the guide Chart House
JL Trent’s Seafood & Grill
The exterior of the waterfront restaurant is probably the most unusual in town. Inside, the Chart House is a dramatic, dimly lit dinner-only restaurant best known for its seafood. Menu items include macadamia-crusted mahi, filet and cold water lobster tail. Save room for chocolate lava cake. 1501 Riverplace Blvd., Southbank (3983353). D.
The original Trent’s across the street from NAS Jacksonville is a classic American seafood joint serving fried favorites like crab legs, lobster, whole catfish and shrimp. Mahi mahi, trout and flounder round out the long menu. Fried pickles are the house specialty. 4553 120th St., Westside (908-4202). L, D.
Clark’s Fish Camp With views of Julington Creek, this former bait and tackle shop has been transformed into a rustic dining retreat. Home to the three-pound prime rib and hundreds of stuffed animals at every turn, Clark’s menu is said to be one of the largest in town with 60 different appetizers and dishes from fried green tomatoes to ostrich to rattlesnake. Lunch served on weekends. 12903 Hood Landing Rd., Mandarin (2683474). L, D.
The Conch House Live music plays as patrons dine under swaying palm trees on the outside deck or at a handful of tiki-style tables for which the place is famous. Conch fritters, conch chowder and Granny Ponce’s baked stuffed clams are faves. 57 Comares Ave., St. Augustine (8298646). L, D.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille Harry’s brings the tastes of New Orleans to the Sunshine State. Located at the foot of the Bridge of Lions in the heart of the historic district, Harry’s offers guests indoor seating and a garden-like courtyard. The menu features Cajun favorites such as jambalaya, crab-crusted redfish, pasta chicken Louisianne, shrimp and scallop Orleans and red beans and rice. The home-grown franchise has locations in Gainesville, Ocala, Lakeland and Tallahassee. But the St. Augustine Harry’s, with its signature courtyard and proximity to the bayfront and the Castillo de San Marcos, earns top billing from tourists and locals. 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). L, D.
Kingfish Grill The atmosphere is casual, beachy and kid-friendly. Located at the docks of Camachee Cove Marina, the restaurant is well-known for its water views and fresh seafood, like the horseradishencrusted mahi and local fried shrimp. Banquet room available. 252 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine (824-2111). L, D.
O.C. White’s Restaurant A historic home in the heart of the Oldest City sets the table for this seafood joint. Housemade crab cakes, fresh-caught grouper, shrimp, lobster, steaks, chowder and pasta are menu staples. Outdoor seating and entertainment. 118 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-0808). D, SB.
With a crowded raw bar and a wide variety of fresh, locally caught seafood, The Fish Co. offers a little something for everyone. Chef Bill Pinner’s menu combines signature items like fried Mayport shrimp with favorite small plate dishes, changing weekly. The restaurant is open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 725-12 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (246-0123; thefishcojax.com). L, D. 60
taste | 2022
SLIDERS OYSTER BAR
CORINNA HOFFMAN
The Fish Company