Go upstairs to the rooftop bar at Cowford Chophouse. Get some heavy appetizers and great drinks. The view is amazing!
It had been floundering for years. No one likes the parking, the bums and none of the businesses were profitable.
Having worked at stonewood tavern when it first opened in Ormond beach I have never seen a restaurant sacrifice quality and customer service like I have with them. They used to make almost everything from scratch down to their salad dressings. Went there a couple years ago and I was shocked at the quality of food and portions. I don't understand how people keep restaurants like that in business
If you don't mind a bit of driving, Caps in Vilano is one of my favorite places. Great atmosphere and good food.
Indochine in downtown Jax is phenomenal Thai in a great building, great atmosphere and full bar. Indochine Jacksonville - Thai Restaurant
Whatever you do, enjoy BUT be safe. Stuff happens when the sunsets. Before ANYONE serves up some bacon or come on man…..born/raised in Jax. It’s NOT what it use to be.
Agree with all of the recommendations mentioned in this thread. Safe Harbor is probably the freshest seafood you’ve ever had but it closes fairly early, 6:00PM on weekdays 8:00PM on the weekends. Woodpeckers closes at 7:00PM every night. Cowfords is incredible but bring your wallet ‘cuz it ain’t cheap. Another seafood option is Dockside Seafood Restaurant in Jax Beach. Try the blackened shrimp, they’re really good.
Born and raised in Jax…You couldn’t pay me to stay in Jax, even for the uga game I stay outside of Jax it is literally the armpit of Florida.
I think Clark’s is closed, maybe by the health department. My nephew worked in the kitchen there and said they routinely had 3 or 4 inches of water on the floor. Last time we were there the menus had black mold on them. Not good.
I've never had an issue downtown. My son used to volunteer at City Rescue Mission. Never worried about him. Vast majority of the people just needed a warm meal and some shelter. They were always very thankful.
I don’t doubt they are thankful. The point is no part of Duval is immune to the nonsense which happens on a daily/nightly basis. During F/G game several years ago, a UF student was severely beaten. That’s when the “Safe Zone” was created by COJ for F/G game. Albeit, that was during F/G weekend…..My MIL is a patron of the FSCJ Artist Series. Most times the parking is done @ The Omni Hotel (now Marriot) parking lot (across from Times Union Performing Arts Center). There have been several occasions where she and my FIL were harassed by panhandlers. They now Uber b/c of this. Downtown can be a bit of a obstacle course with homeless darting out into oncoming traffic. Yesterday AM as we were headed to Gainesville (we live east of the river), we saw this happen with a homeless man who darted out and the driver of the car hit the brakes, but made contact. Held up traffic a bit with JFRD activity, but man was OK; driver of car a bit shaken up. Last year our son (paramedic) was headed home after his 12 hour shift. The truck in front of him had to hit the brakes, which caused him to brake, as the truck hit the homeless person darting out (jay walking)across road. The truck wasn’t damaged, but our son’s 2016 Honda Civic was damaged. Btw…..speed limits were observed. JSO could only issue warnings. There is a big issue with homeless darting out in oncoming traffic. I won’t bore with more, just issuing a BE SAFE/VIGILANT but enjoy while in Jax. I just turned 60. Have seen much come and go in my hometown of Jacksonville. It’s where I make a home with my state law enforcement husband.
Completely understand. Always be vigilant everywhere. I am also looking at it from a mans point of view so I do understand your concern.
