As one of the largest cities in Florida, Jacksonville has no shortage of dining options. But for those seeking a truly unique experience, there’s nothing quite like dining on the waterfront. With its prime location on the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville has a wealth of waterfront restaurants that offer stunning views and fresh seafood to boot. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual beachside meal or an upscale fine dining experience, here are the 10 best waterfront restaurants in Jacksonville.
Julington Creek Fish Camp
Julington Creek Fish Camp is located on the banks of Julington Creek, which is a tributary of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Popular for its fresh seafood dishes and southern-style cuisine, the restaurant is known for its signature Low Country Boil (a dish that combines shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes cooked in a spicy broth) and its Fish Camp Platter, which features a selection of fresh fish cooked to your liking. It also offers a full bar with a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and it regularly hosts events such as oyster roasts and live music performances.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options, including a large outdoor deck that overlooks the creek. This outdoor seating area is particularly popular during the warmer months, as it provides a picturesque setting for diners to enjoy their meals while taking in the view.
With its casual and relaxed atmosphere, as well as indoor and outdoor seating options, Julington Creek Fish Camp is a popular destination for seafood lovers in Jacksonville.
Address: 12760 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223
Operating Hours:
- Monday (4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Tuesday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 886-2267
Website: https://julingtoncreekfishcamp.com/
River & Post
River & Post is a waterfront restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the St. Johns River and the downtown skyline. The restaurant is named after its location, which is situated on the corner of River Street and Post Street in the historic Riverside neighborhood.
River & Post offers a modern American menu that features locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. Some of their most popular dishes include Shrimp and Grits, Grilled Ribeye, Fried Green Tomatoes, the Florida Grouper, Lobster Roll, Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Toast, and the Banana Bread French Toast. The restaurant also offers salads, sandwiches, and more. They also have an extensive wine list and craft cocktails menu.
River & Post also features a rooftop bar called The Treehouse. The Treehouse offers panoramic views of the river and skyline, as well as an outdoor lounge area with fire pits and comfortable seating. The bar serves a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as small plates.
Overall, River & Post is a popular destination in Jacksonville for its food, drinks, and stunning views of the city. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends, River & Post is definitely worth checking out.
Address: 1000 Riverside Ave #100, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Monday (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 575-2366
Website: https://www.riverandpostjax.com/
Wicked Barley Brewing Company
Wicked Barley is known for its award-winning craft beers, which are brewed on-site using only the finest ingredients. They offer a wide range of beer styles including IPAs, stouts, porters, lagers, and more. In addition to their core beer lineup, they also release seasonal and limited-edition brews throughout the year.
The restaurant at Wicked Barley features a full menu of delicious pub-style fare, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Some popular menu items include their signature pretzel bites, fish and chips, and pulled pork sandwiches. They also offer a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
One of the unique features of Wicked Barley is its outdoor beer garden, which is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the waterfront views. The brewery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, food festivals, and beer release parties.
Overall, Wicked Barley Brewing Company is a must-visit destination for beer lovers and foodies alike who are looking to enjoy delicious craft beer and tasty pub-style fare in a beautiful waterfront setting.
Address: 4100 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 379-7077
Website: https://wickedbarley.com/
Dockside Seafood Restaurant Jax Beach
The Dockside Seafood Restaurant in Jax Beach is situated directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, with outdoor seating that overlooks the water. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood as well as steaks and other American cuisines. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the Seafood Platter, Mahi Mahi, Crab cakes, Oysters, Shrimp and Grits, and the Lobster Roll.
The Dockside Seafood Restaurant is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, who come to enjoy the beautiful views, fresh seafood, and casual beachy atmosphere. It’s worth noting that the Dockside Seafood Restaurant is a separate establishment from Dockside Grill, which is also located in Jax Beach but is not a waterfront restaurant.
Address: 2510 2nd Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Operating Hours: Open daily (10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 479-3474
Website: https://docksideseafoodrestaurant.com/
Chart House
The Chart House in Jacksonville is a popular seafood restaurant located on the south bank of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. It offers stunning views of the river and the Jacksonville skyline, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Their best dishes include the Snapper Hemingway, Macadamia Crusted Mahi, Prime Rib, Lobster Bisque, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and the Coconut Crunchy Shrimp. They also offer a variety of salads, sides, and desserts to complement their entrees. Plus, they also have an extensive drink menu which includes some of the best cocktails, beers, and local as well as international wines.
Chart House is considered one of Jacksonville’s most popular upscale waterfront restaurants. So, be sure to make reservations especially when celebrating special occasions with loved ones or family.
Address: 1501 Riverplace Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday (4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 398-3353
Website: https://www.chart-house.com/location/chart-house-jacksonville-fl/
Mavi Waterfront Bar & Grill
Mavi Waterfront Bar & Grill offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, including a large patio overlooking St. Jons, for a beautiful view of the Jacksonville skyline and the river.
Some of their most popular dishes include the Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos, Lobster Bisque, Fish and Chips, Surf and Turf, and Crab Cakes. However, they also offer a variety of salads, sandwiches, and appetizers, as well as vegetarian options, so you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from regardless of preference.
They also have an impressive lineup of drinks, featuring cocktails, wines, and beer – some of which you can enjoy at a discounted price during select happy hours.
Address: 2309 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Operating Hours: Open daily (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 372-0045
Website: https://mavijax.com/
Azurea at One Ocean
Azurea is a fine dining restaurant located in the One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach. With a terrace that is situated just a few steps away from the beach, the restaurant provides diners with stunning views of the water and the Atlantic Beach.
Some of the popular dishes on Azurea’s menu include the Florida Rock Shrimp and Blue Crab Cakes, the Grilled Octopus with charred fennel, orange, and grapefruit, and the Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with sunchoke puree and black truffle vinaigrette. The restaurant also offers a variety of entrees, such as the Grilled Filet Mignon with wild mushroom and shallot ragout, and the Grilled Lamb Chops with spiced couscous and harissa sauce. It also has an extensive wine list and a variety of hand-crafted cocktails.
Overall, Azurea is a popular destination for special occasions and fine dining in the Jacksonville area.
Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Operating Hours: Open daily (7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 249-7402
Website: https://www.azurearestaurant.com/
Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
The Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant is a historic hotel and restaurant located on Jacksonville Beach. The hotel was built in 1925 and has been a popular destination for travelers and locals alike ever since. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, as well as its classic American fare. Apart from the restaurant, it also has a rooftop bar that gives you a panoramic view of the beach.
The Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant’s menu include crowd favorites like the Shrimp and Grits, Seafood Paella, Crab Cakes, Lobster Bisque, and the Grilled Atlantic Salmon. Their rooftop bar, on the other hand, offers martinis, cocktails, house wines, as well as domestic and specialty beers.
Overall, the Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant is a popular beachfront restaurant in Jax because of its delicious food, excellent drinks, and stunning views of the beach.
Address: 691 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone no: (904) 270 – 0025
Website: https://www.casamarinahotel.com/
Sandollar Restaurant
The Sandollar Restaurant is a popular seafood restaurant that’s been around since 1979. It has a laid-back atmosphere, and an outside seating that gives you a view of the docks. The restaurant serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including shrimp, oysters, crab legs, and fish. However, they also have non-seafood options like sandwiches and salads steaks.
The restaurant is decorated with nautical-themed items and some tiki ornaments. There’s a small bar that serves great beers, wines, and cocktails, and a small stage that hosts a variety of performances like comedies and live bands.
The Sandollar is a classic favorite in Jax, with reasonable prices and great food and service. Try it and see for yourself why it’s still around after 4 decades.
Address: 9716 Heckscher Drive,Jacksonville, FL 32226
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 251-2449
Website: https://www.sandollarrestaurant.com/
Singleton’s Seafood Shack
Singleton’s Seafood Shack is a popular seafood restaurant located in Atlantic Beach. The restaurant has been a local favorite for many years and is still often crowded during peak dining hours, especially when there’s live music on the outdoor patio (during select times of the year).
Some of the signature dishes at the restaurant include the seafood platter, which comes with a variety of seafood options, and the fish tacos, which are a customer favorite. The restaurant also offers non-seafood options such as burgers and chicken sandwiches. They also have a bar that offers bottled and draft beers, wines, and cocktails.
Singleton’s Seafood Shack has a fun, beachy vibe with colorful decor and outdoor seating options near the water that offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
So, if you’re looking for a classic but fun waterfront restaurant with great seafood dishes, awesome drinks, and stunning beach views, check out the Singleton’s Seafood Shack.
Address: 4728 Ocean St, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.) (closed on Tuesday)
- Friday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 246-4442
Website: https://www.singletonsseafood.com/home/
Jacksonville’s waterfront restaurants offer an unparalleled dining experience that combines delicious food with breathtaking views. From the lively atmosphere of beachside restaurants to the sophisticated ambiance of fine dining establishments, there’s no shortage of options for those seeking a meal by the water. So next time you’re in Jacksonville, be sure to check out one of these waterfront restaurants and treat yourself to a meal with a view that you won’t soon forget.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What time do the waterfront restaurants in Jax close?
Most of the waterfront restaurants in Jacksonville stay open until 9:00 in the evening, with some extending as late as 10 or even 12 midnight during Fridays and Saturdays.
Are you allowed to bring drinks to the beach?
Yes, however, alcoholic drinks are often not allowed, especially after midnight. Plus, beachside restaurants and bars will only serve alcoholic drinks to customers until midnight, because there is a curfew on the selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Jacksonville (and Florida as a whole).
Do you need to book reservations for waterfront restaurants in Jacksonville?
Not really. You can walk in anytime. However, waterfront restaurants in Jax tend to get full during meal times, so it would be more convenient to book a table if you’re planning to head over during meal hours, especially dinners. Fine-dining restaurants with views of the Atlantic or St. Johns are very popular venues for romantic and special celebrations so they often run out of space first.
