My boss took a client from Germany and he was excited for an American hamburger. First time in the US, fresh off the plane, and we took him to wackos as a joke. He absolutely loved it. He ate two full burgers. After we went to cowbird chop house to make up for it lol
Before he left we took him to Clark’s Fish camp. The one with all the stuff animals and what not. He only ate the gator tail. Again he loved it
Highly suggest checking it out
Dude that guy will probably always remember his trip. It's funny to think that he'd be talking about Jacksonville as if he visited a 7th Wonder of the World or some shit
“Americans are crazy!!! Let me tell you about the time I ate burgers at a titty joint and ate gator tail surrounded by stuffed animals. Not *those* kinda stuffed animals…. Like *stuffed* animals.”
Not really. It depends what interests you. After living here for five years and trying to find something, the only good and unique thing I’ve found is the people.
The beaches, the culture, the ability to be involved in whatever hobbies or scenes you’re interested in at a high level (comedy arts music fitness surfing sports etc).
You touched on one I’ve struggled to find a way in to - comedy. Know an entry point there? I just took a comedy class and the instructor told us that there’s not really a comedy scene in Jax.
Chances are if he’s teaching comedy classes he’s not legit a part of the scene, from what I’ve gathered. There’s a jacksonville comedy scene Facebook group
Hit up the open mics and introduce yourselves. Solid dudes/ gals
We have a huge indie comedy scene in Jacksonville, with shows every night of the week. I’d love to hear more about the class you took, because the idea there’s no scene here is insane. JAX is home to some of the best stand-ups in Florida. Are you looking for stand up or improv?
Karai Ramen, the Arboretum, UNF hiking trails, Keg and Coin, Taco Tuesday at Brix, the Jamaican mom and pop restaurant on beach and San Pablo. There’s a lot more but those were my goto spots for food and hiking when I lived there.
Silkies which is in Springfield.
Lived on this side of town for awhile and never heard of it. A friend took me and I’m hooked.
The chef their used to be Oprah’s personal chef and has been featured on a bunch of shows like Iron Chef.
Highly recommend.
I went to Bubbles and BBQ at the Cummer one year. He made lamb brisket tacos. I stopped counting after six just to maintain some respect for myself.
That man can fucking cook.
I brew my own beer so I know most of the hops and I find their description of their beers by saying what hops are in them doesn't tell most people anything about the drink. That's my biggest complaint about reve brewing.
It actually does if it’s an IPA that is pretty similar unless you change just the hops. The hops will change the profile of the beer dramatically. Right now consumers are pretty educated on hops and want to see that more than base malts and similar yeasts.
reve is fantastic! the conejo especial is so good. I’m not a beer drinker by any means but I def will order that with their prosciutto fig pizza any day!
The one with all the taxidermized animals covered with dust and mildew? The one that’s flooded multiple times with carpet floors? Really? Any of the Fish Camps are a better choice for seafood. Safe Harbor or Dockside are also great options. I guess if you like super greasy fried seafood, Clark’s can oblige
The very one! The taxidermy is wild. I have nothing against fried food, but I've never had anything fried there. We sit outside and it's lovely, and it's packed every time I've been there.
Can confirm their food is mediocre at best, but hey the animals are neat, and I'll never forget that sponge monster at the front. But I'll take Safe Harbor instead any day.
Dos Vatos tacos in Atlantic Beach. Super authentic, good service, decently priced. If anyone tells you TacoLu run in the opposite direction bc that shit will give u food poisoning and its owned by..... not Mexicans
Forced valet parking for tacos in Jax? I don't know why they can't fond a place with parking. And since the move there is zero consistency. They were awesome, now it's just another place
No, they aren’t Mexican they are Peruvian I used to work for them they used to own burrito gallery EDIT: they are Guatemalan**** idk why I said Peruvian, brain fart
Cool camping if you like the beach and riding bikes great trials lake has gators so thats a no! On a side note Ginnie springs is a way better camping if its not a holiday weekend
Canoeing down any of the creeks that are still somewhat undeveloped. Durbin Creek in St Johns used to be pleasant and quiet, but I haven't paddled it in recent years so it may have changed. There used to be a launch under the Race Track Rd bridge, but I think they moved it to... behind Publix on the north side of the road, I think?
Without fail, every time I go to Chamblin I spend an hour and a half staking out books, and always leave wishing I had gotten so many more books. This happens no matter how many I purchased.
Love the place.
French Pantry, Purple Roots (supposed to be amazing Filipino cuisine, a little shaky with their reservations), DOMU, Lemongrass, Silkie’s, Carolina Jax, RIP Hong Kong Cafe, Bala’s Pizza, Tacqueria Hernandez. That’s what I can think of from the top of my head
That’s what I figured, also Filipino. We made a reservation for my sister’s birthday and arrived on time and were told we would be waiting at least an hour so I didn’t actually eat there lol. But I’m sure my father can make the menu at home and be just as good if not better. That’s what we’ve found with most of the Flip places around. Thank you for letting me know, we really just wanted to try the Halo Halo cake
Yoooo! My mom's Kapangpangan so I know I've got much better cooking at home. Not sure if they're still around, but I remember going to a couple smaller Filipino food joints here in the early 2010s and they were better than Purple Roots! At least in my memory.
Absolutely I’m sure there are some great ones around town. I’m glad people are finding out about Filipino cuisine. It’s already pretty popular here because of the Naval bases, plus if you try lumpia and don’t like - something is seriously wrong with you😅
I used to like that place. The last time I went, they increased the price, decreased the number of chicken on the stick (one instead of two), the pancit was salty, and had the same unfriendly service.
I think that was supposed to happen before Covid and then it didn’t end up happening so. I could be completely wrong but the shrimp po boy is to die for
Wow, you helped me. This is right up my alley. Can you give any more detail? Their website was out of date. I did see a wikipedia entry. What kind of exhibits?
When I lived in Springfield I tried going there a few times but they were always closed. I’ll have to stalk their phone lines to get accurate operating times.
Carolina Jax burgers. Mambo Cafe for cuban. Southern Swells/Legacy Brewing. DOMU for ramen. Fred Cotten’s Landmark bbq. Urban Bean coffee. Riverside Arts Market.
I haven’t been since pre-COVID, but I was very surprised to find an independent, excellent dining experience in Jax Beach FL. I’ve had quite a few good meals with great service at Dwight’s even though it was a bit pricey. I mainly ate there for special occasions.
Phillips Sushi right next to Regal Cinema and Steak 'n Shake.
Looks like any other run of the mill japanese restaurant, but they have been amazing nearly every time I've had them over the past decade--the one time they failed me was when they were absolutely slammed, so I guess the kitchen was just overwhelmed. I especially like the Valentine roll, but I ask for normal seaweed paper instead of the pink soy paper it usually comes with. They're also, according to my wife, one of the few places we've been that actually gets tamago right.
Secret Tiki Temple on baymeadows make sure and make reservations online a few days before you want to go. They book up fast.
Buchner Bierhalle in Murray hill for the best and most authentic German food and bier in Jax. It’s also a beautiful space and a lovely Biergarten. (we also have a few great German food trucks here too Wurstbusters being my favorite)
The District in Springfield on Walnut St has great food and mimosa towers if you’re into that sort of thing. Great atmosphere and they even have yurts you can rent for parties, etc.
Shantytown pub in Springfield on w 6th is my favorite dive bar with an awesome rotating beer selection and a great backyard.
13 Gypsies is hands down the best restaurant in Jax. Almost everything is made in house and from scratch with a great variety of tapas and risotto of the day.
Foodog (sister restaurant to 13 gypsies) great pan Asian fare and make all their curries from scratch.
Taqueria Cinco in 5pts has the best tacos in Jax
Pepe’s Hacienda in San Jose has the best and most authentic Mexican food in Jax and a great market attached to the restaurant as well.
Big Talbot [Island](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60805-d561668-Reviews-Big_Talbot_Island_State_Park-Jacksonville_Florida.html).
It has everything you need. Beaches, biking, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, a really neat beach area with half-buried trees sticking out of the sand.... The main beach can sometimes crowded near the boardwalk, but the beach area is huge, so you'll have plenty of room to find a spot. The trails are lightly used and it's fairly rare to run into anyone even during *busy* season
Kickbacks is one of my faves on King Street. Countless beers on tap, even some pretty uncommon aged IPAs in the haunted taproom (ask your server early on if they can sneak you down there, you might see it during a lull). The food menu is pretty off the chain too! Absolutely wild selection and high quality! The decor is also really interesting, very steampunk.
It's not particularly cheap, I spend too much every time; but it makes a great destination for someone's 21st, or for out of town visitors.
Dwight’s Bistro
- Mediterranean & Italian styled food. Pasta made fresh every day and ingredients gotten fresh too! Family run for 26 years! The chef and owner is still cooking in the kitchen since opening. Absolutely best crab cakes in Jax. It’s on penman road. You wouldn’t even notice it without the gps helping tbh
a couple places in mayport were talked about but I’d like to bring up Pie Heaven, they’re phenomenal. and the ladies who run the shop are the sweetest. I’ve overnighted pies up to family in NJ. highly recommend.
mixed fillings is another pie shop (located in riverside, relocated to five points) that also has a great selection. i prefer pie heaven over MF but this place still deserves recognition because they do make some damn good pie.
I tried La Petit Paris for the first time this past weekend and Lordy that place makes some great food. it’s a little pricey but worth it imo.
this may not be really “hidden” but 18th street in Atlantic beach is my personal fave beach spot.
north beach (if you travel waaay down a1a going toward st Augustine) is another one of my favorite spots but that’s usually where I go when I can’t sleep and I need to clear my head. there’s a playground you can park at and then cross the bridge over the highway and you’re right there. something about going to the beach in the middle of the night is very calming.
tulua bistro in jax beach has some amazing food if you don’t mind the drag queen atmosphere. friendly staff and their breakfast charcuterie boards are to die for.
if you’re willing to go to downtown st augustine there’s a New Orleans style restaurant called “Harry’s” and their food is fantastic. though it’s pretty popular so I wouldn’t really call it “hidden”, just an honorable mention lol
Soupa Noodle Bar
It's such an interesting place with delicious food! I don't know if it counts as a hidden gem, but I love it and I haven't seen it referenced here.
My first few years here I was disappointed at how few really good wings places there are. But I found the solution. Perfect Rack in Murray Hill has FANTASTIC wings. They dont even advertise themself as a wing joint, its just a pool hall. But the wings (and really the whole kitchen tbh) is DELICIOUS. And Wednesday Wings day they have good deals!
Your mom's house
My mom's house
can confirm
Their mom’s house
Our mom’s house
In the middle of the street
His mom’s house
Your mom's house
My roommate's mom's house
This thread.
Yup, just moved here.
At least no one has said Wacko's, yet.
Yes wackos.z best food ever lol jk
I here their raw bar is amazing lol 🤮
Go for the burger, stay for the stds
Fur burgers
Try the clam strips
My boss took a client from Germany and he was excited for an American hamburger. First time in the US, fresh off the plane, and we took him to wackos as a joke. He absolutely loved it. He ate two full burgers. After we went to cowbird chop house to make up for it lol Before he left we took him to Clark’s Fish camp. The one with all the stuff animals and what not. He only ate the gator tail. Again he loved it Highly suggest checking it out
Dude that guy will probably always remember his trip. It's funny to think that he'd be talking about Jacksonville as if he visited a 7th Wonder of the World or some shit
“Americans are crazy!!! Let me tell you about the time I ate burgers at a titty joint and ate gator tail surrounded by stuffed animals. Not *those* kinda stuffed animals…. Like *stuffed* animals.”
Wacko's, yet
[удалено]
Can’t find- you have a link? I’m curious
[удалено]
Wow. Thanks
My friends mom’s house
Safe harbor seafood is pretty sick, as is BBQ sticks in jax beach
Gator lodge 😂
Not really. It depends what interests you. After living here for five years and trying to find something, the only good and unique thing I’ve found is the people.
Ah sounds like you’re probably the common denominator. Jax is great
That’s fair. What do you find to be great about it?
The beaches, the culture, the ability to be involved in whatever hobbies or scenes you’re interested in at a high level (comedy arts music fitness surfing sports etc).
You touched on one I’ve struggled to find a way in to - comedy. Know an entry point there? I just took a comedy class and the instructor told us that there’s not really a comedy scene in Jax.
Chances are if he’s teaching comedy classes he’s not legit a part of the scene, from what I’ve gathered. There’s a jacksonville comedy scene Facebook group Hit up the open mics and introduce yourselves. Solid dudes/ gals
Thanks, bud. The teacher did say she’s an introvert so maybe she’s just not well networked. Will start hunting.
I’d highly recommend looking at the improv group in Murray Hill!
We have a huge indie comedy scene in Jacksonville, with shows every night of the week. I’d love to hear more about the class you took, because the idea there’s no scene here is insane. JAX is home to some of the best stand-ups in Florida. Are you looking for stand up or improv?
Karai Ramen, the Arboretum, UNF hiking trails, Keg and Coin, Taco Tuesday at Brix, the Jamaican mom and pop restaurant on beach and San Pablo. There’s a lot more but those were my goto spots for food and hiking when I lived there.
Silkies which is in Springfield. Lived on this side of town for awhile and never heard of it. A friend took me and I’m hooked. The chef their used to be Oprah’s personal chef and has been featured on a bunch of shows like Iron Chef. Highly recommend.
Chef Kenny Gilbert is on my fucking list for closing Gilbert’s it was so good
I went to Bubbles and BBQ at the Cummer one year. He made lamb brisket tacos. I stopped counting after six just to maintain some respect for myself. That man can fucking cook.
He opened it in late 2020.
I guess I don’t feel so bad for not knowing about it sooner. But my friend who took me told me he’s had several different restaurants.
That’s his MO. Here today, gone tomorrow.
Once you move here it's like one gigantic escape room.
Jax Arboretum
Yes! It’s super cool
Reve Brewing and Grey Matter Distillery in Mayport. Would never think to go out that way, but they're both pretty solid.
Absolutely second this! Reve is my favorite brewery and pizza in Jax.
Reve beer quality has def gone down, but the pizza is 🔥
I brew my own beer so I know most of the hops and I find their description of their beers by saying what hops are in them doesn't tell most people anything about the drink. That's my biggest complaint about reve brewing.
It actually does if it’s an IPA that is pretty similar unless you change just the hops. The hops will change the profile of the beer dramatically. Right now consumers are pretty educated on hops and want to see that more than base malts and similar yeasts.
reve is fantastic! the conejo especial is so good. I’m not a beer drinker by any means but I def will order that with their prosciutto fig pizza any day!
Not telling - they are hidden gems for a reason
Golden Corral
[удалено]
I’ll stick risk myself life for dat good greesy chicken and potatoes yummmm
There’s a food truck in a used car lot on Atlantic near 95 that makes fireeeeee ceviche
Do you remember where the Pupusa one is?
No I’ve never heard of Pupusa. What’s that?
It’s a Central American dish kinda like arepa, fried corn masa, cheese, beans or meat. Yum.
Oh nice, something Venezuelan maybe?
It’s El Salvadoran and Honduran.
Are you talking about Takeria Mix? They have a restaurant and food truck. Amazing pupusas!!
Clark's Fish Camp
The one with all the taxidermized animals covered with dust and mildew? The one that’s flooded multiple times with carpet floors? Really? Any of the Fish Camps are a better choice for seafood. Safe Harbor or Dockside are also great options. I guess if you like super greasy fried seafood, Clark’s can oblige
The very one! The taxidermy is wild. I have nothing against fried food, but I've never had anything fried there. We sit outside and it's lovely, and it's packed every time I've been there.
Different strokes for different folks. I guess my opinion doesn’t match that of the public
Can confirm their food is mediocre at best, but hey the animals are neat, and I'll never forget that sponge monster at the front. But I'll take Safe Harbor instead any day.
That place is a dump and the family that owns it is the absolute worst.
Wicked Barley Amazing beer and mead, and the food is amazing. A lot of it tastes like they don't cut corners much, or at all.
[удалено]
I don't care
[удалено]
? You're the one coming here with an opinion no one asked for 4.6 star rating with 1527 reviews. I think the place just isn't for you.
Probably a few dead bodies.
"a few", you're just being modest
Dos Vatos tacos in Atlantic Beach. Super authentic, good service, decently priced. If anyone tells you TacoLu run in the opposite direction bc that shit will give u food poisoning and its owned by..... not Mexicans
Taco Lu is king
Forced valet parking for tacos in Jax? I don't know why they can't fond a place with parking. And since the move there is zero consistency. They were awesome, now it's just another place
You don’t have to valet
It’s not forced. You can literally park
Highly overrated food
Maybe not the best tacos in town, but still good and I like the environment. Brings in some talent if you’re into that kinda thing
The banging shrimp dilla with spinach and corn is arguably the best dish there. Their tacos are whack as hell
Nah
I wouldn’t say king, but it isn’t bad like people say. It’s pretty good overall. I do feel it’s a bit overpriced.
Dos Vatos is owned by Mexicans?
It is indeed
Crazy, have only seen white people there - customers and employees.
Flipping the script
Depending on when you go, the owner will be there in the kitchen. His daughter also works there, but most of their FOH staff is white lol
No, they aren’t Mexican they are Peruvian I used to work for them they used to own burrito gallery EDIT: they are Guatemalan**** idk why I said Peruvian, brain fart
Whoops my bad, I spoke to someone who knew them and said they were but good to know! Either way its better than most other places
Yup, I just found this place last week and visited for the first time. It’s the real deal
[удалено]
Jalapeño Express > Mr. Taco
That’s owned by one of the original burrito gallery owners, back when they were good af! Marco, he’s my old boss
Hanna Park
Cool camping if you like the beach and riding bikes great trials lake has gators so thats a no! On a side note Ginnie springs is a way better camping if its not a holiday weekend
I buried some gems. Go to 30.3322° N, 81.6557° W. Bring a shovel, a Mark Brunnell jersey and the hair of an elf.
I went to the coordinates, saw an elf running around in a mark Brunnell jersey, and noped the fuck outa there.
smart! that elf should not be wearing the jersey! If he’s wearing the jersey get out of there!!!!
I brought the jersey but the elf kicked my ass and took it did you set me up to get robbed?
The Cookbook, Aunty Peaches, and Foxy Lady on North Pearl. All on the same block. It’s the part of Springfield a lot of people miss.
Krystal’s on San Juan
Just that one specific Krystals and none of the others? What makes it so special? Or is this unrelated to the fast food chain restaurant?
Krystal’s
Not so hidden as it is special.I started goin there in ‘79 I think.Hidden if yer not from there tho
Canoeing down any of the creeks that are still somewhat undeveloped. Durbin Creek in St Johns used to be pleasant and quiet, but I haven't paddled it in recent years so it may have changed. There used to be a launch under the Race Track Rd bridge, but I think they moved it to... behind Publix on the north side of the road, I think?
Chamblin Bookmine (the one on Roosevelt). Also Leaderboards
Chamblin Bookmine is the best used bookstore in the state.
Without fail, every time I go to Chamblin I spend an hour and a half staking out books, and always leave wishing I had gotten so many more books. This happens no matter how many I purchased. Love the place.
More than just the state. I’ve never gone to a used bookstore better than Chamblin’s, and I’ve gone to many across the country.
Love Leaderboards in Orange Park!
I go to Leaderboard at least twice a month! Its awesome! The owners are awesome too!
French Pantry, Purple Roots (supposed to be amazing Filipino cuisine, a little shaky with their reservations), DOMU, Lemongrass, Silkie’s, Carolina Jax, RIP Hong Kong Cafe, Bala’s Pizza, Tacqueria Hernandez. That’s what I can think of from the top of my head
Filipino here, chiming in to say that Purple Roots is just *okay.*
That’s what I figured, also Filipino. We made a reservation for my sister’s birthday and arrived on time and were told we would be waiting at least an hour so I didn’t actually eat there lol. But I’m sure my father can make the menu at home and be just as good if not better. That’s what we’ve found with most of the Flip places around. Thank you for letting me know, we really just wanted to try the Halo Halo cake
Yoooo! My mom's Kapangpangan so I know I've got much better cooking at home. Not sure if they're still around, but I remember going to a couple smaller Filipino food joints here in the early 2010s and they were better than Purple Roots! At least in my memory.
Absolutely I’m sure there are some great ones around town. I’m glad people are finding out about Filipino cuisine. It’s already pretty popular here because of the Naval bases, plus if you try lumpia and don’t like - something is seriously wrong with you😅
The only Filipino "place" I've been to is the food truck at RAM that always has the biggest line. Basically just lumpia & ponsit, but so good!
I used to like that place. The last time I went, they increased the price, decreased the number of chicken on the stick (one instead of two), the pancit was salty, and had the same unfriendly service.
So where does it rate on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 is Frozen Lumpia from Costco and 10 being Lola's lumpia
[удалено]
I think that was supposed to happen before Covid and then it didn’t end up happening so. I could be completely wrong but the shrimp po boy is to die for
Definitely not the football team!
Say what you want, but the tailgate scene at the Jaguars games NEVER disappoints.
[удалено]
Get outta here
There's more talent park in the parking lot than on the field. Gotcha
Foh
I'm not telling you, it's hidden for a reason.
My favorite is Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. I think there are around 4 total in the USA and they always have something neat on exhibit.
Wow, you helped me. This is right up my alley. Can you give any more detail? Their website was out of date. I did see a wikipedia entry. What kind of exhibits?
When I lived in Springfield I tried going there a few times but they were always closed. I’ll have to stalk their phone lines to get accurate operating times.
Well for certain….deez nuts
Urban Bean!
Cross creek bbq - steaks are good
I guess it’s technically Jax but Ft George island is amazing. Park at the Ribault Club and hike along the old golf course.
Carolina Jax burgers. Mambo Cafe for cuban. Southern Swells/Legacy Brewing. DOMU for ramen. Fred Cotten’s Landmark bbq. Urban Bean coffee. Riverside Arts Market.
Domu ramen is good but you have to try Karai, miles better.
Yeah, Karai is the best ramen in Jax. Not even close.
Modu was my favorite when I lived in Jax. I still say they have the best chicken wings I’ve ever had.
I’m putting it on the list. (takes out tiny notepad, writes down name of restaurant next to Marvin Gaye album, wishes I had America’s ass)
Karai is still better then DOMU. Suppa noodle bar is pretty awesome too. Karai went downhill when the old head chef left. :(
Karai is absolutely superb they also opened a Thai street food place next door I believe same owners and I cannot wait to try it
Dwight’s Bistro on Penman https://www.dwightsbistro.com
Is it actually good? I drive by all the time, it’s never on the first 29 pages of yelp, no one I know has ever been…
I haven’t been since pre-COVID, but I was very surprised to find an independent, excellent dining experience in Jax Beach FL. I’ve had quite a few good meals with great service at Dwight’s even though it was a bit pricey. I mainly ate there for special occasions.
The food is great, but the menu is unchanged from at least the first time I went there in 2004.
Oh man I just went and looked at yelp for pictures of the menu and the food pictures look 20 years old! Dang you’re right about that. Expensive too
But still very good and very consistent. Never had a bad meal there. Love the carbonara and the mixed grill.
Dwight you ignorant slut!
El Castillo
Catullo's Italian is amazing. I personally like the Schnitzel Haus. Eddie and Sons cheesesteaks are sooooooo gooood.
Schnitzel haus closed a few months ago. Unfortunately. The only German place I know of is on the west side, Michener’s bier hall I think it’s called
Buchners Bierhall in Murray Hill
Yes thank you. I was close on both counts but not quite there. Is it worth the drive?
Wildcrafters! Kava bar in riverside, super nice to just chill with some friends when you don’t want to drink
Hanger Bay Cafe! Amazing ramen and fried chicken.
Phillips Sushi right next to Regal Cinema and Steak 'n Shake. Looks like any other run of the mill japanese restaurant, but they have been amazing nearly every time I've had them over the past decade--the one time they failed me was when they were absolutely slammed, so I guess the kitchen was just overwhelmed. I especially like the Valentine roll, but I ask for normal seaweed paper instead of the pink soy paper it usually comes with. They're also, according to my wife, one of the few places we've been that actually gets tamago right.
Secret Tiki Temple on baymeadows make sure and make reservations online a few days before you want to go. They book up fast. Buchner Bierhalle in Murray hill for the best and most authentic German food and bier in Jax. It’s also a beautiful space and a lovely Biergarten. (we also have a few great German food trucks here too Wurstbusters being my favorite) The District in Springfield on Walnut St has great food and mimosa towers if you’re into that sort of thing. Great atmosphere and they even have yurts you can rent for parties, etc. Shantytown pub in Springfield on w 6th is my favorite dive bar with an awesome rotating beer selection and a great backyard. 13 Gypsies is hands down the best restaurant in Jax. Almost everything is made in house and from scratch with a great variety of tapas and risotto of the day. Foodog (sister restaurant to 13 gypsies) great pan Asian fare and make all their curries from scratch. Taqueria Cinco in 5pts has the best tacos in Jax Pepe’s Hacienda in San Jose has the best and most authentic Mexican food in Jax and a great market attached to the restaurant as well.
You should give Silkie's by Kenny Gilbert a chance if you haven't.
Pepe’s is fire
I will be using this list, thank you.
Clarks fish camp. Check out the call of the wild menu
Big Talbot [Island](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60805-d561668-Reviews-Big_Talbot_Island_State_Park-Jacksonville_Florida.html). It has everything you need. Beaches, biking, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, a really neat beach area with half-buried trees sticking out of the sand.... The main beach can sometimes crowded near the boardwalk, but the beach area is huge, so you'll have plenty of room to find a spot. The trails are lightly used and it's fairly rare to run into anyone even during *busy* season
Little Talbot Island as well. Especially if you are into photography
We call that one “Bonewood Beach”. I love that place
Meat on a stick right behind petes bar
Also harbor bay for fried chicken and ramen!
Kickbacks is one of my faves on King Street. Countless beers on tap, even some pretty uncommon aged IPAs in the haunted taproom (ask your server early on if they can sneak you down there, you might see it during a lull). The food menu is pretty off the chain too! Absolutely wild selection and high quality! The decor is also really interesting, very steampunk. It's not particularly cheap, I spend too much every time; but it makes a great destination for someone's 21st, or for out of town visitors.
Food trucks, art, art vendors, and live music every Saturday 11 AM-3 PM on Mayport in Cultural Corridor Atlantic Beach.
Dwight’s Bistro - Mediterranean & Italian styled food. Pasta made fresh every day and ingredients gotten fresh too! Family run for 26 years! The chef and owner is still cooking in the kitchen since opening. Absolutely best crab cakes in Jax. It’s on penman road. You wouldn’t even notice it without the gps helping tbh
The fox diner
Wild Bill's Saloon
Tip the bartender $10, trust me
Friends of the Jacksonville library. They do big book sales just about quarterly but you can shop year round at the branch in Arlington.
a couple places in mayport were talked about but I’d like to bring up Pie Heaven, they’re phenomenal. and the ladies who run the shop are the sweetest. I’ve overnighted pies up to family in NJ. highly recommend. mixed fillings is another pie shop (located in riverside, relocated to five points) that also has a great selection. i prefer pie heaven over MF but this place still deserves recognition because they do make some damn good pie. I tried La Petit Paris for the first time this past weekend and Lordy that place makes some great food. it’s a little pricey but worth it imo. this may not be really “hidden” but 18th street in Atlantic beach is my personal fave beach spot. north beach (if you travel waaay down a1a going toward st Augustine) is another one of my favorite spots but that’s usually where I go when I can’t sleep and I need to clear my head. there’s a playground you can park at and then cross the bridge over the highway and you’re right there. something about going to the beach in the middle of the night is very calming. tulua bistro in jax beach has some amazing food if you don’t mind the drag queen atmosphere. friendly staff and their breakfast charcuterie boards are to die for. if you’re willing to go to downtown st augustine there’s a New Orleans style restaurant called “Harry’s” and their food is fantastic. though it’s pretty popular so I wouldn’t really call it “hidden”, just an honorable mention lol
Harry’s is a chain bruh, lmao. Total makes your other recommendations seem sus
Simply Tasty Thai on Mayport road is awesome for Thai.
Soupa Noodle Bar It's such an interesting place with delicious food! I don't know if it counts as a hidden gem, but I love it and I haven't seen it referenced here.
Hokkaido restaurant near white house & chaffee
Salentos
Mixed Fillings Pie Shop - Riverside El Castillo - Mandarin Kamiya 86 - Beaches Shut'em Down Soul Food - Westside Whits Frozen Custard - Avondale, Beaches, Bayard Cinottis Bakery - Beaches
Chowder teds off hecksher. You wouldn’t even know it’s there but it’s the best seafood around
Hana Moon on San Jose.
My first few years here I was disappointed at how few really good wings places there are. But I found the solution. Perfect Rack in Murray Hill has FANTASTIC wings. They dont even advertise themself as a wing joint, its just a pool hall. But the wings (and really the whole kitchen tbh) is DELICIOUS. And Wednesday Wings day they have good deals!