order lunch fare,
including grilled wraps, gyros and
grilled chicken salad — more than
60 menu items are available for
take-out only. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri.
LARRY’S GIANT SUBS
7001 Merrill Road,
Arlington, 743-5664
1301 Monument Road,
Arlington, 724-5802
10750 Atlantic Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 642-6980
4479 Deerwood Lake,
Southside, 425-4060
10920 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 29,
Baymeadows, 519-9801
3928 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 737-7740
8616 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 739-2498
9041 Southside Blvd.,
Southside, 363-0012
3611 St. Johns Bluff Road S.,
Southside, 641-6499
701 Mayport Crossing,
Atlantic Beach, 246-1613
830 A1A N., Ste. 6,
Ponte Vedra, 273-3993
657 N. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-9620
11018 Old St. Augustine Road,
Mandarin, 262-7879
11362 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 674-2945
12001 Lem Turner Road,
Northside, 764-9999
2620 Blanding Blvd.,
Middleburg, 291-0663
1509 Margaret St.,
Riverside, 674-2794
5733 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Westside, 446-9500
8102 Blanding Blvd.,
Westside, 779-1933
700 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 15,
Orange Park, 272-3553
1545 C.R. 220,
Orange Park, 278-2827
1404 S. Orange Ave.,
Green Cove Springs, 284-7789
1330 Blanding Blvd.,
Orange Park, 276-7370
2758 Racetrack Road, Ste. 408,
Fruit Cove, 230-1690
3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 808-0663
With more than 50 locations
throughout Northeast Florida, Larry’s
Giant Subs is known for piling subs
high and serving them fast. In addi-
tion to a broad selection of hot and
cold subs, the menu features soups,
salads and other items. Kids eat free
on Mon. and Wed. The Tinseltown
location has an extensive beer
selection, with a daily happy hour.
Open daily.
MERCURY MOON GRILLE
& BAR
2015 C.R. 220,
Fleming Island, 215-8999
Mercury Moon serves a variety of
wings, signature sandwiches
(including Philly cheesesteak), fried
fish sandwich and the half-pound
Moon burger. Live music is featured
Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat., and a full
bar is available. Open daily.
Bite By Bite
MONGO’S FLAT HOT GRILL
1560 Business Center Drive,
Fleming Island, 269-7877
Mongo’s allows patrons to pick their
ingredients, then have it all prepared by
Mongo’s grillers on a 72-inch flat hot
grill. A beach atmosphere on Fleming
Island, Mongo’s offers Saturday Night
Beach Party and is open Tue.-Sun.
NALU’S TROPICAL
TAKE-OUT
1020 Anastasia Blvd. (in the park-
ing lot at the Surf Station),
St. Augustine Beach, 501-9592
This funky taco stand serves fresh
island-style beef, chicken, fish and
vegetarian tacos and burritos. Pick
up to-go or dine outside on picnic
tables. Open daily.
PHILLY’S FINEST
CHEESESTEAKS & PIZZA
1527 N. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-7188
This casual restaurant serves
authentic Philly cheesesteaks made
with Amoroso’s bread and steaks
flown in direct from Philadelphia. The
beer and wine bar features 55 differ-
ent kinds of beer. Open Mon.-Sat.
RAGLAND’S
1023 Park St., Riverside, 598-5271
Located in Five Points, Ragland’s
serves lunch and dinner in a casual
environment, offering burgers, panini
and po’boy sandwiches along with
vegetarian fare. More than 30 draft
beer selections are on tap — and so
is the sweet tea. Bottled beer and
wine are also served. Open daily.
SANDY BOTTOMS BEACH
BAR & GRILL
2910 Atlantic Ave.,
Fernandina Beach, 310-6904
Owner Claude Hartley offers a menu
featuring seafood, sandwiches and
pizzas. Dine indoors or out on the
deck overlooking the ocean. A full
bar is served. A children’s menu and
take-out are available. Open daily.
SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL
1998 S. Fletcher Ave.,
Fernandina Beach, 277-6652
Oceanfront, Caribbean-themed
Sliders offers handmade crab cakes,
fresh seafood and fried pickles.
Outdoor dining is featured, and chil-
dren get their own beachfront play-
ground. A full bar is served. Live
music is presented every Fri., Sat.
and Sun. Open daily.
Fu Hao Bistro
in Five Points
serves Asian
fusion in an
upscale setting.
See listing
page 70.
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 31

Gators Dockside has been serving wings, ribs and sandwiches to sports fans in Jacksonville
for 17 years, and now has three locations: two on the Westside and one on Baymeadows Road.
Fresh Lunch Buffet See listing page 67.
Celebrating 10 years as
Best Indian Cuisine 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Only $6.95
Exotic Dinner Menu Nightly STAN’S SANDWICH
and now Best Quick Lunch 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. & GRILL
in Jacksonville! 1562 Hendricks Ave.,
INDIA’S San Marco, 398-6642
Marking more than 30 years in the
same location, Stan’s serves up
breakfast pita sandwiches, omelets
RESTAURANT and pancakes, as well as hand-pat-
9 8 0 2 - 8 B a y m e a d ow s R d . • 6 2 0 - 0 7 7 7 • v i s i t i n d i a j a x . c o m tied burgers, dogs, subs — and
fresh cherry limeade. Take-out is
available. Open Mon.-Sat.
STARLITE CAFÉ
1044 Park St., Riverside,
329-3374
Located in the center of Five Points,
Starlite Café serves fresh Chicago-
style fare daily and holds a weekend
barbecue out on the porch. A full bar
is served. Open till 2 a.m. Mon.-Fri.
STONEWOOD TAVERN
& GRILL
3832 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 3,
Mandarin, 739-7206
950 Marsh Landing Parkway,
Jacksonville Beach, 285-2311
The casual, upscale Stonewood Grill
offers a flavorful dining experience
with a classic American menu. The
full bar offers a large wine list and a
daily happy hour. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
SWEET TOMATOES
1625 Wells Road,
Orange Park, 269-6116
1115 Mary Susan Drive (off
Atlantic Boulevard),
Regency, 722-9889
The 60-foot salad bar features four
types of tossed salads, 17 freshly
cut vegetables and deli items, five
pasta salads and a dozen dressings.
The bakery offers muffins and
focaccia to complement the three
sautéed pastas featured every day.
Takeout is available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
T.G.I.FRIDAY’S
4409 Southside Blvd.,
Jacksonville, 997-8700
9400 Atlantic Blvd.,
Regency, 721-2200
1301 Wells Road,
Orange Park, 215-7030
318 S.R. 312,
St. Augustine, 808-8443
T.G.I.Friday’s offers pasta, burgers,
sandwiches, steaks and seafood. A
32 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
full bar is served and a kid-friendly
menu is available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
TIMES GRILL
5149 Normandy Blvd., Ste. 1,
Westside, 854-7501
10915 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 674-2606
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 25,
Intracoastal, 992-7288
This Louisiana-based restaurant
chain serves big burgers, seafood
and old-fashioned malts. If you eat
the one-and-a-half-pound Wall of
Fame burger, you get your picture on
the — that’s right — Wall of Fame.
Open daily.
TOOTIE GREEN’S
RESTAURANT
3210 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Murray Hill, 384-6714
The menu at this casual spot
includes wings, rings, burgers, sand-
wiches — notably the Philly Cheese
Steak — as well as oysters and
flounder. Dine indoors or out on the
deck. A kids’ menu is available. Beer
and wine are served. Open daily.
ZOËS KITCHEN
240 A1A, Merchant’s Plaza,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-1100
1661 Margaret St.,
Riverside, 355-9637
Original recipes, with Greek and
Mediterranean influences, include
homemade-style, made-to-order
sandwiches, grilled feta sandwich-
es and whole dinners, all available
to go. Desserts include homemade
ya-yas (a chocolate sheet cake),
and a kids’ menu and delivery are
available. Open daily.
CHINESE
CHINA CORAL
830 A1A, Ste. 12,
Ponte Vedra Beach,
273-8776
Located in the Tournament Plaza,
China Coral serves Shanghai,
Mandarin and Szechwan dishes. In
addition to the menu, daily spe-
cials are offered, including the
crispy fish, crispy duck and stir-
fried string beans. Beer and wine
are served.
Bite By Bite
CHINA KING’S
SUPER BUFFET
14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 41,
Intracoastal, 223-8889
Popular dishes include Cantonese
roasted hog, Peking duck, snow
crab, blue crab and oysters.
Customers may order from the
menu, the sushi bar, the hibachi or
the buffet. A children’s menu is avail-
able. Open daily.
CHUN KING
2771 Monument Road, Ste. 33,
Arlington, 646-1393
From sushi to soup to fried bananas
for dessert, Chun King offers daily
chef specials and all-you-can-eat
Mongolian barbecue. A full menu,
including Thai and Japanese dishes,
is also served. Chun King doesn’t
use MSG. Take-out is available. Beer,
sake and wine are served. Open for
lunch Mon.-Fri., for dinner Mon.-Sat.
GOLDEN CHINA
CHINESE RESTAURANT
11112 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 23,
Mandarin, 260-8836
Mandarin, Szechwan and Cantonese
dishes are served at Golden China.
There are also daily lunch and dinner
buffets featuring 26 items on the hot
bar and eight items on the cold bar.
Golden China also offers beer and
wine. Dine in or take out. Open daily.
GREAT WALL CHINESE
RESTAURANT
12200 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 4,
Mandarin, 262-9107
Located in the Mandarin Pointe
Shopping Center, and family owned
and operated, Great Wall’s menu fea-
tures Szechwan, Hunan and
Cantonese dishes. Choose from
more than 150 menu items, includ-
ing several steamed dishes prepared
without oil, cornstarch or salt for the
health-conscious. Dine-in or take-out
is available. Open daily.
HONG KONG BISTRO
9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 29,
Mandarin, 292-5286
Hong Kong Bistro serves authentic
Chinese cuisine, featuring steamed
fish, black pepper short ribs and
prawns in cream sauce. The chef is
a native of Hong Kong, with more
than 20 years’ experience in New
 Life is Still Good
at The Surf !
York City’s Chinatown restaurants. contemporary atmosphere, featuring sandwiches, smoothies, beer and wine.
Take out, and beer and wine are Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai Open for breakfast and lunch daily.
available. Open daily; closed Tue. cuisines. Take-out is available. Open
for lunch and dinner daily. THE COFFEE GRINDER
Open 11am Daily JACKIE LEE’S 9834 Baymeadows Road,
CHINA BISTRO WASABI BUFFET Deerwood Village Mall, 642-7600
10915 Baymeadows Road, 1014 Margaret St., Ste. 1, Owner Slavisa Micukic runs this cof-
The Island’s #1 spot for Ste. 101, Southside, 425-6988 Five Points, 301-1199 fee gallery, which features the work
good food, music & fun! Upscale Chinese cuisine, featuring More than 150 fresh items, includ- of local artists. Seating is available
shrimp dumplings and chef’s spe- ing sushi and sashimi, are available indoors and out, and a full coffee/
• Open Every Day cials, is served. A full bar is avail- daily on the buffet, and a dessert espresso menu includes four daily
A chic, new neighborhood bistro ideal for dates, • Live Entertainment Daily able. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for buffet is also served. Beer and wine varieties of regular coffee, several
a quick bite or a casual dinner with friends. dinner nightly. are served and take-out is available. frozen mochas and frozen jet teas.
• Sports on 29 TV’s Open daily. Beer is served after 7 p.m. DJs Thur.,
Local Favorites Include: • Wednesday Night Wing-It JADE’S BISTRO Fri. and Sat. Open daily.
• $9.99 Week Night 1484 Sadler Road, WOK N’ ROLL
• Lobster Corn • Sweet Tea-Brined • Coffee and Fernandina Beach, 321-2777 3791 Palm Valley Road, Ste. 203, COFFEE ROASTERS
Dogs with Spicy Delkat Farm Doughnuts Dinner Specials 11362 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 8, Ponte Vedra, 543-7666 9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 48,
Horseradish Pork Chop on Glazed Doughnut Mandarin, 288-7999 This spot in the valley serves Mandarin, 260-0810
Ketchup Spiked Macaroni Gratin Bread Pudding
• Beer & Wine Specials Daily
The menu at Jade’s Bistro combines authentic Chinese cuisine made with 1402 San Marco Blvd.,
with Ketel One with Warm With Mocha Ice • Happy Hour Mon-Fri traditional and alternative Thai, fresh ingredients. Take-out and deliv- San Marco, 683-4902
Vodka Blackberry-Ginger Cream and
3pm-7pm Chinese and Asian dishes. Beer and ery are available. Open for lunch and Coffee Roasters is an independently
Preserves Butterscotch
wine are served. Open daily. dinner daily. owned coffee shop where the beans
Award winning restaurant featuring are roasted on site. Coffee drinks,
extraordinary casual cuisine. Sunday NFL Direct Ticket MAMA FU’S ASIAN frozen lattes, baked goods and
ESPN Game Plan HOUSE COFFEEHOUSES bagged coffees are also available.
11105 San Jose Blvd., Open daily.
TVs Indoors and Out Mandarin, 260-1727 AMELIA ISLAND COFFEE
MSG-free pan-Asian cuisine is pre- & ICE CREAM COOL MOOSE COFFEE
pared to order in woks using fresh 207 Centre St., COMPANY & BISTRO
ingredients. Authentic Chinese, Fernandina Beach, 321-2111 2708 Park St., Riverside, 381-4242
Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and This coffeehouse offers fresh roasted Located at Park and King streets,
Thai dishes are served. A children’s coffees — by the cup or the pound — this New England-style café offers
menu is available, and beer and as well as cappuccinos, frozen drinks, an eclectic breakfast menu, classic
wine are served. Open daily. Take- deli sandwiches and soups and 16 fla- sandwiches, wraps and soups. Beer
RESTAURANT & BAR out is available up to 15 minutes vors of ice cream. Open daily. is available. Open daily.
3199 S. Fletcher Ave. before closing.
277-7919 Fernandina Beach
PAGODA CHINESE
THE BAD ASS COFFEE
COMPANY
5 POINTS COFFEE
820 Lomax St., Riverside, 791-3427
29 South Third St. 904.261.5711 RESTAURANT 11925 Beach Blvd., Ste. 201, The new owners of this little coffee
Downtown Fernandina Beach Visit thesurfonline.com 8617 Baymeadows Road, Southside, 620-0000 shop in historic Five Points offer cof-
Baymeadows, 731-0880 This locally-owned Hawaiian-themed fees and pastries daily, as well as
Mr. Tam, owner and chef, has been coffee shop offers 100 percent Kona subs, nightly dinner specials and an
serving customers since 1975. coffees, but owner Tony Leon makes array of desserts. Open daily.
Popular dishes include the seafood sure that all the coffees contain at
combination (lobster, shrimp, scal- least 10 percent of the superlative KÔFÉ HÔUS
lops and Chinese vegetables) and Hawaiian beans. Bad Ass also serves 822 Sadler Road,
spicy General Tso chicken. Pagoda cinnamon rolls, pastries and maika’i Fernandina Beach, 277-7663
has a full-service bar. Open for lunch cheese Danish. Open daily. The coffee beans are roasted onsite
and dinner Mon.-Sat. at Kôfé Hôus, which also offers hot
COFFEE BISTRO pressed sandwiches, soup, bagels,
SUNRISE ASIAN CUISINE 525 N. Third St., Ste. 105, pastries and more. Cheesecakes are
3055 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 109, Jacksonville Beach, 853-6500 available whole or by the slice. And
St. Johns, 287-8898 This bistro offers fresh, locally roasted the Hôus serves a wide variety of
Asian fare is served in a relaxed, coffee, loose-leaf teas, baked goods, specialty beers and wine. Open daily.

Welcome To Southern Hospitality!

Delicious Southern Cuisine, Steaks, Seafood & More!
• Newly Renovated and Better then Ever
• Dinner Nightly from 4:30p.m.
• Happy Hour Daily in the Copper Top Bar 4p.m - 7p.m.
• Sunday Brunch - Menu or Buffet 11a.m.-2:30p.m.
• Outdoor Patio Dining under the Oak Trees
• Live Music Thurs - Sat. in the Copper Top Bar
• Private Rooms Available for Special Events at affordable prices
• Tuesday Karaoke Night
• Thursday Oyster Night

1712 Beach Blvd. • Jacksonville Beach. 904-247-6820 Fax: 904-246-8743

Whether it’s brunch, dinner or an indie-rock buffet you crave, Café Eleven serves it all from its
Next to Adventure Landing • www.homesteadrestaurant.us
hipster digs in St. Augustine Beach. See listing page 24.

34 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009


Locally-owned-and-operated, Hightide Burrito Company in San Marco prepares traditional
nopales and agua frescas, along with popular items like tacos, burritos and torta. See listing
page 53.
MANHATTAN COFFEE
8358 Point Meadows Drive, Ste. 9,
Baymeadows, 322-7061
This coffee shop offers a breakfast
menu, including pastries and bagels
from New York. Smoothies, espres-
so, lattes, organic coffees and teas
are also available. Free WiFi, too.
Open daily.
SHELBY’S COFFEE SHOPPE
200 First St., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 249-2922
A Beaches landmark, Shelby’s car-
ries coffee from around the world.
The breakfast menu includes eggs,
bagels and fresh fruit. The lunch
menu includes daily specials, soups
and sandwiches. Dine indoors or out,
with patio and courtyard seating.
Live entertainment is featured. Open
daily at 7 a.m.
THREE LAYERS
COFFEEHOUSE
1602 Walnut St.,
Springfield, 355-9791
This new coffeehouse offers exqui-
site homemade desserts and pas-
tries, along with light lunches and
ready-to-go bistro salads in a funky
renovated Springfield space. Beer
(featuring Bold City Brewery beers)
and wine are served. Indoors and
courtyard dining. Local artists’ works
decorate the walls. Free WiFi. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Tue.-
Sun. Live music is presented Wed.-
Sun. and The Cellar is an adjacent
wine bar.
WHERE YA BEAN?
235 S. Eighth Ave.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-6869
This cozy, locally owned coffee shop
and bakery offers a wide variety of
fresh baked goods, and coffees and
espresso drinks. It also houses local
art in its gallery, featuring different
local artists in rotation. Open daily.
DINERS
AMERICAN GRAFFITI
RESTAURANT & BAR
410 Anastasia Blvd.,
Anastasia Island, 825-0900
Classic diner favorites are served
including burgers, hot and cold sand-
wiches, roast pork, country-fried
steak and meatloaf. A kids’ menu is
available. Dine indoors or outside.
Open for lunch and dinner daily and
Sunday brunch.
AVENUE’S DINER
10140 Philips Highway,
Southside, 821-6767
This casual diner serves up tried-
and-true dishes like pancakes,
breakfast burritos and a variety of
burgers. Indoor and outdoor seating,
a kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able and beer and wine are served.
Open daily.
BEACH DINER
501 Atlantic Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach, 249-6500
880 A1A N., Ponte Vedra, 273-6545
11362 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 683-0079
This locally owned diner offers a
casual beach atmosphere with
indoor and outdoor seating. The
Southern comfort items include fresh
seafood, sandwiches and hot lunch
specials. For you late-sleeping beach
bums, cooked-to-order breakfast is
available all day. Open daily for
breakfast and lunch.
THE BUNNERY BAKERY
& CAFÉ
121 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 829-6166
Located in the heart of St.
Augustine’s historic district, the
Bunnery offers homemade cakes,
cheesecakes and pastries in addition
to serving up full Southern break-
fasts, sandwiches, and espressos.
Take-out is available. Open for
breakfast and lunch daily.
DEERWOOD DELI & DINER
9934 Baymeadows Road,
Southside, 641-4877
This 1950s-style diner features pink-
and-chrome furnishings and photo-
graphs of the heartthrobs of yester-
year. The menu includes burgers,
Reubens, shakes and Coke floats.
Breakfast, a kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open daily.
THE FOX RESTAURANT
3580 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale, 387-2669
Owners Ian (a musician and visual
artist) and Mary Chase offer fresh,
Bite By Bite
We “Grill” Our Dogs Perfectly
BUY ANY SIZE COMBO & RECEIVE
THE SECOND COMBO 50% OFF
of equal or lesser value
(with Ad, Exp 8/31/09)
Check 0ut Our s!
New Specialty Roll nner
Open for Lunch & Di
7 Days a Week
Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm
Fri.& Sat. 11am-11pm
Sun. Noon-9pm
diner-style fare and homemade
desserts. Breakfast is served all day,
along with Hot Plate Specials and
signature items such as burgers,
1478 RIVE RPLA CE BLVD.
meatloaf and fried green tomatoes. A 824 LOMA X ST.
SAN MAR CO
Jacksonville landmark for 50 years, RIVE RSID E
(ON THE SOUT HBAN K)
The Fox is open daily. (FIVE -POIN TS)
306 -21 88
301 -11 88
GEORGIE’S DINER
100 Malaga St., sakehousejax.com
St. Augustine, 819-9006
Georgie’s Diner serves up homestyle
fare including Greek specialties from
owner George Chryssaidis, who also
owns the nearby Athena Restaurant.
Georgie’s is open daily. Outdoor seat-
ing available.
JACK & DIANE’S
708 Centre St.,
Fernandina Beach, 321-1444
Housed in a cozy, renovated 1887
shotgun home, this new cafe serves
an innovative menu of hearty dishes,
including quiches, pancakes and
seafood dinners. Dine indoors or out
on the huge porch overlooking his-
toric downtown Fernandina. Beer
and wine are served. A children’s
menu is available. Open daily.
JOHNNY ANGELS
3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S.,
Ste. 120, Southside, 997-9850
This new diner, located near
University of North Florida, serves
dishes that reflect its ’50s-style
décor, including Blueberry Hill pan-
cakes, Fats Domino omelet and Elvis
special combo platter. Beer and wine
are served, along with a kids’ menu.
Open daily.
MAYPORT DINER
1487 Mayport Road, Ste. 9,
Atlantic Beach, 247-1723
This new cozy neighborhood diner
offers comfort food, homemade-
style, at a reasonable price. Daily
specials are featured and large
groups are welcome. Open for
breakfast and lunch daily.
METRO DINER
3302 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 398-3701
Located in a historic 1930s-era
building amid San Marco’s residen-
tial district, the diner serves meat-
loaf, chicken pot pie and homemade
soups. Open for breakfast and lunch
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 35

daily. Metro Diner is a repeat Best of Jax
winner for Best Key Lime Pie and Best
Breakfast.
SAN MARCO DELI
1965 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 399-1306
A Best of Jax winner for Best Quick
Lunch, San Marco Deli serves grilled fish,
turkey burgers and lunch meats roasted
daily in-house. Vegetarian options (includ-
ing Tempeh) are available. Independently
owned and operated, this classic diner has
a wide selection. Call-ahead ordering and
pick-up are available. Open Mon.-Sat.
SUN DOG STEAK
AND SEAFOOD
207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 241-8221
This art-deco, family-owned restaurant
has been around for 21 years and fea-
tures booth dining and a ’50s-diner-style
counter. Entrées include shrimp dinners
and seven styles of hamburger. A full bar
is served and a children’s menu is avail-
able. Sunday brunch is served, live music
and dinner specials are featured nightly,
trivia’s on Tues. and a late-night menu’s
available till 1 a.m. Open daily.
THE VILLAGE INN
RESTAURANT
200 Third St.,
Neptune Beach, 241-7626
10140 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 262-1718
900 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 824-4377
A Best of Jax winner for its Key lime
pie and breakfast, Village Inn also serves
sandwiches, dinners, and late-night
desserts. Some locations are open
24 hours.
ECLECTIC
AQUA GRILL
950 Sawgrass Village Drive,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 285-3017
Since 1988, this American-eclectic
restaurant has served fresh local seafood,
aged Angus steaks and vegetarian
entrées. Climate-controlled lakeside patio
seating is available. A children’s menu is
available, and a full bar is served.
Reservations accepted. Open daily.
BACK 40 URBAN CAFÉ
40 S. Dixie Highway,
St. Augustine, 824-0227
Owner Jeff Sapp serves lunch and dinner
items — wraps, upside-down chicken
potpie, shrimp Thai bowl. Beer and wine
are served. A kids’ menu and WiFi are
available, and local art adorns the walls.
Open Mon.-Sat.
b.b.’s
1019 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 306-0100
Opened by the same people as Avondale
fave Biscotti’s, b.b.’s has sophistication
to spare, from the ever-changing selec-
tion of fine cheeses down to the coffee
bean carefully placed in each espresso
martini. A favorite lunch spot for the
downtown set. Open for lunch and din-
ner Mon.-Sat.
BISCOTTI’S
3556 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale, 387-2060
In a way, Biscotti’s is a microcosm of the
Avondale neighborhood it calls home.
From upscale dinner entrees to innovative
pizzas (their Duck Confit Pizza is leg-
endary) to their massive selection of
almost-too-pretty-to-eat desserts,
Biscotti’s has something for anyone in the
mood for a good meal. Open daily.
36 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
BLUE BAMBOO
3820 Southside Blvd.,
Southside, 646-1478
Located one mile north of JTB next to
Hong Kong Trading, Blue Bamboo offers
hip, Asian comfort food — owner and
chef Dennis Chan has published a cook-
book titled just that. Favorites include
seared ahi tuna and pad Thai. A full bar
— including saketinis — and an exten-
sive wine list are served. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri.; for dinner nightly.
BRICK RESTAURANT
3585 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale, 387-0606
This casual eatery’s exposed-brick façade
and interior are modern and hip, but still
classic Avondale. Despite the expensive
fixtures, you can still grab a burger and
watch a game or get the best lamb chops
in town. And their veggie burger? Killer.
Open daily.
COPELAND’S OF
NEW ORLEANS
4310 Southside Blvd.,
Jacksonville, 998-4414
Copeland’s 80-item New Orleans-themed
menu has a wide variety of authentic
Creole, Cajun and New Orleans cuisine,
including seafood, pasta and steak.
Copeland’s has a full bar and a happy
hour every Mon.-Sat. A children’s menu,
take-out and delivery are available. Open
daily, brunch on Sun.
CLUB FUSION BAR
& GRILL
3009 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 829-8333
Club Fusion’s theme is modern Japanese
animation. The place features pool tables
and a game room, and the menu includes
burgers, finger foods and fried shrimp.
Various national and local rock bands per-
form, and the Club becomes a dance hall
on Mon. and Thur. Club Fusion begins
breakfast and lunch service in August.
DECO
980 Santa Maria Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 797-5505
Chef and owner Sandy Krebs serves a
contemporary fine dining menu that
An authentic Jewish deli located on San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin, Let’s Nosh serves New York water
bagels and bread baked onsite and features a deli counter. See listing page 25.
includes grilled pork tenderloin and
seared jumbo sea scallops. Reservations
are accepted, take-out is available, and
beer and wine are served. Located south
of downtown off U.S. 1, Deco is open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
GYPSY CAB COMPANY
828 Anastasia Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 824-8244
A mainstay for a quarter-century, Gypsy
Cab’s menu changes daily. The signature
dish is the Gypsy chicken, but the varied
menu includes seafood, duck and vege-
tarian dishes. The Sunday brunch draws
everyone from churchgoers to bikers. A
full bar is offered. The Gypsy Comedy
Club features national headliners. A multi-
ple Best of Jax winner for Best Restaurant
in St. Augustine.
LINQE GOLF GROTTO GRILLE
14185 Beach Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 223-0335
This newly renovated café offers fresh
paninis, flatbreads and specialty salads
in a casual, sleek atmosphere. A broad
beer selection is offered as well as cock-
tails, wine and cigars. Open Mon.-Sat.;
closed Sun.
MARE’S SWEET KABOB
1520 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 399-4060
More than just kabobs, Mare’s offers
dishes created from an innovative fusion
of culinary cultures, including
Mediterranean, Italian, Caribbean,
American and Asian. Desserts are made
fresh daily. Hookahs are available, and a
full bar is served. Inside or patio dining
and belly dancing four nights a week are
featured. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
NINETEEN AT
TPC SAWGRASS
110 Championship Way,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-3235
Located in the Tournament Players Club,
Sawgrass’ new clubhouse, Nineteen fea-
tures more than 230 varieties of wines.
The restaurant features an array of freshly
prepared American and Continental cui-
sine, including local seafood, served in an
Bite By Bite
inviting interior or al fresco on the veran-
dah. Open daily.
OPUS 39 RESTAURANT &
FOOD GALLERY
39 Cordova St., St. Augustine, 824-0402
Owned by the same folks who run The
Tasting Room, Opus offers contemporary
American fare in an elegant eclectic set-
ting. The menus are 5-course, 7-course
tasting and à la carte and change daily.
The back of the restaurant features an
extensive retail wine shop. Open for lunch
Tue.-Sat. and dinner Mon.-Sat.
PLAE
80 Amelia Village Circle,
Amelia Island, 277-2132
Located in the Spa & Shops at Amelia Island
Plantation, this bistro-style venue offers an
innovative menu, full bar, artistic décor and
live entertainment Thur.-Sat. PLAE serves
up such crowd pleasers as asiago-encrust-
ed snapper and bison short ribs. Open daily
for dinner. Best of Jax 2008 winner for Best
Restaurant on Amelia Island.
SEVEN BRIDGES GRILLE
& BREWERY
9735 Gate Parkway N.,
Tinseltown, 997-1999
This grill and brewery features local
seafood, steaks, pizzas and award-win-
ning freshly brewed ales and lagers. Dine
indoors or outdoors. A full bar is served,
and use of the pool tables is free until 4
p.m. Live entertainment is featured Wed.-
Sat., weather permitting. Open daily.
THE TASTING ROOM
RESTAURANT
25 Cuna St., St. Augustine, 810-2400
This upscale contemporary Spanish
restaurant fuses foodie passions with an
extensive wine list. Owned by Michael
Lugo and Michael and Christine McMillan,
The Tasting Room is open for lunch Wed.-
Sun., for dinner nightly. Live music is per-
formed nightly.
URBAN FLATS
330 A1A N., Ste. 208,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-5515
Urban Flats offers a casual bistro-style
menu, featuring Old World flatbread paired
 with seasonal ingredients in wraps,
flatwiches, entrées and salads. A full
bar and a selection of wines by the
glass or the bottle is served. A chil-
dren’s menu and take-out are avail-
able. Live entertainment is featured
Wed.-Sat. evenings. Open daily.
ZHÄNRAS
108 Anastasia Blvd.,
Anastasia Island, 823-3367
Artists make art at this tapas-style
restaurant, Zhänras (pronounced
“genres”), which serves more than
60 small-plate, world-cuisine selec-
tions in a hip, contemporary space. A
children’s menu and take-out are
available, and a full bar is served.
Open for dinner nightly, with live
music six nights a week and a
brunch on Sun.
FRENCH
BISTRO AIX
1440 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 398-1949
Executive Chef Tom Gray serves
French and Mediterranean inspired
fare in an urban-chic atmosphere.
The menu changes seasonally, and
the wine list includes more than 250
choices. Open daily. Happy hour is
held Mon.-Fri. at the Onyx Bar. Best
of Jax 2008 winner for Best
Restaurant to Impress a Date.
BISTRO DE LEON
12 Cathedral Place,
St. Augustine, 810-2100
Jean-Stephane Poinard is a fifth
generation French chef who cre-
ates dishes with fresh American
produce, herbs and seafood. The
You Deserve The Royal Treatment bread is freshly baked on the
premises. Beer and wine are
served, and a children’s menu is
available. Open daily.
“HELP CHOOSE OUR NEW HOUSE WINE” TASTING JJ’S LIBERTY BISTRO
330 A1A N., Ste. 209,
THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH, 6 TO 8 PM Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-7980
They may have substituted “Liberty”
for “French” a few years back, but
MONDAY – MIX ‘N MUSIC JJ’s still serves authentic French cui-
Live Jam Session Music with Cocktails 5 to 8pm
TUESDAY – TWILIGHT SCRAMBLE
Call the Pro Shop for play in the mixed-foursome with one free
draft or wine per player 5 to 7pm
WEDNESDAY – ROYAL SINGLES NIGHT
With live music and Cocktails 5 to 8pm
THURSDAY – Games Galore with Louise
FRIDAY –
Happy Hour – Drink Specials 5 to 8pm
One free draft & unlimited play for $25 after 11am
301 Royal St Augustine Pkwy., Just Off Route 16. 904. 824 GOLF
visit royalstaugustine.com A sports bar with family appeal, Lillian’s Sports Bar & Grill on Roosevelt Boulevard serves
wings, salads and burgers alongside a daily happy hour. See listing page 67.
38 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
sine, including escargot, foie gras,
caviar and smoked seafood. A chil-
dren’s menu is available. An exten-
sive wine selection and beer are
offered. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
LE CLOS CAFÉ
RESTAURANT PROVENCAL
20 S. Second St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-8100
Located in Fernandina’s historic dis-
trict, Le Clos Café features fresh fish,
braised lamb shank and seafood
entrées by candlelight in an intimate,
turn-of-the-century cottage. Chef-
owner Katherine Ewing earned
degrees in pastry and cuisine from
Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, and trained at
Paris’ Ritz Hotel. Beer and an exten-
sive wine list are available.
Reservations are recommended.
Open Mon.-Sat.
THE MAGNIFICAT CAFÉ
231 N. Laura St.,
Jacksonville, 353-3588
Located in the heart of downtown
Jacksonville on Hemming Plaza, this
French-style café serves French
onion soup, quiche Lorraine and
fresh fruit salad. Dine indoors or out
on the covered patio. Take-out and
delivery are available. Open for
dinner Mon.-Fri.
O’DANNY BOYS BISTRO
25 N. Orange Ave.,
Green Cove Springs, 284-1800
It sounds Irish, but this place serves
French-influenced cuisine, including
tapas (the poutine is fries with gravy
and cheese), and a variety of spe-
cialty sandwiches and pizzas. Live
music is presented every Sat. A full
bar is served. Open for lunch and
dinner Mon.-Sat.
ORSAY
3630 Park St., Riverside, 381-0909
Opened by Chew owner Jon Insetta,
this French/American bistro serves
steak frites, mussels and Alsatian
pork chops in an elegant setting. A
full bar is served. Open for dinner
Tue.-Sat., for brunch on Sun.
GERMAN
SCHNITZELHOUSE
GERMAN RESTAURANT
5711 Bowden Road, Ste. 7,
Southpoint, 730-3657
This café serves traditional German
cuisine like veal, Jagerschnitzel,
wienerschnitzel and potato pan-
cakes. Beer and wine are served,
with an extensive selection of
German varieties of both. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
GLOBAL
THE AUGUSTINE GRILLE
1000 PGA Tour Blvd.,
Sawgrass Marriott,
Ponte Vedra, 285-7777
Chef Brett Smith’s menu of global
cuisine is seasonal, and steaks are
prime. Grill selections include New
York strip, lamb and cowboy steak
— the 22-ounce bone-in rib chop is
popular. A full bar with an extensive
wine list is served. Open for dinner
Mon.-Sat.
AVILÉS RESTAURANT
& LOUNGE
32 Avenida Menendez,
St. Augustine,
829-9727
Located inside the Hilton Bayfront
Hotel, Avilés offers progressive
global cuisine. Popular dishes
include marinated filet mignon with
whipped crab potato, crispy onions
and baby spinach. A children’s
menu is available, a full bar is
served, and complimentary valet
service is featured. Open daily for
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
THE BEECH STREET GRILL
801 Beech St.,
Fernandina Beach,
277-3662
Located in a home built by Captain
Bell in 1889, this restaurant is
known for its extensive wine list.
Beech Street has won multiple Best
of Jax awards from Folio Weekly
readers. Daily blackboard specials

RAW DEAL
YVETTE SCHINDLER
Executive Chef, Present Moment Café
St. Augustine
“One of my favorite things to do is eat.”
Seated in a sunlit corner of her organic,
vegan, raw-food restaurant, Yvette Schindler
talks food like some people eat it: with pas-
sion, focus and gusto. She regards food as
both spiritual and medicinal, and takes pleas-
ure in exploring all of its symbolic and socie-
tal permutations — from the lessons a little
girl takes from watching her mother prepare
food to the wrenching environmental impacts
of the modern-day industrial food complex.
But, despite a gift for interpreting and talk-
ing about food, Schindler’s passion is eating —
and sharing — it. The fact that her St.
Augustine restaurant serves cuisine most peo-
ple have never eaten, and some willfully mis-
understand, doesn’t discourage her. Her goal
is not to convince people of the benefits of
eating raw, but to seduce them with the idea.
“I didn’t just want to open a restaurant. I’d
done that,” says Schindler, who ran a macro-
biotic restaurant in Santa Fe, N.M., for four
years, among other culinary endeavors. “It
had to be really good. It had to be delicious.”
The concept behind the raw food move-
ment is that the enzymes contained in whole
foods are physically, even psychologically
transformative. Those enzymes are destroyed
when food is cooked or even heated above
130 degrees. In order to preserve the so-
called “life force” of the food, raw food devo-
tees eat only meals prepared with uncooked
fruits and vegetables.
The diet can seem extreme, especially to a
culture raised on processed foods. Even
Schindler admits she initially found the raw-
food mantra somewhat radical. But after
“going raw” for a three-month trial, Schindler
says, she was a believer. For one, her longtime
arthritis disappeared. And she was suffused with
Bite By Bite
Ch ef
Pro f i l e
a feeling of joy and empathy that she describes
as “a high — an altered consciousness.”
Schindler and her son Nathan were so
transformed by the diet, they decided to
open a restaurant to share what they’d
learned. Before doing so, Schindler visited
every raw-food restaurant she could find on
both coasts. She also trained alongside
gourmet raw-food gourmet chef Chad Sarno,
who’s been featured in magazines from GQ
to Cosmo.
The café’s menu reflects Schindler’s inter-
national palate, as well as her passion for gour-
met preparation. Among her favorites items are
the Sunlight Burger ($12, made from walnuts,
sunflower seeds, almonds, carrots and zucchi-
ni, and topped with vegan “provolone” and
caramelized onions) and the Creamy White
Truffle Pesto Pasta ($11, made from zucchini
pasta, sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts.) The
menu also features Pad Thai, tacos, even a
Brownie Sunday (prepared with a coconut base
and cashew vanilla “ice cream”).
“I don’t want people to feel like, ‘I gotta
go eat this food because it’s healthy,” she
says. “I want them to come because it makes
them feel good to eat it.”
Though Schindler is a dedicated raw
foodie, she’s not rigid. Her diet is about “95
percent raw,” and she reserves that remain-
ing 5 percent for those situations when she
can’t avoid conventional food. If her aunt
offers her a homemade chocolate chip cook-
ie, she says, or if someone prepares her a
meal in their home, she won’t refuse. Food is,
above all, an expression of love, she says.
For Northeast Florida, Schindler’s love of eat-
ing — and feeding — is everyone’s gain. 
Anne Schindler
(No relation)
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 39
 A Jacksonville mainstay, Metro Diner serves freshly prepared comfort food in a 1930s-era
building on Hendricks Avenue in San Marco. See listing page 35.
feature regional dishes, a full bar is
served and a Sun. brunch is offered.
John Springer plays piano Thur.-Sat.
evenings. Dress is resort-casual.
Open daily.
BENNY’S STEAK
& SEAFOOD
The Jacksonville Landing, Ste.
175, 2 Independent Drive, 301-1014
This steak-and-seafood house serves
Continental cuisine with such signa-
ture dishes as the Filet Christian.
Open daily. A full bar is served and a
children’s menu is available.
BONITO GRILL & SUSHI
614 Centre St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-0508
Located in downtown Fernandina
Beach, Bonito Grill serves fusion
cuisine — American with an Asian
influence — in a contemporary
atmosphere. A full bar is available,
and there’s an extensive wine
list and separate sushi area.
Open daily.
CASA MARINA INN
& RESTAURANT
691 N. First St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 270-0025
The 1924 Casa Marina Restaurant
is the oldest structure in Jax
Beach and offers dining indoors,
out on the verandah or in the
restored courtyard by the ocean.
The New Beach menu features
Casa crab cakes, salmon
Wellington and goat cheese salad,
as well as homemade breads.
Open Tue.-Fri.; for brunch on Sun.
The Penthouse Lounge, overlook-
ing the Atlantic Ocean, offers tapas
and a martini bar daily.
LA COLLAGE
60 Hypolita St.,
St. Augustine, 829-0055
Locate in an intimate space on his-
toric Hypolita Street, Collage offers
40 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
high-end dining with a global menu.
Everything is made from scratch. A
specialty dessert, The Bougainvillea,
commemorates the Brazilian tree.
An extensive and economical wine
list is offered, as is beer. Open for
dinner nightly.
CURRENTS RIVERVIEW
BISTRO
841 Prudential Drive,
Southbank, 306-9512
Located in the Aetna building,
Currents offers Indian, Thai, Latin
and European inspired dishes, as
well as Southern fried chicken.
Outside dining is featured, a full bar
is available and the river views are
terrific. Open for breakfast and lunch
Mon.-Fri.
DWIGHT’S
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE
BISTRO
1527 Penman Road,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-4496
This small, cozy bistro next to
Cinotti’s Bakery specializes in
hand-rolled pasta and grilled veg-
etables. Owner and Chef Dwight
DeLude prepares meals in his exhi-
bition kitchen and all dishes,
including fresh fish, sea scallops
and the popular crab cakes, come
with pasta and veggies. Beer and
wine are served. With limited seat-
ing, reservations are suggested.
Open for dinner Tue.-Sat.
ELEVEN SOUTH
216 S. 11th Ave.,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-1112
An elegant addition to the Jax Beach
dining scene, Eleven South serves
New American eclectic cuisine with
influences from around the world. In
addition to a mesquite grill and
courtyard dining, Eleven South
serves a full bar and a selection of
fine wines. Open for lunch Tue.-Fri.,
for dinner nightly.
GIOVANNI’S
1161 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-7787
A Beaches tradition for more than 30
years, Giovanni’s features a menu of
Continental cuisine with modern
Italian flair. Favorite entrées include
veal, seafood and a variety of pasta
dishes. A full bar is served, and a
piano bar is featured upstairs Fri.-
Sat. Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
THE HILLTOP
2030 Wells Road,
Orange Park, 272-5959
Nestled in the woods, The Hilltop
serves in formal, Southern-inflected
dining spaces. Specialties include
New Orleans shrimp, certified Black
Angus prime rib and she-crab soup.
Homemade desserts are featured,
along with a piano lounge (Wed.-Sat.
evenings), a large collection of
antiques and a garden setting. The
Hilltop is a frequent staging ground
for weddings. A full bar is available.
Open for dinner Tue.-Sat.
HORIZONS RESTAURANT
4828 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island, 321-2430
Chef Courtney Thompson specializes
in continental cuisine served in a
casual atmosphere. Homemade
bread and pastas are made fresh
daily and served alongside seafood,
rack of lamb and pasta entrées, with
a menu that changes daily. Dine
indoors or out. Reservations are rec-
ommended. Open for lunch Mon.-
Fri., for dinner Thur.-Sat.
JOE’S OLD CITY GRILLE
1968 U.S. 1 S.,
St. Augustine, 826-3636
This neighborhood eatery serves
dishes from around the globe, includ-
ing a variety of homemade entrées,
fresh seafood, wraps and sandwich-
es. Beer and wine are served. Open
for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.

JOE’S 2ND STREET
BISTRO
14 S. Second St.,
Fernandina Beach, 321-2558
Chef Joe Robucci offers upscale
New American fine dining featur-
ing local seafood, steaks and pas-
tas, with Italian, French, Creole,
Asian and South of the Border
influences, as well as fresh-baked
bread and homemade ice cream
and sorbets. Nightly fresh fish spe-
cials are offered. Dine indoors or
out in the courtyard. Beer and an
extensive wine list are served.
Open for dinner nightly.
JULIETTE’S AND
THE J-BAR
245 W. Water St.,
Jacksonville, 355-6664
Located in the lobby of the Omni
Hotel, Juliette’s serves dinner prior
to (or dessert after) a downtown
show. In the morning, there’s a
breakfast buffet. The full-service
bar carries beers of the world, and
the J-Bar serves small plates of
bistro-inspired cuisine. Open daily.
LE PAVILLON
45 San Marco Ave.,
St. Augustine, 824-6202
One of the oldest restaurants in
Northeast Florida, Le Pavillon is
family owned and operated. Claude
and Gisele Sinatsch recommend
the rack of lamb and the bouilla-
baisse. Norwegian salmon is a
popular item, as are the duck and
the Dover sole. A full bar is served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
MATTHEW’S
2107 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 396-9922
This is Chef Matthew Medure’s flag-
ship restaurant, offering fine dining
in a refined, European-style atmos-
phere. Artfully presented cuisine has
made Matthew’s one of Northeast
Florida’s most awarded and popular
restaurants for more than a decade.
Matthew’s lounge offers small
plates, an extensive martini and
wine list and a happy hour Mon.-Fri.
Reservations are recommended.
Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
MEYER’S LATIN FLAIR
9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 181,
Jacksonville, 240-4806
Chef Meyer Pinchassow brings
Latin American passion to
Jacksonville’s dining scene, offer-
ing a unique fusion of international
cuisines. Beer and wine are
served. A children’s menu and
take-out are available. Open daily.
MEZZA LUNA PIZZERIA
RISTORANTE
110 N. First St.,
Neptune Beach, 249-5573
This near-the-ocean eatery (in
Beaches Town Center) has been
around more than 20 years, serv-
ing casual bistro fare ranging from
gourmet wood-fired pizza to night-
ly specials like herb-crusted mahi
mahi. Dine indoors or out on the
patio. A kids’ menu is available.
Musical happy hour is held Tue.
and Thur. Open for dinner nightly.
95 CORDOVA
95 Cordova St.,
St. Augustine, 810-6810
Located in the restored Casa
Monica Hotel, this restaurant
exudes elegance. Executive Chef
DeJuan Roy blends Moroccan,
Asian, Mediterranean, Caribbean
and European influences. The
adjacent Cobalt Lounge features a
full bar and a variety of fine wines.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and
dinner; Sun. brunch.
OCEAN GRILL
AT AMELIA INN
6800 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island Plantation,
Amelia Island, 261-6161
This elegant Amelia Island
Plantation restaurant features
steaks, chops, chef’s specials, a
bountiful wine list and desserts,
accompanied by a view of the
Atlantic. Open to resort guests for
dinner Tue. through Sat.
OCEAN 60 RESTAURANT,
WINE BAR &
MARTINI ROOM
60 Ocean Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach, 247-0060
Ocean 60 offers Continental cuisine,
featuring fresh seafood, nightly din-
ner specials and a regular menu
that changes with the seasons. Dine
in the formal dining room or the
more casual Martini Room, which
features weekend live jazz. Local
artists exhibit their work. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
OLD CITY HOUSE INN
115 Cordova St.,
St. Augustine, 826-0184
Mediterranean, Asian, South
African and Southern influences
are evident in everything from the
seafood Toscana to the chicken
Thai curry. Recipient of several
Taste of St. Augustine (T.O.St.A.)
awards, Old City House Inn is St.
Augustine’s only Historic Inn fea-
turing a full-service restaurant and
bar. Serving breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily, and Sun. brunch.
PURPLE OLIVE
INTERNATIONAL BISTRO
4255 A1A S., Ste. 6,
St. Augustine Beach, 461-1250
Fun and not too formal, this fami-
ly-owned-and-operated restaurant
offers a creative dinner menu,
expertly chosen wines, a selection
of nightly specials and fresh arti-
san breads. Homemade soups,
sauces, salad dressings and
desserts are made from scratch.
Open for dinner Tues.-Sat.
RAINTREE RESTAURANT
102 San Marco Ave.,
St. Augustine, 824-7211
Celebrating 30 years in St.
Augustine, The Raintree, situated
in an 1879 Victorian home, spe-
cializes in fine-dining favorites like
roast duck and lobster, but with no
jacket required. A full-service bar
is featured. Reservations are sug-
gested. Outdoor patio dining is
available. Open daily for dinner.
RESTAURANT MEDURE
818 A1A N.,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 543-3797
Chef David Medure creates with a
wide range of flavors from around
the world. The newly renovated
lounge offers small plates, creative
drinks and entertainment, includ-
ing happy hour twice daily, from 4-
6 p.m. and from 10 p.m.-mid.
THE ROW RESTAURANT
1521 Riverside Ave.,
Riverside, 354-5080
Located in an elegant turn-of-the-
Bite By Bite
8/12 8/13 8/14 8/15 8/16
Robbie Al Donna Even Still Joshua
century B&B, The Row features Poindexter Frost (jazz) Cole
Eccles (folk rock) (acoustic)
blackened ahi tuna with watermel- (alt-rock, (folk)
on chutney and grilled filet mignon pop)
with lump crab, béarnaise and
asparagus. A full bar is served.
Serving dinner 5 p.m. to the last
reservation, Tue.-Sat., as well as
afternoon tea Fri. and Sat.
ROY’S HAWAIIAN
FUSION CUISINE
2400 S. Third St., Ste. 101,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-7697
Fine dining with friendly “aloha”
service, Roy’s serves Hawaiian
fusion with Asian aromatics using
fresh local ingredients, European
sauces and bold Asian spices. The
full bar is open at 5 p.m. daily and
a children’s menu is offered. Open
nightly.
STERLING’S OF
AVONDALE
3551 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale, 387-0700
Located a few minutes from
downtown Jacksonville, this five-
star restaurant features steaks,
veal, baby rack of lamb and at
least three fresh fish selections
each day. Indoor and courtyard
dining are available. Dress is busi-
ness-casual. An extensive wine list
and beer are served. Reservations
are suggested. Open daily.
TRA VINI GRILLE
216 Ponte Vedra Park Drive,
Ponte Vedra, 273-2442
Owned by Gianni Recupito, who’s
also the proprietor of Caffé
Andiamo, Tra Vini serves an
Italian-inspired menu that includes
seafood, veal and pasta dishes.
Indoor and outdoor dining are
available, and a full bar is served.
Open daily. (Tra Vini is hard to see
from A1A. Look for the sign just
south of Marsh Landing Parkway.)
29 SOUTH EATS
29 S. Third St.,
Fernandina Beach,
277-7919
Located in Fernandina Beach’s
historic downtown, this popular
bistro’s Chef Scotty Schwartz —
voted Best Chef in Folio Weekly’s
2008 Best of Jax readers poll —
serves traditional world cuisine
with a modern twist. Open for
lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
THE TWISTED
MARTINI
The Jacksonville Landing,
2 Independent Drive,
353-TINI (8464)
This drinking, dancing and dining
venue features a tapas-style menu
including grilled chicken nachos,
coconut shrimp and marinated
steak skewers. A full bar — where
martinis are the specialty — is
served, and happy hour is held
Wed.-Sun. Open Wed.-Sun. A Best
of Jax winner in several cate-
gories.
WILDFLOWER CAFÉ
4320 A1A S.,
St. Augustine Beach,
471-2691
Located one block from the beach,
this Provençal-style cafe’s signa-
ture dishes include the Wildflower
grouper — sautéed, with blue
crab meat and toasted almonds.
Beer and wine are available, as is
a kids’ menu. Breakfast, lunch and
dinner Mon.-Sat.; brunch Sun.
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 41
 INNOVATIVE CUISINE
IN A RELAXED
ISLAND ATMOSPHERE
BIG CITY
PIZZA
Small Town Atmosphere
Enjoy dinner by the fountain in
Dough & Sauce the New Orleans-inspired
courtyard or in the restored
Made Daily 1900’s home. Watch the sunset
from the covered front porch
overlooking the scenic intracoastal
harbor that boasts the legends and
secrets of 400 years of history.
Jacksonville Magazine Top 25 Restaurant
Dinner Nightly 6 to 9:30
Reservations Recommended With five locations around Jacksonville (including this one on the Southside) Miller’s Ale House &
Raw Bar serves up generous portions of seafood and 32 beers on tap. See listing page 61.
For 8 Years Voted WINE CELLAR
1314 Prudential Drive,
St. Augustine’s Best Pizza Southbank, 398-8989
2 ND STREET
N D STREET This Jacksonville landmark offers
classic Continental and New World
88 San Marco Ave. BISTRO cuisine in an Old World setting. Dine
outdoors under majestic oaks or
St. Augustine 904-321-2558 indoors in intimate dining rooms. An
904-829-1133
2 Blocks North of Ripley’s, next to Economy Inn
14 South 2nd Street • Fernandina Beach
joesbistro.com
extensive wine selection and a full
bar are available. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri., for dinner Mon.-Sat.
GREEK &
MEDITER-
RANEAN
ATHENA RESTAURANT
14 Cathedral Place,
St. Augustine, 823-9076
Located on the city’s historic down-
town Plaza, Athena has an extensive
menu of Greek and American dishes,
8/14 MYSTIC VIBES 8PM-MIDNIGHT including moussaka, lamb kabobs
and spinach pie. Beer and wine are
8/15 DUB ROCKERS 2-6PM served. Dine inside at a booth or
DE LIONS OF JAH 8PM-MIDNIGHT table, or order to go. Open daily for
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
8/16 NATE HOLLEY 4-7PM
FINN 8PM-MIDNIGHT ATHENS CAFÉ
6271 St. Augustine Road, Ste. 7,
Mandarin, 733-1199
From the dolmades (stuffed grape
leaves) to the baby shoes (stuffed
eggplant), Athens offers all the
favorites. The café serves beer and
wine, including Greek brands. Open
for lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat.
HOVAN MEDITERRANEAN
GOURMET
2005 Park St., Ste. 1,
Five Points, 381-9394
Hovan offers traditional
Mediterranean cuisine, including
freshly made hummus and chips,
baba ghannoush and gyros, served
in a setting that attracts indie rock-
ers and businesspeople alike. Patio
dining offered. Beer and wine are
served and hookahs are also avail-
able. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat. Closed Sun.
THE ITALIANO
GREEK CAFÉ
119 W. Adams St.,
Jacksonville, 355-8181
The Italiano specializes in Greek
dishes, including grape leaves and
42 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
moussaka. The Greek pizza, cov-
ered in olives, artichoke hearts and
feta cheese, is a customer favorite.
Dine-in or take-out. Open for lunch
Mon.-Fri.
MEDITERRANIA
RESTAURANT
3877 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 731-2898
With an Old World atmosphere, this
family-owned-and-operated Greek
and Italian restaurant has been a
local favorite for more than 22
years. Fresh seafood, veal chops
and rack of lamb are among the
specialties. Beer and wine are avail-
able. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
THE MEDITERRANEAN
242 Solana Road,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 285-4900
Owned and operated by Tony and
Paula Saayfan, this restaurant fea-
tures authentic Middle Eastern cui-
sine and hookahs. Beer and wine
are served, and a children’s menu
and take-out are available. Open
Mon.-Sat.
THEO’S RESTAURANT
169 King St.,
St. Augustine, 824-5022
Located on the banks of San
Sebastian River, Theo’s is just far
enough away from the heart of
downtown that it’s a popular haunt
for locals and tourists alike.
Favorites include seafood and Greek
dishes, but the hearty breakfast is
also popular. Open for breakfast and
lunch daily.
13 GYPSIES
887 Stockton St.,
Jacksonville, 389-0330
This intimate neighborhood bistro
serves authentic Mediterranean
peasant cuisine, specializing in
tapas, blackened octopus, risotto of
the day and coconut mango curry
chicken. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat.,
and Sun. brunch.
ZAHARIAS RESTAURANT
3945 A1A S.,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-4799
This family-owned restaurant has
been serving Greek and Italian dish-
es for more than 22 years. Zaharias
has a full bar and lounge and
accommodates large parties. A chil-
dren’s menu is available. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
ZAITOON
MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 40,
Harbour Village, 221-7066
Zaitoon combines traditional
Mediterranean recipes with contem-
porary culinary innovation, offering
dishes inspired by Spanish, French,
Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. A
full bar and an extensive wine list
are served. Happy hour is held Tue.-
Sat. Patio seating and WiFi are avail-
able. Open Tue.-Sun.
ZODIAC GRILL
130 W. Adams St.,
Jacksonville, 354-8283
Located on the corner of Adams
and Hogan streets, Zodiac serves
Mediterranean cuisine and American
favorites in a casual atmosphere.
Zodiac Grill also makes panini and
vegetarian dishes. Beer and wine are
available, as are espressos and
hookahs. Open for breakfast and lunch
Mon.-Fri.
HOME
COOKIN’
CELEBRATIONS DINER
7035 Philips Highway,
Jacksonville, 683-7926
Southern-style cooking including bis-
cuits and gravy, loaded omelets,
meatloaf, country-fried steak and a
deep-fried turkey sandwich. Beer
and wine are served. A kids’ menu
and takeout are available. Open for
breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri.
CHICKEN KOOP
WINGS & THINGS
1338 Dunn Ave.,
Northside, 757-1070
2083 Edgewood Ave. W.,
Riverside, 768-8899
5821 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 393-9060
Wholesome homestyle food is
served at Chicken Koop, which spe-
cializes in wings and accompanying
sauces, sandwiches, fried corn-on-
the-cob and fried yams. Most Koops
are open daily.

COL. MUSTARD’S
PHABULOUS PHAT
BURGERS
27 Seminole Road,
Atlantic Beach, 247-5747
The Colonel serves up some of the
region’s best hamburgers, but be
prepared to get the treatment: The
Col. is famous for insulting and chid-
ing his patrons. Breakfast is also
served, featuring five-egg omelets
and French toast. A kids’ menu is
available. Open daily.
ELLEN’S KITCHEN
1824 S. Third St., Pablo Plaza,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-1572
Serving the Beaches since 1962, this
busy kitchen offers a full breakfast
all day, one famous for its home-
made sausage gravy and hash
browns. For lunch, there’s a sand-
wiches, BLTs and patty melts.
There’s usually a line for breakfast
on weekends. Take-out is available.
AAA approved. Open daily for break-
fast and lunch.
THE HOMESTEAD
1712 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-6820
With its warm pine floors and mas-
sive lime rock fireplace, this renovat-
ed log cabin has been serving home-
cookin’ under shady live oaks since
the late 1940s. Owners Abbas and
Judy Bagheri carry on the Southern
cuisine tradition of fried chicken,
fried green tomatoes, Cajun shrimp-
and-grits and blackened tilapia. A full
bar is served in The Copper Top.
Open for dinner daily and for brunch
on Sunday.
MARTI’S CAFÉ
3031 Monument Road,
Arlington, 379-8363
Family owned and operated, Marti’s
offers home-style breakfast, lunch
and dinner at a reasonable price.
Traditional favorites include meatloaf,
fried shrimp and Reuben sandwich-
es. A kids’ menu and take-out are
available. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner Tue.-Sat.; Sun. for break-
fast only; closed Mon.
POTTER’S HOUSE
SOUL FOOD
5301 Lenox Ave.,
Westside, 394-0860
Owned by the Potter’s House Christian
The menu at Mitchell’s Fish Market at St. Johns Town Center changes twice daily, but always
features more than 180 items, like cedar-roasted Atlantic salmon and kung pao calamari. See
listing page 63.
Fellowship, this cafeteria style restau-
rant serves traditional Southern food:
Fried chicken, greens, mac’n’cheese,
cornbread and other regional favorites.
RITESPOT
1534 N. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-0699
For more than 50 years, Ritespot,
located on A1A in the North Beach
Plaza, has served home-style cook-
ing, including fresh seafood, liver and
onions and pot roast. Among the
dozens of side dishes are mashed
potatoes and gravy or collard greens,
and corn muffins come with every
meal. A full bar is served. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The
Spot Bar, open nightly, offers happy
hours and a late-night menu.
SUZY Q’S BAR & GRILL
8560 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 353-0002
Brand new Suzy Q’s serves home-
style entrees, sandwiches, wraps,
homemade-style soups and salads.
Beer and wine are served, and
happy hour is Tue.-Fri. Thursday fea-
tures 35¢ wings all day, Steak Nights
are Tue. and Fri. Live bands perform
Wed., Fri. and Sat. Dine indoors or
out. Open Tue.-Sun.; closed Mon.
HOT DOGS
ALL AMERICAN
HOT DOG
10365 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 641-5794
This casual spot has been around
since 1969, offering hot dogs served
in toasted buns, topped off with a
variety of garnishments, as well as
subs. Open Mon.-Sat.
HAZEL’S HOT DOGS
2400 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 824-8484
Named for a Chihuahua belonging to
the owners, Hazel’s offers a variety
of wieners and all the embellish-
ments from its modest digs west of
downtown. Open daily.
HOT DOG HUT
1439 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-8886
The Hot Dog Hut boasts a vast selec-
tion of dogs and sausages, served
with a variety of toppings, as well as
Bite By Bite
roast beef, hamburgers, beer-bat-
tered onion rings and seasoned
French fries. Beer is served, and
take-out is available. Open Mon.-
Sat., on Sun. in summer. Best of Jax
2008 winner for Best Hot Dog.
THE HOT DOG SPOT
& MORE
2771 Monument Road, Ste. 32,
Arlington, 646-0050
Located in Cobblestone Crossing, Hot
Dog Spot offers a variety of sausages
— Italian, smoked and spicy — as
well as all-beef hot dogs, with the
usual toppers. Additional menu items
include wings, Philly cheesesteak
sandwiches and burgers. A children’s
menu and take-out are available.
Open for lunch daily.
ORANGE TREE HOT DOGS
4347 University Blvd. S., Ste. 2,
Southside, 730-8118
9823 Tapestry Park Circle,
Southside, 329-1273
9508 Crosshill Blvd., Ste. 102,
Argyle, 772-7800
8380 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 4,
Baymeadows, 733-0588
1910 Wells Road, Orange Park
Mall, Ste. H-06, 269-1164
1720 Third St. N., Holiday Plaza,
Jax Beach, 246-0204
10991 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin Corners, 260-8630
9501 Arlington Expressway,
Regency Square Mall, Ste. 175,
722-3443 (food court)
840 Nautica Drive, River City
Marketplace, Ste. 125, 714-0813
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 3,
Hodges Pointe, 223-5300
The Jacksonville Landing,
2 Independent Drive, Ste. 212,
598-0006
Known since 1968 for their Orange
Frost drink, Orange Tree serves hot
dogs — top with slaw, chili, cheese,
onion sauce or sauerkraut — as well
as personal-size pizzas.
INDIAN
APNA RESTAURANT
10769 Beach Blvd., Ste. 14,
Southside, 645-3334
Apna serves Indian cuisine, special-
izing in haleem, nihari and paya. A
lunch buffet is featured. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 43

SIMPLE Y DELICIOSO
ROBERTO PESTANA
Head Chef and Owner, España
Fernandina Beach
Roberto Pestana and his wife, Marina,
planned to stop in Charleston for a couple of
days a few years back on their way to a family
reunion in Hilton Head, S.C. As they motored
north from Pompano Beach on I-95, dark
began to settle and they weren’t even out of
Florida yet. With three young children in tow,
the Pestanas decided to pull off the interstate
and find a place for the night. That’s how the
owners of España, a Spanish restaurant with
Portuguese, Brazilian and Costa Rican influ-
ences (the latter courtesy of Marina’s mother)
fell in love with Fernandina Beach.
By the time the Pestana clan took to the
road again a day later, they’d been completely
charmed by the historic town cradled
between the Amelia River and the Atlantic
Ocean. So when they sold their Pompano
Beach restaurant, the Brazilian Tropicana, a
few years later, that stopover came to mind.
“South Florida was too crowded, there was
too much traffic,” says Roberto Pestana. “We
decided we wanted to raise our children
somewhere else, and we returned to the
weekend we had so enjoyed here.” Five years
ago, the family moved to Fernandina Beach
opened España on Fourth Street.
The restaurant features classic Spanish
cuisine peppered with Brazilian and Portuguese
influences — the gambas Mozambique
(sautéed shrimp soused in spicy coconut milk
sauce and fresh cilantro) and the solomillo con
Madeira (grilled beef tenderloin topped with
mushrooms and Madeira wine sauce). And
their tapas menu is critically acclaimed.
Pestana learned the restaurant business
from his mother and father, who left the
44 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
Ch ef
Pro f i l e
Portuguese town of Madeira to work as profes-
sional chefs in Brazil, then moved to Newark,
N.J., to open their own restaurant when
Roberto was still a child. The food they served
was traditional, simple and well-prepared,
Pestana remembers, and the experience
taught him an aesthetic that guides his cooking
today, even though he never thought he would
enter the restaurant business himself.
When Roberto’s parents retired to Pompano
Beach, they said they were finished with
restaurants. He says it wasn’t long, though,
before they opened Brazilian Tropicana. At the
time, Roberto was studying to become an
accountant at Rutgers University. One day, he
got a call from his mother; his father had had a
heart attack. Pestana says he dropped out col-
lege and moved to Pompano to help out. And
he stayed.
While in South Florida, Pestana earned a
culinary degree at Atlantic Technical Center in
Margate. “Just to see if I’d missed anything,”
he says.
From his folks, Pestana says he learned
respect for simple ingredients and classic
dishes. “What I took from my parents is sim-
plicity,” says Pestana. “I put my energy into
the ingredients.”
Pestana buys his seafood fresh, on the
docks in Fernandina Beach or in Mayport.
When he buys fish, he looks for clarity in the
eyes. As a chef, Pastana says, he isn’t striving
for innovation. He prides himself on knowing
when good enough is just right. Putting it
succinctly, Pastana says, “I try to be a chef
who is more about the simple classics.”
Susan Cooper Eastman

COURTYARD CAFÉ
75 King St.,
St. Augustine,
826-1938
Located inside the historic Lightner
Museum building, this café features
contemporary cuisine, including a
special curry chicken on Thur. A
children’s menu is available, and
take-out is offered. Open for break-
fast and lunch Mon.-Sat.
FLAVORS ESSENCE
OF INDIA
9550 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 733-1525
Master chefs create contemporary
and traditional dishes from all over
India, including chicken, lamb, fish
and prawn entrées. Clay oven
kabobs and breads, vegetarian
dishes and a variety of desserts are
also served. A lunch buffet special
includes vegetarian items. Open
daily for lunch and dinner.
INDIA’S RESTAURANT
9802 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 8,
Baymeadows, 620-0777
Located in shopping center at inter-
section of Baymeadows and
Southside, India’s has claimed sev-
eral Best of Jax awards for authen-
tic Indian cuisine, and serves a pop-
ular lunch buffet. Curry and veg-
etable dishes are offered, along
with lamb, chicken, shrimp and fish
tandoori (marinated in yogurt, then
roasted in a clay oven). Beer and
wine are served. Open for lunch
Mon.-Sat., dinner daily.
MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE
9551 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 10,
Baymeadows, 448-5999
This new Indian restaurant offers tra-
ditional Indian items, including tan-
doori specials, South Indian, Indo-
Chinese and vegetarian dishes, as
well as cuisine in Biryani and Thali
styles. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
ITALIAN
AMICI
1915B A1A S.,
St. Augustine Beach,
461-0102
This family-owned-and-operated
Italian restaurant located at the
busy intersection of S.R. 312 and
A1A offers a variety of traditional
pasta, veal, steak and seafood
dishes. Children enjoy their own
selections. A full bar is served
along with a daily happy hour. Live
jazz is presented on Thur. Open
daily for lunch and dinner.
BENITO’S RISTORANTE
ITALIANO
180 Vilano Road,
Vilano Beach, 827-1000
155 Hampton Point Drive,
St. Augustine, 230-8292
Benito’s serves authentic Italian cui-
sine, including veal and seafood
entrées, gourmet pasta and specialty
pizzas. Open daily.
BLU GROTTO TRATTORIA
AND PIZZERIA
1811 Town Center Blvd.,
Orange Park, 278-7250
This Italian/Mediterranean fusion
restaurant uses organic local and
imported ingredients. The menu fea-
tures gourmet pizzas, paninis and
daily specials. Vegetarian dishes are
available. A full bar is served, and
take-out and an extensive kids’ menu
are also offered. Open daily for lunch,
for lunch and dinner Sat. and Sun.
BROADWAY RISTORANTE
& PIZZERIA
10920 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 3,
Baymeadows, 519-8000
This family-owned-and-operated
Italian pizzeria serves calzones,
stromboli and brick-oven-baked
pizza, all made with fresh veggies
and meats. Wings, subs and desserts
are also featured. Dine-in, take-out
or have it delivered. Open daily.
BUCA DI BEPPO
10334 Southside Blvd.,
Southside, 363-9090
This popular family-style chain
restaurant gets to the heart of fresh
Italian cooking with recipes like
lasagna and garlic mashed pota-
toes. Dishes are available in three
generous portion sizes and served
in whimsical, old-Italian setting. A
full bar and take-out are available.
Open daily.
CAFÉ ATLANTICO
647 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-7332
This white tablecloth restaurant
serves traditional and new Italian
dishes in an intimate space. Entrées
include the risotto alla pescatora,
with shrimp, scallops and seasonal
shellfish served in a parmesan
cheese basket. An extensive wine list
is offered. Café Atlantico has been
awarded three diamonds for fine
dining by AAA and is a Florida Trend
Top 500 Restaurant. Reservations
are suggested. Open for dinner
Mon.-Sat.
CAFFÉ ANDIAMO
500 Sawgrass Village,
Ponte Vedra, 280-2299
The Recupito family’s Caffé Andiamo
offers fresh seafood, veal, steak and
pizza prepared in a copper wood-
burning oven. Customer favorites
include fracosta loco and cappesanti
di mare. Dine on the outdoor patio or
inside. Open daily.
CASA DORA
108 E. Forsyth St.,
Downtown, 356-8282
Owner/chef Sam Hamidi has been
serving genuine Italian fare to
Jacksonville for 35 years — he’s
been downtown for 10 — with dish-
es like veal, seafood and pizza. The
homemade salad dressing is a spe-
cialty. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
ENZA’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
10601 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin Landing, 268-4458
This family-owned restaurant offers
casual fine dining, specializing in
Italian cuisine, veal and seafood dish-
es like seafood lasagna. In addition to
a full menu and a children’s selec-
tion, Enza’s offers daily specials. A full
bar is served, and take-out is avail-
able. Open for dinner Tue.-Sun.
FONTANA ITALIAN
RESTAURANT &
CATERERS
7605 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 805-9755
Fontana serves authentic Italian
home cooking from Southern and
Northern Italy. A full bar is served.
Take-out and a kids’ menu are avail-
able. A wine tasting is held monthly.
Bite By Bite
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri.,
for dinner Sat. and Sun.
FRATELLI’S ITALIAN-
AMERICAN CUISINE
415 Anastasia Blvd.,
Anastasia Island,
819-1760
Newly reopened Fratelli’s, a neigh-
borhood Italian restaurant with a
cozy atmosphere, offers Italian-
American specialties, including meat
lasagna, chicken or veal parmigiana
and shrimp scampi. House special-
ties are almond-crusted salmon,
steak marsala and chicken Verona.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
dinner nightly.
GENNARO’S RISTORANTE
ITALIANO
5 S. Second St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-9400
Gennaro’s offers Southern Italian
cuisine, including baked and
sautéed pasta dishes, gourmet ravi-
oli and hand-tossed pizzas.
Specialties include a shrimp feast
and margherita pizza. The bread is
baked on-site. A children’s menu is
available and beer and wine are
served. Open daily.
4
LEO’S PIZZA ITALIANO
5627 San Jose Blvd.,
Lakewood, 730-3830
The vibe at Leo’s is both Greek and
Italian: Half of the restaurant features
Greek décor, the other half Italian.
Beer and a variety of Greek, Italian
and California wines are served. Dine
in or take out. Open for lunch Mon.-
Fri., for dinner Mon.-Sat.
MAMMA LUCIA
11380 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 645-0081
Located near University of North
Florida and owned by real Italians,
Mamma Lucia serves authentic
Northern Italian cuisine, like risotto,
osso bucco and their specialty
dessert, bomba al cioccolato. Beer,
wine and espresso are served and
take-out is available. Open for
lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat., dinner
only Sun.
MAMA MIA’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
12220 Atlantic Blvd.,
Regency, 221-1122
At lunchtime, Mama Mia’s is a reg-
ular pizzeria, and in the evening the
restaurant turns to casual dining.
The menu includes veal, seafood
dishes, and New York-style and
big-crust Sicilian-style pizzas.
Delivery is available, and beer and
wine are served. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
MARIO’S AT THE BEACH
1830 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-0005
This casual, family-friendly restaurant
serves New York-style pizzas, strom-
boli and hot pasta dishes as well as
homemade sauces, veal, shrimp and
vegetarian dishes. Dine indoors or out
on the patio. Open Mon.-Sat.
MATT’S ITALIAN CUISINE
2771 Monument Road, Ste. 8,
Arlington, 646-4411
2467 Faye Road, Ste. 1,
Northside, 647-8625
Chef and owner Matt Gulacar is
proud of all of his pizzas, calzones
and stromboli, but he’s also fond of
his chicken and seafood pastas.
The menu also includes seafood
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 45
 san marco deli
THE SAN MARCO SPECIAL
6 99 Boar’s Head bacon, eggs,
$ made from scratch pancakes
and great hot coffee!
expires 8/31/09
Also try our egg white omelets, lox and bagels,
breakfast sandwiches, and so much more!
Breakfast Ends 10:45 a.m.
SanMarco Deli
1965 san marco boulevard
(on the square)
phone 399.1306 • fax 399.3296
7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Visit SanMa rcoDe li.com
46 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
Northern-style pizzas, with more than 20 available toppings, are the focus of the funky Fernandina
Beach enterprise known as Moon River Pizza, now open in Murray Hill, too. See listing page 59.
and veal, cooked-to-order. Desserts
and breads are homemade, and
delivery is available. Beer and wine
are served. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily.
MICHELANGELO’S
10950 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 880-3757
This family-owned restaurant, locat-
ed in Fresh Market Plaza, features a
relaxed atmosphere and a menu of
traditional Italian dishes like veal pic-
cata and shrimp scampi. Beer and
more than 70 wines are served.
Open Mon.-Fri. for lunch, Mon.-Sat.
for dinner.
MILANO’S
12620 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4,
Intracoastal, 646-9119
325 Ninth Ave. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 339-0909
These casual, family-owned restau-
rants and pizzerias serve fresh,
homemade-style Italian fare, includ-
ing thin-crust New York-style pizzas,
veal and baked dishes. Kids’ portions
are available. Beer and wine are
served. Daily delivery service is
available. Open daily.
NERO’S CAFÉ
3607 University Blvd. N.,
Arlington, 743-3141
Nero’s has been serving traditional
Italian-style food for 27 years. Along
with nightly dinner specials —
Wednesday is all-you-can-eat
spaghetti — Nero’s features veal,
seafood pasta dishes and New York-
style pizzas. Nero’s lounge features a
full-service bar. Take-out is available.
Open for dinner daily.
PADRINO’S PIZZERIA &
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
9680 Argyle Forest Blvd.,
Orange Park, 317-8282
Padrino’s offers made-from-scratch
dishes and a menu that includes
three-cheese lasagna, subs, meat-
balls and pasta penne, but Padrino’s
specialty is alfredo sauce. A chil-
dren’s menu is available, and beer
and wine are served. Open Tue.-Sun.
PERARD’S PIZZA &
ITALIAN CUISINE
11043 Crystal Springs Road,
Ste. 2, Westside, 378-8131
Family-owned Perard’s specializes in
homemade sauces, dough made
from scratch, lasagna and desserts.
Traditional Italian fare includes a
large selection of gourmet pizza top-
pings. A kids’ menu is offered, and
beer and wine are served. Take-out
is available. Open daily.
PIZZA BELLA
9210 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1,
Mandarin, 731-4373
This family-owned-and-operated
restaurant serves New York-style
pizza, homemade Italian dinners
including lasagna, and sandwiches,
calzones, stromboli and desserts.
Open Mon.-Sat.
PIZZA GARDEN &
PASTABILITIES
1824 Old A1A S.,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-9455
Voted Best Pizza in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll, family-
owned-and-operated Pizza Garden
offers pizzas, calzones and traditional
baked pasta dinners, as well as
Italian specialties. Dine indoors or
out. Live music on the deck on week-
ends. A kids’ menu is available. Beer
and wine are served. Open daily.
PRIMI PIATTI
2722 Park St.,
Jacksonville, 389-5545
This Northern Italian-style restaurant
(the name means “first plate” in
Italian) offers a menu made from
fresh ingredients, including daily
specials, pastas and she-crab soup.
A broad wine selection and beer are
served. A children’s menu is avail-
able. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri. and
dinner Tue.-Sat.
RISTORANTE SARNELLI
2023 Park Ave.,
Orange Park, 269-1331
An Orange Park landmark for more
than 27 years, Sarnelli serves
upscale Old World cuisine from
Northern and Southern Italy. Twice a
Silver Spoon winner, Ristorante
Sarnelli offers an extensive wine list
and beer. Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
RUSSO’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
2750 Race Track Road, Ste. 106,
Plantation Plaza, 287-4111
Featuring a menu of traditional
Italian cuisine with a refined flair,
Russo’s offers veal marsala, lasagna,
eggplant rollatini and cavatelli alla
umbria. A kids’ menu is available.
Beer and wine are served. Closed
Mon.; open Tue.-Sun.
SANTIONI’S AT
SAWGRASS
832 A1A, Ste. 1, Tournament
Plaza, Ponte Vedra Beach,
273-7272
Santioni’s serves fresh gourmet
Italian dishes along with customers’
familiar favorites. Dine in, carry out
or drive-through. Beer and wine are
available. Open nightly.
SANTIONI’S CUCINA
ITALIANA RESTAURANT
11531 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 8,
Mandarin, 262-5190
Bruno and Silvana Santioni have
been in the business of Italian dining
since 1987. Their menu features rack
of lamb and veal saltim bocca with
homemade bread. Beer and wine are
available. Open for dinner nightly.
SANTIONI’S LA CUCINA
3535 U.S. 17, Ste. 15,
Eagle Harbor, 264-1331
Owner George Trefrey is a former
chef, and it shows in his innovative
approach to cuisine, desserts and his
extensive wine list. Live entertain-
ment Fri. and Sat. Wine tastings are
held twice a month. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
SORRENTO ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
6943 St. Augustine Road,
Mandarin, 636-9196
Luciano Russo and his family opened
Sorrento more than 20 years ago.
The extensive menu includes fish
Françese and lamb Torinese, and
entrées are served with salad, bread
and a side of spaghetti. Beer and
wine are served. Open Tue.-Sun.
TONINO’S TRATTORIA
7001 Merrill Road, Ste. 45,
Arlington, 743-3848
Specializing in veal, seafood, pasta
and New York-style pizza, Tonino’s
serves Roman style Italian. Dine
inside or out on the piazza. A full
bar is served — Tonino’s special-
izes in martinis — and a happy
hour is held Mon.-Thur. Take-out is
available. Open for dinner Mon.-Sat.
 Bite By Bite

VINO’S PIZZA & ITALIAN CUISINE

9910 Old Baymeadows Road, Ste. 1,
Baymeadows, 641-7171
605 S.R. 13, Ste. 103, St. Johns, 230-6966
Vino’s has hand-tossed New York-style, thin-crust
pizzas, as well as Sicilian-style, thick-crust pizzas. Big
salads, baked dishes, subs, stromboli and wraps
round out the menu. A kids’ menu is available.
Open daily.

VITO’S PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT

3825 Baymeadows Road, Baymeadows, 737-9236
Vito’s is family-owned and in its 25th year, serving
grouper Francesco, New York and Chicago-style piz-
zas, surf-and-turf and rack of lamb. For dessert,
homemade tiramisu and cannolis. A full bar is served.
Open Tue.-Sun.

VITO’S ITALIAN CAFÉ

The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive,
355-3002
The menu at Vito’s Italian Café includes pasta dishes,
steak and seafood entrées. Desserts are homemade,
featuring tiramisu and cannoli. This café also features
a full-service bar in the lounge, serving a two-for-one
daily happy hour. Open daily.

JAPANESE
CHIZU JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
1227 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-8455
Owners Bobby Nakajima and Cindy Ramalho serve
sushi from a 28-foot bar, featuring fresh sashimi, spe-
cialty rolls and teppanyaki entrées. There’s also a tra-
ditional menu of tempura and teriyaki dishes, and a
children’s menu. Chizu was voted Best Japanese
Restaurant for 11 consecutive years in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll. A full bar is served.
Open nightly.

CRAZY SUSHI
4320 Deerwood Lake Parkway, Ste. 202,
Southside, 998-9797
This cozy getaway serves a full sushi bar as well as
hibachi, sashimi, katsu and tempura dishes. Favorites
are the Dynamite roll, cold roll and spicy Manhattan
roll. Beer and wine are served. Open daily. Best of Jax
2008 winner for Best Sushi.

FUJI SUSHI
660 Commerce Center Drive, Ste. 155,
Regency, 722-9988
A respite from the busy Regency-area bustle, this casu-
al, modern restaurant serves sushi and sashimi, tempu-
ra, soups and entrées. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

FUJI SUSHI & GRILL

731 Duval Station Road, Ste. 9, 696-8599

FUJI SUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

10920 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 30,
Baymeadows, 363-8888
Fuji Sushi offers fresh sushi, steak, chicken, tempura,
teriyaki and seafood. Beer and wine are served. A
children’s menu is available. Open daily.

FUSION POINT
237 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, 823-1444
The theme is Japanese, but the menu is fusion cuisine
— a blend of Far East favorites, vegetarian, Japanese,
Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and Thai. The menu
includes sushi and is constantly changing. Fusion
Point serves beer and wine. Open daily.

ICHIBAN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

675 N. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-8228
Ichiban provides three distinct dining areas: the tep-
pan or hibachi tables, where you can watch the chef
prepare your food; the sushi bar where fresh sushi is
served; and tables where the menu of tempura and
teriyaki dishes is offered. Ichiban also has a full-serv-
ice bar with selected fine wines, including Japanese
plum wine. Open for dinner daily.

ICHIRO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

& SUSHI
1780 Wells Road, Orange Park, 269-8886
Ichiro serves traditional Japanese cuisine as well as
sushi, hibachi, sashimi and tempura. A full bar, including

August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 47

 Located in downtown Jacksonville, on the ground floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art
Jacksonville, Café Nola serves a mix of classic and modern favorites, like shrimp and grits,
and fresh fish tacos. See listing page 24.
sake, is served. A children’s menu is
offered. Open daily.
KABUKI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE AND
SUSHI BAR
1147 Amelia Plaza,
Fernandina Beach, 277-8782
Kabuki serves certified Angus steaks,
chicken and fresh seafood entrées
— all MSG-free. Owner Steve Wong
offers authentic Japanese dishes and
an unlimited sushi bar, custom-made
to suit any taste. Watch the teppan
art of cooking as the chef prepares
your meal in front of you. Beer and
wine are served, and sushi take-out
is offered. Open Tue.-Sun.
KAN-KI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
& SUSHI BAR
4483 Southside Blvd.,
Tinseltown, 642-2626
11148 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 292-2400
2009 East-West Parkway,
Fleming Island, 269-3003
Kan-Ki is a Japanese steakhouse and
sushi bar with teppanyaki tables, 10
sushi tables, a sushi bar and a full
liquor bar. The menu includes steaks
and seafood. A children’s menu is
available, as well as sushi take-out.
Tinseltown location is open for lunch
and dinner daily, for dinner only in
Mandarin and Fleming Island.
KOJA SUSHI
The Jacksonville Landing,
2 Independent Drive, Ste. 222,
350-9911
KOJA SUSHI II
9866 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 8,
Baymeadows, 232-4400
Owners John and Tony — in the
sushi game for more than 10 years
— offer sushi, sashimi, and
Japanese, Asian and Korean cuisine.
Hard-to-find items like jellyfish salad
and baby octopus salad are avail-
able. Indoor and outdoor dining, and
a full bar is available. Open daily.
MATSU JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
1515 N. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-4290
Matsu Japanese Steakhouse has a
large sushi and sashimi bar, teppanyaki
48 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
tables and a traditional menu of
seafood, steaks, tempura, sukiyaki,
yakitori and teriyaki dishes. For special
occasions, the staff sings Japanese
songs. A full bar is served. Open for
dinner daily, Sun. for lunch.
MIZU SUSHI & GRILL
14965 Old St. Augustine Road,
Bayard, 880-0889
Located where Philips Highway (U.S.
1) and Old St. Augustine Road meet,
Mizu offers fresh sushi and entrées
made to order and presented as culi-
nary art. Beer and wine are served,
and take-out is available. Open daily.
OSAKA GRILL
SUSHI BUFFET
11701 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 886-7778
More than 150 items are offered at
this Chinese and Japanese buffet,
including soups, spareribs, a sushi bar,
roast duck and ice cream. A dine-in
menu is offered, and children younger
than 12 dine at a discount. Carry-out
from the buffet is available. Open daily.
OSAKA JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
9651 Crosshill Blvd., Ste. 102,
Argyle, 317-0224
Located in Oakleaf Town Center,
Osaka features a sushi bar and
hibachi tables. A full bar is served. A
kids’ menu and take-out are avail-
able. Open daily.
OTAKI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
7860 Gate Parkway, Stes. 119-122,
Southside, 854-0485
Otaki features a sushi bar, hibachi
grill tables and an open kitchen.
A full bar is served, and a kids’
menu and take-out are also avail-
able. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner nightly.
QIU SUSHI ROCK CAFÉ
1950 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 399-3305
Located on San Marco Square, Qiu
Sushi Rock Café is under new man-
agement with an all-new sushi
menu. A kids’ menu is available, and
beer and wine are served. A sushi
lunch is special is offered daily. Open
for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., din-
ner only on Sun.
SAKE HOUSE
824 Lomax St.,
Five Points, 301-1188
1478 Riverplace Blvd., San
Marco, 306-2188
Traditional Japanese cuisine, and a
wide variety of fresh sushi, sashimi,
kiatsu, teriyaki and hibachi are
served in an authentic Asian atmos-
phere. Sake House — in Riverside
on the corner of Lomax and
Margaret streets (with entrances on
both) and in San Marco Place condo
building — serves beer, wine and
sake. Open for lunch and dinner. An
authentic tatami room, with outside
seating, is open.
SEKISUI LAKEWOOD
1550 University Blvd. W.,
Lakewood, 733-6777
Sekisui offers authentic Japanese
cuisine including sushi, robata, grill,
kushiyaki, teriyaki and tempura. Beer
and 20 varieties of sake are featured.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
SUSHI CAFÉ
2025 Riverside Ave.,
Riverside, 384-2888
Best of Jax 2008 winner for Best
Sushi, Sushi Café near Five Points
features a variety of sushi, including
the popular Rocky Mountain Roll and
the Jimmy Smith Roll, along with
faves like Rock-n-Roll and Dynamite
Roll. Sushi Café also offers entrées
like king salmon, katsu and teriyaki.
Beer and wine are served. Dine
indoors or on the patio. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SUSHI HOUSE
9810 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 12,
Baymeadows, 997-0966
With an assortment of specialty rolls,
sushi and sashimi, this quaint
restaurant is a winner for Best Sushi
in Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax readers
poll. Sushi House offers tempura,
katsu, teriyaki and hibachi entrées.
Beer and wine are served. Take out
and delivery are available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SUSHI & SUBS
5800 Beach Blvd.,
St. Nicholas, 858-7032
Sushi & Subs serves, that’s right …
sushi and subs. Take-out is available.
Open Mon.-Sat.

C h ef ifl e
Pro
MY BLU HEAVEN
MANNY SARNELLI
Executive Chef, Blu Grotto Trattoria and Pizzeria
Orange Park
Perhaps no ethnicity is more closely tied to
food than the Italians. Ask a full-blooded
Italian, and you’ll find he or she views eating
as an adventure. It brings the family together,
neighbors join in over a bottle of wine, and
meals last for hours. Stories are divulged and
digested along with the antipasti, and lifelong
connections are made or revived. Sadly, how-
ever, sitting down with family and friends for a
long meal is becoming a thing of the past.
“Italian food should be an experience,” says
Blu Grotto Trattoria and Pizzeria’s executive
chef Manny Sarnelli. “Most people take eating
for granted, but they are depriving themselves
of the experience by eating in 20 minutes. A
good, enjoyable Italian meal should take any-
where from an hour to an hour and a half.”
Sarnelli has been running around kitchens
since he was a pre-teen, so if the man tells
you the correct way to eat your meal, you
should listen. “All the food, the ingredients,
they all play their role,” he says. “They don’t
simply soothe, they create chemical reactions,
they elicit different responses. Don’t fill up on
salad and bread. … Take your time, digest.”
Sarnelli is better prepared than most chefs
to speak about chemical reactions. He spent
time in med school before being pulled back by
his love of cooking. “Since I was 3, I wanted to
Bite By Bite
MON: $3 CROWN DRINKS
TUES: $2 DOMESTIC BOTTLES
WED: $3 MARGARITAS
THURS: 5 FOR $10 CORONA BUCKETS
FRI: $1 MARGARITAS
SAT: $5 PITCHERS BUD & BUD LT.
SUN: $2 BLOODY MARYS
Delicious new burrito entrees!
New tequila & cocktail menu
4
featuring over 40 tequila labels!
be a doctor,” he explains. “But I have always
had a passion for food, for eating. I love to eat.
When everyone else would go off on vacation,
I would stay home with Grandma and learn
her secrets.”
Blu Grotto has its share of staple Italian
dishes, but Sarnelli is trying to move the
restaurant and its customers in a slightly dif-
ferent direction. He wants to change people’s
notions of the typical Italian meal. “We try to
illuminate the finer points of Italian cuisine,”
he says. “We fuse our dishes a lot with Asian
and French cuisine. I would like to offer peo-
ple a nice stuffed filet as well as lasagna.”
Though Sarnelli is pushing the culinary
envelope a bit, he is grounded in the roots of
Italian cooking. The basic ingredients remain
close to what he learned as a boy: virgin olive
oil from Italy, fresh herbs and fresh garlic, not
too many spices. “I want my dishes to reflect
the true flavors,” says Sarnelli, “regardless of
if it’s complex or basic.”
And for you aspiring kitchen-rats? Sarnelli
advises: “Find a good cooking school, if you Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-8
can. But more importantly, practice. Play
around with your dishes. Find a place, and roll
Patio Dining • Private Party Room Available
your sleeves up and get in there. Education is 12373 San Jose Blvd. • Call 268-8722
great, but nothing replaces experience.” 
Danny Kelly
For full menu visit donjuansjax.com
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 49

MUSICAL HAPPY HOUR
TUES. 6-8 PM NEIL DIXON & GARRY ADAMS
THURS. 6-8 PM MIKE SHACKELFORD
• PATIO DINING
• WOOD BURNING PIZZA OVEN
• RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED
• COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING •
Mon.-Sat. 5:00 p.m.-Close
110 1st St. Neptune Beach • 249-5573
(in the middle of Beaches Town Center)
www.mezzalunaneptunebeach.com
52 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
TAMA’S SUSHI
RESTAURANT
106 First St., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 241-0099
This casual beach restaurant fea-
tures a full sushi bar, and tempura,
teriyaki and katsu dishes. Beer,
wine and sake are served. Sushi
and takeout available. Open for
dinner nightly.
TOKYO JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
& SUSHI BAR
12740 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 103,
Queen’s Harbor, 220-7665
Appetizers include edamame, gyoza
or beef tataki. The dinner menu
includes teriyaki steak and a Tokyo
combination entrée with shrimp,
scallops and salmon. Chefs prepare
your meal at the teppanyaki grill, and
the sushi bar offers 25 traditional
seafood items and 35 sushi rolls. A
children’s menu is available, and
beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
WASABI BUFFET
1014 Margaret St., Ste. 1,
Five Points, 301-1199
More than 150 fresh items, including
sushi and sashimi, are available daily
on the buffet. Beer and wine are
served, and take-out is available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
WASABI JAPANESE
BUFFET
9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138C,
Southside, 363-9888
Included in the buffet price is all-you-
can-eat sushi and choice of two
items from the teppanyaki grill.
Customer favorites include the
Jaguar, dynamite, lobster and soft-
shell crab rolls. A kids’ menu is avail-
able. The restaurant’s non-smoking,
but you can light up at the full bar.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
WASABI JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
& SUSHI BAR
10206 River Coast Drive,
St. Johns Town Center, 997-6528
In addition to oceanfront dining, The Surf in Fernandina Beach offers a menu of fresh fish, live
entertainment and a Sunday lobster special. See listing page 64.
Wasabi serves up authentic
Japanese cuisine and features tep-
panyaki shows. A children’s menu is
available. Open nightly for dinner.
YO SUSHI! JAPANESE
RESTAURANT
4375 Southside Blvd., Ste. 4,
Tinseltown, 998-3868
Yo Sushi! strikes a balance of fun,
freshness and flavor with sushi,
hibachi, katsu, teriyaki and tempu-
ra cuisine. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily.
YUMMY SUSHI
4372 Southside Blvd.,
Tinseltown, 998-8806
Tinseltown’s newest sushi hot spot,
Yummy’s menu has everything from
teriyaki, tempura and hibachi-style
dinners to sushi and sashimi.
Specialty rolls include The Yummy
and The Godzilla. Beer, wine and
sake are served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
MEXICAN
& SOUTH-
WESTERN
ACAPULCO MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
12 Avenida Menendez,
St. Augustine, 808-9933
1835 U.S. 1, Stes. 133-135,
St. Augustine, 826-0191
This sprawling Mexican restaurant
overlooks Castillo de San Marcos
and serves all of the favorites as well
as weekly specials. Beer, including
Mexican brands, wine and margari-
tas are served from the full bar. Dine
in or take out. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
BURRITO GALLERY
& BAR
21 E. Adams St.,
Jacksonville, 598-2922
Owned by urban core blogger
Tony Allegretti, popular Burrito
Gallery serves Southwestern cui-
sine with an emphasis on innova-
tive burritos — including ginger
teriyaki tofu and the incomparable
blackened mahi. Local art is
always on display, and live music
or DJs are featured on the back
deck during Art Walk and other
special events. A full bar is
offered. Open for lunch Mon., for
lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. Best of
Jax 2008 winner for Best Burrito.
CAMPECHE BAY
CANTINA
127 N. First Ave.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-3322
Campeche Bay has repeatedly won
Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax awards
in the Best Mexican Restaurant,
Best Fajitas and Best Margaritas
categories. Customers favor the
chili rellenos, the homemade
tamales and the homemade mar-
garitas. There are two happy hours
a day. Open for dinner nightly.
CANTINA LAREDO
10282 Bistro Drive, St. Johns
Town Center, Jacksonville,
997-6110
Cantina Laredo serves authentic
Mexican dishes and daily fish spe-
cials, complimented by signature
sauces like chipotle-wine with
portobello mushrooms or sautéed
artichoke hearts and roasted red
bell peppers. Open daily.
CASA MARIA
12961 N. Main St., Ste. 104,
Jacksonville, 757-6411
This family-owned-and-operated
restaurant offers authentic Mexican
food, including fajitas and seafood
dishes, as well as a variety of hot
sauces — one’s made in-house.
The specialty is tacos de asada. A
kids’ menu is available and a full
bar is served. Open daily.
CASA MAYA
17 Hypolita St.,
St. Augustine, 217-3039
Owner Marco Barrera serves authen-
tic upscale Mayan cuisine which is
mostly organic, including a juice bar

Culinary convenience is at the heart of Take Away Gourmet in San Marco, which offers home-
cooked dishes, a fresh salad bar and grab-and-go lunch items. See listing page 66.
and daily specials. Located in the
heart of the historic district, Casa
Maya offers a hearty selection of
dishes, both vegetarian and meat.
Beer and wine are available. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
CASTILLO DE MEXICO
12620 Beach Blvd., Ste. 19,
Southside, 998-7006
Castillo de Mexico offers an exten-
sive menu and authentic Mexican
décor. There is also a weekday
lunch buffet. A full bar is served.
Open daily.
CHA-CHA’S MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
9551 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 21,
Baymeadows, 737-9903
Owner Celso Alvarado and his family
run this authentic Mexican restau-
rant. The menu includes 26 combi-
nation dinners and a wide variety of
specialty dishes including chalupas,
enchiladas and burritos. A full bar is
served, and margaritas are the
house specialty. Open Mon.-Sat.
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT
98 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 824-3341
Located in the historic district, this pop-
ular chain restaurant serves authentic
Spanish dishes from original recipes
brought from Ybor City, Spain, in 1905.
For dinner, the specialty is paella, but
the filet mignon is a favorite. Full bar,
open for lunch and dinner daily.
DON JUAN’S
RESTAURANT
12373 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 268-8722
Don Juan’s offers authentic Mexican
dishes in a casual atmosphere. With
a focus on friendly, family-oriented
service, Don Juan’s has added a
nice touch of Old Mexico: patio din-
ing. A full bar — with new tequila
selections — is served, and happy
hour is held Mon.-Fri. A children’s
menu and take-out are available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
EL POTRO
5871 University Blvd. W.,
Jacksonville, 733-0844
11380 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 564-9977
7200 Normandy Blvd.,
Northside, 378-9822
11565 N. Main St.,
Northside, 757-3437
1553 N. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-6910
226 San Marco Ave.,
St. Augustine, 819-0390
Authentic Mexican cuisine is served
by a friendly staff in a casual setting.
Daily specials and a buffet are fea-
tured at most locations. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
EL RODEO
644 Park Ave.,
Jacksonville, 215-3393
El Rodeo serves authentic Mexican
cuisine just up the road from the
Orange Park Kennel Club. A chil-
dren’s menu is available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
HIGHTIDE BURRITO
COMPANY
1538 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 683-7396
Locally-owned-and-operated by
Alejandro Juarez, this casual
Mexican restaurant offers tradition-
al as well as innovative cuisine
made with house-made salsas,
marinades and tortillas. Beef,
chicken, pork, fish or cactus are
served in burritos, tacos, salads or
tortas. A kids’ menu, and beer and
wine are available. Open for lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat.
HOLA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
1001 N. Main St.,
Downtown, 356-3100
Located at the gateway to
Springfield on North Main Street,
Hola serves authentic Mexican dish-
es, like fajitas, chile rellanos and
quesadillas. Dine indoors or out on
the covered porch overlooking
Confederate Park. Beer and wine are
served. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open Mon.-Fri.
LA COCINA
530 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 461-8288
Located in Castillo Real Hotel, La
Cocina serves global cuisine with
Latin flair. Owner Juan Solano brings
inflections of his native Mexico to
international specialties including
Paella Valenciana and nightly spe-
cials. Beer and wine are served.
Open daily.
Bite By Bite
LA COCINA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
3290 U.S. 1 S.,
St. Augustine, 794-1610
Sister restaurant to the La Cocina at
the beach, this La Cocina offers
gourmet Mexican cuisine in a fine-
dining atmosphere. Beer and wine
are served. Patio dining available.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
14333 Beach Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 992-1666
2024 Kingsley Ave.,
Orange Park, 276-2776
1571 C.R. 220, Ste. 100,
Fleming Island, 215-2223
No. 2, 1629 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 399-1768
11700 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 288-0175
8818 Atlantic Blvd.,
Arlington, 720-0106
Enjoy the best The Row has to offer without breaking you bank or belt.
8206 Philips Highway, Tasty portions great for before a show or party.
Southside, 732-9433
Don’t be alarmed to see the server’s
arms filled with dinner plates —
five or more at a time. The balanc-

ing act is something to behold.
Tamales, fajitas and pork tacos are
INTRODUCING
customer favorites. Beer, wine and
margaritas are served; some loca- NEW PUB MENU
tions offer a full bar. Open for lunch
and dinner daily. Best of Jax 2008 95
winner for Best Mexican Cuisine
$18

and Best Margarita.
LOS TOROS MEXICAN 3-Course
RESTAURANT
5210 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 367-8633
1222 Third St. S., (available in pub only)
Jacksonville Beach, 246-0081
Los Toros serves authentic Mexican
fare, including fajitas and a selection Offers cannot be combined w/other promotions.
of vegetarian dishes. A children’s
menu is available. The full bar fea-
tures margaritas. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
MADRE’S BAJA TACOS
8 Aviles St.,
St. Augustine, 823-1371
This restaurant, tucked away on
Aviles Street in the historic district,
offers classic Baja-style fish tacos,
as well as burritos and quesadillas.
Pies for dessert include home-
made-style Key lime and peanut
1521 Riverside Ave • Jacksonville • 354-5080
butter. Beer and wine are served, visit riverdaleinn.com
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 53
 and a kids’ menu is available. Live
music is presented Thur.-Sat. Open
for lunch Mon.-Wed.; for dinner
Thur.-Sat.
THE MOSSFIRE GRILL
1537 Margaret St.,
Riverside, 355-4434
Mossfire Grill serves Southwestern
dishes like tempeh burger and pork
enchiladas, as well as grilled salmon
and crab cakes. A children’s menu is
available. A full bar is served, and
happy hour runs Mon.-Sat. in the
upstairs lounge. Open for lunch and
dinner daily; Sunday is happy hour
all day.
OLÉ! MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
9921 Atlantic Blvd.,
Regency, 721-2131
Olé! serves authentic Mexican fare,
including enchiladas rancheros,
fajitas and ensaladas. A full bar,
beer and margaritas are featured,
and there’s a happy hour. A kids’
menu and take-out are available.
Open daily.
PABLO’S GRILL
& CANTINA
12 N. Second St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-0049
Pablo’s is located in Fernandina
Beach’s historic district and serves
an authentic Mexican menu featur-
ing chimichangas, fajitas and vege-
tarian dishes. A kids’ menu is avail-
able. Dine inside or out on the brick
patio. Open daily.
PACO’S MEXICAN GRILL
333 First St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 208-5097
Baja-style Mexican cuisine is
served at casual Paco’s, featuring
burritos, fish tacos and shrimp bur-
ritos. Surfing videos and reggae
music complete the laid-back feel.
Local rock bands perform every
weekend. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available, and a full bar is
served. Open daily. A late-night bar
menu is offered.
PEPE’S HACIENDA Y
RESTAURANT
3615 DuPont Ave., Ste. 900,
Lakewood, 636-8131
This restaurant includes an ethnic
grocery store. Pepe’s offers authentic
burritos, tortillas, seafood, soups and
fresh-baked in-house breads. A kids’
menu is available. Open daily.
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL
& CANTINA
2128 Sadler Road,
Fernandina Beach, 277-2011
13475 Atlantic Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 221-2300
This casual, family-friendly restau-
rant features authentic flavors of
Mexico. Daily specials are featured,
and happy hour runs all day
Saturday. Beer and wine are served,
take out is available and a children’s
menu is offered. Open daily.
PUERTO PLATA
RESTAURANT
2045 Bayview Road,
Westside, 388-5888
This restaurant located off Blanding
Boulevard offers authentic Latin cui-
sine served in a relaxed atmos-
phere. Specialties include roast
pork, chuletas and pollo guisado.
Beer and wine are served, and a
kids’ menu is available. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
54 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
SALSARITA’S FRESH
CANTINA
840 Nautica Drive, Ste. 131,
Northside, 696-4001
Located in the new River City
Marketplace on the Northside,
Salsarita’s offers cuisine with a
Southwest flavor made from scratch
daily and served in a family atmos-
phere. Deliver available. Beer and wine
are served. A kids’ menu is available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA
1183 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach,
249-TACO (8226)
A newcomer to the Jax Beach scene,
TacoLu offers fresh, Baja-style
Mexican fare with a focus on fish
tacos and … tequila. Other menu
items include bangin’ shrimp, and
brisket and verde chicken tacos. And
the fried cheese isn’t fried. Open for
lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun.
TIJUANA FLATS
9942 Old Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 641-1090
725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 1,
Atlantic Beach, 242-0234
5907 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 100,
Westside, 908-4343
13529 Beach Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 223-0041
5635 San Jose Blvd.,
Lakewood, 737-9938
The Tex-Mex menu features a hot bar
with rotating sauces to supply any
degree of heat. There’s no microwave
or freezer in sight — everything is pre-
pared from fresh ingredients. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
WEST INN CANTINA
3644 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale, 389-1131
This casual spot has expanded its
authentic Mexican menu to include
some American favorites, like crab-
cake sandwiches and ahi tuna wrap.
Dine inside, on the covered patio or
call ahead and pick it up from the
drive-through. West Inn has a large
beer and wine selection, along with
the longest-running jam night in
Jacksonville every Wednesday. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
YUCATAN TACO STAND
2429 Third St. S.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-0002
This brand new beach restaurant,
featuring a salsa bar, has an exhibi-
tion kitchen and tortilla press —
customers see Mexican, European
and French influenced dishes being
created, including tacos. A full bar is
served, specializing in margaritas.
Dine inside or in the courtyard. Open
daily for lunch and dinner.
MIDDLE
EASTERN
AMSTERDAM LOUNGE
11380 Beach Blvd., Ste. 2,
Jacksonville, 997-6062
This restaurant and hookah lounge
features American and
Mediterranean cuisine, including the
Jax cheese steak and shawarma
wrap and salmon. Beer and wine are
served, and take-out is available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
BASHA MEDITERRANEAN
CUISINE
13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1,
Intracoastal, 821-4747
Authentic Lebanese cuisine is served
at family-owned-and-operated
Basha, including chicken shawarma,
hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghan-
noush and grape leaves made fresh
daily. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
THE CASBAH CAFÉ
3628 St. Johns Ave.,
Avondale, 981-9966
The Casbah serves Middle Eastern
and Mediterranean cuisine on the
patio or inside the hookah lounge,
where customers sit on ottomans
and eat at low tables. The café
serves Turkish coffees, imported
beer and wine. Exotic art covers the
walls, and WiFi is available. Belly
dancers perform some nights, and
hookah pipes are available for smok-
ing flavored tobacco. Live jazz is per-
formed on select evenings. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
FARAH’S PITA STOP CAFÉ
3980 Southside Blvd., Ste. 201,
Southside, 928-4322
Farah’s specializes in Middle Eastern
cuisine and caters to the lunch
crowd in busy Southside. Fresh
sandwiches, soups, entrées and
desserts, as well as pastries and
mazas (appetizers) are available.
Open Mon.-Sat.
HALA CAFÉ & BAKERY
4323 University Blvd. S.,
Southside, 733-5141
9735 Old St. Augustine Road,
Mandarin, 288-8890
This Jacksonville institution — since
1975 — serves house-baked pita
bread, kabobs, falafel, tabouli and a
daily lunch buffet. Best of Jax 2008
winner for Best Middle Eastern
Cuisine. Beer and wine are available.
The adjacent store carries delicacies
from all over the world. Take-out is
available. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
HALA SANDWICH SHOP
& BAKERY
1451 Atlantic Blvd.,
Neptune Beach, 249-2212
Hala specializes in authentic Middle
Eastern favorites, including gyros,
falafel, grape leaves and Hala’s own
pita bread, made daily onsite. Beer
and wine are served. Open for lunch
and dinner Mon.-Sat. Best of Jax
2008 winner for Best Middle
Eastern Cuisine.
LAYLA’S OF SAN MARCO
2016 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 398-4610
A winner of the San Marco
Preservation award, Layla’s offers
traditional Mediterranean cuisine as
well as American favorites, belly
dancing and a covered patio for
cigar smoking, and an expanded
hookah lounge. A full bar is served,
and happy hour is held Mon.-Fri.
Open for dinner Sun.-Wed., for lunch
and dinner Thur.-Sat.
MANDALOUN
MEDITERRANEAN
CUISINE
9862 Old Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 646-1881
With restaurants in London, Paris
and the Middle East, owner Pierre
Barak brings authentic Lebanese
cuisine to Jacksonville, including
charcoal-grilled kebab of minced
beef on hot, spicy tomato sauce and
baked filet of red snapper. Belly
dancing is featured every Fri. and

Juliette’s at the Omni Hotel in downtown Jacksonville offers a full menu at breakfast, lunch and
dinner, while the adjacent J-Bar serves small plates of bistro-inspired cuisine. See listing page 41.
Sat. A full bar is served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SAHARA CAFÉ & BAR
10771 Beach Blvd., Ste. 110,
Jacksonville, 338-9049
From the tiled floors to the pillowed
lounge area, this family-owned-and-
operated restaurant exudes
Mediterranean style. Beer and wine,
flavored hookahs and hot tea are
featured in the lounge. Belly dancers
perform every weekend. Open for
dinner nightly.
NEIGHBOR-
HOOD
HANGOUTS
A1A ALE WORKS
1 King St.,
St. Augustine, 829-2977
In the heart of downtown overlook-
ing the historic Bridge of Lions, this
two-story brew pub makes six vari-
eties of beer and serves New World
cuisine, indoors or out on the bal-
cony. There’s a full-service bar and
live entertainment Thur., Fri. and
Sat. evenings. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
ADDISON ON AMELIA
614 Ash St.,
Fernandina Beach, 277-1604
This island bed-and-breakfast inn
offers casually elegant dinners, fea-
turing ahi tuna, filet mignon and
Atlantic salmon. Chef Grant
Heaslewood prepares a small menu,
served in the dining room or outside
in the courtyard verandah. Beer and
wine are served. Open for dinner Fri.
and Sat.
AJ’S BAR & GRILL
10244 Atlantic Blvd.,
Regency, 805-9060
AJ’s menu includes burgers, salads
and wings, and the grill is open daily
till midnight. A full bar is served.
There are video games and pool
tables, Karaoke on Thur. with DJ
Sara, and live music most weekends.
DJ Mike is in Tue., Wed., Fri. and Sat.
ANGIE’S SUBS
1436 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-2519
Home of the original baked sub, Angie’s
has been serving Italian-style subs for
more than 25 years. In addition to hot,
oven-baked or cold subs, Angie’s offers
huge salads and blue-ribbon iced tea.
Angie’s is a Best of Jax 2008 readers
poll winner for Best Sub. Beer and wine
are served. Open Mon.-Sat.
BEACHCOMBER
RESTAURANT
2 A St.,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-3744
One of the few spots in St. Augustine
where you actually eat on the beach,
this casual restaurant was voted as
having the Best Burgers in Folio
Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll. A
full breakfast menu is served (with
huge pancakes) inside or out at the
picnic tables. There are fresh local
oysters, seafood and Beachcomber’s
award-winning chowder. Beer and
wine are served. Open daily for lunch
and dinner, for breakfast every
morning except Tuesday.
BEACH GARDEN
RESTAURANT
860 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 471-2555
Located inside the Holiday Inn, this
tropical restaurant serves fresh
seafood, steaks and sandwiches. A
children’s menu is available. A full
breakfast is served, and a weekend
breakfast buffet is featured. Open
nightly for dinner.
BEACH HUT CAFÉ
1281 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-3516
Celebrating more than 20 years of
service, Beach Hut Café consistently
wins the Best Breakfast category in
Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax readers
poll. The full breakfast menu is
served all day (featuring some darn
good grits), but expect a wait on
weekends — this place packs out.
Open daily for breakfast and lunch.
BENNY’S SANDWICH
SHOP
121 W. Forsyth St. (Atlantic Place
building), Downtown, 634-1525
For 25 years, Benny’s — located in
an old bank vault — has been part
of the downtown breakfast and
lunch scene. Everything is made
from scratch. Customer favorites
include the taco salad and the
creamy potato soup. Open for break-
fast and lunch Mon.-Fri.
Bite By Bite
BIG T’S GRILL & TAVERN
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 46,
Intracoastal, 223-1744
Big T’s offers hand-cut USDA certified
Angus steaks, burgers, ribs, seafood
— including Mayport shrimp — and
appetizers, served in high-backed
booths. Fresh-cut steaks are available
to go. Dine indoors or outside. A full
bar is served. Cigars, WiFi and a kids’
menu are available, and the surround-
sound TVs feature sports. Live music
is offered on weekends. Open daily.
BILLY’S BOAT HOUSE GRILL
2321 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-9771
Located at Beach Marine, Billy’s
Boat House Grill has a view of the
Intracoastal Waterway and focuses
on fresh local seafood, hand-
trimmed steaks and offers a full
bar. There’s trivia every Mon.,
open-mic every Wed., and oyster
and wing specials every Thur. Live
entertainment is featured Thur., Fri.
and Sat. nights and Sun. mornings
and nights (on the deck, weather
permitting). All menu items are
available for take-out. Open daily
for lunch and dinner.
BOX SEATS ON BLANDING
4329 Blanding Blvd.,
Westside, 908-7328
This sports bar features American
cuisine, including wings, burgers and
a variety of appetizers. There are
sports events on TV, and darts and
Karaoke on Tue. nights. A full bar is
served. Open daily. Live music is fea-
tured Thur. and Fri. nights.
THE BUBBLE ROOM
RESTAURANT
100 St. George St., Ste. B,
St. Augustine, 829-3220
This family-focused restaurant is sis-
ter to the popular Captiva Island
Bubble Room. Located on historic St.
George Street, its menu of comfort
food favorites is served in an atmos-
phere of 1930s-’50s Hollywood
memorabilia. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
CAFÉ ALCAZAR
25 Granada St. (in Lightner
Antique Mall),
St. Augustine, 824-7813
Dine in what was once the world’s
largest indoor swimming pool, sur-
rounded by Tiffany windows and lit
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 55
AUTHENTIC
NEW YORK
STYLE PIZZA by the original streetlights from the
Bridge of Lions (circa 1920). The
menu features crêpes, burritos,
vegetarian dishes and daily spe-
cials. Beer and wine are served. A
guitarist plays Wed.-Sat. Open for
lunch daily.
CAFÉ ON THE GREEN
1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Sawgrass
Marriott, Ponte Vedra, 285-7777
Café on the Green is a casual dining
venue serving traditional favorites for
breakfast and lunch daily.
CHRISTY’S WINGS
Pizza By The Slice • Whole Pizzas AND THINGS
5907 Merrill Road,
Calzones • Strombolis • Dinners Arlington, 744-0329
Salads • Subs • Desserts With daily all-you-can-eat specials,
Christy’s caters to the whole family.
(No alcohol is served.) The wings are
served with 12 different sauces. The
menu also includes chicken strips
and sub sandwiches with home-
made breads. A kids’ menu is avail-
Dine in or take out • lunch or dinner able. Open Mon.-Sat.
288-9211 CLIFF’S ROCKIN’
11406-3 San Jose Blvd. • At Mandarin Oaks BAR-N-GRILL
1 mile south of I-295 3033 Monument Road, Ste. 2,
Cobblestone Plaza, 645-5162
880-0020 322-7051 Cliff’s features 8-ounce burgers,
wings, seafood, homemade pizza
13820 St. Augustine Rd. 8358 Point Meadows Dr. and other daily specials. A full bar is
Dine in or take out Dine in or take out served, with a weekday happy hour.
At Bartram Park Baymeadows & 9A There’s Karaoke with DJ Jack Tue.,
Thur. and Sun., and live music is fea-
Have a pizza party and taste why we tured Wed., Fri. and Sat. Open daily.
Smoking permitted. Best of Jax 2008
are Jacksonville’s favorite pizza! winner for Best Bartender.
EUROPEAN STREET
RESTAURANT
1704 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 398-9500
2753 Park St.,
Riverside, 384-9999
5500 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 398-1717
992 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-3001
With more than 130 imported beers,
and 20 on tap, European Street has
won for Best Beer Selection in Folio
Located behind the Palace Saloon, Philly Boyz’ Traditional Cheese Steaks in Fernandina Beach
serves a variety of cheese steaks, along with hoagies, fries and dogs. See listing page 57.
56 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll. The
sandwich menu includes the classic
Reuben and overstuffed sandwiches.
The Listening Room features local
and national Americana artists. Open
daily. Outside seating is available at
some locations.
FALCON’S NEST
6800 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island, 491-4242
Located at Amelia Island Plantation,
Falcon’s Nest offers the specialty
Falcon Burger, B-52 burrito and
Dagwood Dismantled (pulled pig rib
and slaw), grilled chicken and an
Angus cheddar burger. Martinis, beer
and wine. Airplane memorabilia dec-
orates this island nightspot. 21 or
older after 9 p.m. Open Wed.-Sun.
GIGI’S RESTAURANT
3130 Hartley Road (in the Ramada
Inn), Mandarin, 268-8080
GiGi’s serves a prime rib and crab
leg buffet on Fri. and Sat., blue jean
brunch on Sun. and a daily lunch
buffet. The Ramada Inn is home to
The Comedy Zone, featuring national
comedians Tue.-Sat. GiGi’s serves a
full breakfast buffet every morning.
Open daily.
KARIBREW BREW PUB
& GRUB
27 N. Third St.,
Amelia Island, 277-5269
The area’s first microbrewery,
Karibrew is located right next door to
its sister restaurant, Café Karibo.
Karibrew offers a variety of beers,
ales and wine, and pub food, and
Sunday brunch. Take-out is avail-
able. Open daily.
LANDSHARK CAFÉ
1728 Third St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-6024
This casual beach café has a rock-
and-roll atmosphere and serves a
wide range of dishes — from wings,
burgers and fish tacos to entrees like
fish and crab cakes. Live music is
featured weekends, and a full bar is
served. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
THE MILL TOP TAVERN &
LISTENING ROOM
19 1/2 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 829-2329
A St. Augustine institution located
in a historic 1884 building across
from the Castillo de San Marcos,
The Mill Top’s Macho Nachos are
the signature dish. The menu
includes homemade soups and
sandwiches along with daily spe-
cials. There’s a full-service bar and
live entertainment daily. Dine
indoors or outside under the trees.
Open for lunch and dinner daily —
365 days a year.
MONKEY’S UNCLE
TAVERN
1850 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-1070
For 25 years, Monkey’s Uncle has
served pub grub, including burgers,
sandwiches, seafood and wings.
Dine inside or out on the patio. A full
bar is served and take-out is avail-
able. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Best of Jax 2008 winner for Best
Karaoke, which is held every Tue.,
Wed., Sat. and Sun.
MURRAY BROS.
CADDYSHACK
455 S. Legacy Trail, Ste. E106,
World Golf Village, 940-3673
Decorated in a “Caddyshack” theme
with actor Bill Murray’s golf and
family memorabilia, this restaurant
offers a water view and an All-
American menu. Choose from fresh
seafood, steaks, barbecue — and
keep an eye out for Bill, who’s been
known to stop by for a cold one. A
full bar’s served, and there’s a
weekday happy hour. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
MURRAY’S GRILLE
463852 E. S.R. 200/A1A,
Yulee, 261-2727
Situated west of Amelia Island on
S.R. 200, Murray’s serves steaks,

original seafood dishes, pastas and
barbecue. The hand-cut steaks,
shrimp pasta, grouper Elizabeth and
homemade Key lime pie are among
the most requested dinner items. A
full bar is served. Open daily.
NORTH BEACH BISTRO
725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6,
Atlantic Beach, 372-4105
This casual neighborhood eatery
serves Old World favorites with a
modern twist. Popular items include
crispy mozzarella risotto croquets,
diver scallops with prosciutto sauce
and the loaded kobe burger. A full
bar and an extensive wine list are
available, and a children’s menu is
offered. Open for dinner Tue.-Sun.,
for brunch on Sun.
NORTHSTAR SUBSTATION
119 E. Bay St.,
Jacksonville, 860-5451
This new addition to downtown
features brick-oven-baked pizzas,
grinders, wings, Philly cheeses-
teaks, custom sandwiches and fries
served in a laid-back setting. Beer
and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., open
late Fri. and Sat.
OASIS RESTAURANT
& DECK
4000 A1A and Ocean Trace Road,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-3424
Just one block from the ocean, The
Oasis is a favorite among bikers
and tourists along this scenic
stretch of A1A. The menu includes
steamed oysters, burgers and daily
specials. A kids’ menu is available.
The full bar has 24 draft beers, and
a happy hour Mon.-Fri. There’s live
music nightly and 43 TVs for view-
ing sports. Open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner daily. Best of Jax
2008 winner for Best Burger in
St. Augustine.
OLDE BRIDGE ICE CREAM
& DELI CO.
2 Fairfield Blvd., Ste. 2,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-0111
This home-grown ice cream shop
and deli offers breakfast, an array of
sandwiches and, of course, ice
cream. Breakfast and lunch are
served till 3 p.m. daily. The 16 hand-
crafted ice creams are served all
day. Finish the Guana Monster sun-
dae and get your picture on the Wall
of Fame. Take-out, a kids’ menu and
free WiFi are offered. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
O’STEEN’S
205 Anastasia Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 829-6974
You can expect a wait — O’Steen’s
has been packing a crowd for more
than 44 years. Seafood and steak
are on the menu, but the meal most
everyone orders is the famous fried
shrimp. At O’Steen’s, it’s no alcohol,
no smoking, no reservations and no
plastic — cash only. Open Tue.-Sat.
for lunch and dinner.
PANAMA HATTIE’S
361 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-2192
Located across A1A from the county
pier, this restaurant serves casual
beach fare in a Key West-style
atmosphere. Live bands are featured.
Dine inside or out on the ocean-view
deck upstairs. Open daily and the bar
is open till 1 a.m. nightly.
PARKWAY GRILLE
5517 S. Fletcher Ave.,
Fernandina Beach, 277-6614
Owners Mike and Bobbe Malcolm
prepare breakfast and lunch with
fresh ingredients, including a selec-
tion of Boar’s Head deli meats. The
atmosphere is bright, airy and casu-
al. Open daily.
PHILLY BOYZ’ TRADITIONAL
CHEESE STEAKS
117 Centre St.,
Fernandina Beach, 624-5678
Located behind the Palace Saloon,
this new eatery offers — what else?
— a variety of authentic Philly
cheese steaks, along with hoagies,
fries and dogs. Breakfast sandwich-
es, too. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner daily.
Bite By Bite
Puerto Plata Restaurant on
Jacksonville’s Westside
serves authentic Latin
cuisine, like black beans,
roast pork, and fried plan-
tains. See listing page 54.
RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT
106 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 824-1090
Beer is the specialty at this German-
style beer house, with more than
180 varieties from around the world.
Pair one with a hot or cold deli sand-
wich. Takeout orders may be phoned
ahead for fast service, and you may
order beer to go. The kitchen’s open
for lunch and late lunch during the
week, till mid. Fri. and Sat.
SAN MARCO GRILLE
1523 San Marco Blvd.,
Jacksonville, 399-0444
This local grill starts from scratch
every day, creating fresh entrée sal-
ads, innovative wraps, new grill items
— and familiar ones, too, like burg-
ers, tuna melts and Philly cheeses-
teaks. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.
SCARLETT O’HARA’S
70 Hypolita St.,
St. Augustine, 824-6535
Popular among college students and
the city’s many visitors, the restau-
rant in a historic 1861 house fea-
tures seafood, burgers, barbecue,
wings and appetizers. A full bar is
served. Live music is featured night-
ly. Open daily. Celebrating 30-plus
years in the biz, Scarlett’s is a Best
of Jax 2008 winner for St.
Augustine’s Best Neighborhood Bar.
STEAMWORKS
822 Lomax St., Riverside, 329-4724
New in Riverside, Steamworks offers
fresh sandwiches prepared daily. A
full bar is served and pool tables and
live music are featured. Open till 2
a.m. Mon.-Fri.
SUNSET GRILLE
421 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-5555
This Key West-style restaurant serves
fresh local seafood, steaks and sand-
wiches inside or at open-air counters.
Sunset Grille offers a full menu for
kids, take-out and a new deck. Live
entertainment is featured Sun. after-
noons. A full bar is served. Open daily
for lunch, dinner and late-night dining.
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 57
 Celebrating 26 Years
of Fine Japanese Cuisine
Join us tonight at our grill, sushi bar
or traditional tables for the best in
authentic Japanese cuisine.
We are the only Authentic Japanese
Restaurant at the Beach owned
and operated by the Japanese
Voted Best of Jax for over 13 years
in a row by Folio Weekly readers
Due to many requests by our loyal
customers, check out our new hours!
Open 7 days 5:00 • 9:30
Fri & Sat till 10:00 p.m.
1227 S. 3rd Street
Jax Beach • 241-8455
visit chizujapan.com
58 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
Located on Beach Boulevard in the Intracoastal area, Time Out Sports Grill serves hand-tossed
pizzas, wings and specialty wraps in a clean, sporty atmosphere. See listing page 67.
TAP’S BAR & GRILL
2220 C.R. 210 W.,
St. Johns, 819-1554
This local pub offers a vast selection
of beer on tap, a menu of bar food,
lots of TVs and a children’s menu.
Open daily.
T-RAY’S BURGER STATION
202 S. Eighth St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-6310
Located inside a former service sta-
tion, T-Ray’s recently won Best
Burger on Amelia Island in Folio
Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll.
T-Ray’s also serves a grilled porto-
bello mushroom burger, grilled and
fried chicken, daily specials and a
grouper sandwich. Open Mon.-Sat.
for breakfast and lunch.
TOM & BETTY’S
4409 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Avondale, 387-3311
With 30-plus years in business, Tom
& Betty’s has become a Jacksonville
institution. The car-themed menu
features big sandwiches, burgers
and home-style favorites like pot
roast. The full bar offers a daily
happy hour featuring dollar drafts.
Live bands perform every Fri. and
Karaoke is held every Sat. Open for
lunch Mon. and for dinner Tue.-Sat.
TWOCAN TERRY’S
80 Vilano Road,
Vilano Beach, 819-9101
Family-friendly and within walking
distance of the beach, TwoCan
Terry’s serves steaks, Mexican cui-
sine, fish tacos, wraps and seafood
specialties, including crab cakes and
fried shrimp. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sun.
PERUVIAN
PISCO’S RESTAURANT
4131 Southside Blvd., Ste. 101,
Southside, 646-3888
This Peruvian restaurant offers
ceviche, jalea, lomo and pollo salta-
do, arroz con marisco, Inca Cola and
Peruvian wines. A children’s menu is
available, and beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Tue.-Sun.
PIZZERIAS
ABE’S PIZZA & ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 6,
Arlington, 425-3983
4372 Southside Blvd., Ste. 201,
Southside, 645-0460
12192 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 996-8858
Abe’s offers traditional Italian dishes,
including lasagna, parmigiana and
pizza, as well as hot and cold subs,
pasta and wings. A kids’ menu, and
take-out and delivery are available.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
AL’S PIZZA
303 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Atlantic Beach, 249-0002
11190 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 260-4115
635 A1A,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 543-1494
14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31,
Intracoastal, 223-0991
1620 Margaret St., Ste. 201,
Riverside, 388-8384
8060 Philips Highway,
Baymeadows Junction, 731-4300
For the 14th year in a row, Folio
Weekly readers have named
Al’s as having the Best Pizza in
our Best of Jax readers poll.
Celebrating more than 20 years,
Al’s offers a selection of New York-
style and gourmet pizzas. Wine
and beer are served. Al’s is open
daily for lunch and dinner.
ARON’S PIZZA
650 Park Ave.,
Orange Park, 269-1007
The menu at this family-owned restau-
rant includes eggplant dishes and
manicotti as well as New York-style
pizza. A kids’ menu and take-out are
available. Beer and wine are served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
BIG PETE’S OLD STYLE
PIZZERIA
118 N. Julia St.,
Downtown, 356-2680
Big Pete’s makes everything from
scratch, including pizza, calzones,
baked ziti and wraps. Big Pete’s also
serves barbecue and wings. Delivery
is available. Open for lunch and din-
ner Mon.-Fri.
LINDSAY WADELTON
BORRILLO’S PIZZA & SUBS
88 San Marco Ave.,
St. Augustine, 829-1133
John Zappas’ pizzeria is often voted
Best Pizza in St. Augustine in Folio
Weekly’s Best of Jax readers poll.
This New York-style restaurant
serves an assortment of hot and cold
subs, pasta dishes, pizzas by the pie
or slice. Take-out is available, and
beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
BROOKLYN PIZZA
11406 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 288-9211
13820 St. Augustine Road,
Bartram Park, 880-0020
8358 Point Meadows Drive,
Baymeadows, 322-7051
The owners are from Brooklyn, N.Y.,
so it makes sense that the Brooklyn
Special is a customer favorite. The
menu features calzones, white pizza
and home-style lasagna. The restau-
rant’s smoke-free and alcohol-free.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
BRUCCI’S PIZZA,
PASTA, PANINIS
880 A1A, Ste. 8,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-7677
540 S.R. 13, Ste. 10,
Fruit Cove, 287-8317
13500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 36,
Intracoastal, 223-6913
With three locations in Northeast
Florida, Brucci’s offers authentic New
York-style pizza, Italian pastas and
desserts in a family atmosphere. A
kids’ menu is available, and for the
adults, there’s beer and wine. Happy
hour is held Mon.-Wed. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
CHICAGO PIZZA BAKERY
107 Nature Walk Parkway, Ste.
101, St. Johns, 230-9700
Chicago Pizza Bakery transforms
from a comfy family restaurant early
in the evening to a rockin’ pub serv-
ing beer and wine, all the while
cranking out great appetizers and
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Open
for lunch and dinner.
CHICAGO PIZZA
& SPORTS GRILL
8206 Philips Highway,
Southside, 731-9797
320 N. First St.,

Jacksonville Beach, 270-8565
Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas, hot
dogs and Italian beef dishes are
offered by the Comastro family from
Chicago, who’ve been serving up
Windy City favorites for 25-plus
years. They “import” ingredients all
the way from exotic, far-away Illinois
— talk about authentic. A full bar is
served, and a kids’ menu is avail-
able. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
CICI’S PIZZA
9980 Baymeadows Road,
Jacksonville, 564-2225
CiCi’s offers all-you-can-eat pizza,
pasta, soup, salad and dessert for
one price. A kids’ menu is avail-
able, and there’s a game room.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
DAVINCI’S PIZZA
469 Atlantic Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach, 241-2001
DaVinci’s customers are loyal to
this family-owned-and-operated
pizzeria that uses fresh, quality
ingredients for its pies.
FOX’S PIZZA DEN
4360 Palm Valley Road,
Ponte Vedra, 285-1292
In the heart of Palm Valley, this
family-owned-and-operated restau-
rant serves The Wedgie, a tradition-
al sandwich served on a pizza
crust, and sandwiches, pizzas and
stromboli made to order. Delivery is
available. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Sat.
HAPPY STEFANO’S
PIZZERIA
205 First St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-9222
Located in the heart of downtown
Jacksonville Beach, near the Sea
Walk Pavilion, Happy Stefano’s
offers dinners, wraps, salads and
pizzas. Beer and wine are served.
Take-out is available. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
JENK’S PIZZERIA &
ITALIAN CUISINE
2245 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 112,
Jacksonville, 826-1555
Family-owned-and-operated
Jenk’s offers subs, New York-style
pizzas, calzones and a variety of
Italian dishes. Take-out and deliv-
ery are available. Beer and wine
are served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
JOSEPH’S PIZZA AND
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
30 Ocean Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Atlantic Beach, 270-1122
7316 N. Main St.,
Northside, 765-0335
For 53 years, Joseph’s has been
family-owned-and-operated serving
hot pasta dishes, gourmet pizzas
and veal entrées. An extensive beer
and wine selection is served. Open
Tue.-Sun. for lunch and dinner,
open Mon. from Memorial Day to
Labor Day at the beach.
LA PIZZARIA
2158 Mayport Road, Ste. 5,
Atlantic Beach, 246-9926
Brick-oven pizzas, handmade with
fresh ingredients, along with calzones,
pasta dishes and seafood are offered
at La Pizzaria. Delivery is available,
and there’s a discount for members of
the military. Beer and wine are served,
and a kids’ menu is available. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
MELLOW MUSHROOM
PIZZA BAKERS
1018 Third St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-5600
9734 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 1,
Tinseltown, 997-1955
1800 Town Center Blvd.,
Fleming Island, 541-1999
This upbeat restaurant serves gour-
met pizzas, hoagies and salads. The
décor is psychedelic-chic, with piz-
zas to match. Pies range from the
Mighty Meaty to vegetarian pizzas
like the Kosmic Karma. Mellow
Mushroom offers 35 beers on tap
and a full bar. Happy hour’s held all
day, every day. On the Southside, live
music is featured on the patio;
indoors at the beach, nightly. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
MIKEY’S PIZZA & ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
7544 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 721-7333
Family-owned for 35 years, Mikey’s
serves Old New York-style thin-crust
pizzas, pasta, chicken and seafood
dishes. An Italian lunch buffet is
offered. Take-out and delivery (within
three miles) are available. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
MOON RIVER PIZZA
925 S. 14th St.,
Fernandina Beach, 321-3400
1176 Edgewood Ave. S.,
Murray Hill, 389-4442
At this edgy little pizzeria, work by
local artists hangs on the walls and
rock music is pumped into the dining
room. Northern-style pizzas, with
more than 20 toppings offered, are
served by the pie or the slice. Moon
River was voted Best Pizza on
Amelia Island in Folio Weekly’s Best
of Jax readers poll. Beer and wine
are served. Dine in or take out. Open
Mon.-Sat.
NEW YORK
BRICK OVEN PIZZA
2225-B C.R. 220,
Middleburg, 278-1770
Owner Dan Dehart offers pizza by
the slice, along with stromboli and
homemade baked dinners. The piz-
zas are hand-tossed and cooked in
a brick oven. Homemade desserts
are also the menu, and lunch spe-
cials are featured. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
NYPD PIZZERIA
163 Palencia Village Drive,
St. Augustine, 825-4545
All of the authentic New York-style
pizzas are hand-tossed, made with
NYPD Pizza’s own dough and spe-
cially spiced tomato sauce, and
baked in a brick oven. Other items
include salads, cheesy calzones,
strombolis, hot hero sandwiches
and desserts.
PEPPE’S PIZZA
3787 Palm Valley Road,
Ponte Vedra, 273-0006
525 S.R. 16, Ste. 103,
St. Augustine, 824-9411
Peppe’s features a variety of tradi-
tional Italian dishes including veal,
pasta and traditional hand-tossed
and specialty pizzas. A kids’ menu,
take-out and delivery are available.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
PICASSO’S PIZZERIA
10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 207,
Mandarin, 880-0811
Picasso’s specializes in hand-tossed
Bite By Bite
5
New York-style pizza served by the
slice along with calzones, homemade
New York-style cheesecake and fresh
handmade pasta. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
PIZZALLEY’S
117 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 825-2627
This downtown St. Auggie eatery
offers wings, salads and, of course,
pizza — including free samples to
passersby. There’s the Garbage Can
pizza: a supreme with everything.
Beer and wine are served. Outdoor
patio seating is available. Open daily
for lunch and dinner.
PIZZALLEY’S
CHIANTI ROOM
60 Charlotte St.,
St. Augustine, 825-4100
Sister restaurant to the St. George
Street location, Pizzalley’s Chianti
Room serves homemade Italian ris-
torante fare in a warm Tuscany set-
ting. A full bar is available. Live
music is presented Mon.-Fri. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
PIZZA PALACE
1526 King St.,
Riverside, 384-8722
3928 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 527-8649
1959 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 399-8815
920 Margaret St.,
Five Points, 598-1212
116 Bartram Oaks Walk,
Julington Creek, 230-2171
This relaxed, family-owned restaurant
serves only home-style cuisine. Local
faves include spinach pizza and
chicken-spinach calzones. Salads
include antipasto, Greek and Caesar.
Calzones, ravioli, lasagna and parmi-
giana are also offered. Dine in or take
out. Beer and wine are served, and
outside dining areas are at all loca-
tions. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
THE PIZZA SPOT
CHEF TEL
3546 St. Johns Bluff Road S.,
Ste. 106, UNF, 683-2271
This casual pizza place serves New
York-style stone slab pizza, original
pazzinis (a pizza sandwich) using
Boar’s Head meats, premium DAVID SEAVEY
cheeses and locally grown produce.
Eight cold draft beers are on tap,
Chef de cuisine, North Beach Bi
along with bottled beers and wine Atlantic Beach
selections. A kids’ menu and take-
out are available. Open Mon.-Sat. In a recent phone interview, David
head chef at North Beach Bistro, is
POMPEII COAL-FIRED few words. Asked how long food ha
PIZZA
2134 Park Ave., his passion, he explains, “Yeah, [I]
Orange Park, 264-6116 much” always wanted to be a chef
Family-owned-and-operated Pompeii clarifying, “But, not always.” Asked
is one of the few pizza places offer- of food was responsible for his sort
ing pizzas made in coal-fired ovens.
to become a chef, Seavey offers, “Y
The distinctive, flavorful pies are
served alongside coal-fired wings. A always liked food.”
breakfast sampler pie is also avail- Regardless of his willingness to e
able. Beer, wine, espresso and cap- lively conversation about his chosen
puccino are served. Take-out is avail- food speaks for itself. Seavey has be
able. Open for lunch and dinner daily. chef at the Atlantic Beach-based bis
THE RED ELEPHANT opened in June 2008. Before that, Se
PIZZA GRILL worked as a sous chef at Sawgrass
110131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12, Ponte Vedra Beach and as executive
Mandarin, 683-3773 the Cabana Club (also in Ponte Vedra
Red Elephant has pizzas, as well as Born and bred in Jacksonville Be
some unexpected items, including a
bucket of boiled peanuts, hummus
Fletcher High School grad says cont
dip, a variety of salads, and grill spe- work as a chef locally is vital. “I hav
cials with a choice of toppings.
Pizzas include margherita chicken,
meat lovers and barbecue chicken. A
full bar is served. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 59
 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
A FRESH DINING EXPERIENCE ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

RENNA’S PIZZA SAM’S PIZZA Palm Valley, 285-1154

8642 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 730-9313
11111 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12,
Mandarin, 292-2300
4624 Town Crossing Drive, Ste.
& ITALIAN CAFE
9551 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 24,
Baymeadows, 731-0360
Sam’s serves made-to-order wings,
stromboli, calzones and hand-tossed,
Located beside the Palm Valley
Bridge on the Intracoastal Waterway,
The Bridge offers casual fine dining
with an emphasis on local seafood,
including pan-seared grouper New

Enjoy 125, St. Johns Town Center,

565-1299
thin-crust specialty pizzas. A kids’
menu is available. Dine in or take
Orleans with lump crab meat. A full
bar is served. Open for lunch Tue.-
Award-Winning 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd., Ste. 16,
Orange Park, 771-7677
out, and delivery is available. Open
daily for lunch and dinner.
Sun., for dinner nightly.

Urban Cuisine! 840 Nautica Drive, Ste. 117, River

Lunch ■ Dinner ■ Sunday Brunch Full Bar ■
Catering ■ Banquet Facilities ■ Comedy Club
The Gypsy Cab Company’s style is known
the world over. It is called “Urban Cuisine.”
We are continually influenced by many types
of cooking. Our menus change every day,
offering the freshest ingredients, with
something to please everyone. Serving lunch
and dinner 7 days a week
Enjoy a Wonderfully Prepared
Breakfast
& made within a five-mile radius.
Lunch
7 - 4 Mon - Fri
446.9738
3563 Philips Hwy #104
In the Metro Square 828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine
commercial Plaza 904-824-8244 Visit Gypsycab.com
City Marketplace, 714-9210
This New York-style pizzeria also
serves calzones, antipasto, parmi-
giana and homemade breads. Beer
and wine are served, and a kids’
menu is available. Buy by the slice
— they’re humongous — or full pie.
Take-out and delivery are available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
ROYAL PIZZA PLUS
3547 University Blvd. N.,
Arlington, 744-1555
Homemade Italian fare includes
subs, New York-style pizzas and
lunch specials, as well as ravioli
and lasagna at dinner. Take-out is
available, and deliveries may be
Open daily.
ST. JOHNS PIZZA GRILL &
SPORTS BAR
445 S.R. 13, Ste. 11 (at Race Track
Road), St. Johns, 287-9900
1402 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 346-4222
In addition to brick-baked pizzas, St.
Johns serves up deli sandwiches,
hot Italian entrées, wings and spe-
cialty subs. Everything is homemade,
from the soups to the pizza dough. A
kids’ menu is available, and a full
bar is served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
SALERNO’S RISTORANTE
& PIZZERIA
4765 Hodges Blvd., Ste. 7,
Intracoastal, 821-4350
Tricia and Giovanni, of the Recupito
family (Café Andiamo and Tra Vini
Grille), run this casual family restau-
rant. For lunch, there are sandwiches
and sliced pizza. The dinner menu
offers pasta, veal and chicken
entrées. A full bar is served, and kids
eat free on Tuesdays. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
TOMMY’S BRICK
OVEN PIZZA
4160 Southside Blvd., Ste. 2,
Southside, 565-1999
Tommy’s in the Tinseltown area cre-
ates New York-style thin crust, brick-
oven-cooked pizzas — gluten-free
— as well as calzones, baked goods
and sandwiches made fresh to order
on premises, using Thumann’s no-
MSG meats and Grande cheeses.
Beer and wine are served. Curbside
pick-up and take-out are offered.
Open for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
REGIONAL
BARBARA JEAN’S
15 S. Roscoe Blvd.,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-7522
960030 Gateway Blvd.,
Amelia Island, 277-3700
Barbara Jean’s offers easy Southern
dining, including crab cakes (the
house specialty), seafood, meatloaf,
chicken-fried steak and 15 fresh
vegetables. During the winter, regu-
lars watch snowbirds pilot their
boats on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Children’s selections are available.
Dine indoors or out. A full bar is
served. Open for lunch and dinner
daily, Sat. and Sun. for breakfast.
BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ
1 S. Front St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-2660
Brett’s is located on the water at the
foot of historic Centre Street and
specializes in traditional Southern
hospitality in an upscale atmosphere.
The menu features daily specials,
fresh Florida seafood, aged beef and
a full bar. Open daily.
THE BRIDGE
WATERFRONT GRILL
377 S. Roscoe Blvd.,
CAFÉ 4750
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island,
4750 Amelia Island Parkway,
Amelia Island, 277-1100
This seaside bistro serves three
meals daily in a comfortable, casual
atmosphere with ocean views and
Southern charm. Dine indoors or out
on the poolside veranda. Open daily.
Reservations are recommended.
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
5197 Big Island Drive,
Southside, 997-9233
Located in St. Johns Town Center, The
Capital Grille serves dry-aged, hand-
carved steaks and fresh seafood, with
a menu made from local, seasonal
ingredients. The extensive, award-
winning wine list has 350 Old and
New World selections, and 25 wines
by the glass. Open for lunch Mon.-
Fri., for dinner nightly.
CHANNEL MARKER 71
RESTAURANT
Barrier Island Inn, 7601 A1A S.,
Crescent Beach, 461-4288
With a panoramic view of the
Intracoastal Waterway, Channel
Marker 71 serves local seafood,
certified Black Angus beef, Florida-
style crab cakes and pasta dishes.
Beer and wine are available. Open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Thur.-Sun.
CHECKER BBQ & SEAFOOD
3566 St. Augustine Road,
San Marco, 398-9206
Chef Art Jennette runs the show
here, serving up all manner of bar-
becue, seafood and down-home
comfort food. Ask for the Trailer
Trash Special, which features a
pulled-pork sandwich, 15 of Art’s
fried white shrimp, hand-cut fries
and fresh fried green tomatoes.
Open Mon.-Sat. for lunch, Mon.-Sat.
for dinner.

Wild Wing Café in the Tinseltown area features 33 flavors of wings, along with a full dinner
menu and live music. See listing page 67.

60 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009


Named after the winningest coach in the NFL, Shula’s 347 Grille in the Sheraton Jacksonville
Hotel serves premium steaks, gourmet salads and offers a two-for-one daily happy hour. See
listing page 68.
CORTESSÉS BISTRO &
FLAMINGO ROOM
172 San Marco Ave.,
St. Augustine, 825-6775
This bistro serves a large selection of
gourmet salads and signature dishes
with a Mediterranean influence,
including Minorcan fish stew and
chicken Cortessés. The Flamingo
Room offers martinis and an extensive
wine list, as well as live music Thur.-
Sat. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
THE CRAB CAKE FACTORY
SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE
1396 Beach Blvd., Beach Plaza,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-4776
This Beaches restaurant offers
Continental-fusion cuisine, specializ-
ing in fresh seafood and Angus
steaks. A children’s menu is avail-
able. A full bar is served, with a daily
happy hour. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily.
THE DUNES
CRACKER HOUSE
641 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 461-5725
This rustic Florida-style spot is popu-
lar among college students for
drinks, dinner, dancing and daily
specials. The Dunes also offers a
children’s menu. Jazz is featured on
Monday nights, and there’s a DJ
Wed. and Fri.-Sun. Late-night dance
music is featured nightly. Open for
dinner nightly.
HOOTERS
The Jacksonville Landing,
2 Independent Drive, Ste. 103,
356-5400
4521 Southside Blvd.,
Southside, 807-9541
8938 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 2,
Mandarin, 636-9800
1749 Wells Road,
Orange Park, 215-5858
The casual restaurants are popular
for their waitresses and feature
wings, steamed shrimp and clams,
oysters, burgers, seafood and sand-
wiches. A full bar is served. The
Landing location features Military
Mondays, offering a 20 percent dis-
count to those with military IDs.
J ALEXANDER’S
RESTAURANT
10296 Bistro Drive,
St. Johns Town Center, 996-7147
This upscale contemporary American
restaurant is known for its wood-
fired cuisine. The fresh seafood is
flown in daily. The steaks are hand-
cut, and the produce is fresh. The
full-service bar features a wide
selection of wine by the glass or
bottle. Open daily.
MARKER 32
14549 Beach Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 223-1534
Located right on the Intracoastal
Waterway, Marker 32 serves regional
New American cuisine with an
emphasis on local seafood. Chef Ben
Groshell’s entrées include pan-
seared, wild-caught salmon and
rosemary-seared beef tenderloin.
Pastas, breads and desserts are
made on-premises, and the full bar
features an extensive wine list.
Reservations recommended. Open
for dinner Mon.-Sat.
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE &
RAW BAR
11112 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 292-0003
1756 Wells Road, Ste. A,
Orange Park, 278-4600
9541 Regency Square Blvd.
S., Regency, 720-0551
9711 Deer Lake Court,
Southside, 565-2882
13560 Beach Blvd.,
Intracoastal
The Ale Houses specialize in generous
portions and friendly service in a nau-
tical atmosphere. Customer favorites
include fresh fish, specialty pastas,
and fresh oysters and clams. There
are 32 draft beer varieties, along with
TVs, pool tables and video games.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
MONIQUE’S CAFÉ
1540 Wells Road, Ste. 13,
Orange Park, 215-0199
Soul food is prepared the old-fash-
ioned Southern way at Monique’s.
Open for breakfast, lunch and
dinner daily.
Bite By Bite
DOWNTOWN’S
FAVORITE
Catering Private Parties Daily Lunch
Luncheons Buffet
Corporate Functions
Serving Breakfast & Lunch 8
$ 75
Zodiac Grill
354-8283
RIVER CITY BREWING 130 West
COMPANY
835 Museum Circle, Adams St.
Southbank, 398-2299 Downtown
Situated on the Southbank Riverwalk
overlooking the St. Johns River and Jacksonville
popular with the downtown business
set, River City Brewing offers fresh
seafood, steaks and daily chef’s cre-
ations. Nosh in the enclosed dining
room or out on the marina dining
deck. A full bar is served. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch
buffet on Sun.
SALT, THE GRILL
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island,
4750 Amelia Island Parkway,
Amelia Island, 491-6746
The menu at Salt features cuisine
made with simple elements from the
earth and sea, properly seasoned and
served in a contemporary coastal
setting. The wine list boasts more
than 500 wines. Cocktails are also
available. Open Tue.-Sat. for dinner.
SLYCERS
12220 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 120,
Regency, 220-6900
The motto here is “Good Food for
Hungry Folks.” Breakfast offers plat-
ters, and biscuits and gravy.
Sandwiches (called “Slycers”), made
with fresh meats and cheeses,
include the country club, Cuban and
patty melt. Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner Mon.-Fri., breakfast and
lunch Sat. and Sun.
THE SOUTHERN GRILL
800 Flagler Ave.,
Southbank, 858-9800
Popular with the business crowd, The
Southern Grill offers a large menu of
salads, veggie platters, sandwiches,
melts and wraps. The breakfast selec-
tion includes omelets, wraps, sand-
wiches and sit-down favorites like
pancakes and a variety of egg combi-
nations. Open for breakfast and lunch
Mon.-Fri., breakfast only on Sat.
TRELLISES RESTAURANT
225 E. Coastline Drive,
Northbank, 634-4540
Located in Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 61
 Riverfront, this new fine-dining restau-
rant offers casual à la carte dining fea-
turing original fresh seafood creations
and regional specialties, along with a
daily buffet breakfast. Open daily.
THE VERANDAH
RESTAURANT
6800 First Coast Highway,
Amelia Island Plantation,
Amelia Island, 321-5050
Set among the moss-draped oaks of
Racquet Park, this restaurant features
an extensive menu of fresh local
seafood and steaks, but the Verandah’s
signature entrée is Fernandina shrimp.
A children’s menu is available. A full
bar is served. Open nightly.
SEAFOOD
ATOMIC FLYING FISH
SEAFOOD TACO GRILL
309 Atlantic Blvd.,
Neptune Beach, 372-0882
This new beach-casual restaurant,
just a short hop from the ocean, fea-
tures California-style fish, steak,
chicken and blackened gator tacos,
served with all manner of sides, made
fresh to order. There’s also a Low
Country Boil of shrimp, potatoes and
corn. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
BARNACLE BILL’S
BEACHSIDE
451 A1A Beach Blvd.,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-2434
BARNACLE BILL’S
DOWNTOWN
14 Castillo Drive,
St. Augustine, 824-3663
For 28 years, these family restau-
rants have been serving up St.
Augustine favorites — shrimp,
seafood, oysters, steak and home-
made-style desserts. Owner Chris
Way created the popular Dat’l Do It
hot sauce products. A children’s
menu and take-out are available,
and a full bar is served. Both loca-
tions are open daily.
BEACHSIDE SEAFOOD &
SANDWICH CO.
120 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 444-8862
11048 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 7,
Baymeadows, 527-8123
A full fresh seafood market,
Beachside also serves a lunch and
dinner menu of seafood baskets, fish
tacos, oyster baskets and Philly
cheesesteaks. There are tables
indoors and out on the open-air deck.
Live music is featured on weekends.
Beer and wine are served, and take-
out and beaches area delivery are
available. Open daily.
THE BLUE CRAB
CRABHOUSE
3057 Julington Creek Road,
Julington Creek, 260-2722
Fresh Maryland-style steamed blue
crabs are a big deal at this seafood
restaurant, as are crab legs, crawfish
and steamed or fried oysters. Dine
indoors or on the covered deck. A
kids’ menu, an early bird menu and
daily specials are available. A full bar
is served. Open for dinner Tue.-Sat.,
lunch and dinner Sun.
BUKKETS OCEANFRONT
GRILLE & BAHA
BEACH CLUB
222 N. Oceanfront at First Avenue,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-7701
Known for drawing a partying crowd,
62 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
Bukkets serves wings, shrimp, oys-
ters and ice-cold beer, along with
seafood, burgers and lots of appetiz-
ers. There’s open-air casual dining
— right on the boardwalk — and
pool tables and arcade games. Live
music is on the deck (weather per-
mitting) every weekend. A happy
hour is held Mon.-Fri., which
includes 50-cent oysters, wings and
shrimp. Open daily.
CHART HOUSE
1501 River Place Blvd.,
Southbank, 398-3353
Located on the Southbank of the St.
Johns River since 1982, this restau-
rant serves fresh fish, seafood and
prime rib along with a full bar.
Reservations are suggested. Open
for dinner nightly.
CLARK’S FISH CAMP
12903 Hood Landing Road,
Mandarin, 268-3474
Often voted Best Fish Camp and
Best Gator Tail in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll, Clark’s
menu also features steak, ribs,
daily all-you-can-eat catfish din-
ners and a three-pound prime rib.
Dine indoors, outdoors or in a
glass-enclosed room with a view of
the creek. A full bar is served. Open
for dinner Mon.-Fri., for lunch and
dinner Sat. and Sun.
CONCH HOUSE
RESTAURANT
57 Comares Ave.,
St. Augustine, 829-8646
This restaurant offers indoor seating as
well as Tiki huts built out over Salt Run.
Signature dishes include the Cracker
combo platter and St. Augustine fried
shrimp. The full-service bar specializes
in tropical drinks. Live entertainment,
including Reggae Sunday, is featured
weekends. Open daily.
CRAB CREEK CAFÉ
7404 Atlantic Blvd.,
Arlington, 724-8050
A seafood shack with a yacht club
attitude, Crab Creek Café offers
shrimp, oysters, gator tail, frog legs
and seafood — plus pasta — served
in a family-friendly atmosphere. A
kids’ menu and takeout are available.
Open lunch and dinner daily.
CRAB TRAP
31 N. Second St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-4749
For 30 years, family-owned-and-
operated Crab Trap has been serving
fresh local seafood and steaks. Food
and drink specials are featured, a full
bar is served, and cold beer and wine
are available. Open daily for dinner.
CRAZY FISH
2510 Second Ave. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 334-8408
This new seafood place is located
behind Beach Marine off Beach
Boulevard. Ultra-casual waterfront
dining on the Intracoastal features
shrimp, Maine lobster and mahi mahi,
as well as burgers, dogs and sand-
wiches. Charter fishing and kayaking
are also offered. Open for lunch and
dinner daily. Boater friendly.
CREEKSIDE DINERY
160 Nix Boatyard Road,
St. Augustine, 829-6113
Tucked behind a commercial
stretch of U.S. 1, Creekside is an
old Florida respite, featuring an
outdoor deck with a fire pit.
Overlooking Gonzales Creek,
Creekside serves a variety of beef,
chicken and seafood dishes, with
an emphasis on low-country cook-
ing. Live entertainment Wed.-Sun.
and a full bar are featured. Open
for dinner nightly.
THE FISH COMPANY
RESTAURANT &
SEAFOOD MARKET
725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 12,
Atlantic Beach, 246-0123
This restaurant, oyster bar and
seafood market in North Beach
Center serves fresh local seafood —
including Mayport shrimp — and
oysters, crab and lobster. The full bar
features a daily happy hour. Dine
indoors or out on the patio. Open
daily, with a brunch on Sat. and
Sun., featuring crab cakes and
grilled grouper.
FLORIDA CRACKER CAFÉ
81 St. George St.,
St. Augustine, 829-0397
Florida Cracker features a contem-
porary dining room and outdoor
garden dining in the heart of St.
Augustine’s busy St. George Street.
Customer favorites include black-
ened scallops, crab cake-stuffed
shrimp and Florida gator tail.
Children’s selections are available,
and beer and wine are served.
Open daily.
GENE’S SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
11702 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 997-9738
1249 Penman Road,
Jacksonville Beach, 241-9333
6132 Merrill Road,
Arlington, 744-2333
1571 University Blvd. W.,
Lakewood, 448-9888
A frequent winner of the Best
Seafood category in Folio Weekly’s
Best of Jax readers poll, Gene’s
menu includes gator tail, calamari,
Cajun shrimp and lobster pasta. The
Arlington location serves beer and
wine, and a full bar is available at all
other Gene’s Seafood locations.
Take-out is available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR
AND GRILLE
46 Avenida Menendez,
St. Augustine, 824-7765
Located in a historic, two-story
house, this New Orleans-style eatery
features fresh seafood, steaks and
authentic dishes like jambalaya,
etouffée and popular shrimp. The full-
service bar has a daily happy hour.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
HURRICANE PATTY’S AT
OYSTER CREEK
69 Lewis Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 827-1822
Located at Oyster Creek Marina
east of U.S. 1, Hurricane Patty’s
offers lunch specials and all-you-
can-eat dinners. Dine indoors or out
on the deck. A full bar is featured.
Open daily. Dock space is available
for boaters, and live music is pre-
sented nightly.
JACKIE’S WATER’S EDGE
SALOON & GRILL
8132 Trout River Drive,
Northside, 764-0120
This Jacksonville institution is
experiencing a complete overhaul
— but will still feature local
seafood. Jackie’s is scheduled to
open this month.

KINGFISH GRILL
252 Yacht Club Drive,
St. Augustine, 824-2111
Located at the west end of the Vilano
Bridge, Kingfish Grill offers casual
waterside dining indoors and out on
the deck. The menu features fresh
daily catch, house specialties and
sushi, and a kids’ menu is available.
A full bar is served, and weekly live
entertainment is featured. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
LULU’S WATERFRONT
GRILLE
301 N. Roscoe Blvd.,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 285-0139
Located on the Intracoastal
Waterway, LuLu’s can be reached by
land or water. The menu offers fresh
seafood, hand-cut steaks, burgers
and specialty salads. A full bar is
served. Dine indoors or out on the
screened waterfront porch. A kids’
menu and take-out are available.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET
5205 Big Island Drive,
St. Johns Town Center, 645-3474
The ever-changing menu (it’s printed
twice daily) has more than 180 items
features cedar-roasted Atlantic
salmon, kung pao calamari and
seared rare salt-and-pepper tuna. A
full bar is served, and a children’s
menu and take-out are available.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
O.C. WHITE’S
118 Avenida Menendez,
St. Augustine, 824-0808
The spirits here aren’t just the bottled
kind. O.C. White’s, built in 1791, is
reputed to be haunted. Overlooking
the city marina and located in a his-
toric, two-story home, O.C. White’s
serves fresh local seafood, steak and
sautéed specialties. Live music is
featured nightly. Outdoor dining is
featured on the patio. Open for dinner
Mon. and Tue., for lunch and dinner
Wed.-Sun.
The brand-new Yucatan Taco Stand in Jacksonville Beach features a salsa bar, an exhibition
kitchen with a tortilla press and a full bar. See listing page 54.
PARSONS’ SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT
904 Sixth Ave. S.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-0608
The Parsons folks are known for their
seafood restaurants, which originated
in Mayport. Shrimp sandwiches are
popular lunch items, and the combo
seafood platter is the choice for din-
ner. A children’s menu is available,
and the full bar offers daily happy
hour specials. Open daily.
RAGTIME TAVERN &
SEAFOOD GRILL
207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town
Center, Atlantic Beach, 241-7877
Open more than 25 years, this seafood
restaurant has received numerous
awards in Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax
readers poll, including Best Brew Pub.
Menu items include blackened snapper,
sesame tuna and the Ragtime shrimp.
There is a full-service bar with a daily
happy hour and live entertainment
Wed.-Sun. Open daily.
THE REEF
4100 Coastal Highway,
Vilano Beach, 824-8008
At this casual oceanfront restaurant,
there’s an ocean view from every
table as well as outdoor dining. The
menu features fresh local seafood,
steak and daily chef specials. A full
bar is served. Live entertainment is
featured weekends. Open daily for
lunch and dinner, and on Sun. for a
buffet champagne brunch.
SAFE HARBOR SEAFOOD
MARKET & RESTAURANT
4378 Ocean St.,
Mayport Village, 246-4911
There’s no doubt the seafood’s fresh
— you can see the boats unloading
right from the dock. Whatever Safe
Harbor sells in the market — shrimp,
oysters, clams and scallops — they’ll
cook to order. There are tables inside
and out on the dock overlooking the
confluence of the St. Johns River and
the Atlantic Ocean. Open Mon.-Sat.
Bite By Bite The Local’s Favorite Hangout!
Nicknamed “Tastiest spot on Centre”
A unique menu with something for everyone.
Steak & Eggs • World Famous Pancakes
Food with Attitude • Ty’s Country Biscuit Stack • Huevos Rancheros
• Diane’s Hollandaise Stack • Curry Chicken
ST. JOHNS SEAFOOD & Pizza• Gourmet Salads • Fish Tacos
STEAKS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Entrée’s • Quesadillas • Lasagna • Vegan Black Bean
9825 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1, Cakes • Cajun Scampi • Shrimp & Grits
Mandarin, 338-9349
14444 Beach Blvd., Ste. 2,
$
5 – $19 • Etoufee • Caribbean Tilapia •Jambalaya
• Asian Ahi • Hand-Carved Steak • Greek Chicken
Intracoastal, 992-4543
1403 Dunn Ave., Ste. 21, Come For Breakfast, Stay For Dinner.
Northside, 696-1023 You’ll Love Every Single Bite!
1161 S. Lane Ave.,
House Band is Matt & Ali, you gotta hear it to
Murray Hill, 378-5050
believe it
7546 Beach Blvd.,
Regency, 721-4888
7001 Merrill Road, Ste. 42, 708 Centre Street
Arlington, 745-0304 Fernandina Beach
These casual, family-oriented restau- 904-321-1444
rants specialize in seafood and certi- Open Daily 8 a.m. — 9 p.m.
fied Angus steaks. The shrimp
entrées are popular, as are the all-
you-can-eat specials. Seniors and
children select from special menus.
Beer and wine are served. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
SALT WATER COWBOYS
299 Dondanville Road,
St. Augustine Beach, 471-2332
Expect a wait at this 46-year-old
restaurant, which serves tourists and
locals in a turn-of-the-century fish
camp surrounded by saltwater
marshes. Local seafood, ribs and
chicken. Open for dinner nightly.
THE SANDOLLAR
RESTAURANT
AND MARINA
9716 Heckscher Drive,
Ft. George Island, 251-2449
Chef/owner Harry Mangini offers a
seasonal menu and daily specials,
and customers love the snow crab
legs and the fresh fish dishes. Eat
inside or out on the deck. The full-
service bar has a daily happy hour,
and there’s live entertainment week-
ends, weather permitting. Open daily
for lunch and dinner.
SANTA MARIA
135 Avenida Menendez,
St. Augustine, 829-6578
Seafood combinations and surf-
and-turf are on the menu at this
LINDSAY WADELTON
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 63
 St. Augustine institution, which has
been serving customers at this
built-over-the-bayfront restaurant
since 1954. A full-service bar is
offered, along with an open-air
porch. A children’s menu is avail-
able. Open for lunch and dinner
daily, for dinner only Wed.
SEA FAIR
1 Anastasia Blvd.,
St. Augustine, 824-2316
Located across the Bridge of Lions
from the historic district, the Sea Fair
is the oldest family-owned-and-
operated restaurant in St. Augustine.
Menu items include seafood, prime
rib and daily specials. Dine indoors
or out. A full bar is served. Open for
dinner daily.
SEAFOOD KITCHEN
31 Royal Palm Drive
(off Atlantic Boulevard),
Atlantic Beach, 241-8470
Serving up seafood for more than 20
years in Atlantic Beach, Seafood
Kitchen offers reasonable meals in a
no-frills atmosphere. The emphasis
is on fresh local seafood prepared to
order, with a wide variety of dishes
available. Open daily.
SHARKY’S SHRIMP SHACK
2450 U.S. 1,
St. Augustine, 794-2088
This casual eatery offers 19 types of
grilled and fried shrimp, fresh
seafood platters, clam rolls and
chowders. Dine indoors or outside
(where smoking is allowed). Beer and
wine are served. Open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
SINGLETON’S SEAFOOD
SHACK
’s Best Kept Se
an darin cre 4728 Ocean St.,
M t Mayport, 246-4442
Just steps from the Mayport ferry,
this family-style restaurant has been
serving seafood since the ’60s. Their
chowder has won a Best Chowder
award in Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax
readers poll. Other customer
favorites include the fried shrimp
dinner and the blackened or grilled
fish. Dine inside or on the enclosed
porch right on the St. Johns River. A
full bar is served. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
SLIDERS SEAFOOD GRILLE
218 First St., Beaches Town
Center, Neptune Beach, 246-0881
Sliders offers a beach-casual atmos-
phere for lovers of fresh fish.
Customer favorites include fish tacos
and the gumbo dinner. The dessert
menu features Key lime pie and ice
cream sandwiches. Beer and wine
are served. Open nightly.
SNAPPERS SEAFOOD
& SPIRITS
314 First St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 242-2430
This brand new casual seafood
place serves fresh seafood, includ-
ing sesame-seared tuna and pan-
seared mahi, as well as burgers,
ribeyes and po’boys, crab cakes
and wings. A kids’ menu is avail-
able. A full bar is served. Dine
indoors or out on the deck shrimp,
oysters, clams and scallops the
people-watching is great this time
of year. Open daily.
SOUTH BEACH GRILL
45 Cubbedge Road,
Crescent Beach, 471-8700
Located off A1A, one block south of
64 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
the S.R. 206 bridge, this two-story
beachy destination offers casual
oceanfront dining and fresh local
seafood. Dine indoors or out on the
beachfront deck. A full bar is served,
and there’s a weekday happy hour.
Open daily.
THE SURF
3199 S. Fletcher Ave.,
Fernandina Beach,
261-5711
Oceanfront dining is still possible at
The Surf, inside or out on the deck.
The menu features steaks, fresh fish,
oysters, shrimp and nightly specials.
And there’s a Sunday lobster special.
Open daily. Entertainment nightly and
weekend afternoons.
WHITEY’S FISH CAMP
2032 C.R. 220,
Orange Park, 269-4198
This authentic fish camp serves
gator tail, frog legs and fresh water
river catfish, as well as traditional
meals and daily specials on the
banks of Swimming Pen Creek. A
repeat winner for Best Catfish in
Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax readers
poll, Whitey’s features a full-serv-
ice bar and an outdoor Tiki bar.
Live music is presented. Open for
lunch Tue.-Sun., dinner daily.
SPANISH
CAFÉ SPAIN
193 San Marco Ave., St.
Augustine, 823-8585
Located in a renovated former con-
venience store, Café Spain offers
authentic tapas and paella, along
with a fruit-filled sangria, made-to-
order by the pitcher. Flamenco danc-
ing is featured Sat. Indoor and out-
door dining are available. Open daily,
closed Wed.
ESPAÑA RESTAURANT
& TAPAS
22 S. Fourth St.,
Fernandina Beach, 261-7700
Owners Marina and Roberto
Pestana serve Old World Spanish
and Portuguese cuisine, including
caracoles (Andalusia-style escargot)
and gambas al jerez (shrimp, mush-
rooms, onions and garlic sautéed
with sherry and cream). The tapas
menu comprises ceviche and
homemade sangria. Beer and wine
are served, and a kids’ menu is
available. Open daily.
RAMIREZ RESTAURANT
1237 Park Ave., Orange Park,
278-9040
Ramirez offers a new menu of
Cuban/Mexican cuisine, with a vari-
ety of Spanish and Mexican dishes,
including roast pork, garlic shrimp,
fajitas Texanas and bisteks
rancheros. Dine indoors or out on the
patio. The full-service bar features a
daily happy hour. Open for lunch and
dinner daily.
SPECIALTY
RESTAURANTS
& MARKETS
ALHAMBRA DINNER
THEATRE
12000 Beach Blvd.,
Southside, 641-1212
For 42 years, Alhambra has featured
buffet dining followed by musical
and comedy productions produced
by Tod Booth. The classic musical
“Forever Plaid” runs through August,
followed by “The Odd Couple.”
Reservations are suggested to guar-
antee seating. The dress code is
coat-requested. A full bar is served.
Closed Mon.
COZY TEA
1029 Park St.,
Five Points, 329-3964
This quaint, cozy tearoom is full of
English charm. Lunch and afternoon
tea feature scones, soups and a vari-
ety of teas. A homemade-style din-
ner is served on the first Fri. of each
month. Open Tue.-Sun.
GRASSROOTS NATURAL
MARKET
2007 Park St., Riverside, 384-4474
1915 East-West Parkway,
Fleming Island, 541-0009
The juice and smoothie bar — locat-
ed in the full Grassroots Market —
also offers a large selection of 30
gourmet cheeses, over 230 beers
and 40 organic wines, and natural
and organic items, as well as ready-
made grab-n-go meals. Open daily.
JACKSONVILLE
SPORTS PUB
234 Randolph Blvd.,
Downtown, 356-6750
It’s a sports pub — it’s a party facili-
ty — it’s whatever the lessee-for-
the-night wants it to be. This spa-
cious brick building, located at the
Sports Complex, houses a full bar.
It’s open during most sporting
events, and may be rented for any
occasion.
THE MELTING POT
7860 Gate Parkway, Ste. 101,
Southside, 642-4900
Participatory dining is the philosophy
at The Melting Pot, which offers a
variety of fondues — from cheese to
chocolate — and entrees ranging
from filet mignon to ahi tuna. A full
bar is served, and a children’s menu
is available. Open nightly.
MINDFUL MENU
210-4360, (866) 286-0755,
mindfulmenu.com
MindFul Menu offers food counseling,
cooking instruction, personal chef
services and catering at the Beaches.
NATIVE SUN NATURAL
FOODS MARKET & DELI
10000 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 260-6950
11030 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 269-2791
Fresh, organic ingredients are used
for healthy lunch and dinner items to
go, including wraps, burritos and
cold salads. Many vegan and vege-
tarian options are available. Indoor
and outdoor seating, a kids’ menu, a
juice, smoothie and coffee bar are
offered, and all-natural and organic
beers and wine are available. The
Baymeadows location features a hot
bar and free WiFi; the Mandarin store
features a chopped salad bar. Best of
Jax 2008 winner for Best Health
Food Store. Open Mon.-Sat.
SAN MARCO THEATRE
1996 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 396-4845
This historic movie house, offers
pizza, nachos, quesadillas, sand-
wiches, and beer and wine to adven-
turous moviegoers. The theater
shows first-run films and offers a
midnight movie series

C h ef ifl e
Pro
LET ‘EM EAT CAKE
JEFF WRIGHT
Baker/owner, Three Layers Coffeehouse
Springfield
Jeff Wright’s decision to open a place to sell his
baked goods was less a conscious business
move than capitulation. He’d been baking for
years, never seriously, when he made a red vel-
vet cake for a coworker at the Atlanta hospital
where he worked at the time. To say it was a hit
would be an understatement. Suddenly,
Wright’s cakes were in demand for weddings
and other events. His partner in life and busi-
ness Shawn McGuire saw the icing on the wall.
“I’d been saying to him for 10 years, ‘You
need to open something,’” says McGuire. “’I’m
busting my ass selling real estate, you could be
making some money selling cakes.’”
Not one to deprive the world of sinfully deli-
cious cakes and cookies — or to pass up a
great business opportunity — Wright and
McGuire opened Three Layers, their cozy cof-
feehouse-slash-bakery, in Jacksonville’s
Springfield neighborhood.
Sitting in Three Layers’ renovated special-
events room — in recent months they’ve
expanded to add a wine bar, called The Cellar
at Three Layers, as well as an outdoor court-
yard — Wright and McGuire are obviously
proud of the space they’ve created. It’s a hip
oasis in one of Jacksonville’s more urban
areas. The couple wants Three Layers to main-
tain a homey feel. In fact, up until a couple of
months ago, it was their home. They show off
what used to be the master bath, now open to
wine bar patrons. The bar area itself used to be
their master bedroom.
Wright and McGuire continue to treat the
business like they’re inviting people into their
living room. Says Wright, “People consider it
their place because they’re that comfortable
here. People kick off their shoes and cross
their legs sitting on the leather sofa watching a
movie on Saturday.”
Wright’s desserts reflect his coffeehouse’s
atmosphere — comforting, simple and elegant.
Bite By Bite
His cakes are unpretentious (no “Ace of
Cakes”-style bombast here), frosted, for the
most part, in plain white with simple piping.
Typically, cakes for sale by the slice include the A Unique
orange-sicle cake (orange flavored with butter
cream icing and vanilla mousse), the lemon
dream cake (lemon cake with layers of tangy
Experience In
lemon curd and butter cream icing), classic red
velvet cake and others.
Old Florida
“The proof is in the taste,” says McGuire.
“Jeff’s cakes don’t have to be pretty.” Wright
Dining.
chimes in, “They are pretty. They’re just simple.”
Besides the cakes, there’s Wright’s now-
famous Jeff Squares, his take on Southern
favorite chess pie. Naming desserts after
their creators is another Three Layers tradi-
tion. “We give credit where credit is due,”
says Wright. “There’s my mom’s [chocolate
chip] cookies, my dad’s English muffin bread
recipe. Different people have actually donat-
ed stuff so we’ve named [them accordingly].
Featuring seafood
My mom’s friend, she has a beach house out specialites – fried, boiled
on Hutchison Island right above West Palm, or steamed “Call Of The
she always made these cookies for the
ladies’ group and stuff, and they’re called
Wild Apps” including gator,
Bonnie’s Beach Cookies. Everybody likes that ostrich, kangaroo, and
kind of personalized stuff.” python. Raw and steamed
When the coffeehouse’s business started to
slow last summer, Wright and McGuire added
oysters on the half shell.
soups and salads to the restaurant’s lunch Famous 3lb prime rib.
repertoire, and have managed to attract a share
of the downtown lunch crowd. They like that
their business brings people to Springfield, a
II On beautiful Julington Creek II
neighborhood they’ve loved since they laid eyes
on it. In a way, they’re doing their part to change
people’s perceptions about the neighborhood —
which, incidentally, had the lowest crime rate in
Zone One last year — one cup of coffee, bowl
of soup or slice of cake at a time. “Th[at nega-
tive] perception of Springfield is so old-school,”
says McGuire. “We love it here.” 
Gwynedd Stuart
12909 Hood Landing Rd. 268-fish(3474) full menu at clarksfishcamp.com
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 65

Whether you eat on the patio or at one of the low-slung ottomans inside, The Casbah Café in
Avondale exudes Middle Eastern charm, complete with Turkish coffees, belly dancers and
hookahs. See listing page 54.
STEAK-OUT
8380 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 5,
Baymeadows, 733-5343
Dine-in quality cuisine delivered to
you — what could be easier? A kids’
menu and pick-up are available.
Open daily.
TAKE AWAY GOURMET
2103 San Marco Blvd.,
Jacksonville, 398-6676
TAG offers home-cooked prepared
dishes and desserts, a fresh salad
bar, a selection of wines, beverages
and cheese, grab-and-go lunch
items, homemade frozen meals,
frozen yogurt, gourmet grab meals
nightly and two meal specials. Open
for lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. and
for Sunday brunch.
TURTLE ISLAND NATURAL
FOODS MARKET
363 Atlantic Blvd., Stes. 7 & 8,
Atlantic Beach, 246-6400
Chef Sean Sigmon and his staff
create healthful, organic dishes
and deli items, made in-house for
take-away. The full-service market
offers organic produce and fea-
tures a bakery with gluten-free
and vegan options. Outdoor seat-
ing is available. Open daily.
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 22,
Mandarin, 288-1100
Whole Foods offers an expansive
prepared-food department with more
than 100 items at a full-service and
self-service hot bar, salad bar, soup
bar and dessert bar. Open daily.
SPORTS
BARS, WINGS
& OYSTERS
BOGEY GRILLE
150 Valley Circle,
Ponte Vedra, 285-5524
66 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
This family-friendly sports bar offers
casual fare, including wings, que-
sadillas, chicken and burgers. A full
bar and a kids’ menu are available.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
BOSTON’S RESTAURANT
& SPORTSBAR
13070 City Station Drive,
Northside, 751-7499
Located in River City Marketplace,
Boston’s serves up a full menu of
sportsbar favorites, including pizzas,
till 2 a.m. There are 28 TVs and live
music every weekend. Dine inside or
out on the patio. A full bar is served,
and take-out is available. Open daily.
BOX SEATS @ FLEMING
ISLAND
1605 C.R. 220, Ste. 145,
Fleming Island, 637-0152
This family-owned-and-operated,
kid-friendly sports bar and grill
serves daily lunch specials like
chicken and dumplings and pot
roast. A full bar with 14 beers on tap
is offered. Take-out is available.
There’s a game room, too. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
GRILL & BAR
9550 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 10,
Baymeadows, 448-1293
311 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 10,
Orange Park, 213-0293
Along with Buffalo, N.Y.-style wings
fixed up with 14 sauces ranging
from mild to better-be-ready blazin’,
BWW serves up wraps, burgers and
ribs. A kids’ menu and take-out are
available, and a full bar is served.
Sports are always on the big-screen
TVs. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
CHEERS SPORTS BAR
& GRILL
11475 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 262-4337
1580 Wells Road, Ste. 1,
Orange Park, 269-4855
This sports bar serves sandwiches,
LINDSAY WADELTON
grilled chicken wings, steaks and
sizzle platters. The full bar offers a
daily happy hour. In addition to pool
tables and video games, Cheers has
plenty of TVs for viewing games and
playing NTNTrivia. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
DICK’S WINGS
9119 Merrill Road, Ste. 19,
Arlington, 745-9300
1004 Dunn Ave.,
Northside, 757-7727
7749 Normandy Blvd.,
Westside, 781-1466
1540 Wells Road,
Orange Park, 269-2122
3540 U.S. 17 S.,
Green Cove Springs, 284-7772
1610 University Blvd. W.,
Lakewood, 448-2110
10391 Old St. Augustine Road,
Mandarin, 880-7087
100 Gateway Circle, Ste. 103, NW
St. Johns, 824-3793
474313 E. S.R. 200,
Fernandina Beach, 491-3469
5545 A1A S.,
St. Augustine, 461-3305
525 S.R. 16, Ste. 101,
St. Johns, 825-4540
2434 Mayport Road,
Atlantic Beach, 270-8988
410 N. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-3730
14286 Beach Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 223-0115
5972 San Juan Ave.,
Westside, 693-9258
Sporting a NASCAR atmosphere,
Dick’s claims 365 varieties and fla-
vors of wings. The menu also fea-
tures half-pound burgers, ribs and
salads. Beer and wine are served.
Takeout is available. Open daily. Best
of Jax 2008 winner for Best Wings.
EIGHT SPORTS LOUNGE
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island,
4750 Amelia Island Parkway,
Amelia Island, 277-1100
This contemporary sports lounge
offers billiard tables and multiple

flatscreen TVs. The menu features
classic sports-bar fare, including
burgers, wings and nachos. Extensive
beer and wine lists, along with cock-
tails, are available. Open Mon.-Fri. for
dinner, for lunch Sat. and Sun.
GATORS DOCKSIDE
9680 Argyle Forest Blvd.,
Westside, 425-6466
6677 103rd St.,
Westside, 777-6135
8650 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 448-0500
For more than 17 years, this sports-
themed family restaurant has been
serving a varied menu of grilled
wings, ribs, sandwiches and salads.
A full bar and take-out are available.
Sports are aired on multiple TVs, and
Tuesday is Kids Night. Open daily.
HURRICANE GRILL
& WINGS
3055 C.R. 210, Ste. 101,
Johns Creek, 230-6445
5907 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 700,
Ortega, 573-8838
4255 S. A1A,
St. Augustine Beach,
471-7120
This island-themed restaurant
offers more than 35 flavors of
wings, garlic and parmesan fries,
firecracker shrimp and burgers. A
full bar is served at the Johns
Creek location; beer and wine at
the Ortega and St. Augustine loca-
tions. The beverage cups are made
from corn and are environmentally
sustainable. Open daily.
JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE
13170 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 22,
Intracoastal, 220-6766
This family sports grill’s menu
includes hand-cut steaks, wings and
hamburgers. A full breakfast is
served Sat. and Sun., featuring bot-
tomless mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Texas Hold ’Em is featured every
Mon., trivia every Tue., and there’s
music outside for Bike Night on Thur.
Kids get their own menu and game
room. A full bar is available. Dine
indoors or outside. Open daily.
KICKBACKS
910 King St., Riverside, 388-9551
This neighborhood hot spot serves
breakfast, lunch and dinner 20 hours
a day, with more than 410 bottled
beers or 60 beers on tap. There’s live
music five nights a week, and flat-
screen TVs dot the interior. A full bar’s
available, happy hour is held Mon.-
Fri. A kids’ menu is offered and out-
door seating’s available. Open daily.
LILLIAN’S SPORTS BAR
& GRILL
5393 Roosevelt Blvd.,
Venetia Plaza, 388-4220
This family sports bar serves wings,
burgers, salads and sandwiches. The
TVs air sporting events. Open for
lunch and dinner daily. Happy hour is
held daily.
THE MUDVILLE GRILLE
3105 Beach Blvd.,
St. Nicholas, 398-4326
1301 Monument Road, Ste. 1,
Arlington, 722-0008
The original St. Nicholas location is a
family-oriented sports restaurant serv-
ing steaks, wings, oysters and crab
legs. Trivia is featured every Thur. with
Karaoke every Fri., There are big-
screen TVs and three satellite dishes
for sports fans. A full bar is served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
MVP’S SPORTS GRILLE
12777 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 5,
Intracoastal, 221-1090
MVP’s offers wings, burgers and sal-
ads in a sporty atmosphere. A kids’
menu is available, and a full bar is
served. Free pool is featured on Mon.,
Texas Hold ’Em is on Sun. and Tue.,
Karaoke is held every Thur. and live
music is featured Fri. and Sat. Sports
are shown on 22 TVs. Open daily.
PARK AVENUE BILLIARDS
1580 Park Ave.,
Orange Park, 215-1557
Park Avenue Billiards has 27 billiard
tables, a snooker table, dartboards,
video games and two coin tables.
The grill menu includes burgers,
sandwiches and fries. A full bar is
served. Open daily.
PERFECT RACK BILLIARDS
1186 Edgewood Ave. S.,
Murray Hill, 738-7645
This family-friendly, non-smoking bil-
liards hall offers burgers, deli sand-
wiches and chicken wing specials.
Take-out and a kids’ menu are avail-
able. Free pool is available with
lunch 11:30-2 p.m., and kids
younger than 14 play free (with par-
ents) on weekends. Eleven O’Hausen
billiards tables are featured. Beer
and wine are served. Happy hour’s
held Mon.-Fri. Open for lunch and
dinner Mon.-Sat.
PLAYER’S GRILLE
4456 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 448-6670
This sports bar and grill serves burgers
and wings, teriyaki stir fry and home-
made soups. A full bar is available. A
kids’ game room is open (TV moni-
tored, so parents can watch), and TVs
are situated in all the booths. Open
daily and for brunch Sat. and Sun.
RACK ’EM UP BILLIARDS
4268 Oldfield Crossing Drive, Ste.
205, Mandarin, 262-4030
1825 University Blvd. N.,
Arlington, 745-0335
This cigar and hookah lounge offers
10 billiards tables in Mandarin, 16 in
Arlington (plus a full kitchen), as well
as shuffleboard and a variety of subs
for the late-night crowd. More than
200 imported and domestic beers
are featured. Open for dinner nightly.
RACK ’EM UP BILLIARDS III
10696 Lem Turner Road,
Northside, 765-7945
This large sportsbar serves burgers,
wings, subs, Philly steak sandwich-
es. Beer and wine are served, a kids’
game room is available. Rack ’Em
Up has 22 pool tables, 14 TVs, two
8-foot HDTVs and a hookah lounge.
RED ZONE GRILL
3333 Beach Blvd.,
St. Nicholas, 396-7866
This sports bar offers country
cookin’ at lunch, and pizza, wings
and a full menu for dinner. A full
bar is served. Live blues is present-
ed every Wed. night. And there’s
trivia and Karaoke, too.
THE ROADHOUSE
231 Blanding Blvd.,
Orange Park, 264-0611
The Roadhouse has been serving
deli sandwiches, wings, burgers and
quesadillas for 33 years. Along with
six pool tables, dartboards and TVs
(two are big screens), there’s live
entertainment Thur.-Sat. nights. A
full-service bar is served with more
Bite By Bite
than 75 imported beers. Live music
is featured on the weekends. Open
for lunch and dinner daily.
New Management
RONNIE’S WINGS, New Hours  New Menu
OYSTERS AND MORE Much Lower Prices
232 Walnut St., Green Cove
Daily Lunch, Dinner & Bar Specials
Springs, 284-4728
Theme Nights! Every Night a New Deal Concept
150 Park Ave.,
Orange Park, 541-0708 Eat or drink your way toward
Serving a variety of seafood, steaks free movie tickets!
and wings in a family atmosphere,
Ronnie’s offers daily specials, friend-
ly service and house specialties. 1811 Town Center Blvd.  Fleming Island
Boat access is available. Open for visit BluGrotto.com or call 278-7250 for reservations
lunch and dinner daily.
SHARKEY’S WINGS &
GRILL
12400 Yellow Bluff Road,
Northside, 714-0995
This family-friendly sports grill fea-
tures specials during the week: Mon.
night Kids Eat Free, there’s 35-cent
wings and $1 draft on Tue. night,
Texas Hold ‘Em on Wed., family trivia
and Karaoke on Thur. and a fish fry
on Fri. HDTVs and pool tournaments
are also featured. Open daily.
SNEAKERS SPORTS
GRILLE
111 Beach Blvd.,
Jacksonville Beach, 482-1000
8133 Point Meadows Drive,
Baymeadows, 519-0509
Sneaker’s offers a full bar (with more
than 20 beers on tap), TV screens
covering entire walls and “cheer-
leaders” serving the food. Happy
hour is held Mon.-Fri. Open for lunch
and dinner daily. Best of Jax 2008
winner for Best Sportsbar.
TIME OUT SPORTS GRILL
13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5,
Intracoastal, 223-6999
This locally-owned-and-operated grill
serves hand-tossed pizzas, wings and
specialty wraps in a clean, sporty
atmosphere. A full bar is available,
with daily drink specials. A late-night
menu is offered. Open for lunch and
dinner Tue.-Sun., dinner only Mon.
TURN 4 WINGS
2245 C.R. 210, Ste. 109,
Julington Creek, 829-8181
A family-friendly restaurant with a
racing theme, Turn 4 Wings offers
numerous flavors of wings, plus sand-
wiches. Big-screen TVs show sporting
events. Beer and wine are served.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
WILD WING CAFÉ
4555 Southside Blvd.,
Tinseltown, 998-9464
This hoppin’ Tinseltown spot serves
33 flavors of wings, as well as
soups, sandwiches, wraps, ribs, plat-
ters and burgers. A full bar is served.
Live music is also featured. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
WINGHOUSE BAR & GRILL
9750 Deer Lake Court,
Tinseltown, 493-9464
WingHouse serves sports bar-style
along with oversized entrées, burg-
ers, giant salads and the unique skin-
less baked WingHouse naked wings.
A full bar is available. Open daily.
STEAKHOUSES
CROSS CREEK
850 S. Lane Ave.,
Westside, 783-9579
12123 Lem Turner Road, 765-7420
This steakhouse offers signature
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 67

Located on cobbled Aviles Street in St. Augustine, Cellar 6 Art Gallery & Wine Bar exhibits
local art and an international array of fine wines and light bistro-style fare. See listing page 71.
dishes like cheesy Creek chicken,
Ocala sirloin and baby back ribs, as
well as hand-cut steaks and
seafood. A kids’ menu and take-out
are available, and a full bar is
served. The Lem Tuner location
offers a daily country buffet. Bike
Night is held every Sat. Open daily.
JD’S CHOPHOUSE
96098 Lofton Square Court,
Yulee, 277-4243
Located just off Amelia Island, JD’s
offers steaks, chops, seafood and pasta
in a casual setting. JD’s also serves a
full bar, featuring a happy hour. A chil-
dren’s menu is available. Open daily.
MILLHOUSE STEAKHOUSE
1341 Airport Road,
Northside, 741-8722
This locally-owned-and-operated
steakhouse is a favorite among
Northsiders, serving choice steaks
from the signature broiler. The menu
includes seafood, chicken, pasta
dishes and Millhouse gorgonzola,
plus homemade desserts. A full bar
and a children’s menu are available.
Live acoustic music is presented on
Fri. Open for dinner nightly.
MORTON’S, THE
STEAKHOUSE
1510 Riverplace Blvd.,
Jacksonville, 399-3933
Morton’s, The Steakhouse specializes
in generous portions of USDA prime
aged beef as well as fresh fish and lob-
ster. The tableside menu presentation
features every item described by the
server. A full bar, including an extensive
wine list, is served, and take-out is
available. Open for dinner nightly.
OMAHA STEAKHOUSE
9300 Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 739-6633
With an English tavern atmosphere,
this Embassy Suites Hotel’s restau-
rant offers private reserve premium
beef, fresh seafood and sandwiches.
The signature 16-ounce bone-in rib-
eye is popular, and desserts include
crème brûlée. A full bar is served.
Open for lunch and dinner daily.
68 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
RUTH’S CHRIS
STEAK HOUSE
1201 Riverplace Blvd.,
Jacksonville Crowne Plaza,
Southbank, 396-6200
814 A1A, Ste. 103,
Ponte Vedra Beach, 285-0014
A consistent Best of Jax winner for
Best Steaks, Ruth’s Chris serves
Midwestern custom-aged U.S.
prime beef, cooked in 1,800-
degree broilers. Fresh seafood and
live Maine lobster are also on the
menu. A full bar is served with an
extensive selection of wines.
Reservations suggested. Open
nightly for dinner.
SHULA’S 347 GRILL
10605 Deerwood Park Blvd.,
Deerwood, 642-0063
Located inside the Sheraton
Jacksonville Hotel, Shula’s 347
serves seafood, gourmet salads
and premium Black Angus beef —
the same cuts popular at Coach
Don Shula’s Steakhouses — in a
casual, energetic atmosphere. A
children’s menu and take-out are
available. A full bar is served. Open
for dinner nightly.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
550 Blanding Blvd.,
Orange Park, 213-1000
Texas Roadhouse specializes in
steaks and ribs, seafood and chops.
The atmosphere’s casual and family-
friendly. Kids order from their own
menu. Daily specials are featured,
and the full-service bar offers a daily
happy hour, ice-cold beer and leg-
endary margaritas. Open for dinner
Mon.-Wed., for lunch and dinner
Thur.-Sun.
TREE STEAK HOUSE
11362 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1,
Mandarin, 262-0006
Named for the iconic oak tree out-
side, Tree Steak House lets cus-
tomers select cuts of beef tableside,
and the menu includes prime rib,
filet mignon and fresh catch of the
day. The full-service bar has an
extensive wine list, and there’s also a
Bite By Bite
salad bar. Reservations are accept-
ed. Open for dinner nightly.
SWEET SPOTS
CHEZ LEZAN BAKERY
COMPANY
1014 Atlantic Ave.,
Fernandina Beach, 491-4663
European-style breads and pastries,
including croissants, muffins and
pies are baked daily. Most breads
made at Chez Lezan are made with-
out fat or sugar. Open daily.
CITY KIDZ
ICE CREAM CAFÉ
1303 N. Main St.,
Jacksonville, 598-5115
This restaurant is dedicated to fos-
tering financial literacy in inner-city
communities. City Kidz does more
than just ice cream, offering sand-
wiches (called “tankers”), crab
cakes, fruit smoothies and a special
kids’ menu. Open for lunch and din-
ner daily.
EDGEWOOD BAKERY
1012 S. Edgewood Ave.,
Murray Hill, 389-8054
For more than 61 years, Edgewood
Bakery has been serving fresh break-
fast pastries, petit fours and pies. The
line is long on Saturday mornings,
but the wait pays off. An espresso
and pastry café serves sandwiches,
crepes, smoothies and soups. Open
for breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat.
FUNARI’S ITALIAN
CREAMERY
1232 Beach Blvd., Beach Plaza,
Jacksonville Beach, 247-7787
Gelato is Italian for ice cream, and
Funari’s Italian Creamery has the real
thing. Made-fresh-daily gelato and
sorbetto are featured. Open daily.
LEE’S ICE CREAM
299 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 2,
Atlantic Beach, 339-0442
1620 Margaret St., Ste. 205,
Riverside, 674-2763
Lee’s offers more than 25 ice
 MONDAY NIGHT SPECIAL

$25
Family Night, 16” 2-topping pizza, large
salad (Greek/Antipasto/ Caesar) and an
order of chicken wings.
Dine-In only. No substitutions.

TUESDAY NIGHT SPECIAL

50 Pasta
$7
Night, your choice of (Spaghetti/
Baked Ziti/Ravioli/Tortellini/Stuffed Shells/
Manicotti) served with salad & Garlic
Bread. Dine-In only. No substiutions.

1/2 OFF PIZZA 1/2 OFF ENTRÉE

BUY 1 PIZZA, GET 1 OF EQUAL
OR LESSER VALUE 1/2 OFF
Not valid with Monday and Tuesday
specials. With this coupon. Not valid
with other offers or prior purchases.
Offer expires. 8/31/09
BUY 1 ENTRÉE, GET 1 OF EQUAL
OR LESSER VALUE 1/2 OFF
Not valid with Monday or Tuesday
specials. Must order from the entrée
selection on menu with this coupon.
Not valid with other offers or prior
purchases. Offer expires 8/31/09.

Pizza Palace Pizza Palace

RIVERSIDE • 1526 King St. • 384-8722

JULINGTON CREEK • 116 Bartram Oaks Walk • 230-2171
SAN MARCO • 1959 San Marco Blvd. • 399.8815
BAYMEADOWS • 3928 Baymeadows Rd. • 527.8649
5 POINTS • 920 Margaret St. • 598.1212

August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 69


....................................................................................
Serving Free Food Daily ✰ FREE Sweepstakes
Hourly Drawings (w/10+ people)
Weekly Drawings
....................................................................................
Tel-Connect Phone Cards 3¢ a minute
Photocopies ✰ Color Copies ✰ ATM ✰ Fax
First Time Visitors
...................
Buy $20 worth of phone time...
get 500 points FREE!
Exp. 8/30 Limit one per customer per day
✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦✰✦
70 FOLIO WEEKLY August 11-17, 2009
CYBER CAFE
619.3040 OPEN AT 9AM, 7 DAYS A WEEK
5617 SAN JOSE BLVD.
COLONIAL LAKE WOOD PLAZA
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, SEE STORE FOR DETAILS
Located in downtown Jacksonville, Zodiac Grill serves Mediterranean cuisine and American
favorites, along with panini, vegetarian dishes and hookahs. See listing page 42.
cream flavors — Mom’s Apple Pie,
toasted coconut and caramel truffle
swirl — along with malts, sundaes
and waffle cones. And get this:
Lee’s is the originator of Oreo ice
cream. Open daily.
LET THEM EAT CAKE!
3604 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 2,
Avondale, 389-2122
This artisan bakery serves coffee,
croissants and muffins in the early
morning, then cupcakes, pastries
and individual desserts throughout
the day. Whole cakes are made-to-
order. Open Tue.-Sat.
LULI’S CUPCAKES
35 San Marco Ave., Ste. 2, St.
Augustine, 824-5280
The cupcakes, baked fresh daily,
include Grandma’s Coconut, Fire
Engine Red Velvet, What’s Up Doc
(carrot cake) and Funky Monkey,
banana and chocolate chip cake
with milk chocolate frosting. Mini-
cupcakes are also available. Open
Mon.-Sat.
SMOOTHIE KING
363 Atlantic Blvd.,
Atlantic Beach, 242-2993
1230 Third St. S.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-6336
13457 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 1,
Intracoastal, 221-1299
13770 Beach Blvd.,
Intracoastal, 821-1688
10400 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 886-1991
1601 Riverside Ave.,
Riverside, 389-0011
1835 U.S. 1 S., Ste. 113,
St. Augustine, 825-6770
4624 Town Crossing Drive,
Ste. 119, UNF, 996-2889
9810 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 4,
642-1777
Smoothie King offers nutritional,
tasty meal replacements and snack-
ing alternatives — in other words, a
variety of smoothies as well as sup-
plements, vitamins and fat-free
goods. Best of Jax 2008 winner for
Best Smoothie. Open daily.
3 SISTERS’ CHOCOLATE
BAR & BAKERY
9965 San Jose Blvd.,
Mandarin, 262-9122
A destination for chocolate lovers, 3
Sisters features handmade chocolate
confections. The family-owned shop
offers original creations including 5-
inch high cupcakes and chocolate
drinks. Open Mon.-Sat.
YOGABERRY
10275 Buckhead Branch Drive, St.
Johns Town Center, 641-2883
544 Marsh Landing Parkway, Ste. 1,
Ponte Vedra, 280-9652
These popular frozen yogurt shops
offer fat-free frozen yogurt (made
with organic milk) with a choice of
toppings — including fruit cut fresh
daily — at 25 calories a serving.
THAI
ASIAN PARADISE
302 S.R. 312, Riverside Center,
St. Augustine, 824-6461
Asian Paradise serves Southeast
Asian cuisine — Thai, Cambodian
and vegetarian — in a comfy, casual
atmosphere. Dishes may be made to
order, spicy or mild. Open Mon.-Sat.
ASIAN THAI PALACE
4010 U.S. 1,
St. Augustine, 797-1622
Authentic Thai dishes include sizzling
mussels, toam kha gai (chicken and
veggies with coconut milk), mussa-
mum curry duck and several vege-
tarian choices. Take-out and a kids’
menu are available. Open for lunch
and dinner daily.
BASIL THAI & SUSHI
1004 Hendricks Ave.,
San Marco, 674-0190
Basil Thai serves fresh sushi and
authentic Thai cuisine, including gin-
ger-infused salad, classic Pad Thai,
all curry dishes, ebi roll, sashimi and
daily specials. Beer and wine are
served. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
FU HAO BISTRO
1001 Park St.,
Five Points, 798-8686
A new taste of Asian fusion, Fu Hao
focuses on serving delicate blends of
Thai, Chinese and other regional
influences in an upscale setting.
Beer, wine and sake are served, with
meals or at the large bar. Take-out is
available. Open for lunch and dinner
Mon.-Fri., for dinner Sat. and Sun.
GALANGAL RESTAURANT
145 Hilden Road,
Nocatee, 827-1150
Located along U.S. 1 in growing
northern St. Johns County, Galangal
offers upscale, modern Thai cuisine
infused with Hawaiian flavors amid
sophisticated decor. Specialties
include lemongrass-rubbed filet
mignon with lump blue crab and
fried rice. A full bar is served. Open
for dinner Mon.-Sat.
GREEN PAPAYA
13141 City Station Drive,
Northside, 696-8886
Located in River City Marketplace,
this restaurant features a Pan-Asian
menu, specializing in Thai cuisine
served in a contemporary atmos-
phere. Dine in or take out. Beer and
wine are served. Dress is casual-
upscale. Open daily.
LEMONGRASS
9846 Old Baymeadows Road,
Baymeadows, 645-9911
Lemongrass offers innovative Thai
cuisine in a hip, metropolitan
atmosphere. Chef Aphayasane’s
creations include crispy whole
snapper with pineapple curry
reduction, but the customer
favorite is “The Amazing.”
Reservations are recommended. An
extensive beer and wine selection
is served. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.,
for dinner Mon.-Sat.
LIME LEAF
9822 Tapestry Park Circle,
Stes. 108 & 109,
Southside, 645-8568

Lime Leaf offers authentic Thai cui-
sine, from fresh papaya salad to
pad Thai. Desserts include mango
sweet rice. Beer and wine are
served, and limited delivery is avail-
able. Open Mon.-Fri. for lunch; for
dinner Mon.-Sat.
PATTAYA THAI GRILLE
9551 Baymeadows Road, Ste. 1,
Baymeadows, 646-9506
A multiple winner of Best Thai
Restaurant in Folio Weekly’s Best of
Jax readers poll, Pattaya Thai offers
a variety of new menu items,
including curries, seafood, noodles
and soups. A video screen displays
the open Thai kitchen, so you can
watch your order being prepared.
An extensive menu of traditional
Thai, vegetarian and new-Thai is
available. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.,
for dinner Mon.-Sat. Closed Sunday.
SALA PHAD THAI
1716 Third St. N.,
Jacksonville Beach, 246-7490
This new casual Thai restaurant
features extensive lunch and dinner
menus, including spring rolls,
seafood clay pot, fried squid, beef
with oyster sauce, prig pow and a
variety of curried dishes. It’s vegan-
friendly, too, offering bean curd
delight, and Thai noodles and veg-
gies. Open daily.
TASTE OF THAI
4317 S. University Blvd.,
Jacksonville, 737-9009
This unassuming storefront serves
up some of the city’s most authentic
Thai food with quick, affordable
lunches and intimate, satisfying din-
ners. Open daily for lunch, Mon.-
Sat. for dinner.
THAI GARDEN
10 Blanding Blvd., Ste. B,
Orange Park, 272-8434
Thai Garden offers traditional Thai
menu items, including pad kraw
powh with roasted duck and kaeng
kari (yellow curry with potatoes and
a choice of meat). Fine wines, and
imported and domestic beers are
available. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri.;
for dinner nightly.
THAI PALACE
9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 35,
Mandarin, 880-5363
This family-owned restaurant is a
favorite for business lunches and
date dinners alike, featuring spe-
cialties like shrimp himapan and
many curry dishes. A customer
favorite is sweet Thai tea. Beer and
wine are served. Dine-in or take-
out. Open Mon.-Fri. for lunch, daily
for dinner.
THAI ROOM
1286 S. Third St.,
Jacksonville Beach, 249-8444
Popular with the locals, Thai Room
serves traditional Thai food. Chef
Venith Yatajao prepares crispy duck,
snapper ladna and drunken noodles
with shrimp. The wine list features
more than 30 wines by the glass,
and beer is served. Dine in, take
out. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., for
dinner Mon.-Sat. Best of Jax 2008
winner for Best Thai Cuisine.
VEGETARIAN
MANATEE CAFÉ
525 S.R. 16, Ste. 106,
Westgate Plaza,
St. Augustine, 826-0210
Manatee Café serves organic, vege-
tarian meals. Owner/chef Cheryl
Crosley prepares veggie omelets,
tofu Reubens, miso and hummus
and tabouli. The Health Food Market
offers the same ingredients used in
the cafe’s dishes. Open daily. Best
of Jax 2008 winner for Best
Vegetarian Cuisine.
THE PRESENT
MOMENT CAFÉ
224 W. King St.,
St. Augustine, 827-4499
The Present Moment Café serves
organic, vegan and vegetarian
dishes, pizza, pastas, hummus and
milkshakes — all prepared with-
out meat, dairy or an oven.
Organic beer and wine are avail-
able. Takeout’s available, and
there’s an organic deli next door.
Open for breakfast, lunch and din-
ner Mon.-Sat.
SHAKTI LIFE KITCHEN
51 Pine St.,
Atlantic Beach,
247-7116
This organic vegan café features
fresh juices and smoothies, falafel,
pizza and vegan ice cream — all
prepared without cooking or heating
anything above 118 degrees. Grab-
n-go snacks are available, and the
yoga studio upstairs adds to
Shakti’s healthful, holistic approach.
Open Mon.-Sat.
WINE &
MARTINI
BARS
CELLAR 6 ART GALLERY &
WINE BAR
6 Aviles St.,
St. Augustine, 827-9055
A new addition to St. Augustine’s
nightspots, Cellar 6 exhibits local art
and an international array of fine
wines, Wolfgang Puck coffees,
hand-made desserts and light
bistro-style fare. Open Mon.-Sat.
THE GRAPE
10281 Midtown Parkway, Ste.
119, St. Johns Town Center,
Bite By Bite
642-7111
The Grape offers more than 145
wines, along with a tapas menu of
gourmet fare to pair with the wine
list. Open daily.
THE GROTTO
2012 San Marco Blvd.,
San Marco, 398-0726
Serving a varied tapas menu, this
upscale wine bar features a list with
more than 75 wines by the glass.
Open Tue.-Sun. Wine tastings every
Thur. Eight-time Best of Jax winner
for Best Wine Selection.
ISLAND GIRL WINE &
CIGAR BAR
7860 Gate Parkway, Ste. 115,
Southside, 854-6060
108 First St.,
Neptune Beach, 372-0943
Both of these smoking establish-
ments features a walk-in humidor.
The Southside location pairs appe-
tizers with more than 25 wines and
ports by the glass, and a full bar is
served. More than 220 wines by the
bottle, as well as 28 draft beers and
bottled beer, and wine flights, are
featured. Open daily.
POPPY LOVE SMOKE
112 E. Adams St., 355-0891
A cigar humidor and a wide selection
of wines draw a chill downtown crowd
to this new hangout, just a few doors
from London Bridge. Open daily.
SANGRIAS TAPAS &
PIANO BAR
35 Hypolita St.,
St. Augustine, 827-1947
Spanish-style cuisine and eight dis-
tinct varieties of homemade sangria
are served in this hip, historic
space. The balcony overlooks busy
St. George Street. Open daily.
WALKERS
2692 Post St.,
Riverside, 894-7465
Riverside’s newest wine bar, locat-
ed at the corner of Post and King
streets, has an urban lounge feel
and a laid-back vibe. The unique
architectural ambiance echoes the
historic neighborhood environs,
and a light tapas menu is served,
along with an extensive wine list
and beer selections. Open Tue.-Sat.
for dinner.
THE WINE BAR
320 N. First St.,
Jacksonville Beach,
372-0211
This casual neighborhood wine bar
features a tapas style menu, fire-
baked flatbreads and a wide selec-
tion of wines. Live music is present-
ed Wed.-Sat. and board games are
offered. Open Tue.-Sun. 
Compiled by Marlene Dryden
August 11-17, 2009 FOLIO WEEKLY 71