Tag: duval

Taco Tour: Jax Edition

.Reading time 6 minutes.

If it’s a Tuesday, then it’s pretty much a no-brainer that tacos should be on the menu! I personally feel like true love comes from amazing tacos so, I knew my food adventure for September had to include one of my most beloved meals. After many suggestions from my social media friends and general curiosity, I went on a search to find some of the best tacos along the St. John’s River here in Jax. I was not able to visit all the places I wanted to but, I have compiled a ranking for my fellow taco lovers.

Best Pollo (Chicken) Tacos

One Night Taco Stand: Topping the list for best chicken tacos is One Night Taco Stand located in the mandarin neighborhood (2nd location in Orange Park off Wells Rd). One Night Taco Stand has been a regular favorite of mine since quarantine and I even experienced their epic Cinco de Mayo block party. The Shroom is a specialty taco filled with grilled chicken and mushrooms then topped with melted cheese. This specialty chicken taco has a sensational balance of flavors and texture from the chicken and mushroom combo.

Top to bottom: The Shroom, Fiery Fish Taco, and Surf & Turf Taco

Best Carne (Steak) Tacos

El Castillo Taqueria: One of my must-have orders at any taco place is always a steak taco. Since I tried a steak taco at each taco place I visited, it was a tough competition but, El Castillo took the crown. I love a real authentic tacos and, if you also love traditional Mexican taco with just cilantro and onions as the topping, this is the place to go. These tacos were made to order in the small kitchen visible for all customers to see. Both the fajita-style and callejero style steak tacos were amazing

Left to Right: Fajita steak (gringo style), chicken (callejero style), and steak (callejero style)

Best Fish Tacos

Señor Loco Tacos & Tequila: If I am getting tacos, I am always in search of a good fish taco! There is something about perfectly flaky fish grilled or blackened that makes me do the happy dance as I take a bite. Señor Loco is one of the newer taco places in town and I had been eager to try out and, I am happy that I did. They have a sizable patio for social distancing approved dining and a Taco Tuesday special each week (sadly, it doesn’t feature my fav specialty taco)

Left to Right: US-Mex Taco (Steak and Shrimp) and Vallarta Taco (Mahi Fish)

Best Overall Tacos

El Agave Azul: It was really hard selecting this restaurant (Food Truck too!) for an individual award because it is just all-around amazing! If you want authentic tacos made to order, then there is not much competition outside of El Agave. The steak taco was so flavorful, and the shrimp taco had the perfect amount of shrimp. The menu item that kept me coming back before trying all the places on my list were the Birria tacos. The newest taco obsession is Birria tacos, and El Agave does not disappoint with this delicious meaty treat served with consommé on the side to dip that is just as flavorful and meaty as the taco. They have a bomb Taco Tuesday deal in their store front that you shouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of. If you see their food truck around town, just hop in line and enjoy the greatness!

  • Shrimp, Steak, and Chicken Tacos
  • Birria Tacos

Honorable Mentions

  • Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant: This place has always been a fav and they are a great Tuesday night spot featuring taco and drink specials. I enjoyed the surf and turf taco and Bang Bang Shrimp Taco
  • Cantina Laredo: I love this upscale Mexican restaurant that has one of the best happy hours and ladies night in town. I always order the Pescado (fish) tacos with top shelf guacamole to start
  • Burrito Gallery: This local favorite is a must go even if you just want to feel cool on the rooftop of the Brooklyn location. I can never get enough of the Grilled Veggie and Blackened Shrimp Tacos
  • Lola’s: They were having a really rough day during my Taco Tour but I will let them redeem themselves at a later date

There are so many wonderful restaurants here on the First Coast especially local that are waiting for you to try them out. I couldn’t try all of the tacos I wanted in town but I got a pretty good start and I am ready to continue the journey to find the best tacos in the 904. What places do you think should have made the list?

Sunday Funday Bucket List

.Reading time 7 minutes.
Brunch and more!

If you know me, then you know I love to have a nice fun weekend around town. Many people in Jacksonville often feel like it’s not much to do here on the weekends, so I decided to compile a list of some places and activities I enjoy when having Sunday Funday with my friends. 

On Sundays We Brunch: My number one favorite Sunday Funday outing is brunch because I love breakfast food and bottomless mimosas make everything better! Here are some spots I frequent on Sundays with the gang

  1. Metro Diner: Metro is a local favorite and though they do not have bottomless mimosas, you can bring champagne to enjoy with your meal. Some of my favorite menu items include the crab cake Benedict, their famous chicken waffles, and house-made corned beef hash.
  2. Whiskey Jax: Whiskey was one of the first brunch places I ever tried and it’s always a great choice for parties big and small. I love that they have live music every Sunday during brunch and $10 bottomless mimosas make for a great afternoon.
  3. Casa Marina: Casa Marina has a wonderful brunch buffet on Sundays that includes an omelet station, fresh fruit, seafood, and breakfast favorites. While you enjoy your meal seaside you can also enjoy bottomless mimosas or poinsettias which is included in the brunch price. 
  4. Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar: Blue Fish is another fav spot in the heart of Avondale. With each brunch entree, you also can enjoy the cold bar which has fresh fruit, dessert, and appetizers. While enjoying your seafood fix or classic brunch favorite you can sip on $5 bottomless mimosas. Yes, I said $5 how can you resist such a great deal?

Screaming from the rooftop: Jax may not have reached big city status yet but there are great rooftop bars and restaurants that you can enjoy on Sunday afternoons that will make you feel like you’ve almost arrived.

  1. Hoptinger- Five Points: Hoptinger’s riverside location has a great rooftop bar where you can enjoy cocktails, lounge with friends, and shoot a game of pool. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed which is all you need to enjoy a Sunday outing
  2. River and Post: River and Post has one of the best rooftop views in the city to enjoy while you sip delicious cocktails and snack on appetizers. I love their couch sitting that includes a fireplace so that you can still enjoy as temperatures drop.
  3. Cowford Chophouse: Cowford has a great rooftop in the heart of downtown that anyone could love. They have a nice mix of seating types and a full bar to indulge in your favorite cocktail 

Baby pass me the hookah: Sunday Funday never ends with brunch and a hookah lounge is a great stop to continue the party with a great group of friends. Jax has a great selection of hookah spots to choose from and here are some of my favorites below!

  1. The Spot: The Spot is a relatively new hookah lounge on Beach blvd and it has a great set up with comfy couches for you and your pals to gather on while you enjoy hookah and drinks. Last time I was there I tried their house glass hookahs and sipped on perfectly blended mimosas. Hard liquor is not sold but there are lots of beer and wine options and huge screens if you want to catch Sunday Game Day.
  2. Taverna Yamas: Yamas is a house favorite for me and my gang and is often our meetup before or after Sunday fun. The plus with Yamas is they have a full bar so that you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, brew, or wine as you pass the hookah around the table. 
  3. Casbah: Casbah is another intimate hookah lounge in the heart of historic Avondale. There is inside and outside seating to choose from and plenty of great food to munch on while you laugh over hookah with your closest friends. 

Rhythm, Football, and Vibes: Sunday isn’t a fun day without some great music and large screens to watch your favorite football teams. During the fall most Sunday plans include a nice place to watch the game or to enjoy some music, dancing, and drinks.

  1. Lemon Bar: When I think Sunday Funday Lemon Bar is what comes to mind. Its one of the best weekly parties on the coastline with great music and drinks to get the party started and keep it going. Lemon Bar has live music most Sundays for the perfect seaside vibe.
  2. The D​aq Shack: My personal favorite Sunday evening spots is The Daq Shack which features a live band every week along with dinner which is complimentary with a drink purchase. Live music is from 7-9 pm every Sunday and dinner is served at 8. There are plenty of TVs inside so you can keep up with your favorite team while you enjoy a signature frozen daiquiri or mixed drink which are 2-4-1 while the band plays. 
  3. Miller’s Ale House: I know you might be thinking seriously Jaz Alehouse?!? To my defense, the best outdoor bar in the city belongs to Ale House on the south side making it the best place to watch football on Sundays. They have TV screens all over the restaurant playing multiple games at a time so you can even catch that game that everyone else isn’t watching. They have awesome drink specials and I personally love wings while screaming How ‘Bout Them, Cowboys!

I hope that you plan a fun-filled Sunday soon and check out some of these great spots around Jacksonville. Just grab a group of friends then skip around town and enjoy yourself. Remember life is the greatest love story ever written so don’t be afraid to live it! -Jaz