Diehard Who Dats making the trip to Jax this weekend have some interesting options for food. If your time off from the game includes ambitious sightseeing, this restaurant, Salt on Amelia Island is a most unusual place. True to its name, there are salts from all over the world, and even “salt pairings” selected from some of the 40 salts sourced worldwide. This is quite a gourmet experience, so only for the truly adventurous diner. We say that also because it is located in the Ritz Carlton Hotel, 37 miles away from the city. So this is work.
Salt at The Ritz Carlton 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy 904-277-1100 ritzcarlton.com
A little closer in, at the beach, is another award-winning fine dining establishment called Eleven South Bistro & Bar. Upscale dining with the usual menu fare, but oenophiles will be interested to know there is a Wine Spectator award in the house.
216 11 the Ave S Jacksonville Beach 904-241-1112 elevensouth.com
For a much more casual dining experience and only 3 miles from the stadium, may we suggest-Black Sheep Here is a wide-ranging menu of really interesting items rarely seen, like porchetta, which we have seen only once outside of Italy. There are vegan and gluten-free options in abundance here. Kale salads and Cuban Sandwiches and Monte Cristos. Double-cut pork chops and fried olives. And Poutine. This is a 2019 menu crafted from local sources.
1534 Oak St Jacksonville 904-380-3091 blacksheep5points.com
Moxie Kitchen in the Southside neighborhood is definitely the trendiest on this list. Besides a number of “bowls”, you will find beer-battered cheddar cheese curds alongside a kale salad, but also. . . when was the last time you’ve seen a Sloppy Joe on a menu? The name says it all.
4792 Big Island Dr Jacksonville . 904-998-9744 moxiefl.com
For breakfast, Metro Diner has three Jacksonville locations. A true diner, this family-owned business is now in 14 states, but it started in Jacksonville. metrodiner.com
And Intuition Ale Works, closer to the stadium, will be a good place to celebrate. Or console.
929 E Bay St Jacksonville 504-683-7720 intuitionaleworks.com
