The Best Places To Dine Al Fresco In Jacksonville

With great weather year-round, it’s only natural that Jacksonville has plenty of restaurants and eating spaces where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. Jacksonville’s outdoor dining satisfies every craving and occasion – from fine-dining on the water to food trucks in the park. Here are some of the best spots to dine al fresco in Jacksonville.

1. Charlie's Cafe at Hemming Park

Cafe, American

Hemming Park in Jacksonville has transformed from the city’s oldest public park to a vibrant and diverse location where communities from all across the city meet. For the past two years, the park has hosted GastroFest, a festival catering exclusively to North Floridian cuisine, and this past August had its inaugural beer festival. Here, visitors at the park can enjoy meals from numerous food trucks or pack a lunch and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

2. bb's restaurant and bar

Restaurant, Bar, Bistro, American, European

In the Southbank neighborhood lies bb’s restaurant and bar, a New American cuisine spot that is extremely popular among locals in Jacksonville. Their outside patio is very chic: lightly shaded by large parasols and lined with greenery, it’s the perfect place to share a bottle of wine and some nibbles with friends. Pets are allowed on the patio too. All of their food is made fresh using local ingredients, so watch out for the daily specials as these are usually the stars of the menu.

3. Fion MacCool's

Pub, Irish

Located at the Jacksonville Landing on the St. John’s River, Fion MacCool’s is an Irish pub that prides itself on hosting the largest St. Patrick’s Day party in North East Florida. With food and drink ranging from casual to gourmet, MacCool’s has many options for its Irish visitors and the Irish at heart. The real highlight has to be their Award-Winning Giant Guinness BBQ Burger: a grilled 8oz hand-pattied Black Angus burger, topped with their own Guinness BBQ sauce, rasher bacon, portabella mushrooms and cheddar cheese on a Kaiser roll. Weekly live entertainment and a great waterside location makes dining in Fion MacCool’s a great experience during your time in Jacksonville.

4. Jax Truckies

Food Truck, American

Jax Truckies is a collaborative movement of food truck owners all over the city. If you’re in Jacksonville and see a food truck, Jax Truckies is likely involved with it one way or the other. Collaborators include Chew Chew Food Co., Funkadelic’s and The Happy Grilled Cheese.

5. Ovinté

Restaurant, Spanish, Italian

Located in the St. John’s town center, Ovinté Restaurant and Wine Lounge takes on a unique approach with small Spanish plates, Italian themed dishes and traditional fare: the perfect al fresco food straight from the Continent. Al fresco dining is ideal here with lounge-style outdoor seating and a bocce ball court. Brunch is a popular choice and ideal for an outdoor dining experience bathed in Florida sunshine.

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