by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
The selection of neighborhood eateries at Atlantic Beach can be pretty overwhelming. While I haven’t tried them all, here’s just a taste of some of the restaurants you can find in Atlantic Beach.
1013 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (904) 246-6024
Cost: $
This eatery, just a few doors down from Sequonia’s, in the same shopping center as Culhane’s, is a local lunchtime favorite. It looks like it might just be a bar, but they actually serve food from open at 11:30AM to close at 2AM. Because they serve food so late, they’re a great place to go for a late night bite in Atlantic Beach.
Try the tasty So-Cal Soft Tacos, with your choice of refried beans, beef, chicken, fish or shrimp. I particularly recommend the fish tacos or the Mayport Shrimp tacos, served with a side of salsa and sour cream. The tacos are topped with a blend of fresh shredded cheese, and the fish sits atop delicious greens and lush tomatoes.
As for appetizers or side items, the fried banana peppers are one of the more unusual and popular items on the menu. Lightly dusted with a breading, you can still see the yellow of the pepper showing through. It’s a tart choice that’s just a little off the bar food beaten path.
Prices here are extremely reasonable, with some side items priced at just $3.50. If you’re lunching in the area, take a look at their generous lunch specials, served from noon to 4PM. They’re just $5.50 and include your choice of fries, potato salad, side salad, cup of soup, chips &salsa, fried corn or fried banana peppers.
60 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach
Cost: $$$$
Martini’s, upscale bistro fare and art are the three things they serve up at Ocean 60. If you want to peruse the art at the bistro, make sure you request a table on the martini bar side, where they have a rotating gallery. The martinis are outstanding. I tried a crème brulee flavored martini that was incredible.
The menu at Ocean 60, as in most upscale restaurants, changes with the seasons, though a few menu items remain the same. One of the bistro’s trademark dishes is a whole fried fish, dusted in a light cornmeal, perfectly scored (so you can lift the fish right off the bone), and served with yucca fries, a Nappa cabbage salad and a brandy citrus dipping sauce. The fish will depend upon the season, but the preparation remains the same.
30 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach (904) 270-1122
Cost: $$
Almost next door to Ocean 60, you can order a killer pizza from Joseph’s. Besides a great pie, they also serve an appetizer called Joseph’s Brushetta, which adds a little zing to the classic Brushetta by adding jalapeño peppers. Their gourmet, double-baked, thin crust pizza is also something you should try. It’s not so thin that you feel like you’re eating pizza on a cracker, but is the perfect thickness. I’m a fan of their Florence gourmet pizza. Feta, sun-dried tomatoes, leaf spinach and fresh mushrooms over a tomato herb sauce on that perfect, thin, homemade crust completes the Florence.
While Joseph’s has three locations in the First Coast area, the Atlantic Beach location is the only one that serves genuine Italian gelato. It’s not the only dessert worth trying. They have homemade cannoli, cakes and a delicious tiramisu. The tiramisu might not have the presentation, but after one bite, you just won’t care.
967 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach (904) 249-9595
Cost: $$$
I can’t talk about Atlantic Beach without at least mentioning this Irish eatery. Although everything I’ve had on their menu is great, I recommend the corned beef & cabbage as well the leek & potato soup. If you’re lucky you might see one of the four Culhane sisters who run the pub. These delightful ladies hail from county Cork out of Ireland. If you speak to Michelle, Aine, Mary Jane or Lynda—you’ll know it because that musical Irish lilt is unmistakable.
207 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach (904) 241-7877
Cost: $$
With their own micro-brewery and food with an ‘Orleans flair, this is one of the most popular eateries on Atlantic Beach. It’s a big place with cozy booths and lots of levels, giving it a sense of intimacy. Expect live music on the weekends and some fiery Cajun food. Try New Orleans favorites like jambalaya, red beans & rice and blackened fish. They’ve got a decent coconut shrimp appetizer and if you’ve got a taste for Asian cuisine, try the delish seared tuna appetizer. Come for the beer, stay for the food.
Whatever you’re willing to spend, there’s a restaurant with great food for you in Atlantic Beach. Check them out today!
$ = under ten dollars for a single person
$$ = over ten to twenty for a single person
$$$ = over twenty to thirty-five for a single person
$$$$ = thirty-five and up for a single person
|
