EACH YEAR, THOUSANDS OF BALLOTS are cast in our annual
Best in Jax readers poll, supplying us with personal preferences for everything from local hair salons and shoe stores to barbecue joints
and food trucks. Featured on the following pages are more than
100 winners for 2019—our readers’ local go-tos for everything from
fitness to fashion to food.

photos by Agnes Lopez

Eat

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Eat

TACOS
TacoLu
The fact that you can select an assortment of tacos at this Jax Beach favorite takes the stress out of ordering. The menu has stellar options, but the daily specials (which typically include a blackened scallop,
catch of the day, and ahi tuna taco) are always worth a try. All tacos are available gluten-free and
can even be wrapped in lettuce instead of a tortilla.

BURRITOS

Burrito Gallery

This casual eatery with locations in Jax Beach, Downtown and Riverside takes the humble handheld and elevates it with proteins like marinated tofu, grilled veggies and blackened shrimp. The other fillings are pretty traditional (rice, beans, lettuce cheese), but don’t sleep on the sides of coleslaw that accompany all entreés.

GOURMET BURGER
M Shack
You really can’t go wrong with
a classic M Shack burger, made of house-ground beef patties and standard toppings: lettuce, tomato, American cheese,
and Shack sauce. But there
are more creative options worth trying, too. The portobello
truffle burger, for instance, tops
a beef patty with bacon, basil pesto, tomato, smoked gouda, balsamic glaze and truffle portobello duxelles.
We’ll take two.

SANDWICHES
The Bread & Board
This fast-casual eatery in Five Points lands somewhere between fine dining and easy-going sandwich shop. The atmosphere is casual but the menu—everything is homemade, from the breads to the condiments—is altogether gourmet. Try the smoked sweet tea turkey sandwich with jalapeño-apple jam, apple-cheese slaw and mustard aioli on a sourdough roll.

BBQ RIBS
The Bearded Pig
Fall-off-the-bone and smoked for hours, the ribs at this San Marco joint have made a mark on the local ‘cue scene. Bearded Pig dishes out spare ribs in fourth, half and full racks— or, for those who just want a taste, the menu also offers “just one rib.” But why order only one?

PORK BELLY

Gilbert’s Social

At Gilbert’s Social, pork belly is cooked until it gets that crispy, burnt ends-like texture that makes it so addictive. The Southside establishment smokes it before serving it with copious amounts of sweet tomato molasses, pickled pineapple, and scallions.

BBQ CHICKEN
Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q
“If you don’t see a pit, it ain’t legit.” That’s the motto of this long-time Jacksonville establishment, which has been smoking meats since 1949 at its landmark Beach Boulevard location. Today, it has dozens of local outlets, and remains a favorite for chicken—served either on Texas Toast or by itself.

PULLED PORK
Mojo BBQ
Regardless of which of Mojo’s four locations you stop at, you’ll smell it before you see it. The pulled pork shoulder—marinated in Carolina vinegar and smoked for hours—is tops among readers for its subtle flavor, which doesn’t overwhelm the taste of sauce or bread, should you opt for a sandwich.

STEAKHOUSE
The Tree Steakhouse
Opened in 1969, this Mandarin mainstay (which recently re-branded to ChopHouse 13) continues to check all the boxes of a proper steakhouse: a stellar shrimp cocktail, crunchy wedge salad drizzled with bleu cheese and the requisite beef: filet, bone-in ribeyes, New York strip… the list goes on.

WINGS
V Pizza
V’s wings (now available in four area locations) has as loyal a following as its pies. These aren’t your standard Buffalo wings—instead, they’re marinated in a signature blend of citrus and herbs, charred in a pizza oven, and hit with a generous dose of caramelized onions.

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Vernon's
Red Velvet Pancakes

BRUNCH
Vernon’s First Coast Kitchen & Bar
Though it’s housed in the sprawling Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Vernon’s manages to be light-filled and cheerful. At brunch, hungry diners head to the buffet to pile their plates with everything from steak to grits. The buffet features all the trimmings for lox and bagels, along with pancakes and vats of warm maple syrup, fresh fruits, pastries and jars of homemade jams. Rounding out the experience are specialty beverages and even an interactive Kid’s Corner—i.e., something to please everyone.

BREAKFAST
Metro Diner
This beloved neighborhood haunt (now with eight area locations) boasts one of the best family-friendly
meals in town. The menu is packed with tasty dishes that are simple enough to accommodate a kid’s
palate, like pancakes, along with items that net acclaim from adult diners (the fried chicken and waffles,
or instance, have a devoted following).

RAW BAR
The Fish Company
This bustling Neptune Beach spot offers fish broiled, blackened, grilled and fried—
but it’s the raw bar in the
center of the restaurant
that continues to draw
locals’ attention. Here,
diners will find any
number of fruits of the sea,
from oysters to lobsters, to be served poached, steamed or as simply as possible: in the raw. The 21-and-older set will appreciate the oyster shooters while the half-shell oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp and whole dungeness crab will please just about anyone.

SEAFOOD & SEAFOOD MARKET
Safe Harbor
The best kind of seafood restaurant is one all about abundance, plenty of libations and eating with your hands.
Safe Harbor has all of the
above in spades, serving
hearty platters of battered shrimp, broiled scallops and
fish tacos. There are two locations (one in Mayport and one in Jax Beach) and both are on the water. In Mayport, an on-site seafood market (which will soon move to the massive warehouse space across the street) offers fresh- from-the-boat filets, whole fish and shellfish to take home.

FISH & CHIPS

Whitey’s Fish Camp

The fish and chips basket is a perennial favorite at this waterfront Orange Park mainstay and served with crispy potato chips, hush puppies and a slice of lemon. Add a dash of malt vinegar for the true fish and chips experience.

FRIED SHRIMP
Singleton’s
Seafood Shack
We often take shrimp for granted around these parts.
But when battered and deep-fried, the humble crustacean takes on a whole new—pleasantly crispy, while still plump—identity. The fried shrimp being dished out in the kitchen at Singleton’s—a weathered, waterside building in Mayport—are as good as they come, and served no-frills.Add coleslaw, hush puppies and fries for the full fish camp experience.

OYSTERS
Orsay
Though Florida oysters are just fine, sometimes shellfish lovers crave something sweeter, brinier, or saltier—that’s where Orsay steps in, curating a well-rounded selection of bi-valves each night. Diners can expect everything from cold-water, Washington state Kumamamotos to rich, plump Fanny Bays from British Columbia. All are served raw, on the half shell, with plenty of house-made cocktail sauce, fresh horseradish and a shallot-heavy mignonette.

FISH SANDWICH
Salt Life Food Shack
There is little more that
is as quint- essentially
Florida as a grouper
sandwich eaten on a
sunny day. Even better
when the unassuming
sandwich happens to
be delicious. Breaded
and pan-sautéed, the
Boca-style grouper
sandwich at Salt Life is
just that, and comes
topped with all
the fixins’: crunchy
lettuce, juicy tomatoes, avocado and a drizzle
of Key lime sauce.

SUSHI
Kamiya 86
Among the givens at this Jacksonville Beach sushi bar: attentive service, a buzzy atmosphere and spectacular sushi. There are the standard rolls and hand rolls, of course (California, spicy tuna, etc.) but the more unique options draw the most attention from readers. The Angel Hair Roll comes with eel, asparagus and avocado, all wrapped in crabmeat and accented with masago.

HIBACHI
Wasabi
The hibachi dining that rose to popularity in the 1990s has lost none of its appeal in the intervening years. Turns out, people still like meats, veggies and rice cooked in front of them on a Japanese grill and presented with much fanfare. St. Johns Town Center’s Wasabi offers all the favorites: stir-fried veggies, shrimp, chicken and steak entreés and a variety of meat combinations.

RAMEN

Crane Ramen

The thing to order at Crane—a jewel box of a restaurant in the heart of Five Points—is the hearty Japanese soup brimming with noodles in a flavorful broth. Of course, deciding which ramen to order isn’t easy. There’s the dashi- and soy-heavy Shoyu, or the ginger-scented Paitan 2.0. Or the pork-broth flavored Tonkotsu. Each come with all of the requisite toppings: noodles, a boiled egg, and a sheet of dried seaweed.

PAD THAI

Blue Orchid

Pad Thai blends together the best of Thai cuisine: the funky, the sweet, and the spicy. Blue Orchid’s version is as classic as they come with rice noodles, tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, fried tofu, and egg—plus a mound of crushed peanuts and green onions for garnish.

CHINESE DUMPLINGS

Blue Bamboo

This Southside establishment is known for its modern takes on classic dishes. When it comes to dumplings, this yields classics (pork potstickers, veggie spring rolls) plus more unusual dishes, such as panko-cheese tomato dumplings. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the little morsels is during Dim Sum Sundays for à la carte service of shumai, turnip cakes, shrimp dumplings and pineapple buns.

INDIAN

India’s Restaurant

Tucked into a nondescript strip mall on Baymeadows Road, what India’s lacks in pizzazz it more than makes up for in flavor. Lunch or dinner here ticks all the right boxes: fritters, chutneys, crisp wafers with yogurt. The tandoor specialties—like chicken tikka in yogurt sauce with fresh garlic, ginger, and ground spices—are reason enough for a visit. The flavorful curries are reasons to come back.

FRENCH FRIES

South Kitchen + Spirits

South Kitchen + Spirits’ shoestring fries are consistently delish on their own but add a smattering of
parmesan cheese and truffle oil and the dish becomes altogether grown-up. Another option? The pimento cheese-queso fries topped, if you wish, with crispy bacon.

KID-FRIENDLY

Mellow Mushroom

Kids are consistently fascinated with the bright, trippy decor at any of this pizza chain’s five Jax locations. In addition to the atmosphere, kids have the option to build their own pizzas and eat brownies as big as their heads. Who wants to sit in the fire engine?

FOOD TRUCK

The Happy Grilled Cheese

Sometimes, being overly cheesy is a good thing—as is the case with the Happy Grilled Cheese, a
food truck turning out griddled sandwiches stuffed with (you guessed it) cheesy goodness. The menu
goes well beyond the childhood favorite, with offerings like the No Hangover melt made with three
cheeses, mac and cheese, pulled pork, slaw and pickles.

DINE ALFRESCO

Black Sheep

The rooftop at this Five Points establishment is suitable for all types of weather as it includes fireplaces and blankets for chilly days or expandable overhead covers for the wet days. The menu is gourmet with a Southern bent, and rife with locally sourced seafood to farm-raised beef burgers and killer cocktails.

WATER VIEW

Cap’s on the Water

While the cuisine at Cap’s on the Water is great, the view of the water might just beat it for first place. The restaurant sits right on the Tolomato River in between Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine with an outdoor dining deck and connected dock providing gorgeous panoramas.

POWER LUNCH

Bellwether

Located near the center of Downtown and Hemming Park, this is the fail-safe move to make when grabbing a quick bite with coworkers or noshing over a work deal. Expect elevated
lunch fare and small plates like
a pear and goat cheese salad
or poutine with house-
smoked meats.

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VEGETARIAN

True Food Kitchen

One of the latest dining options to the St. Johns Town Center, True Food turns out veg-heavy menu of dishes like dashi ramen, inside out quinoa burgers, butternut squash pizza and much more.

NEW RESTAURANT

Coop 303

The newest addition to the Atlantic Beach Town Center melds modern cuisine with old-fashioned favorites. In other words, expect sophisticated takes on Southern classics, like herb roasted chicken with collard greens and truffle grits, crispy skin salmon and chicken and waffles with datil pepper jelly, onion jam and maple crema.

GLUTEN-FREE

Sweet Theory

This small-but-mighty Riverside bakery specializes in making delicious treats like cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes and more, sans gluten. Arrive early so you can get their treats with no worries of them being sold out (which happens... a lot).

GOURMET MARKET

Fresh Market

Sure, it offers the standard brands of potato chips and cereal—but where the Fresh Market really excels is in its ready-made meals, sushi bar and aisles of hard-to-find ingredients (snow crab ramen base or smoked soy sauce, anyone?). The “gourmet” feel extends even to the ambiance, rife with the sounds of classical music and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

NATURAL FOODS

Native Sun Natural Foods Market

A one-stop-shop for fresh and local produce, ready-made foods, and all the organic products you could ask for, Native Sun is a Jax pioneer in the locavore movement. Now with three locations (in Mandarin, Baymeadows and the Beach), it’s more convenient than ever to stock up on local honey, meat, bread and veggies—and grab a smoothie and tofu reuben while you’re at it.

BUTCHER SHOP

Cline’s Custom Meats

The staff at this San Marco butcher is well-informed and passionate about their craft, always happy to provide recommendations or offer tips on proper cooking techniques. The draw is, of course, the cuts of meat but you’ll also find duck fat, gourmet butters, seasonings, a small selection of produce, and cut-to-order lunch meats. Try the pastrami. Trust us.

CHEESE SHOP

Grater Goods

Grater Goods owner Jennifer Harvey is passionate about cheese, her eyes widening when discussing a goes-with-anything cheddar or a particularly funky stilton. Naturally, Harvey’s Murray Hill shop is full of wheels of cheese and slices of charcuterie, but it’s also well stocked with accompaniments, like jams, spreads and crackers.

PREPARED FOODS

Kathy’s Table

After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease back in 1994, Kathy Godwin was determined to not let her illness slow her down by eating right and staying healthy. Today, her namesake company offers different meal plans for those looking to gain muscle, stay lean or just eat healthier.

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CHEESE BOARD

Taverna

There are cheese boards and then there are cheese boards. Taverna’s falls in the latter category and overflows with your choice of cheese and charcuterie (selections change daily), along with all the accompaniments—grainy mustard, briny gherkins, marcona almonds, dried fruits and a pot of honey.

BREAD / BAKERY

The French Pantry

One taste of the cheesy loaves of foccacia, crunchy baguettes and crave-worthy slices of cake more than justifies the hype and no- reservations policy at French Pantry. If you manage to brave the lunch rush (our tip: arrive early, around 11 AM), bruschetta is the thing to
order but no matter what you eat for lunch, you’ll

PASTA

Caffé Andiamo

The menu at this long-standing Ponte Vedra restaurant revolves around perfectly prepped Italian pastas, crispy pizzas cooked in a copper-clad oven, and meat-centric main dishes. The ambiance is nice enough for a special occasion, though Andiamo is still the type of place you could split a few pies with friends and family.

SMALL PLATES

Town Hall

Arguably the best reason to come to this intimate restaurant in the heart of San Marco is for the small plates, which are inventive but still manage to please most palates. You really can’t beat the duck fat cornbread, crispy brussels sprouts or truffle-laced grilled cheese.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

Aqua Grill

The vibe at Ponte Vedra’s Aqua Grill is akin to a neighborhood bar, thanks to a friendly waitstaff and bartenders who know all the regulars’ names. That doesn’t take away from its top-notch menu, clubby interior, or attentive servers. It’s also the kind of place that just about everyone will enjoy, with a menu that runs that gamut from comfortable and hearty (boneless pork chops, eggplant parmesan) to light and inventive (Lebanese grilled salmon with lump crab falafel).

Drink, Indulge & Mingle

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Drink, Indulge & Mingle

BEER MENU &
LATE-NIGHT NOSH

Kickbacks Gastropub

A highlight of the bar district along King Street, Kickbacks’ beer menu features more than 200 draughts and over 1,000 bottles (stored in an infamous cellar only a few lucky patrons have had the pleasure to step into). Open 7 AM-3 AM everyday, Kickbacks also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu stocked with dishes that pair well with a slight buzz. One fluffernutter sandwich, please.

CRAFT BREWERY

Intuition Ale Works

Originally opened in 2010 in Riverside, Intuition Ale Works has relocated Downtown to a massive taproom with rooftop beer garden, food from BLK SHP @ Intuition, and more than doubled its production capacity. Mainstay brews include I-10 IPA and Jon Boat Coastal Ale.

DISTILLERY

Manifest Distilling

Manifest is crafting vodka, gin, rye, and whiskey in the shadow of Veterans Memorial Arena.

While all of their offerings are

easy to drink, standouts include

the Florida Citrus Vodka and

the Barreled Gin, aged in

whiskey barrels.

BEER GARDEN

Wicked Barley Brewing Company

Nestled into the bank of Goodby’s Creek in Baymeadows, Wicked Barley has a large outdoor space outfitted with picnic tables, yard games, adirondack chairs, and a dock for those who prefer to travel by boat. Servers assist the picnic tables on the patio, bringing cold beers and warm plates of food, or head to the outdoor cart and order one of the select beers on tap right there in the garden.

JUICE BAR

Nekter Juice Bar

This Jax Beach juice bar has a plethora of juiced fruits and veggies for those interested in a full detox or a light pick-me-up. Get an entire day’s serving of fruits and veggies in one of their Fusion Blends, such as the Tropical Cooler with spinach, kale, pineapple, banana, coconut butter, and coconut water.

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WINE SELECTION

Royal Palm Village
Wine & Tapas

It might be overwhelming to choose from one of Royal Palm’s 1,200 bottles of wine, but the staff is happy to assist in narrowing it down. Grab a bottle to-go or drink one in the on-site tapas restaurant.

AFTER WORK DRINKS

& COCKTAILS

Sidecar

San Marco’s Sidecar delivers cocktails the old-fashioned way (get it?), the bartenders shaking up fizzes and mai tais or simply popping open a bottle of beer and pouring a hearty shot. The specialty cocktail menu changes every few months, and patrons never have to drink on an empty stomach, as V Pizza shares the space and is happy to bring a meatball sub right to the bar.

HOTEL BAR

One Ocean Resort & Spa

An evening spent sipping a cocktail at One Ocean may as well be considered a mini vacation thanks to oceanfront views, creative beverages, and upscale, under the sea decor. Try the Bikini Martini, a house favorite with blueberries, mint, and lime.

IRISH PUB

Culhane’s Irish Pub

Tucked into a strip center in Atlantic Beach, Culhane’s Irish Pub channels the Emerald Isle. It’s a family operation run by three Irish sisters and serves all the classics of their motherland: Shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and bangers n’ mash.

JUICE BAR

Nekter Juice Bar

This Jax Beach juice bar has a plethora of juiced fruits and veggies for those interested in a full detox or a light pick-me-up. Get an entire day’s serving of fruits and veggies in one of their Fusion Blends, such as the Tropical Cooler with spinach, kale, pineapple, banana, coconut butter, and coconut water.

COMEDY SPOT

Comedy Zone

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. Turns out, that dimension is comedy, and the best place to catch an act that makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts is Comedy Zone, located off San Jose Boulevard. To accompany the show there are drinks and snacks—a popular order being a bucket of beer and corn dog poppers.

TRIVIA NIGHT

European Street Cafe

Jaxons forming teams and conquering trivia night head to European Street for the best game in town. The questions tend to cover everything from science to pop culture, with past categories including “Famous Facial Hair,” “Are You Freaking Kidding Me?” “#winning” and “Oops!” Mondays in Riverside, Tuesdays at Beach Blvd., and Thursdays at Jax Beach and San Marco.

SPORTS BAR

Sneakers Sports Grille

Every seat in Sneakers has a view of a tv, making it an ideal place to catch an event, whether it be football, NASCAR, or UFC. The menu is filled with classic eat-with-your-hands grub, such as ribs, nachos, wings, and burgers, while the bar serves both liquor and beer in large, chilled steins.

BILLIARDS

Pete’s Bar

Pete’s Bar has been a neighborhood watering hole in Atlantic Beach for more than 85 years. There’s cigarette smoke to the ceiling and cheap drinks lining the bar, but it’s not a night at Pete’s without a round of pool. There’s plenty of tables and it’s still only 25 cents a round— making it easy for the loser to demand a rematch.

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LIVE MUSIC CLUB

Blue Jay Listening Room

An intimate music venue in Jax Beach, Blue Jay Listening Room is everything one wants from a concert—uninterrupted, up-close and personal. Upcoming shows include Brett Bass & The Melted Plectrum, Bobby Lee Rogers Trio, and Cory Kilgannon.

LIVE THEATRE

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

The Alhambra takes dinner and a show seriously, putting on Broadway caliber productions accompanied by three-course meals that work with the theme of the show. This month the theatre stages the musical Ain’t Misbehavin’, while the kitchen turns out pork ribeye steak, chicken and dumplings, fried flounder, and bbq jackfruit.

FIRST DATE

River & Post

River & Post in Riverside checks off all the first date boxes, whether the date includes dinner or just some drinks. Dining options include truffled steak tartare and raw oysters, and the drinks run the gamut from sparkling wine to a mezcal and vermouth cocktail. The view from the rooftop bar adds a touch of romance, too.

DATE NIGHT

Eleven South

Sometimes couples just need to turn off Netflix, get up from the couch, and go out on a proper date. A go-to for our readers is Eleven South in Jax Beach, which provides an upscale vibe perfect for a night connecting with a loved one. Share some apps, like mussels or escargot, opt for entrees you just wouldn’t run into on a typical night out, (think paella or crispy duck confit), and finish with a chocolate tartlet. Two spoons, please.

BAKESHOP / PASTRY

Cinotti’s Bakery

While it’s hard to go wrong with any-thing on the daily-changing menu at this Jacksonville Beach institution, the cookies and cakes are an automatic favorite. Come fall, expect a line out the door as the kitchen begins offering its popular pumpkin donuts.

CAKES

Biscotti’s

Perennially crowd-pleasing, the dessert case at Biscotti’s houses all manner of sweet treats, from cakes to bread puddings. Desserts are towering affairs, meant to be shared (though no one will judge if you order a slice for yourself).

PIE

Pie Heaven

Bakery Cafe

Chocolate custard, classic pecan, triple berry and apple pies all beckon from the case at this Mayport bakery. The specialty

is all things sweet though savory options (like quiche Lorraine

and shepherd’s pie) are

available, too.

COFFEE SHOP

Bold Bean Coffee Roasters

With locations in Riverside, San Marco, and Jax Beach, Bold Bean is known for exotic beans and seasonal syrups. To really taste the flavors of the bean, opt for a drip coffee, or go light

and refreshing and try a sparkling Americano.

CHOCOLATE

Peterbrooke Chocolatier

Everything at Peterbrooke’s 15 area locations is handmade and delicious. The chocolate-covered popcorn has arguably the most loyal following, but don’t pass on the hand-dipped potato chips, Oreos and graham crackers.

ICE CREAM

Whit’s Frozen Custard

There’s no dearth of ice cream shops in sunny Florida, but high-quality, old-fashioned custard is still difficult to

get a hold of. Enter

Whit’s, which churns a mix

of cream, eggs and sugar

that’s richer than the

standard ice cream. Flavors are standard—vanilla, chocolate, and flavor of the day—but mix-ins run the gamut from Spanish peanuts to gummy worms and cookie dough.

DONUTS

The Mini Bar

Mini Bar’s treats are a third the size of a typical donut, making it dangerously easy to eat multiple varieties in one sitting. Signature flavors include s’more, birthday cake and fruity pebbles.

COOKIES

Maddy D’s

The gourmet cookies at Maddy D’s are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Available in a variety of shapes (including corporate logos and names), each is hand-cut and baked before being piped with sugary frosting in a range of colors. A newly opened cafe—located directly across from the Downtown courthouse—means access to the confections is easier than ever.

CUPCAKES

Sweet by Holly

Three-time Cupcake Wars winner Hollis Wilder has been serving unique flavors of mini cupcakes at her St. Johns Town Center bakery since 2011. Eight years later,

the menu has expanded

a bit but the flavors—

chocolate mint, banana,

dulce de leche—are still there. There are 30 gourmet selections (plus 20 off-the menu flavors available by special order) and each can be consumed in roughly

three bites.

Live, Shop & Play

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ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

Whether you’re a 2100 B.C. kind of person or enjoy more recent works of art, the Cummer has you covered. The museum’s permanent collection of some 5,000 paintings, sculptures and pottery spans centuries, and its facilities include interactive kid zones, thought- provoking exhibits, and one of the most stunning outdoor spaces in Jacksonville.

FARMER’S MARKET & ART FESTIVAL

Riverside Arts Market

Every Saturday, rain or shine, under the Fuller Warren Bridge, thousands flock to the Riverside Arts Market to experience all that Jacksonville artisans, farmers, makers and bakers have to offer. The market has something for everyone, whether it’s a food truck lunch or a piece of local art.

COOKING CLASS

Matthew’s Cooking School

Learn how to prepare decadent cuts of meat, provide enough food for your next party, or create the perfect soufflé at these rotating cooking classes, held monthly at the San Marco restaurant. What’s cooking depends on the day and the chef but one thing is guaranteed; it will be one of the tastiest things you’ve ever made.

PERSONAL CHEF SERVICE

Gregory Paul’s

Just like anything that’s inherently good for you, staying the course on the path to healthful eating is hard work. The brilliance of Gregory Paul’s is that they do the hard work for you—cook a delicious, healthful meal from scratch—you just have to pick it up and heat it before diving in. The menu changes weekly but expect dishes such as steak Diane, beef enchiladas, and roasted turkey with porcini mushroom sauce.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

Jacksonville Zoo

& Gardens

Admittedly touristy, the Zoo is also just a really fun day out. Aside from the usual lions, tigers and bears, the Jacksonville Zoo also features a stingray touch pool and a giraffe lookout (where visitors can feed the long-necked creatures). Thelandscaping is gorgeous, too.

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NATURE TRAILS

UNF Sawmill Slough Preserve Set amidst the bustle of a thriving college campus, the University of North Florida’s Sawmill Slough Preserve is a serene plot of land set aside for native flora and fauna to thrive. Comprising 382 acres, the preserve is home to five miles of trails and a lake ideal for a leisurely day spent in a kayak.

PARK

Memorial Park

Memorial Park remains a quiet and serene escape along the St. Johns River, first constructed back in the early 1900s to memorialize the Floridians who fought and died during World War I. Events are held often at the park, which is just a short walk from neighboring Five Points.

COMMUNITY

WALK / RUN

26.2 with DONNA

Back in 2008, the inaugural race to end breast cancer brought in over 6,000 participants and 2,000 volunteers and it’s only grown since then. The funds raised during the event—more than $5 million to date—allows those living in the region affected by breast cancer to get the help they need.

Life in the River by Mark Krancer copy.j

FAMILY HANGOUT

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game is so much more than Cracker Jacks and hot dogs—think relay races, giveaways, themed nights and a pretty great mascot. Tickets for the minor league game start at just $5, making it a cheap option for a family night out. Even four-legged family members can get in on the action during the ballpark’s designated Canines and Crustaceans night.

KIDS PROGRAMS

MOSH

The Museum of Science and History is home to an abundance of interactive and educational collections: there’s a touch tank, planetarium, and even a naturalist center where kids can get up close with North Florida wildlife. MOSH also offers camp-ins where kids can stay overnight, along with week-long discovery camps.

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COSTUME JEWELRY

Beyou

Jax Beach local Lacey Smith launched this online jewelry boutique in 2016 by drawing inspiration from nature—shapely rings mimic the motion of waves while turquoise bracelets and sharks-teeth necklaces reference the Atlantic Ocean. The collection is afford-able, with most pieces under $100.

FINE JEWELRY

Diamonds Direct

As its name suggests, this Town Center store is a mecca of all things diamond: rings, bands, necklaces, and earrings among them. Even better: all of the diamonds here are conflict-free, with staff directly involved in the entire manufacturing process.

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EYEGLASSES

Vue

Optical Boutique Located in the Shoppes of Historic Avondale, Vue aims to outfit the eyes of Jax locals with shades to suit their face. Vision diagnostics and comprehensive eye health examinations are available, to ensure the proper lenses are selected, while frame options run the gamut from Tom Ford to Maui Jim.

WATCHES

Underwood’s

Timepieces have largely been replaced by electronic devices, but there’s really nothing more classic than a sophisticated wrist watch. Since 1928, this high-end jeweler has offered a collection of iconic brands like Rolex and Tudorin at its San Marco, Avondale, and Ponte Vedra Beach locations. The focus is on investment pieces that last forever—in other words, pieces that won’t go out of fashion when the latest IOS update.

MEN’S SHOES

Rosenblums

In business since 1898, this men’s fashion store located in Jacksonville Beach and San Jose offers high-quality clothing and accessories one can’t really find elsewhere in Jax (think Italian leather sneakers and made-to-measure loafers from brands such as Santoni and Eleventy).

WOMEN’S SHOES

Emly Benham

The Carrie Bradshaws of the First Coast know where to head when in need of a pair of designer shoes. As the only local purveyor of lines such as Jimmy Choo, Golden Goose and Alexandre Birman, Emly Benham keeps the well-heeled looking, well... exactly that.

WOMEN’S CASUAL CLOTHING

Jaffi’s

Bright rompers, floral maxi dresses, workout gear, and trendy kimonos line the racks at this Jax Beach women’s boutique. In short, there’s something for every occasion, from a formal brunch to a mid-day grocery run—plus all the accessories and jewelry one could need to round out an ensemble.

MEN’S CASUAL CLOTHING

Inguz

This Jax Beach boutique specializes in all things bohemian-but-still-sophisticated. Expect an array of woven button ups, swim trunks, and everyday tees from lines in Australia, Europe and the U.S.

SWIMSUITS

Aqua East

A bit of a local legend with stores in Neptune and St. Augustine Beach, this surf shop has been a go-to place to buy swimsuits for decades. Shoppers can explore a wide variety of trunks, one-pieces, bikinis and even rash guards. Surf’s up.

PURSES

Ellie Bing

Suede shoulder bags, wicker clutches and unique vintage pieces are all on offer at Ellie Bing’s Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach locations. It’s a go-to for a daily handbag, a proper beach bag, or something more unusual, like a colorful, handmade bucket bag from Colombia. A vast jewelry selection means there are plenty of accessories to go with whatever bag one selects.

HOME ACCESSORIES

KMH Home

One step inside this Neptune Beach boutique and you may never want to leave. That’s because of the impeccable decoration and the well-curated selection of items you never knew you needed: oversized cheeseboards, brightly colored coffee table books, and perfectly tailored aprons.

FURNITURE

Furniture Mart

Shopping at either of Furniture Mart’s expansive showrooms (one on the Northside and one in Arlington) can be an overwhelming experience, due to the sheer variety of living room, dining room, home office and bedroom furniture and accessories. Fortunately, the staff is excellent at leading shoppers in the right direction, whether they’re on the lookout for a Bernhardt armoire or a Braxton Culler sofa.

ANTIQUES

Avonlea Antique Mall

In this Philips Highway antique mall, seemingly endless rows of booths are packed with everything from furniture and china to books, art, and vintage clothes. At 40,000 square feet, it’s the largest antique mall in Northeast Florida and it’s easy to make a day of it shopping here—an on-site cafe serves salads, sandwiches and desserts from 11 AM to 4 PM each day.

HOUSEWARMING GIFTS

Pineapple Post

Shoppers are generally tempted by everything at this Ponte Vedra Beach shop, be it a stack of illustrated “Thank You” cards, a richly scented candle or delicate ceramic bowls. Home accessories—Italian-made platters, embellished napkin holders, and the like—make especially great housewarming presents.

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BOOKS

Chamblin Bookmine

Chamblin (two locations: Downtown and Westside) has been selling, trading and buying books since 1976 and their collection spans every genre imaginable. The hallways between shelves are narrow and the books reach from the floor to the ceiling—so bookworms will find it the perfect place for some solitude.

CANDLES

Grumpshine

Grumpshine Candles are locally made and crafted with non-toxic ingredients like essential oils, coconut wax, and phthalate-free fragrances. Looking for something that smells like home? The Bold City variety is scented with orange, honeysuckle and sea salt.

TOY SHOP

Heyday

This San Marco shop is packed to the gills with all the classics—LEGOs, wooden trains, stuffed animals—for young kids and newborns alike. In true Florida fashion, there’s also a vast selection of outdoor toys like dreamcatcher swings and micro scooters.

FLORIST

Kuhn Flowers

If you’re looking for beautiful blooms, this is where to find them. Since 1947, Kuhn has offered bright and punchy arrangements for any occasion. They offer delivery throughout the city, making it easy to say “Thanks,” “I’m sorry,” or “I love you,” with a big bouquet.

BIKE SHOP

Open Road Bicycles

The staff at Open Road knows all about bike maintenance and can advise on everything from fixing a broken chain or gearing up for the Tour de France. The shop also sells all the equipment one could imagine and offers fittings, adjustments and rentals.

RUNNING APPAREL

1st Place Sports

Whether you’re a once-in-a-while walker or an avid runner, all roads lead to 1st Place Sports. They start with the fit: a completely personalized process wherein the feet are assessed to determine the amount of support necessary (they’ll even record your stride). The result is a comfortable pair that’ll take you miles.

SPORTING GOODS

DICK’S Sporting Goods

DICK’S is a one-stop-shop for those who wake up early to run a couple miles or spend weekends camping. The St. Johns Town Center store offers specialists in every section of the store to help shoppers find the right kind of equipment, whether it’s a ball, a fishing pole or a paddle.

SALON

Gwynne Mims Salon

After years of working as a hair stylist in New York and serving as the spokeswoman for an Estee Lauder-owned hair-care line, Gwynne Mims Minter headed back home to set up shop in Jacksonville. In the past few years, her Five Points salon has consistently turned out gorgeous heads of hair. A highly trained team of stylists is skilled at doling out blowouts, updos and applying color.

NEW SALON

Clover & Woolly

Good hair days can be few and far between—unless, of course, you have a good stylist. New Riverside salon Clover & Woolly has plenty of those in its stylish, loft-like space—all of whom are familiar with every hair texture, be it straight or curly. Bonus: The salon offers happy hour men’s shaves along with an in-house makeup artist.

HAIR EXTENSIONS

Bellezza Salon and Boutique

For those who think hair extensions are just “fake hair,” think again. Modern extensions are pretty, adding both length and volume, and—in the hands of a skilled stylist—can look as natural and versatile, lasting weeks and even months. At Ponte Vedra’s Bellezza Salon and Boutique, stylists meet with clients for consultations first, before expertly weaving and taping them in for long, luscious and natural-looking locks.

MEN’S SALON

Ten

This full service salon—located in Ponte Vedra Beach—specializes in cuts and color, but does a particularly stellar job with a shorter ‘do. Even better? Male clients are treated to complimentary beers in the salon’s clean, modern environment.

FACIAL

The Spa
at Ponte Vedra
Inn & Club

Whether you’re looking to lift, tone, brighten or clear, the Spa at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has you covered with its lengthy menu of facials. The Ponte Vedra Essential is a classic, and personally tailored to meet any skin's needs. There are other, more in-depth services, too—such as the 100-minute Diamond Emerald Ayurveda facial, which focuses on stimulating vital energy points and rebalancing the body.

LASHES & MICROBLADING

LASH

No longer are a mascara wand and eyelash curler the only tools in the arsenal comprising the perfect flutter. At Beaches salon LASH, skilled technicians will adhere a set of falsies that will last for weeks. The salon

also specializes in microblading, in which specialized needles adhere

a semi-permanent pigment to eyebrows, creating a darker (and still natural) look. Sounds intimidating, but the ambiance at LASH—sequined curtains, fluffy blankets, a babbling fountain—is that of an

ultra-glam spa.

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LUXURY MANI / PEDI

One Ocean Resort & Spa

At One Ocean, digits get the royal treatment. The deluxe manicure and pedicure at the Atlantic Beach resort’s on-site spa are each 55 minutes and include the standard buff and polish— plus a marine mask and warm paraffin dip to seal in moisture, leaving hands silky, feet buffed, and the entire body relaxed.

WAX

Frenchy’s Wellness Spa

Cheerfully greeted by the pink exterior and the friendly faces inside, Frenchy’s specializes in making locals feel good—even when it’s a little painful. The staff at the Jax Beach salon is skilled in a variety of waxing services from brow and full face to legs and a Brazilian.

PERMANENT MAKEUP

LUXX Beauty & Brow Bar

Looking to wake up each day with perfectly applied lip, eye or cheek makeup? LUXX offers cosmetic tattoos for those yearning for the perfect flush or just-bitten lip—without the inclination to do it themselves every single day.

SPRAY TAN

Tan Like A Celebrity

Though we may live in the Sunshine State, it can be hard to obtain and keep a bronzed color year-long, especially without damage from UV rays. Tan Like a Celebrity allows for airbrushed tans with no danger of a sunburn. Plus, their products are all-natural.

HEALTH CLUB / GYM

Salt de Terre

It happens time and time again—a person joins a gym looking for support, help and a community feel, but never quite finds it. That’s where Salt de Terre is different. Owner and crossfit coach Amy Saltmarsh, along with her other certified coaches, work one-on-one and in small-group settings to make sure every person’s form is correct and working for his or her own needs while pushing themselves safely. The gym offers CrossFit, yoga, weightlifting and more for all stages of athleticism.

YOGA STUDIO

Big Fish Power Yoga

Big Fish is an altogether unique place to find your flow. There are two locations—one in Nocatee and one in Jax Beach—and the focus is on power flow, meaning one pose leads to the next, in an effort to awaken the muscles and surrounding tissue. Classes are never intimidating, and geared toward a range of practitioners, from beginner to more advanced.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Camp Gladiator

It’s not technically one-on-one— in fact, Camp Gladiator sessions can involve dozens of people at a time—but the trainers at the nationwide fitness boot camp treat each participant individually. Created by American Gladiator Grand Champion Ally Davidson, the camp exchews fancy machinery in favor of outdoor workouts performed utilizing dumbbells, sandbags, and exercise mats. In short, it’ll make you sweat, but doesn’t feel intimidating. The camp launched in Jacksonville in January, where it meets at more than 30 locations, including Fleming Island and San Marco.

Neighborhoods

IN ADDITION TO CITY-WIDE WINNERS, Jacksonville Magazine also recognizes the top vote-getters in more than a dozen local neighborhoods. We know our readers have many extra-special favorites located close to home. In seven sidebars scattered through this year’s Best In Jax feature article, we highlight the 2019 Neighborhood Bests.