Brian Nagele
In Jacksonville, where the sun paints the sky with warmth, outdoor dining isn’t just a seating option; it’s a way of life. The city’s best al fresco spots invite you to bask in balmy breezes while savoring dishes that are as delightful as the ocean views. From serene garden patios to bustling waterfront decks, these eateries make every meal feel like a celebration under the open sky. Here, the food competes with the view, and whether it’s a casual brunch under a canopy of leaves or a romantic dinner under the stars, Jacksonville’s outdoor dining scene captures the essence of Floridian bliss. Ready your senses for an experience where the ambiance is just as exquisite as the cuisine. Let’s step outside and taste the best of Jacksonville!
14. The District
2026 Walnut St, Jacksonville, FL 32206
904-955-1861
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The District is an awesome place to enjoy a meal outdoors, with a great view of the city. It sits near the Schultz building, so it’s also a great place to watch people. The District is a wine bar and beer lounge, so they have a great selection of drinks to enjoy with your meal. We loved their Charcuterie board with meats and artisan cheeses paired with their house-made sauces and bread. It’s the perfect starter for their crab cakes.
13. River & Post
1000 Riverside Ave Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-575-2366
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River & Post is another excellent option for outdoor dining in Jacksonville. The restaurant sits on the St. Johns River, so you can enjoy a beautiful water view while you eat. They have a spectacular menu, with something for everyone. One of their best options for a hot day is the cobb salad. It comes with grilled chicken breast, tomatoes, white cheddar, bacon, avocado, and roasted corn. The salad is a refreshing way to cool down after a long work week.
12. Dockside Seafood
2510 2nd Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
904-479-3474
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Dockside Seafood is a local favorite and has a great outdoor seating area with a river view. In addition, the restaurant is close to Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. One of the best dishes at Dockside Seafood is their baskets. All of the seafood served is caught locally. In addition, each dish comes with fries, slaw, hush puppies, and your choice of sauce. We opted for scallops and crabcakes. Both were delicious and filling.
11. Congaree and Penn
11830 Old Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32219
904-527-1945
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Congaree and Penn is a landmark in itself because of its menu. It’s farm-to-table style, so you know everything you’re eating is fresh and tasty. Their outdoor seating area is beautiful, with string lights and greenery. We ordered the shrimp and grits that came with Florida shrimp with juniper rice grits, tasso ham, tomato gravy, and pepper jelly. All of the flavors blend very well together. Each is distinct and delicious. Who would have thought that shrimp and grits make such a great combination?
10. Cap’s On the Water
4325 Myrtle St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-824-8794
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Cap’s On the Water is a great place to enjoy outdoor dining. It’s a beachfront establishment, so there are plenty of beautiful views of the water. It’s also near the Maple Leaf historic landmark, a must-see when visiting Jacksonville. They have an exciting menu that includes seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. We tried their smoked sesame seared tuna covered in a panko crust. It comes with fried spinach, plantains, sweet and sour cucumbers, teriyaki, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
9. The Bearded Pig
1808 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-619-2247
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The Bearded Pig is an excellent place for outdoor dining in Jacksonville. They have an extensive beer and cocktail menu to complement their delicious food. One of our favorite dishes was their pulled pork sandwich. The pulled pork sandwich comes with garlic aioli, grilled pineapple, swiss cheese, and house pickles. It’s such a unique combination of flavors that it is so delicious. It’s no wonder why this is one of their most popular dishes.
8. Wicked Barley
4100 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32217
904-379-7077
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Wicked Barley is another superb option for outdoor dining in Jacksonville. They have a vast outdoor seating area that is perfect for enjoying a meal and a few drinks. Their wicked burger is one of their most popular dishes. It comes with an 8-ounce beef patty, bacon, avocado, tomato, caramelized onion, and house sauce. We chose the garlic ginger fries. It wasn’t like anything we’ve ever tasted before, but it was so good. The ginger and garlic flavors were perfectly balanced and complemented the fries well.
7. The Capital Grille
5197 Big Island Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246
904-997-9233
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If you’re looking for a high-quality, upscale dining experience in Jacksonville, the Capital Grille is the place to go. The restaurant sits near the First McDonald’s in Jacksonville historic landmark. One of the best Capital Grille entrees is the parmesan crusted salmon with white wine, garlic butter, and baby tomatoes. The salmon was juicy and loaded with flavor. You can choose to get a caesar salad, New England clam chowder, or a field greens salad for the side.
6. Valley Smoke
11 S Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-285-3235
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Valley Smoke is a great place to enjoy some outdoor dining. Their outdoor dining space is beautiful and perfect for enjoying a meal. We ended up visiting them for a sunny Jacksonville brunch. We tried their three-egg omelet with crispy potatoes, spinach, mushroom, swiss cheese, herbs, and tomato. The dish was filling and delicious. Since it’s brunch, we all deserve something sweet on the side, so I opted for their fruit salad on the side.
5. Kilwins Jacksonville
10281 MidTown Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246
904-996-7002
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Kilwins is a great place to enjoy some outdoor dining in Jacksonville. They have an extensive menu that includes ice cream, sundaes, and chocolates. We tried their pistachio. It had such a unique flavor. We loved it. The ice cream had a positive balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The atmosphere at Kilwins is awesome as well. They have a big outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying your ice cream, sundae, or chocolate on a nice day in Jacksonville.
4. Taverna
1986 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-398-3005
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Taverna is an excellent place for outdoor dining in Jacksonville. They have a large outdoor seating area that is perfect for enjoying a meal. It’s also near the San Marco Train Station, so it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for some outdoor dining near an unforgettable landmark. One of our favorite dishes was their cheese and salumi with marinated olives. Even though these are appetizers, together, they make a complete meal. The cheese had a complex flavor profile, and the salumi was so delicious. It’s no wonder why this dish is one of their most popular.
3. Palm Valley Outdoors
377 S Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-834-7183
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There’s a lot to love about Palm Valley Outdoors. They have outdoor seating at tables with colorful umbrellas that sit right on the water. It’s the perfect place to enjoy incredible food, exciting views, and, of course, your favorite people. Their seafood salad is a mixture of lump crab and shrimp served with kalamata olives on top of mixed greens of your choice. The salad comes with sliced avocados and berries on top. It’s a refreshing and tasty meal perfect for a hot day.
2. Brick Restaurant
3585 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
904-387-0606
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Brick Restaurant is perfect for outdoor dining in Jacksonville. They have tables set up outdoors to enjoy your meal while being serenaded by the sound of waves crashing against the nearby pier. You’ll also appreciate the Rex, the nearby Beach Blvd Dinosaur historical landmark. They have a massive variety of menu items, but the one that stood out for us was the jumbo lump crab cakes. The crab cakes came with roasted corn, asparagus, and a remoulade sauce. The crab was perfectly cooked, and the flavors all worked well together.
1. Palms Fish Camp Restaurant
6359 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
904-240-1672
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Palms Fish Camp Restaurant is one of Jacksonville’s best outdoor dining options. This restaurant has existed for over 70 years and is a local favorite. They have a large outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying a meal while watching the boats go by. One of their most traditional yet popular dishes is the Mayport peel n’ eat shrimp. We ordered them with hush puppies, coleslaw, and french fries. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that will leave you wanting more.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Tripadvisor.com and Wanderlog.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60805-zfp6-Jacksonville_Florida.html
https://miami.eater.com/maps/best-outdoor-dining-restaurants-patios-jacksonville
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/66115/best-outdoor-dining-in-jacksonville
https://www.unation.com/stuff-to-do/rooftop-and-outdoor-dining-in-jacksonville/
https://www.opentable.com/s/dinerschoice?metroid=83®ionids=162&topic=OutdoorDining
https://foursquare.com/top-places/jacksonville/plenty-of-outdoor-seating
