Restaurant critics claim Jacksonville is still searching for its culinary identity, but it’s only because the city has so many great restaurants, bars and breweries serving a compelling menu of flavors. Located just 25 miles from the Florida-Georgie line, any visitors who decide to stay in Jacksonville are greeted with a smorgasbord of dishes, ranging from fresh caught seafood and Southern BBQ to buttery escargot and exotic sub sandwiches. The local restaurant scene with its craft beer and specialty cocktails puts “Jax” on the map as one of the tastiest travel experiences around.

Angie’s Subs for a South American twist on a classic

As a popular Florida attraction, Jacksonville Beach has it all—live music, movie nights, water activities, and of course, lively eateries. Angie’s Subs has been a Jax Beach institution serving Peruvian style sub sandwiches to hungry tourists and locals for over 30 years. The restaurant is expanding from an over-the-counter lunch spot to a larger building with a barbecue restaurant and bourbon distillery. The one thing that will never change about Angie’s is their #1 best-selling sandwich, the Peruvian. This mouthwatering menu favorite has a stack of ham, genoa salami, bacon, Italian sausage, provolone and a secret-recipe Peruvian sauce. Be sure to wash it all down with their refreshing Sweet Tea.

Recommended Dish: Peruvian Sub

Nothing little about the Mayport shrimp at Palms Fish Camp

When in Jacksonville, do as the locals do and head to the water. Palms Fish Camp is where you can go for locally caught seafood and outdoor lounging, especially if you happen to be traveling by boat. But even if you don’t arrive by water, the restaurant recently won “JaxBest Best Place to Dock and Dine,” making it an ideal place to hang out along St. John’s River. Visitors who love catching beautiful sunsets will also be happy to note that the restaurant is famous for having the best sunset views. Not too far from the restaurant is Mayport Beach, a must-see for visitors looking for places to visit in Jacksonville. The town is famous for their fresh shrimp, and Palms Fish Camp serves a scrumptious plate of Mayport shrimp served hot that will have you licking your fingers clean.

Recommended Dish: Mayport Peel N’ Eat Shrimp

Food so good you’ll want “The Whole Hawg” at MOJO BBQ

With several locations throughout Florida, MOJO Kitchen, BBQ Pit & Blues Bar is a 10-minute drive to the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Their savory meals can be picked up for a nice picnic on the beach or dine in for some live music featuring the city’s best local musicians. While they can boast a menu with the best BBQ in Jacksonville, the restaurant also serves soups, salads, southern delights, and a full whiskey menu. Join can also join them for happy hour and or take advantage of their daily specials to compliment your travel budget. If you arrive hungry, simply dive into an order of the Whole Hawg. You’ll get everything but the kitchen sink with this order that includes barbecue pork, beef, turkey, chicken, ribs, sausage and four sides of your choice.

Recommended Dish: The Whole Hawg

Locally sourced meals with a view at Black Sheep

Photo Credit: Black Sheep

To sample Florida’s local fare, head over to Black Sheep in the historic 5 Points district of Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood. Their kitchen focuses on fresh, local Southern fare with a full bar featuring hand-crafted signature cocktails. Order a drink with friends before heading to the rooftop deck where you’ll be served views of colorful sunsets and lush greenery surrounding the restaurant. While the poutine delivers a jolt of out-of-this-world flavor with hand cut fries, cheese curds and smoked short rib gravy, it is Black Sheep’s salmon and golden beets that is the menu winner.

Recommended Dish: Roasted Salmon with Golden Beets

Tasty craft beer close to major Jax attractions at Intuition Ale Works

Craft beer lovers have a place to call home in Jacksonville at Intuition Ale Works. Their taproom and shop are a local favorite with food from MOJO BBQ and an event calendar that features local bands, bier hall yoga and beer flight festivals among other fun and engaging local experiences. The best part is Intuition Ale Works is within walking distance to big Jacksonville attractions including Daily’s Place Open-Air Amphitheater, TIAA Bank Field and the Veterans Memorial Wall. Now you can make it a memorable day with a few cold brews before catching a live music concert or sporting event. The brewery is on a mission to create quality, flavorful and creative beers, so try Easy on the Eyes, their Session IPA, which has craft beer enthusiasts raving.

Recommended Drink: Easy on the Eyes - Session IPA

Step back in time for a vintage cocktail at the Ice Plant Bar

Photo Credit: Ben Mobly / Ice Plant Bar

When you don’t mind traveling a little for a unique restaurant experience, take a 45-minute drive south of Jacksonville to St. Augustine. Known as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the country, this historic city is home to the Ice Plant Bar, a vintage locale serving both classic and innovative cocktails and a menu of upscale pub food. Located in a building built in 1927, the cocktail bar feels like you’re stepping back in time with its antique bar stools and intimate corner booths. While your visit should focus on a mixologist-crafted beverage, there’s the full menu of small plates, sandwiches, snacks and entrees is worth consideration. Grab a friend and try the bacon wrapped Wagyu meatloaf that is fulfilling enough to serve two and wash it down with the Burt Reynolds cocktail.

Recommended Dish and Drink: Bacon wrapped Wagyu meatloaf and Burt Reynolds Cocktail