24 Best Southern Restaurants in Jacksonville

“One of the best experiences we’ve ever had in a restaurant. Starting with Jude, our server/bartender who provided us with excellent service, to the food that was amazing. We’ve been here several times and that’s why we’re coming back over and over again. Thank you for making our special night … fantastic!”

“The surf and turf sandwich might be the best sandwich I’ve ever had. I’ve had places that put shrimp in sandwiches and never really been a fan, but this one was absolutely delicious. My friend shared it with me and agreed that it was one of the best she’s had. It had arugula in it that just worked so well. Would highly recommend this place”

“This places is packed. It’s an ok spot. I’m just not a fan of biscuit style sandwiches. I thought it was gonna be like first watch, so I ordered the country fried steak meal. Was not expecting it to come on a biscuit.However, I did like the what’s your favorite Fall season activity and that was your name on your order.”

“Silkies was the highlight of my trip to Jacksonville. Silkies redefined what "southern fried chicken" means to me. I've never had a crust so flavorful, chicken so well seasoned, and the most fluffy and tasty biscuits known to man. For under $25 they give you the largest piece of chicken you've ever seen on a bed of perfectly crispy waffle fries and a side of sliced delectable pickles. I feel bad for every restaurant that I eat at in the future because this is the new bar set for quality of fried chicken that I'm looking for.Beautiful atmosphere, quaint "home cooking" style kitchen and ample self-serve style seating (indoor and out) and water.”

“It's easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. I passed it but quickly made a u-turn and there it was. It looks like a typical older storefront along Old St. Augustine Rd but it's indeed a restaurant, or more appropriately a hole in the wall that serves delicious homestyle cooking. At exactly eleven thirty, I walked inside and was immediately greeted by Chef Art who knew that it was my first time and invited me to sit next to him while he told me about the history of Southern Charm as well as his upbringing. I immediately felt like I was at my uncle's house. I truly felt welcomed. There's not a single fancy thing about this place, it's not pretty or polished but it instantly warmed my soul being here. Myself and the other patrons talked with each other and Chef Art as if we all knew one another. In addition to the Southern Charm, the food: Fresh catfish, shrimp, collard greens, mac n cheese, coleslaw, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, and fresh baked cookies were all delicious and the sweet tea was just right. This is a cash-only establishment, and they only serve tea and water but you can bring your beverage of choice. This was the best experience I've ever paid $15 for. I'll surely be back! Thanks for blessing my soul Chef Art!”

“We were driving thru Jax looking for a good place to have a quick bite. Which is not an easy task these days, everything sucks. Not this place! This place was so yummy! Good size portions, I had the Loaded Conoa with a side of beans. It was amazing. I will be back.”

“Incredible. Maple Street is loaded with flavor from savory to sweet. The atmosphere, food, & drinks are all top notch. I highly recommend anyone in the area to stop in and give it a try!The Five and Dime (Sausage Gravy is so good with a little heat) Iced Cinnamon Biscuit is dangerous!”

“They have good food and treat you with respect and there Fajita mix is really good prolly the best one I’ve ever had and Alivia is a really nice waitress and treats everyone nicely and Rigo is a nice man and shows love to everyone who comes ”

“Small little restaurant downtown, nothing fancy decor wise but clean. We smelled the food cooking as we were walking up, when we walked in the employees all smiled and one man (maybe Marvin) greeted us. There was a long menu of mostly fried food on a chalkboard and mellow jazz playing on the tvs. It seemed like there were a lot of regulars hanging out, chatting, and eating of course. The food was very good and the prices were reasonable. I had 5 wings n fries and my date had tenders. Tropical punch drink was ?. We waddled our way back out to the car, full and happy.”

“This was my 1st time visiting. The place was very clean and welcoming. The food was fantastic! My friend had the oxtail and yams. She said the oxtail was very tender. I had fish and mac&cheese. The fish was seasoned to perfection. Mac&cheese was good, too. They need to work on their professionalism behind the counter, but al in all, we will be returning.”

“We get bold birds hot sandwiches at our dealership, and let me say I believe they have the best chicken sandwich in Jacksonville. The food is always consistent and very good, I recommend them to almost anyone who asks or talks about chicken sandwiches.”

“Well about 2 years ago I said to my son, there is no way a Chicken Salad restaurant will ever survive. Finally after 2 years I decided I had to try it because they keep opening up stores so something has to be right. Well I have to admit I was so wrong, the Chicken Salad was the best I’ve ever eaten, very very good. I was sitting eating my Chicken Salad when (did I mention I’m 77 yrs old) a young lady about 75 stopped and said, real men eat chicken salad, I swear to you that is a true story!!”

“This place is amazing! It has so much character and the food was spectacular! Great service too. There are zillions of name brand restaurants in this area, but this restaurant surpasses them. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to eat fresh, delicious food in a unique environment.”

“Best vegan chickun sandwich ever so far.⭐I'm not a fan of meat replacements but based on previous reviews I tried it out. So good!!!Mom had the shrimp basket. I did not tell her it was vegan and she was shocked when I told her that it was not shrimp from the ocean (after she ate the whole dinner). LolA bit pricey. $47 for two meals. I didn't get a receipt so not sure what I paid for. ?Still going back tho.Also had a live performer playing guitar and singing to us while we ate.Try them out.”

“My brother wanted to take me here while I was visiting him in Florida. It was definitely a different breakfast. It was very good I love biscuits and gravy. I just thought it was a bit salty but I guess I am not used to this Southern cooking. The coffee was okay I like stronger coffee. Overall I would come back again.”

“Well...4 star bc im only a driver and havnt eaten here yet but when you walk through the doors instant mouth watering from the fragrance of DANK BBQ. Honestly one of the few restaurants in town that I can judge fairly without even being served dinner or lunch. It started with the respect and courtesy given by the host and the amazing aromas from the kitchen. Sincerely hope to partake soon !!!! Then I guarantee this gets an edit and five star.”

“Where are you getting breakfast? It should be here. I had never tried this place but I was in the area for a meet-up with some friends and they suggested this place. It did not disappoint. I had the "the cowboy" with the shittake gravy, and all I can say is I've had plenty of biscuits and gravy in my time, but this place is the best so far. One serving should be enough for one, maybe 2 people. Don't let that stop you. This is the place to go, forget ihop, waffle house, or Dennys. This is your new breakfast spot.”

“Excellent! Food & service were great! Only reason I didn't give atmosphere a 5 ✨ rating is because I had a carry out order. Ordered 2 fried chicken dinners, white & dark meat. Chicken was cooked just right and juicy. Sides ordered were potato salad, greens, baked beans, & Mac & cheese. Every item was delicious. Corn bread was moist and also delicious. Will definitely be returning save recommend everyone to check this restaurant out!”

“I had to pick up on Beach boulevard which is close to the original bono's established in 1949 I was very hungry so I parked went inside waitress is right there I decided I'd have a bird dog sandwich which is on garlic toast with slices of delicious turkey and delicious sausage including one side which is a baked sweet potato ,brought back to work and it was a lot of food and boy was it tasty!Thank you Bono's Bar b que!I shall return again!”

“I cannot say enough good things about Sweet Mamas soul, Food restaurant!! The minute you open the door. This wave of warm friendly smells tickles your senses. You immediately feel at home is a very friendly atmosphere. Lots of things going on back in the kitchen people taking orders. The ambience is well, it fits the food. It's not fancy, it just is. It's wholesome, tasty, delicious make you feel good type of food. Everyone that works at the restaurant had a smile on their face and we're very very friendly and grab the menu from the counter shut down on the table picture order one back up to the counter total what we needed. They said be about 2025 minutes we said no problem. OK it's worth the wait. Food is hot and fresh. In that time there were probably 10 to 15 people coming in to pick up takeout orders. If you can get by this place you will not be disappointed. It's located in a strip mall in Arlington on Cesery Road. It's closed on Tuesdays but I think I have found a new favorite restaurant.”

“What a great experience!!! Kaylee was So patient and helpful explaining everything and even getting me a sample, as I’ve never been here before. The food is OUTSTANDING!! Fancy Nancy was a classic, perfect blend of chicken salad, grapes, and pecans! The Buffalo chicken salad was also delicious and not overly spicy. They potato soup was spot on (only if you love bacon). Tons of crackers were given and a little cookie (I didn’t try these).”

“OMG!!!! I was in Jacksonville (from Atlanta) working and saw this restaurant while I was out, and decided to give it a try.I saw several folks who looked like my family going in so I said “it must be good!”.I ordered the oxtails, Lima beans and fried cabbage with peach cobbler and WOW! The servings are huge! I can eat off this plate 3 times! The service was wonderful and the food is delicious! Tastes like home. I highly recommend this restaurant! 5 stars all around! ”

“Finally tried this place out around 2pm on a week day. To my surprise it wasn't that busy. Unfortunately the person that was in front of me was indecisive and held the line up. That caused a pretty long line to form behind us. I ordered the baked chicken white meat with collards, and fried cabbage. They ended up giving me dark meat instead. Paid an extra dollar but oh my fault for not doublechecking. The chicken was okay. I did enjoy the sides though. Might have to give some other items on the menu a try.”

“More times than not Nowadays you're not able to stay an establishment gave you amazing service and made it personal in just top notch as well as the food being equally as amazing. The first time I ordered there was a miscommunication concerning delivery which the owner wound up bringing it to me herself. She was absolutely amazing and has a lifelong YummiErr.”