Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Jacksonville, United States

1. Shrimp and Grits

A classic Southern dish featuring creamy grits topped with succulent shrimp, often served with a spicy tomato-based sauce.

Authentic Taste: Offers an authentic taste of Southern cuisine that Jacksonville is known for.
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced shrimp and grits, providing a fresh and flavorful dining experience.
Cultural Significance: Traces its roots back to the Gullah culture, giving diners a glimpse into Jacksonville's rich history.

A hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and a savory broth, often served in a bread bowl.

Seafood Specialty: Highlights Jacksonville's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean with fresh and delicious seafood.
Comfort Food: Perfect for a cold day, offering warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Local Tradition: A traditional dish that has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for generations.

Slow-cooked pork shoulder served on a bun with coleslaw and barbecue sauce.

Smoky Flavor: Features the signature smoky flavor that is synonymous with Southern barbecue.
Locally Sourced Pork: Uses locally raised pigs, ensuring a tender and juicy sandwich.
Social Experience: Typically enjoyed at casual, community-focused barbecue joints, providing a unique dining experience.

A seafood boil featuring shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes cooked in a flavorful broth.

Seafood Variety: Offers a variety of seafood, including shrimp, crab, and crawfish.
Cultural Significance: Traditionally prepared for large family gatherings, it's a dish steeped in Lowcountry culture.
Communal Dining: Designed to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family, making it a fun and social dining experience.

A tart, creamy pie made with key limes, condensed milk, and egg yolks, served on a graham cracker crust.

Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced key limes, giving the pie a unique and refreshing taste.
Traditional Dessert: A traditional Florida dessert that has been enjoyed for generations.
Refreshing Treat: Perfect for a hot summer day, providing a cooling and delicious sweet treat.

Deep-fried alligator pieces served with various dipping sauces.

Unique Flavor: Offers a unique, gamey flavor that is unlike any other dish.
Local Wildlife: Uses locally caught alligators, showcasing Jacksonville's diverse wildlife.
Adventurous Dining: Provides an adventurous dining experience for those looking to try exotic foods.

Delicate stone crab claws served chilled with a dipping sauce.

Seasonal Delicacy: Available only during the stone crab season, offering a rare and special treat.
Sustainable Harvesting: Harvested using sustainable methods to ensure the survival of the species.
Fresh Seafood: Known for its freshness and tender, flavorful meat.

Tender, slow-cooked ribs served with a side of homemade coleslaw.

Quality Ingredients: Uses high-quality ingredients to ensure a mouthwatering dining experience.
Variety of Sauces: Offers various sauces, allowing diners to customize their rib experience.
Comfort Food: A comforting and hearty meal that satisfies cravings for Southern barbecue.

A selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and house-baked breads served with gourmet accompaniments.

Artisanal Quality: Uses artisanal techniques to create a high-quality charcuterie board.
Local and Imported Ingredients: Features both locally sourced and imported ingredients, offering a diverse taste experience.
Sharing Experience: Perfect for sharing with friends or family, making it a social and enjoyable dining experience.

A fresh seafood market that offers prepared dishes, such as fish tacos and po'boys.

Fresh Seafood Market: Sells fresh seafood daily, ensuring a high-quality dining experience.
Seafood Variety: Offers a wide variety of fresh and prepared seafood dishes.
Casual Atmosphere: Provides a casual and friendly atmosphere for dining, making it accessible to all.

A selection of craft beers brewed on-site at Jax Brewery.

Craft Beer Variety: Offers a variety of craft beers, each with its unique flavor profile.
Local Brewery Experience: Provides a taste of Jacksonville's thriving local brewery scene.
Knowledgeable Staff: Features knowledgeable staff who can help guide visitors in selecting the perfect beer.

Tender chicken pieces served in a flavorful broth with fluffy homemade dumplings.

Comfort Food: A comforting and hearty meal that satisfies cravings for Southern cuisine.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Uses locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dish.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Provides a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for diners of all ages.

A rich and creamy dessert made with bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, often served with a rum sauce.

Traditional Dessert: A traditional Southern dessert that has been enjoyed for generations.
Comfort Food: Perfect for a sweet ending to a meal, offering comfort and satisfaction.
Unique Recipe: Features a unique recipe that sets it apart from other bread puddings.

Light and fluffy doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar.

Traditional Dessert: A traditional New Orleans dessert that has found a home in Jacksonville.
Sweet Treat: Offers a sweet and indulgent treat, perfect for satisfying a sugar craving.
Cafe Atmosphere: Provides a cozy cafe atmosphere that is ideal for relaxing and enjoying coffee or tea with beignets.

A juicy burger topped with crispy bacon and creamy beer cheese, served on a fresh bun.

Gourmet Burger: Offers a gourmet twist on the classic American burger.
Craft Beer Pairing: Features craft beers that perfectly complement the flavors of the burger.
Upscale Casual Atmosphere: Provides an upscale casual atmosphere, making it a great choice for a special occasion or date night.