Absolutely delicious! The most underrated place in Jacksonville.
Nancy
I was so impressed at the amazing service and outstanding food. We all enjoyed everything we ordered. The portions were large and the menu diverse. They definitely have something for everyone. I am looking forward to returning whenever I am in the Jacksonville area again.
Cbre
Food was good but somewhat odd, mainly due to my lack of understanding of the “southern cooking” category. We were celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. So we both ordered the Florida lobster. What we got was a piece of Cobia (fish) covered with a chunky mix which contained lobster bits. Tasty and good and fine in the end but also a bit disappointing as that had not been explained to us. I guess it's a given that everyone in Florida knows what Florida lobster is. I'm also allergic to the allium family(all onions). This also caused a bit of discomfort for me initially as it appears southern food significantly relies on onion powder. Lesson learned. The place is in a great location right on the beach, staff was friendly, decor is ok and there was a great jamming session going on in the bar downstairs. But I don't see myself going back.
We sat upstairs over looking the ocean. The food was excellent. I had the blackened mahi with a pecan gratin over greens and a sweet potato, with the spicy sauce on the side. It was great! I couldn't finish it all. We also had some hush puppies before as an appetizer - also delicious! Service was very good as well. Everyone was very happy with the lunch! I will definitely go back.
winegirl928
Unfortunately very disappointed. To start with the wine glass list is D level . The food was just mediocre and really had higher expectations because his place in Fenandina is good. It's a shame when chefs spread themselves to thin and don't stay in the kitchen
RunToEat
Sat outside with some friends and we loved the ambience. Relaxed, beach breeze and view. We ordered a few cocktails and several plates to share. We especially enjoyed the shishoto peppers and cauliflower, Mac and cheese and southern fried half chicken. The FB hot sauce is deliciously flavorful. Really great server too. We had a blast. Will be back again soon!
SuzanneT
Great fresh local fish, creative dishes that are as delicious as they are beautiful. My husband had a pumpkin curry which had crispy Brussel sprouts and pickled yellow raisins. Sounds weird right? It was soooo good! I had black grouper (catch of the day) with coconut ginger grits and strawberry lichee salsa. FANTASTIC!! It was my mother-in-law's birthday dinner and our wonderful server, Jason, gave her the dessert menu so she could select one on-the-house. Not only is the food and service exceptional so is the beach front view. We can't wait to go back!!
EumonicaA
It was my first time dining at this restaurant and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The blue crab hush puppies and alligator tacos are my faves. I love the unique flavor and the creative twist, we will definitely be back!
EthanK
The overall experience was not bad, great view, nice servers, however, it was absolutely gross. Neither my fiance nor I enjoyed our food, it tasted very strange. My chicken and dumplings was not very good, the actual liquid soup was disgusting, and ruined everything it touched, INCLUDING THE CHICKEN, HOW? My fiance's steak wasn't good either, riced potatoes, a weird cheese, and steak that was 100% fat. While it was a nicely built and maintained restaurant with good service, the food was just horrific.
The food is unique and outstanding and loved the service, views and cocktails. Gilbert's really made my get together with my girlfriend today so much more special. Reserving another table for this Thursday for my husband's and my 15 year anniversary. Can't wait!
Kinney Gilbert thinks he is a Southern Chef. He is from South Carolina and makes mediocre food at best.
Lindsey T
We had the assorted meat platter and it was outstanding!
SkipP
One of very few restaurants actually on the beach in Northeast Florida. and this place is like 3 places in one: a classy, 4-star beachsiide restaurant plus a diner plus a bar with music. All under one expert, accomplished chef. We'll go back, for sure.
RachelB
I am very saddened to have to write a poor review of Gilbert's Southern Kitchen and Bar, as we enjoyed it so much the first time. We brought my husband's parents for the great view and food, requesting an ocean view table nearly a week in advance. When we got there, they first tried to seat us at the top of the stairs away from the window, a terrible spot. I requested that we sit at one of the several open tables and the window instead, and the hostess seated us. Several minutes later, the manager came and asked us to move over to a table BEHIND A HUGE COLUMN because there was a reservation for a larger party that needed two tables one hour later. He said that they organize how the reservations will go at 3 pm each day, but apparently they give no care to when the sun goes down when assigning the tables. That table was coming at 8 pm, when it would be DARK OUTSIDE, so there would be NO VIEW, yet he was taking away our view that was our main reason for coming. There were other tables that could have been pushed together, but the manager gave the excuse that they would be in 2 different sections, "taking money out of the pocket" of one of the waiters. I've waited tables, and this would have been easily fixed by having the servers trade a table. He did not even offer to give us a round of drinks or appetizer on the house for our trouble and was extremely rude. We reluctantly moved tables and my husband and father-in-law got a lovely view of the column, and the 8 pm table got to see nothing, as predicted. Our waiter was extremely slow and did not seem very knowledgable about the menu. We also had to get our bill corrected because 3 of the drinks ordered during happy hour were billed at full price. Biscuits were great, cornbread was flavorless. Get rid of the pickled grapes that come with the cornbread and biscuits. Just use regular grapes or other fruit to cut the heat of the spicy jam. Shrimp and grits were great, happily ate half the next day. Will likely not return.
Matt K.
Best burnt ends this side of the Mississippi! Ribs are fall off the bone! Service and drinks are top notch as well! Live bands on slect nights. Must go!
Absolutely delicious! The most underrated place in Jacksonville.
I was so impressed at the amazing service and outstanding food. We all enjoyed everything we ordered. The portions were large and the menu diverse. They definitely have something for everyone. I am looking forward to returning whenever I am in the Jacksonville area again.
Food was good but somewhat odd, mainly due to my lack of understanding of the “southern cooking” category. We were celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. So we both ordered the Florida lobster. What we got was a piece of Cobia (fish) covered with a chunky mix which contained lobster bits. Tasty and good and fine in the end but also a bit disappointing as that had not been explained to us. I guess it's a given that everyone in Florida knows what Florida lobster is. I'm also allergic to the allium family(all onions). This also caused a bit of discomfort for me initially as it appears southern food significantly relies on onion powder. Lesson learned. The place is in a great location right on the beach, staff was friendly, decor is ok and there was a great jamming session going on in the bar downstairs. But I don't see myself going back.
We sat upstairs over looking the ocean. The food was excellent. I had the blackened mahi with a pecan gratin over greens and a sweet potato, with the spicy sauce on the side. It was great! I couldn't finish it all. We also had some hush puppies before as an appetizer - also delicious! Service was very good as well. Everyone was very happy with the lunch! I will definitely go back.
Unfortunately very disappointed. To start with the wine glass list is D level . The food was just mediocre and really had higher expectations because his place in Fenandina is good. It's a shame when chefs spread themselves to thin and don't stay in the kitchen
Sat outside with some friends and we loved the ambience. Relaxed, beach breeze and view. We ordered a few cocktails and several plates to share. We especially enjoyed the shishoto peppers and cauliflower, Mac and cheese and southern fried half chicken. The FB hot sauce is deliciously flavorful. Really great server too. We had a blast. Will be back again soon!
Great fresh local fish, creative dishes that are as delicious as they are beautiful. My husband had a pumpkin curry which had crispy Brussel sprouts and pickled yellow raisins. Sounds weird right? It was soooo good! I had black grouper (catch of the day) with coconut ginger grits and strawberry lichee salsa. FANTASTIC!! It was my mother-in-law's birthday dinner and our wonderful server, Jason, gave her the dessert menu so she could select one on-the-house. Not only is the food and service exceptional so is the beach front view. We can't wait to go back!!
It was my first time dining at this restaurant and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The blue crab hush puppies and alligator tacos are my faves. I love the unique flavor and the creative twist, we will definitely be back!
The overall experience was not bad, great view, nice servers, however, it was absolutely gross. Neither my fiance nor I enjoyed our food, it tasted very strange. My chicken and dumplings was not very good, the actual liquid soup was disgusting, and ruined everything it touched, INCLUDING THE CHICKEN, HOW? My fiance's steak wasn't good either, riced potatoes, a weird cheese, and steak that was 100% fat. While it was a nicely built and maintained restaurant with good service, the food was just horrific.
The food is unique and outstanding and loved the service, views and cocktails. Gilbert's really made my get together with my girlfriend today so much more special. Reserving another table for this Thursday for my husband's and my 15 year anniversary. Can't wait!
Restaurantji Recommends
Kinney Gilbert thinks he is a Southern Chef. He is from South Carolina and makes mediocre food at best.
We had the assorted meat platter and it was outstanding!
One of very few restaurants actually on the beach in Northeast Florida. and this place is like 3 places in one: a classy, 4-star beachsiide restaurant plus a diner plus a bar with music. All under one expert, accomplished chef. We'll go back, for sure.
I am very saddened to have to write a poor review of Gilbert's Southern Kitchen and Bar, as we enjoyed it so much the first time. We brought my husband's parents for the great view and food, requesting an ocean view table nearly a week in advance. When we got there, they first tried to seat us at the top of the stairs away from the window, a terrible spot. I requested that we sit at one of the several open tables and the window instead, and the hostess seated us. Several minutes later, the manager came and asked us to move over to a table BEHIND A HUGE COLUMN because there was a reservation for a larger party that needed two tables one hour later. He said that they organize how the reservations will go at 3 pm each day, but apparently they give no care to when the sun goes down when assigning the tables. That table was coming at 8 pm, when it would be DARK OUTSIDE, so there would be NO VIEW, yet he was taking away our view that was our main reason for coming. There were other tables that could have been pushed together, but the manager gave the excuse that they would be in 2 different sections, "taking money out of the pocket" of one of the waiters. I've waited tables, and this would have been easily fixed by having the servers trade a table. He did not even offer to give us a round of drinks or appetizer on the house for our trouble and was extremely rude. We reluctantly moved tables and my husband and father-in-law got a lovely view of the column, and the 8 pm table got to see nothing, as predicted. Our waiter was extremely slow and did not seem very knowledgable about the menu. We also had to get our bill corrected because 3 of the drinks ordered during happy hour were billed at full price. Biscuits were great, cornbread was flavorless. Get rid of the pickled grapes that come with the cornbread and biscuits. Just use regular grapes or other fruit to cut the heat of the spicy jam. Shrimp and grits were great, happily ate half the next day. Will likely not return.
Best burnt ends this side of the Mississippi! Ribs are fall off the bone! Service and drinks are top notch as well! Live bands on slect nights. Must go!